Country music recording artist Kimber Sparks credits CQU with helping to ease her back into the world of study, and her marketing lessons have given her confidence to tackle the music industry head on.

Kimber's aptly titled debut single 'Go Get 'em Girl' has already reached number one on country music countdowns around the world and her new video is playing nationally on the Country Music Channel.

Meanwhile, another song called 'Taking the You out of Us' has been added to Nick Erby's Country Music Radio for airplay.

"In fact, radio stations all over have been in touch for interviews, etc. and that's just within one month of its release," Kimber said. "In late June, I shot the video clip on the Sunshine Coast. It will be ready for the Country Music Channel in mid/late August".

Kimber, a former Texan who came to Australia as a single mother of 2 small daughters, has been studying with CQU for more than 5 years and expects to graduate from her marketing/tourism degree in October (possibly at the Gold Coast ceremony since that is where she now lives).

After moving to Australia in 2001, Kimber soon found her way to Rockhampton, as the country way of life appealed to her.

"I went to work at the Great Western Hotel the day I arrived in Rockhampton. I told the manager at the time, Ryan O'Hanlon, that I really needed to work at his hotel and that if he gave me the opportunity, I would prove that I'm a hard worker".

Within one month, Kimber went from working behind the bar serving drinks, to working as a DJ.

"I really thought I was a good bartender, but I found out later that I was reportedly one of the worst they'd ever had," she said. "My heart was in it, but it didn't compare to my need to be around the music end of things where I could sing and dance and really interact with the crowds".

After more than a year, the pub ended up being sold to none other than country star Lee Kernaghan, who heard Kimber singing karaoke to a near empty bar one day.

Kernaghan had seen something special in Kimber Sparks. He invited her to open for his concert at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre being held during the Tamworth Festival and Kimber's performance of country classics got a rousing reception.

During her first year to Tamworth, Kimber went on to perform for the Kernaghan Country Spectacular. Singing alongside artists such as Ray Kernaghan, Tania Kernaghan, Smoky Dawson, and The Howie Brothers, the newcomer quickly realised she was doing what she wanted to do for the rest of her life - performing country music.

The following year was a busy one. Along with being a mum and studying full-time at CQU, Kimber also attended the CMAA College of Country Music in Tamworth. Each year 21 students are selected from thousands of entries throughout Australia to attend the renowned college, and Kimber was amongst those chosen few.

"It was a great experience and I formed some wonderful friendships, as well as gaining knowledge that I am certain will assist me throughout my career," Kimber says.

Just as she was new to singing in public, university education was also a brave step for someone who had not been to school for 12 years.

"I was unsure of my ability to be able to cope with university. I can honestly say that going back to school was one of the scariest steps I've ever taken - but one that I am so grateful I took.

"I have encountered some amazing people while working toward my degree. In fact, without their support I am certain that I would not have succeeded. These people were my lecturers and other employees of CQU. I have many examples that I could provide of the CQU family offering support to me in almost all areas of my education, and I will be forever grateful.

"As a performer, I use many of the skills learned at CQU on a daily basis. Not only do I have the ability to carry out the administrative duties required in order to succeed, I am also able to confidently make marketing decisions that increase my chances of success in a very competitive market.

"There are many people at CQU who offered support to me in every aspect of my education, and I am forever grateful. "Due to my experiences at CQU, I fully intend to be enrolled again next year - only this time I'll be working toward a post-graduate degree".

PHOTOS of Kimber by John Elliott. More details at: www.KimberSparks.net .