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  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services

Golden Bear leaves a positive impact in education and sports

December 2, 2024 by Emily Yeap

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

Keltner's Class of 1974 badge with his photo.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.

Keltner (right) and his wife, Bev, with John Goodman.

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.”

Explore kinesiology

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences

From service to scholarship

November 18, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

The MSU Bear statue with American and Missouri flags.

In honor of veterans this November, the McQueary College of Health and Human Services shines a light on two of its veteran students: Andrew Falk and Samuel Durham. 

Both have transitioned from military service to academic pursuits. Falk is in the kinesiology graduate program and Durham is pursuing a Master of Public Health.

Find out more about them and their journey.

Andrew Falk
Andrew Falk

Where are you originally from?  

Falk: I’m from Strafford, Missouri.

Durham: I’m from DeRidder, Louisiana.  

When did you start your studies at Missouri State and when will you graduate? 

Falk: I began my undergraduate degree in exercise and movement science in August 2019 and graduated in fall 2023. I then started my master’s in kinesiology, focusing on sport and human performance. I’ll graduate in spring 2025. 

Durham: I started the public health program in fall 2023 and will graduate in spring 2025. 

Why did you choose to study at Missouri State? 

Falk: Springfield feels like home, making it a great place to start my academic career. MSU’s support system for veteran students was also a strong attraction. 

Durham: I was drawn to MSU while at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC). Expanding my education and staying in Springfield were major benefits for my career. 

What motivated you to pursue your area of study?

Samuel Durham with his family.
Samuel Durham with his family

Falk: I’ve always loved health, wellness and exercise. They provide discipline and consistency, which carry into other areas of life. 

Durham: While pursuing a nursing degree at OTC in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my perspective. I realized I could better serve by focusing on population health and wanted a career dedicated to protecting public health. 

How long have you served in the military and which branch?  

Falk: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years on active duty and 10 months in the reserves. 

Durham: I served in the U.S. Army for four years. 

Why did you decide to join the military? 

Falk: It was something I always wanted to do. My dad was in the Marines during the Vietnam War, which inspired me to enlist. 

Durham: My family has a history of military service and I saw my enlistment as my way of protecting our rights and liberties. 

What were your key responsibilities and rank?    

Falk: My responsibilities included looking after my Marines’ well-being and ensuring they met all required standards. When I left active duty, I was a platoon sergeant with the billet of squad leader. 

Durham: I served as a signal intelligence analyst. My responsibilities included focusing on collecting, analyzing and reporting military intelligence. 

What did you find most meaningful or rewarding about the experience?    

Falk: Leading Marines and preparing them to one day lead others and give back to the Corps was incredibly rewarding. 

Durham: From basic combat training to technical intelligence training, this experience was transformative. I was always learning and growing, which was rewarding to me.  

Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.
Andrew Falk and his fellow service members.

What military skills best help you in your studies?  

Falk: Discipline, accountability and attention to detail have been most helpful in my studies. 

Durham: My role required solving complex issues, which aids in my studies. The integrity, respect and dedication I developed in the military also help me succeed academically. 

What resources at MSU have helped you most as a veteran student?   

Falk: The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center has been a great help. While on active duty in Hawaii, they guided me in using my benefits. Working there for over two years also helped me find a supportive community. 

Durham: Public health software is costly. But I can use the open-access computer labs at MSU. So, access to software and technology has been invaluable here. 

What challenges did you face transitioning to student life and how did you overcome them?  

Falk: As a non-traditional student, I initially felt isolated, but reaching out to classmates helped me overcome it. 

Durham: Military culture differs greatly from university culture, which encourages exploration and independent thinking. I learned to think outside the box and challenge norms. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Missouri State Bear? 

Falk:  MSU has always been home for me. I get support here like a family member.  

Durham: One of the best parts of being an MSU Bear is the professional and personal relationships I’ve built within the community. 

What types of things are you involved in on campus? 

Falk: I’m an intern strength and conditioning coach with the MSU football team and a graduate assistant in the School of Health Sciences. I instruct labs in KIN-465 (Strength and Conditioning) and KIN-362 (Exercise Physiology). 

Durham: While I’m not involved in campus activities currently, I enjoy attending MSU sporting and seasonal events like Homecoming. 

What’s your future career aspiration?   

Falk: In the next two to five years, I plan to continue coaching football, combat sports and tactical athletes at the college or professional level. I aim to pursue a doctorate in sports psychology or strength and conditioning and eventually teach or conduct research in the field. 

