We’re kicking off our Inside the Mind of an Academic series with an insightful conversation featuring Dr. Keough. Below are interesting clips from our interview, shedding light on his journey in academia, his research projects, his role as an associate professor, and the challenges and rewards of shaping the next generation of scholars.
Stay tuned as we dive into his experiences, his perspectives on research, and his advice for aspiring academics.
Behind the Scenes of Academia: Meet Dr. Keough
Before diving into our interview, get to know Dr. Keough as he introduces himself and shares his role as both an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean. His work goes beyond teaching as he plays a crucial role in shaping academic experiences for both students and faculty. Watch the clip below to hear directly from him.
From Student to Scholar: Dr. Keough’s Academic Journey
What inspired Dr. Keough to pursue a career in academia? In this clip, he shares his journey from his early academic interests to the experiences that shaped his path to becoming an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean. Watch as he reflects on the key moments and motivations that led him to his current role.
Driving Impact Through Practical Research: Dr. Keough’s Inspiration
Dr. Keough prefers hands-on, practical research over theoretical exploration, focusing on real-world business applications. In this clip, he shares what drives his research interests, how he applies business concepts to solve practical challenges, and why he believes actionable research has a greater impact. Watch as he explains his approach to bridging research and business.
Balancing Roles: Teaching, Research, and Leadership
As an Assistant Dean, Dr. Keough wears multiple hats, overseeing faculty and student affairs while also maintaining his research and teaching responsibilities. In this clip, he shares how he navigates these demands, prioritizes his workload, and ensures that each area of his role receives the attention it deserves. Watch as he discusses the art of balance in academia.
Striving for Excellence: Dr. Keough’s Academic and Professional Goals
As a faculty member in the School of Business, Dr. Keough is committed to enhancing the quality of education. One of his key academic goals is advancing Quality Matters initiatives to ensure online classes meet high standards and that students receive the best possible learning experience. Professionally, as an Assistant Dean, he takes pride in his leadership role, striving to support faculty and students effectively.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his vision for academic excellence and his dedication to student success.
Overcoming Challenges in Academia: Dr. Keough’s Insights
Achieving academic and professional goals comes with its challenges. For Dr. Keough, balancing research, teaching, and personal life is a constant struggle. Additionally, the decline in university enrollment presents challenges for institutions, while students who experienced disruptions during COVID-19 face difficulties transitioning back to in-person learning. Professors are now working to bridge these gaps and support students as they adapt.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares how he navigates these obstacles and the strategies he employs to ensure both faculty and students thrive.
Exploring Employee Retention: Dr. Keough’s Latest Research
Dr. Keough’s most recent research project focuses on a critical issue in the workforce job retention and turnover prevention. Collaborating with a fellow faculty member, he is investigating strategies to help businesses reduce employee turnover and create a work environment that encourages long-term commitment.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares key insights into the research, its implications for organizations, and potential solutions to improve employee retention.
Choosing the Right Research Topics: Dr. Keough’s Approach
With so many potential areas to explore, how does Dr. Keough decide which research topics to pursue? He considers a variety of factors, focusing on subjects that are both relevant and personally interesting. His research is driven by curiosity and a desire to address real-world business challenges.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his thought process for selecting research topics and why passion plays a key role in producing impactful studies.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Dr. Keough’s Research Strategy
Dr. Keough is committed to making his research both academically rigorous and practically applicable.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares the strategies he employs to balance academic depth with real-world impact.
Boosting Research Productivity: Dr. Keough’s Advice for Faculty
For faculty members looking to enhance their research output, Dr. Keough emphasizes the power of collaboration. Engaging with colleagues can open new research opportunities, as each person brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. By working together, faculty can tackle complex topics more effectively and produce higher-quality research.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his insights on leveraging teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand research productivity.
Supporting Research in the School of Business: Dr. Keough’s Perspective
The School of Business actively supports faculty in their research and publication efforts through travel funding for conferences, fostering research discussions, and encouraging collaboration. Additionally, the school engages Graduate Assistants and students, helping them develop their research skills and build strong publication records, enhancing their prospects for Ph.D. programs and career opportunities.
In this clip, Dr. Keough highlights the ways the school promotes a research-driven culture and empowers faculty and students in their academic pursuits.
The Future of Business and Technology Education: Dr. Keough’s Outlook
Education is rapidly evolving, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on online learning. Dr. Keough discusses how AI has the potential to transform teaching, even raising concerns about making traditional roles obsolete. The shift to online and hybrid learning models has also reshaped how students engage with business and technology education.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his insights on these changes and what the future holds for educators and students in this dynamic landscape.
Equipping Students for the Modern Job Market: The Role of Business Schools
Business schools play a crucial role in preparing students for today’s fast-changing job market by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Dr. Keough emphasizes the importance of teaching students the latest software tools and practical skills that make them job-ready.
In this clip, he shares how business programs can bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring graduates have both the knowledge and the technical proficiency to succeed in their careers.
Expanding Collaborations: Dr. Keough’s Vision for the Future
Dr. Keough believes that interdisciplinary collaboration is key to innovation and growth. While he supports initiatives within the School of Business, he envisions broader partnerships across the entire institution. Cross-departmental collaborations can enhance research, create new learning opportunities, and better prepare students for the evolving job market.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his thoughts on the value of collaboration and the kinds of initiatives he’d love to see take shape.
Why the School of Business at Emporia State University?
At Emporia State University’s School of Business, students aren’t just numbers, we truly know our students and are committed to ensuring that everyone learns and succeeds. The personalized approach to education, strong faculty support, and focus on both theoretical and practical learning create an environment where students can thrive.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares why Emporia State University’s School of Business stands out and how it provides a student-centered experience that prepares graduates for success in the dynamic world of business.
Encouragement to Students and Parents: Supporting Growth and Passion
To all students, Dr. Keough encourages you to discover what excites and motivates you. Your academic journey should be guided by passion, curiosity, and a willingness to explore new opportunities. When you find what truly makes you tick, success becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.
To parents, he emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging students in their educational and career choices. Every student’s path is unique, and allowing them the space to grow, explore, and pursue their interests can make a world of difference in their confidence and future success.
In this clip, Dr. Keough shares his thoughts on how both students and parents can navigate the academic journey together.
Conclusion: Insights from Dr. Keough – A Passion for Education, Research, and Student Success
Our conversation with Dr. Keough provided valuable insights into his journey in academia, his passion for practical research, and his dedication to teaching and leadership at Emporia State University’s School of Business. From balancing his role as an Assistant Dean to exploring ways to enhance business education through technology, his commitment to student success and faculty collaboration is truly inspiring.
His advice to students? Find what excites you and pursue it with passion. His message to parents? Support your children’s journey and encourage their growth. And for aspiring researchers and faculty members, collaboration and curiosity are key to impactful research.
As business education continues to evolve, Dr. Keough’s vision for interdisciplinary collaboration, practical learning, and student-centered initiatives ensures that the School of Business remains a leader in preparing students for the dynamic job market.
Stay tuned for more conversations in our Inside the Mind of an Academic series, where we continue to explore the journeys and insights of educators making a difference!