Department of Human & Community Development, University of Illinois

                                                                                                           
                    

Graduate Students


Kari Keating

  • BS in Marketing from Bradley University (1993)
  • MA in Educational Psychology from University of Iowa (1995)
  • Currently working on PhD: Human and Community Development, Community Studies & Outreach Concentration

Advisor:  Stephen Gasteyer

Professional/Research Interests: I am interested in how communities cultivate and develop local leaders and how communities pursue economic development strategies for resiliency. I am currently Involved In a USDA-funded research project that examines the designs and outcomes of Community Leadership Development Programs In rural U.S. contexts. I am coming back to academia after 10 years of professional practice In economic development at the county and regional level.

Honors and Awards: Jonathan Baldwin Turner Graduate Fellow, Susan Kahl Funkhouser Leadership Development Award, Graduate College Travel Award.

Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Illinois: Research Assistant

As an HCD graduate student I appreciate so much the opportunities to work alongside International students. This adds a rich perspective to both scholarly and personal development.

I chose Illinois because the HCD department Is unique and allows for multi-disciplinary study. The connections with University Extension are also Important for my work.

I am professionally involved in: Community Development Society, Rural Sociological Society, and International Leadership Association.

Hometown: Taylorville, IL

Hobbies: Along with my husband Cochran, raising our twin son and daughter. That, along with full time graduate studies, leaves little time for hobbies!

Fun Fact: I lived In St. Augustine, Florida for 10 years and played semi-pro women's baseball.