Kellen McCann, an outstanding graduate of Colorado State University’s Department of Health and Human Sciences, leaves CSU with experience in many leadership roles inside his major, connecting him to the community.
Growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, McCann moved to Centennial, Colorado, during his sophomore year in high school to be closer to his family and chose to attend CSU like others in his family before him.
“I chose CSU because I wanted to stay in Colorado and since I have family who have attended the university, I had to continue the tradition. Fort Collins is beyond incredible, and I’m thrilled that I ended up here,” said McCann.
On his road to success, McCann has had obstacles to overcome including the challenge of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and managing his academic life while supporting himself financially.
“I’m very fortunate to have amazing family and friends who helped me many times during my time at CSU,” McCann said.
McCann also cited his advisers in the HES department, including Tara Hollaway and Karri Smith, alongside Health Professions Adviser Shelle McLean. He also gave a shout-out out to Associate Professor Brian Butki, who has been an invaluable professor, mentor, and boss during his time at CSU.
“I wouldn’t be in my position today without all of their guidance in educational and life decisions,” McCann said of his advisers and Butki.
Connecting with the community
Being involved in leadership roles with CSU’s community is something that McCann has excelled in. He held a position as a student supervisor in a dining hall and worked as a coordinator and counselor for the Department of Health and Exercise Science Youth Sport Camps.
McCann has taken up roles in the wider Fort Collins community as well.
“For almost a year and a half, I worked as a medical scribe ambassador for the Northern Colorado Hospitalists. My volunteering experiences cover a wide variety of activities, such as helping prepare and serve food at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission to being a course guide at the department’s Homecoming Weekend 5K race,” McCann said.
Success at CSU
During his time at CSU, McCann said that he took the most pride in being an undergraduate teaching assistant for three of his nine semesters while a student.
“I love being able to help other students understand the complex material of a class and find success during the rest of the course,” McCann said. “Seeing students develop strong study habits, who then may even be able to help their peers, is very gratifying.”
After graduation, McCann will begin applying for medical school, which he expects to begin in the next couple years.
When he graduates, McCann will miss the community and experiences he has had at CSU.
“I’ll miss the culture and environment of CSU the most,” said McCann. “I’ve made lifelong friends with many of my peers and mentors here. CSU absorbs the family-like aura of Fort Collins and gives it right back to the students and staff. Lastly, I’ll definitely miss losing my voice cheering at football and basketball games. Go Rams!”
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
