Mentor Spotlight

Mentor Spotlight: Keon Stowers
We’re highlighting Jayhawks who serve as mentors to fellow alumni and students to celebrate National Mentoring Month.

Connect with Keon on KU Mentoring+.

ALUMNI, CAREER, HOMEPAGE NEWS

Keon Stowers earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2015 from the University of Kansas. As a student, he was a member of the KU football team.

 

Keon previously worked for the KU Office of Admissions, where he helped recruit new Jayhawks, and the KU Alumni Association, where he served as the assistant director of student programs.

 

Keon is always happy to talk with prospective students. He can also assist with networking, informational interviews, and introductions to others in his field, as well as transitioning to life after college.

I’ve had many mentors who have made a tremendous impact on my life. I try to find mentors in different sectors of my life (professionally, personally, educational, etc).
How did you end up at KU?

I came to KU on a football scholarship. KU was one of five schools I was considering at the time. The way KU invested in their student athletes education is what sold me on KU.

What do you do at your job?

I work as a Major Gifts fundraiser for KU Endowment, a nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. 

Who is a mentor for you? How have they helped you?

I’ve had many mentors who have made a tremendous impact on my life. I try to find mentors in different sectors of my life (professionally, personally, educational, etc).

 

If I had to choose just one it would be Mr. Larry Shaw, an old computer teacher of mine. He and his wife, Pam, played a huge role in my college selection process as well as my transition to college. They were there when I walked across the stage in high school and were there on the other end when I walked down the hill at KU.

 

This past year I worked with a donor who was so compelled by our mentor relationship and story that they started a $25,000 scholarship in Larry and Pam’s name to aid students seeking mentorship while at KU.

What advice would you give a younger version of yourself?

Make yourself vulnerable to help and always be willing to learn and get better at something new. Never be afraid to take a chance on something that makes you uncomfortable or is outside of your box, that’s where the most opportunities are.

Need a mentor? Want to serve as a mentor? KU Mentoring+ is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the University of Kansas. Professionals who are looking for opportunities to connect with KU and provide assistance to Jayhawks are also welcome. Learn more about KU Mentoring+.

More Headlines

Career
Copy the Leader: Laura O'Neill

Laura O'Neill works in Public Relations in New York City. We sat down with Laura to learn what leadership means to her.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: School of Business centennial

Kristen Helling from the KU School of Business discusses the school's 100th anniversary celebration.

Career
Copy the Leader: Austin Harris

Austin Harris is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the KU Alumni Association. We sat down with Austin to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Sexual Assault Prevention Month

Taylor Jones from the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention Education Center joins Driving with Jayhawks.

Career
Copy the Leader: Jonathan Ng

Jonathan Ng, c'03 j'03, is a foreign service lawyer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) currently posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We sat down with Jonathan to learn what leadership means to him.

Driving with Jayhawks
Driving with Jayhawks: Oread Angel Investors

Jayhawks investing in Jayhawks: The Oread Angel Investors network is supporting high-growth startups associated with KU. Learn more on this episode of Driving with Jayhawks!

Jayhawks Give Back
Finding Their Place: How Sarah Coury and Hawk Link Help KU Students Succeed

Sarah Coury and Hawk Link help students navigate the challenges of their first year and beyond, ensuring they access the support and resources needed to succeed.

Career
Copy the Leader: Reggie Mitchell

Reggie Mitchell, c'09, is an accountant at KU. We sat down with Reggie to learn what leadership means to him.

Giving
KU Alumni Association Creates Lifelong Connections and Prepares Future Leaders

KU students like Shayslyne Campos make meaningful connections every day thanks to KU Alumni programs like the Student Alumni Network and KU Mentoring+.

Welcome to the University
of Kansas Alumni Association

Your membership in the KU Alumni Association is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your membership, the Association: