Alumni Q&A: Kathleen McKinney ‘13

Kathleen McKinney, MPH

Hometown?

Greenwood, AR

Major at Westminster?

Biochemistry

Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Hiking with my dog or riding my horse, then drinking in the sunshine with friends.

Last book you read?

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.

What is your current career position?

Executive Director, Second Chance Animal Rescue in Columbia, MO. As the director of a small, mostly volunteer-run nonprofit with only two full-time employees, my job is to supervise the day-to-day operations of the organization while devoting most of my time to strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach to continue to grow the organization.

Which of your achievements are you most proud of?  What do you consider your greatest success?

I am most proud of securing my dream job by age 23.

My greatest success is probably being accepted into vet school – and then recognizing that it was the wrong career path for me and choosing to drop out!

How did your Westminster education inspire your achievements?

Westminster both allowed and encouraged me to be an active member of the community in Fulton. I joined the board of directors for a local animal rescue, Callaway County Humane Society, and discovered that my passion and my organizational skills were a perfect match for the nonprofit field.

Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

Yes, I recommend Westminster because of its liberal arts focus and the individual attention given to students from professors.

Favorite Westminster faculty member?

I can’t pick just one! Dr. Hansert (my academic advisor), Dr. Holliday, Jackie Weber, Amanda Gowin and Kasi Lacey

What are your future goals?

I love working in the nonprofit field and hope to continue being able to work for causes that I am passionate about and that need my help. My immediate future goal is to continue working to grow Second Chance as the leading no-kill animal rescue in mid-Missouri.