Finding Greatness: Keynayoka Benton

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, February 15, 2021 12:00 AM
Categories: Finding Greatness | School of Arts and Letters | Students | Pressroom

Cochran, GA

Keynayoka Benton, whose career goal is to become a graphic designer and animator, is among the first students to pursue MGA’s new B.A. in Applied Art & Design.

Full Name: Keynayoka Benton.

Age: 21.

Hometown: East Point.

High School: Benjamin Banneker High School.

Family: Lakesha Benton, mother; Keynayoka Benton Sr., father; and Kenya Benton and Kennedy Benton, sisters.

Employment: Full-time student.

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Art & Design with a concentration in visual communications.

Class Rank: Junior.

Primary Campus: Cochran.

Career Goals: “My goal after college is to focus heavily on graphic design and animation. I want to be able create diverse stories and characters that people can come to love. I want to help build on the foundation that helped animation become ingrained in our pop culture today.”

He chose Middle Georgia State University because … “It was affordable and not too far away from home. The art program at the time was small but I saw the potential of what I could learn and how it could help me become a better all-around artist.”

The greatest thing he discovered about MGA was … “How caring and understanding the professors are. They are dedicated to your success if you are willing to put the work in.”

His greatest academic experience has been … “The experience of being part of the University’s Art Club. Participating in events on and off campus is true enjoyment.”

To him, greatness means … “Striving to better yourself no matter the trials that get in your way and pushing to overcome in failures in life. Greatness is always looking ahead with a smile and the mindset that everything is achievable through hard work and dedication.”

In five years … “I see myself working as a graphic designer while continuing to work on a portfolio based around animation that would lead me to a job in creating shows for people to enjoy.”