Helping Professions: An Interview With Colin McKenney

If you’ve met with me for career counseling, you’ve probably heard me say that as a college student you don’t need to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. There is a good possibility that somewhere down the road you will find yourself in a job or career you didn’t even think about when you were in college. Through the people we meet, circumstances of our lives and opportunities that come our way, many of us find ourselves in jobs we once never dreamed of.  One such person is Colin McKenney, who I had the privilege of meeting with yesterday.

Colin’s undergraduate education was a degree in Communication and Journalism from Ft. Hays. He then earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from WSU. Work in county government finance led Colin to work in corrections which led him to work with people with developmental disabilities.   

Colin is the new CEO of Starkey, Inc. In that position, as well volunteer roles, Colin gives a tremendous amount back to the community. His job won’t be finished for a long time. And, Colin sees a tremendous need for more individuals like him--people who want to help people.

Are you one of those people? Want to know more about helping professions? Make an appointment to meet with one of our counselors.

“Starkey, Inc., founded in 1930, is the oldest community-based nonprofit in Sedgwick County, Kansas, serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through its business services, employment, recycling, residential, life enrichment and case management programs, Starkey creates possibility in the lives of more than 450 people with disabilities.”

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
~Herman Melville