In this episode of Beyond the Arch, host Andrea Vickers-Sivret sits down with Kelly Barski '97, Athletic Director at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the first woman to hold the position in the university's history.

Kelly reflects on her time as a Keene State student-athlete, the mentors who shaped her journey, and the lessons she still carries with her today. From walking down Appian Way and competing on the basketball court to leading a Division I athletics program across the country, Kelly shares how the Keene State community helped build the foundation for her success.

In this episode: - Kelly's journey from Keene State basketball player to Division I athletic director - How Keene State's education program helped shape her career - The importance of mentors, community, and connection - Advice she would give her college-age self - Leadership, resilience, and navigating change in college athletics - Why Keene State still feels like home nearly 30 years later

"Community. Excellence. People." Those are the three words Kelly uses to describe Keene State—and her story shows exactly why.

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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.

 “In many ways I owe Keene State my career.”

** Topics Covered Finding your path in college The importance of second chances Mentorship and faculty impact Turning passion into a career Why the college experience matters more than the plan

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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

🎓 Beyond the Arch celebrates the stories, accomplishments, and impact of Keene State College alumni. #KeeneStateCollege #BeyondTheArch #SafetyManagement #Leadership #AI #ConstructionManagement #EnergyIndustry #Infrastructure #CareerAdvice #HigherEducation #QuantaServices #AlumniPodcast #FutureOfWork #OccupationalSafety #KeeneStateCollege #constructionsafety

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On this episode of Beyond the Arch, we sit down with Dr. Brandon Beck ’05, an award-winning educator, soccer coach, leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author of Into the Fire: Five Rules for Igniting a Leadership Legacy and Unlocking Unlimited Potential.

Brandon shares how his experience as a Keene State soccer goalkeeper and student shaped the leader and educator he would become. He talks about the mentors who changed his life, including Keene State faculty, his journey from the classroom to leadership coaching, and how a challenge in his teaching career ultimately led him to pursue his doctorate and develop his work around leadership self-confidence.

He also discusses his work with athletes, coaches, educators, and organizations—and why he believes every person has the potential to be a leader.

Plus, Brandon shares the story of Peaches, the classroom dog who became an unexpected catalyst for connection, mentorship, and social-emotional learning.

In this episode: • Turning challenges into opportunities for growth • The connection between soccer and leadership • Why your story, why, and purpose matter • The mentors who shaped Brandon’s journey • Returning to Keene State as a leadership coach • Building confidence and connection in teams • How Peaches transformed Brandon’s classroom • Finding purpose in teaching, coaching, and service

Beyond the Arch is a Keene State alumni podcast celebrating the stories, experiences, and impact of Keene State graduates and inspiring pride throughout the Owl community.

#KeeneState #KeeneStateCollege #BeyondTheArch #Leadership #Soccer #Education #Alumni