Keene State College

Congratulations to Alyssa Bender-Jesse '20! We're so proud of you and your accomplishments!

Welcoming the class of 2030 into our world 🌎🦉

It’s and we’re throwing it back twenty years to the ‘05-‘06 school year!

Were you an Owl at this time?

When the grindset is the mindset, sometimes you need to take a step back and relax.

Welcome to summer, Keene State!

What does the future of work look like in an era of AI, massive infrastructure investment, and unprecedented demand for skilled professionals?

In this episode of Beyond the Arch: A Keene State College Alumni Podcast, host Andrea Vickers-Sivret '01 sits down with David Flener '00, Vice President of Operational Performance at Quanta Services and a graduate of Keene State’s Safety program.

David shares his journey from Southern California to Keene State, how an internship launched a 26+ year career in the electric power industry, and why he believes the United States is entering a new industrial revolution fueled by energy infrastructure, data centers, AI, and construction growth.

In this conversation:

-Why safety professionals are in greater demand than ever
-How leadership and culture drive workplace safety
-The role AI will play in the future of safety and business
-Why relationship-building matters
-The growing need for construction management and safety graduates
-How Keene State is helping shape the next generation of industry leaders
-Lessons on networking, leadership, and career growth

https://bit.ly/4dWwZA7

America’s Next Industrial Revolution & the Safety Careers Driving It | David Flener ’00 What does the future of work look like in an era of AI, massive inf...

Keene State alum Shane Nickerson ’94 reflects on how his time at Keene State shaped his life, from early academic challenges to finding support, returning to campus, and ultimately discovering his path.

That turning point led him to a successful career in Hollywood, where he went on to produce and create hit shows like Ridiculousness, Rob & Big, and The Dude Perfect Show.

But as Shane explains, the real impact of Keene State wasn’t just career preparation—it was something deeper:

A “nurturing environment”
A place to “make mistakes and not know what you’re doing”
And the opportunity to discover what truly drives you

Shane's story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of mentorship, opportunity, and support. It’s an honest look at what college can be: not a straight line, but a place to explore, grow, and figure it out.

Shane Nickerson '94 on Opportunity, Second Chances & Success In this episode of Beyond the Arch, Keene State College alum Shane Nickerson ’94 reflects on how his time at Keene State shaped his life, from early academic...

The skilled trades and Safety & Construction Sciences degrees both offer strong career pathways, but the long-term earning potential tells a different story.

While trades professionals often begin earning earlier, Safety & Construction Sciences graduates typically surpass their cumulative trade earnings around age 30 and continue to widen the gap throughout their careers.

Estimated lifetime earnings:

🦺 Safety & Construction Sciences: $6.47M

🔧 Skilled trades: $3.44M–$4.09M

At Keene State, students gain the technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry experience that support long-term advancement. 📈

Applications close June 1. Apply now:

Protect Workers. Lead Smarter. Shape the Future. At Keene State College, our Safety and Construction Science programs prepare students to lead projects, protect people, and deliver results in industries that need skilled professionals now more than ever.

Today’s the day!

Join Brady Keene, Safety & Construction Sciences Department Chair, for a virtual AMA (Ask Me Anything) session at 4:00 PM.

If you’ve been thinking about applying but still have questions about careers in the field, internships, employer connections, or the student experience at Keene State, this is your chance to ask them.

Students + parents/guardians welcome! Register here: https://bit.ly/431ZCXJ