Durham: I aspire to work as a public health specialist in epidemiology and research, ideally with a federal agency. My dream job is to serve as a health services officer in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contributing to public health on a larger scale. 

What tips or advice can you share with future veteran students?   

Falk: Be proactive with your academic goals. You may not know your exact career path, but setting goals can guide you forward. Find like-minded people and a supportive community. 

Durham: Military skills like organization, timeliness and pride in one’s work are invaluable in academics. Apply the motivation and dedication that helped you succeed in the military to your studies. 

Explore MCHHS

Filed Under: Student spotlights Tagged With: Kinesiology, public health, Public health and sports medicine, School of Health Sciences, Student Success

Kinesiology professor appointed to board of Arvest Bank

May 9, 2024 by Avery E. Adkins

Dr. Hart presents to students

Dr. Algerian Hart’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with his community involvement, led to his appointment on the Springfield board of Arvest Bank.  

Hart holds positions as assistant to the president for inclusive engagement and professor of kinesiology at MSU.  

With his personal values and Arvest’s commitment to community engagement, this appointment is a perfect match. 

Bettering the community 

Arvest Bank stands out for its dedication to community welfare and inclusivity.   

“The bank’s community involvement, from supporting nonprofits to promoting entrepreneurship, aligns with my intentions to create a diverse community,” Hart said.  

Hart’s appointment to the Arvest board reflects the bank’s values of people-first leadership.   

Arvest prioritizes empowering people over seeking recognition. This approach shows a real dedication to helping the community, with a focus on uplifting others. 

“They’re behind the scenes, looking to propel other individuals,” Hart said.    

Catalysts for change  

Arvest, under its distinguished leadership and board, serve as a catalyst for positive change.   

“I firmly believe Arvest’s dedication to being curators of dreams provides the support and resources needed for a thriving community,” Hart said.   

This philosophy resonates with Hart’s own values of access, inclusion and opportunity.   

Learn more about kinesiology  

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Kinesiology

From volunteer to coordinator

May 1, 2024 by Ella Reuter

Ana Felix

In May 2023, Ana Felix graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in recreation, sport and park administration from the department of kinesiology.

Felix went into the field of recreation with the hopes of channeling it into after-school programs. Now with her work at Wonders of Wildlife, she can do that on a bigger scale.

“Recreation is all of those things that really improve people’s lives and it gave me the opportunity to explore the things I enjoy doing,” she said.

Finding her career path at MSU

From Ava, Missouri, Felix originally chose MSU to stay closer to home, but she quickly found her own path here.

As a non-traditional student working fulltime, Felix said MSU gave her “the opportunity to explore different interests and choose her own adventure.”

In the recreation program, Felix had to complete 100 hours in practicum and 400 hours in an internship. Felix notes she was grateful for these requirements aiding in her growth.

“Getting to do enriching things that still counted for college credits was something I really appreciated. To have a well-rounded base gave me opportunities and skills in job interviews to be able to better market myself,” she said.

 How volunteering turned into a full-time job

Felix began working at Wonders of Wildlife in May 2022. She started as a practicum student fulfilling the service-learning component of her recreation program.

While Felix was still a practicum student, the volunteer manager asked if she would like to take on the volunteer coordinator position that was open. Eager to try something new, she seized the opportunity.

Felix describes her role as ever-changing. But she is primarily responsible for the recruitment, retention appreciation and onboarding of volunteers and interns for Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon and Top of the Rock.

“I love that I get to say I started as a volunteer and then moved up to being the volunteer coordinator,” Felix said.

Lessons learned

Through Felix’s time at MSU and Wonders of Wildlife, collaborating and using her time wisely are two of the biggest lessons she learned.

“There’s been projects where I’ve had months in advance to prepare and some where we’ve had to pivot with a 30-minute notice. Those situations have helped me to figure out how to manage my time efficiently and to see the importance of having good connections around you to guide you through,” she said.

In her volunteer coordinator role, Felix has honed her leadership skills. This has helped to improve on having tough conversations to grow connections with those around her and be more proactive with her work.

Future plans

Felix plans to continue pursuing her passion in recreation with Wonders of Wildlife.

“My job isn’t a boring office job,” she said. “Every day is different and interesting.”

Learn more about recreation, sport and park administration

Filed Under: MCHHS Alumni Tagged With: Alumni, Kinesiology, MCHHS Spotlights, Spotlights

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