Mike Keltner, Missouri State University alumnus and faculty emeritus of kinesiology, always knew he wanted to be a Bear.
This October, he was honored at the Golden Bears Reunion, a celebration for Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago.
Keltner’s connection to the university began as a child. He recalls coming to McDonald Arena on campus with his parents starting around age 3 to watch the Bears basketball team play.
“My dad went to school here and got multiple degrees, so I was familiar with it,” said Keltner who has called Springfield, Missouri, home his whole life.
A dream comes true
In 1971, his dream of becoming a Bear became reality when he enrolled at what was then known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU).
He chose to pursue a physical education degree, a decision that was both personal and practical. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, with his father and many relatives in the profession, Keltner felt naturally drawn to teaching and coaching.
“Education has always been a thread that runs through my family,” he said.
During his time at SMSU, Keltner balanced academics with athletics as part of the basketball team.
“I played on a couple of really good teams and had a great experience,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to coach and teach, and my coaches and professors in the kinesiology department prepared me very well for it.”
Reflecting on his college years, Keltner highlights the challenges and growth that came with navigating a tumultuous period marked by the Vietnam War.
“It was a learning experience to see a lot of different sides, which is a strength of education,” said Keltner, who completed his bachelor’s degree in 1974.
Educating generations
Post-graduation, he dedicated 31 years of his life to Springfield Public Schools. He worked as a teacher and men’s basketball coach at Glendale High School for 25 years and an administrator for six years.
According to Keltner, the two things he values most from that experience were memories and relationships.
“Those are the strengths of any endeavor. If you walk away with both, then it has been worthwhile and beneficial,” he said. “I was fortunate to have those with my teams and also other students, teachers, parents and the community.”
In 2005, Keltner got an offer he could not refuse – to return to his alma mater and teach in the kinesiology department. He did that for 14 years.
“I was very excited about coming back and I was able to contribute my practical experience to help create a more well-rounded department,” said Keltner, who also received a Specialist in Educational Administration from Missouri State in 1999.
“I had a great experience and again, those memories and relationships made it more rewarding.”
Sharing his love for basketball
Beyond teaching, Keltner has been a color commentator for Missouri State’s Bears basketball since the 2004-05 season. It is a role he cherishes, and he credits the opportunity to stay connected to the game he loves.
“Basketball is like gospel to me. Being able to talk about the game at the Division I level and work with people like Art Hains, Corey Riggs and the coaches has been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.
A family affair
The Bear legacy runs deep in Keltner’s immediate family. His wife, Bev, is a 1973 graduate and has served on both the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors.
His son, Connor, also graduated from MSU in 2016. This year, he returned to campus as the director of development for the foundation.
“We’re proud of being part of a university that’s very welcoming,” Keltner said. “Maintaining our connections and giving back are the right things to do and because of that, they’re easy to do.”