Meg Keeten

Year in school: Senior

Major: Communications sciences and disorders with a minor in human development and family sciences

Hometown: Phillipsburg, Kansas

Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of Kansas State graduates. As a result, I've been watching K-State games and sporting the Wildcats since I was a young child. One memorable weekend, when I was around four or five years old, my family and cousins spent the entire weekend in Manhattan. We attended a K-State basketball game all decked out in our purple gear, and even went bowling at the Student Union. Our parents took us on a tour of the campus, pointing out where they used to live when they were in college. I remember being in awe of the beautiful limestone buildings.

Why did you choose K-State?

I have a deep love for K-State that runs through my veins, thanks to my parents and grandparents. I never had to think twice about which university to attend - it had to be K-State. Being a third-generation Wildcat is something I am incredibly proud of. The community on campus and in Manhattan is so welcoming and inclusive. It feels like one big family, and that's what I love about it. The support from alumni all over the country is amazing, and it just shows how much people truly value their time at K-State. I always feel at home when I'm on campus, and I'm grateful to be a part of the Wildcat family.

How are you involved at K-State?

I am involved with many K-State organizations. One of my favorites is being a Health and Human Sciences ambassador. Through this role I get to meet prospective students and give them campus tours and share my experiences here at Kansas State with them. I am currently serving as the philanthropy chair for HHS ambassadors as well. I organize events and find ways for our college to be connected and involved with the university and area communities. I am a member of Kansas State Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and serve as president for Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. I volunteer each year for the University Open House in the spring. This past summer I went on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Ireland, this was an amazing opportunity and I encourage all students to pursue this if you have an interest in traveling abroad. I am involved with fraternity and sorority life here at KSU where I currently serve as Vice President of Recruitment for my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I participate in intramural athletics and connect with Manhattan Special Olympic volleyball through KSU Rec. Services. I am excited to be a part of K-State Connected Cats and look forward to our regional community visits.

What has been your favorite K-State experience?

I have so many favorites that it is hard to pick just one. I have made lifelong friendships here at K-State through living in the dorm, classes, student organizations, Alpha Chi Omega, and attending K-State games. Through my role as HHS ambassador, I get to meet prospective students often and share all the wonderful things K-State has to offer. It is fun and rewarding to meet all the wonderful people who want to make KSU their home away from home. Game days at Bill Snyder Family Stadium are always exciting but attending the Big 12 Championship football game in Arlington last year was amazing. It was so fun to travel with friends to support our Cats and come away as Big 12 Football Champs!

How does K-State care for Kansans in your hometown community?

Living in a rural community in western Kansas, K-State provides many programs and opportunities that help our local farmers and ranchers succeed. As well as providing programs and research to our farming community through K-State Research and Extension, K-State helps focus on the youth of Phillips County through 4-H and FFA programs. Kansas State provides many degree options for students who wish to return to an agricultural setting. Our goal is to have our youth return home to continue growing the family farms and businesses in rural America, and K-State helps prepare our youth to be successful in those endeavors. K-State connects with local businesses and industries to provide internships for students. These internships help our local businesses succeed and often lead to full-time employment opportunities, bringing workers and families to our small communities in western Kansas. This past summer Amber Wave, our newly constructed state-of-the-art wheat protein facility in Phillipsburg had multiple interns from K-State who worked in the mill, lab, and office areas at Amber Wave. We also had interns at our local ag banks and financial offices. Each year K-State sends admission representatives to our local schools to share resources and provide assistance for any students who may be considering K-State as a place to continue their education. Kansas State has provided hundreds of students in our area with both academic and athletic scholarships. Nothing makes a small town prouder than to see our students being recognized for their talents. We have a strong KSU alumni presence in Phillips County that continues to support wildcat traditions and works with admissions to help provide financial support through scholarships and financial aid to our youth. K-State is a place where many Phillips County residents have called home and K-State continues to take pride in being a place for everyone, with a welcoming campus and friendly environment. K-State continues to focus on creating and building strong relationships with ALL communities across Kansas, and that is what makes us K-State Great!

Why do you want to bring K-State to your community?

I want to bring K-State to my community so everyone can see how welcoming and down-to-earth a large university can be. Being from a small rural community, oftentimes students and parents think K-State is “too big”. I want them to see how everyone can succeed and all the available opportunities. There is truly a path for everyone. I was involved in many extracurricular activities and held leadership roles in high school, and I have continued that while at K-State. Phillipsburg High School and my community provided me with the beginning skills to be a leader, and K-State has helped me grow and develop those skills even more. Part of K-State’s mission is, “to foster excellent teaching, research, and service and to advance the well-being of Kansas”. I can help do this by bringing engagement, extension, outreach, and service back to my community. I love K-State and I want to share all it has to offer, my experiences, and the wonderful Wildcat family with my community. K-State has planted many seeds in our communities already, it is now my time to help those seeds grow and flourish.