Sam G. Kealhofer
Sam G. Kealhofer
B.S Secondary Education with a concentration in English Literature, 2016
Master of Arts in English Literature, Emphasis in Creative Writing, 2020
Sam Kealhofer still remembers what it felt like to be a student at Mississippi State University––a transformative experience that he says was the start to his future.
“I was really spoiled during my time at MSU,” Kealhofer said. “2012-2013, ‘8-0 We Believe’ was written on signs all around town. That was my freshman year. And then, of course, we had Dak Prescott at QB.”
Today, Kealhofer is still part of the Bulldog family. As the communications and research support coordinator in the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office, he helps share the college’s stories and research with broader audiences. He also is familiar to many as the voice of the Vision podcast.
In many ways, Kealhofer’s path back to the college feels like a natural continuation of where it all began.
A member of a family of Bulldogs, Kealhofer earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in English literature in 2016 before returning to earn a master’s degree in English literature with an emphasis in creative writing in 2020.
“I liked the English department from my time in undergrad and was excited to be accepted into the creative writing concentration,” he said. “It felt like a good course of study to prepare for an MFA.”
While at MSU, Kealhofer made the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. He played on the college club ultimate frisbee team, traveling with teammates to tournaments, and found unexpected value in courses across the College of Arts & Sciences.
“Psychology classes helped me navigate life and relationships,” he said. “My undergraduate studies in education taught me how to be an effective educator. And my graduate studies in English and creative writing gave me a professional mindset, as well as lifelong passions I can carry with me.”
His time in the English department also connected him with mentors who shaped his academic and creative journey, including Bonnie O’Neill and Katie Pierce, his master’s thesis adviser.
“I did love taking American literature classes with Dr. Bonnie O’Neill—we studied writers like Dickinson, Emerson and Whitman, who I love,” he said. “Dr. Katie Pierce was my thesis adviser and a great teacher; she helped me take my poetry writing to another level.”
Kealhofer said the freedom to explore ideas and express himself was one of the most valuable parts of his college experience.
“Always, I felt free to study what I wanted and share my thoughts without fear of judgment,” he said. “Really, it is the culmination of all the classes, professors and fellow students that made college so transformative.”
His favorite MSU memories include the everyday moments that made college feel like a community and also the “fun chaos” that came with campus events, including Bulldog Bash.
During a performance, the drummer’s drumstick broke and he threw it into the crowd. After bouncing among the reaching hands, the drumstick landed with Kealhofer.
“I still have it today,” he said.
Now, Kealhofer helps tell the stories of the same college that helped shape him.
“I feel like I learn something new every day,” he said. “It is educational and brings value to people, but also shows the human side of why professors do the research and academic work they do, which makes it much more approachable to a common audience.”
From creative writing to philosophy and religion, psychology and sociology to biology, chemistry and physics, Kealhofer said the breadth of the College of Arts & Sciences is one of the things he most enjoys about his work.
Outside the office, he continues to pursue the passions that began during his time at MSU. He runs a local book club, writes poetry, leads creative writing workshops and has served as a judge for the Scholastic Writing Awards and Poetry Out Loud. He also continues to play ultimate frisbee and will serve as a team captain this summer.
He and his wife Bethany enjoy spending time with friends and family and their dog.
Looking back on his College of Arts & Sciences experience, Kealhofer describes it with one word: “Threshold.”
“It was such an awesome experience, but it was really just a passageway to the rest of my life,” he said.
For students beginning that passage today, Kealhofer offers simple advice.
“Just dive headfirst into anything you feel passionate about; the rest are details,” he said. “You deserve every opportunity that comes your way, so advocate for yourself.”