Kellen Story
About
Kellen received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Western Michigan University, followed shortly by a master’s degree at Ball State University, with a focus on administration in higher education. Since 2012, Kellen has worked at the University of New Hampshire as a hall director and the University of Colorado Boulder as a program manager and then as assistant director of disability services, where he helped grow and develop a testing center specifically for students with accommodations. Growing up in a rural, small northwestern Michigan town of 400 people, Kellen has a passion for advocating for first-generation students, students with disabilities, and helping those who may not have had the privilege to explore multiple learning styles in a K-12 setting.
Kellen is an avid runner who enjoys long road races, doing chalk art, spending time with his wife and daughter, reading, and attempting to play quietly with his corgis. You’ll find him every Sunday in the fall at Mile High Stadium watching the Denver Broncos.
Why this Work is Important to Me
I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression until I had nearly completed my educational journey, which meant I spent most of my life trying to navigate academics without any accommodations. I thought that all students shared the same struggles as I did. Once I began working with college students, I realized that many students were sharing stories with me that mirrored my life journey, and it made me want to continue with this important work to ensure all students have a voice and ownership over their educational experiences.
Another reason why I am passionate about this work comes from my daughter. She was born with multiple brain conditions that have a significant impact on her cognitive development, and I’m fortunate to grow with her and explore multiple methodologies to learn and develop as she becomes older. She’s the absolute rockstar of our family – I can’t wait to see what she can do in the future!