After starring on the court, Kia Johnson, KLN ’86, continues to lift up Temple through service and leadership. Today, she serves as vice president of university partnerships for the Temple University Alumni Association, where she volunteers her time and resources while inspiring others to do the same.
Degree
BA, communications
Current Position
Producer
Employer
Reuters News Agency
How She Got Her Start
KYW-TV, Westinghouse Broadcasting and WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.
Where Kia Serves
Temple University Alumni Association (TUAA) Washington, D.C., Regional Alumni Network Owl Club
Accolades
Lew Klein Alumni in the Media Award winner (2025)
First African American producer hired in North America for Reuters
Beyond the Buzzer
With more than 35 years of experience in the news industry, Kia has covered every U.S. presidential campaign since 1992 as well as the Winter Olympics and World Cup Soccer, among other national and international events. While a Temple student, she presented morning news segments on WRTI.
Why She Gives Back
“Having the opportunity to wear the Temple jersey, see the country and build these relationships—it was an eye-opening experience. I always felt the responsibility to give back to Temple, a place that allowed me to represent them, attend college and receive a great education. When you give back, you lay the foundation for the people who come after you.”
On Being a Team Player
“My grandmother used to say, ‘Many hands make light work.’ If everyone chips in a little bit, one person does not have to do everything. That team thinking never leaves me.”
Full-court Commitment
Kia played all four years on Temple’s women’s basketball team. Now an Owl Club member, she is an avid supporter of Temple football and men and women’s basketball. She also participates in student-athlete mentoring programs.
“Just because you’ve left campus, it doesn’t mean it’s the end. Your degree is just the beginning. I’ve learned so much volunteering with the Alumni Association and connecting with other Owls. We may have 20 or 30 years between us, but Temple is the tie that binds us.”
—Kia Johnson
Fiscal year 2026 was a record-breaking year for Temple, with new highs in both dollars raised and the energy and enthusiasm behind our community’s generosity. Explore the full impact in Temple’s Fiscal Year 2026 Year in Review at alumni.temple.edu/YIR26.
“Time and time again, donors have stepped up and shown that they believe in Temple University, its mission and its ability to transform lives. I am deeply grateful to all who have supported this institution during this past year.”
—John Fry, president
In September, Owls gathered abroad to celebrate Temple Rome’s 60th anniversary. As part of the festivities, the Gallery of Art opened the Tiny Biennale exhibition displaying 20-by-20-centimeter works by Temple Rome alumni, faculty and local Italian artists. Other events included an aperitivo on the terrace, a gala dinner, a student DJ party, an Adult Study Abroad reunion and a Temple University Alumni Association trip.
