Grad Spotlight: Kerry McKeon

Name: Kerry McKeon

Age: 56 

Course of Study (degree being earned): Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

Hometown: Washington Depot, Connecticut  

I was born in Connecticut and have lived abroad in Japan and Spain. A former track athlete, I have also been a Spanish teacher and U.S. Senate aide. I have four children and six step-children. I’m curious about how language, politics, and education intersect. I chose UTSA because it offered the program I was looking for. 

What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor? Why? I don't have a favorite child, nor a favorite professor. They were all terrific!! 

What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned over the course of your studies? I have learned to have patience and endurance as a student and a researcher. 

Describe any organizations or activities within COEHD that you’ve participated in. Dr. Merchant's research team. 

Describe any professional experiences or internship opportunities you have had. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to present my research at conferences, both in the U.S. and in Europe. 

What is your fondest memory of your time at UTSA? Meeting many kind professors and students. 

How has COVID impacted you, either personally or professionally? I caught COVID in February of 2021 and suffered with it for the next seven months. It slowed me down, but didn't halt my progress towards graduation. 

What are your plans for the future and/or your career? I hope to work in the education policy field or in academia. 

What has brought you inspiration during this time? E.g., music, books, people, etc. My dissertation topic inspired me! 

You’ve been given the opportunity to have coffee with any notable figure from your field, alive or dead. Who is it, and what does each of you order? I would choose to have coffee with discourse scholar Teun van Dijk. He is Dutch but lives and works in Spain. I think we would order a Spanish coffee with Dutch stroopwafels on the side.

 

Congratulations to all of our 2021 COEHD graduates! See more COEHD graduate spotlights here