Sen. Champion is professor of broadcasting and communication theory at Evangel University. In addition to her legislative duties, she is a current member or has served on the following organizations: Women in Government; lifetime member of the Missouri PTA; Boys and Girls Town of Missouri, board; Junior League, advisory board; Parents as Teachers, advisory board; Global University, board of directors; Missouri Film Commission Member; Midwestern Higher Education Commission, commissioner and the Commission on Christian Higher Education for the Assemblies of God. Sen. Champion served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1993-2002. She also served on the Springfield City Council from 1987-1992. Sen. Champion was the writer, producer and host of Children's Hour and was a commercial announcer for KYTV from 1957-1986. She is listed in Who's Who Among American Women, Who's Who of International Business and Professional Women, and Who's Who in American Politics.

Dr. Champion received her master of arts in communication from Southwest Missouri State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma and pursued post-graduate work at the University of London (England).

Sen. Champion resides in Springfield. She has two children, Jeffrey and Brooke. She is the widow of the Reverend Richard Champion.