Former University Programs President to Compete in 'Jeopardy!'

Submitted by Andrew King

Andrew King (B.S.'03, J.D.'07) served as University Programs president from 2001-2003 and is competing on "Jeopardy!"

Alumnus Andrew King, former president of University Programs, has always loved quiz bowl and trivia games. On June 26, he brings his skills to one of the most visible contests in the country: Jeopardy!

Although King participated in Quiz Bowl in high school, he has not been involved in competitive trivia, other than games with friends, since that time. However, his wife and mother-in-law encouraged him to pursue the Jeopardy! opportunity — a process which took him more than two years before landing an audition.

To qualify, he had to complete an online test that is only offered two or three times a year, then be selected for an in-person audition at a nearby city. King took the online test three or four times before receiving the email inviting him to an audition in Houston, Texas, in December 2017. At that audition, 20 contestants completed a timed 50-question exam and a mock competition — surprisingly emceed by Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.

Soon he learned the results: He would be one of the approximately 400 competitors chosen out of the thousands who take the initial online test. King knew at that point he had his work cut out for him.

"Before the in-person audition, I did lots of research about the best ways to study and the best topics to study, and gathered some materials but nothing too heavy," King said. "Once I got the call I reviewed my notes and started piling up books from the library and Amazon. Some of the study topics on my agenda are geography, Shakespeare, U.S. presidents, U.S. national parks, and the periodic table. I have about two dozen books I am trying to flip through before I go on the show — but who knows how much I'll actually get through!"

King's initial tape date was Feb. 21 in Los Angeles. His contest will air June 26. Jeopardy! airs locally on CBS affiliate KFSM and ABC affliate KTUL, both at 4:30 p.m.

King is a double alumnus of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics (2003) from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and a Juris Doctor (2007) from the School of Law.

He served as president of University Programs from 2001-2003. During his two academic years with the programming board, he saw the move of University Programs into its current location in Arkansas Union A683 on the east side of the Union (which was called the "new Union" at the time) and guided the programming board through a rewriting of the constitution. That rewriting yielded a committee structure that is still largely followed today. King is particularly proud that his board created "Hulapalooza," a luau-themed late night event that remained part of Friday Night Live (now Cardinal Nights) long after his graduation.

"I really began to understand the importance of fair procedures and looking at things objectively when I was president of UP," King said. "College is about learning to be an adult. Campus activities are one of the best 'playgrounds' to learn how to work with other people who have differing goals and interests. Lots of the people I worked with in campus activities are now in state politics, local non-profits, and part of the legal world I work in today."

Following law school graduation, King worked for a federal judge and has been an attorney at Kutak Rock in Little Rock. He is married to a 2007 UA graduate whom he met at the University of Arkansas. They are raising their two children to be Razorbacks! 

University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for coordinating and planning over 100 events annually for the campus community. University Programs provides UA students with cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment experiences. Eight committees along with committee chairs and their executive officers select, schedule, and produce events such as concerts, movies, lectures, fine arts performances, and gallery exhibits. University Programs provides excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills and to gain practical experience in a variety of areas. Supported by an activity fee instituted in 1988, the events are free to the student body. Students can join University Programs committees throughout the school year.

For more information about University Programs please contact the Office of Student Activities at (479) 575-5255, email osa@uark.edu, or visit Arkansas Union A683 (above the computer lab in the Union).

University Programs is a program in the Division of Student Affairs.
 
About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. The division provides students housing, dining, health care resources, and creates innovative programs that educate and inspire. The division enhances the University of Arkansas experience and helps students succeed, one student at a time.