Everyday Student: Truett Keener

Truett Keener's experiences are preparing him for a career in criminal justice.

CHOOSING A PATH | In high school, Truett Keener ('17) from Millersburg, Pennsylvania, did not anticipate attending college. When he visited Harding’s campus in 2013, he discovered an environment and career path he wanted to pursue. “I wanted to experience what it’s like living in a community where there are a lot of Christians — a lot of believers and followers of Jesus. After touring the campus and looking at all the different departments, I realized criminal justice is something that would be very consistent with my interests down the road.”

A PURPOSE | Keener is majoring in criminal justice and plans to enroll in a police academy after graduation. He said a career in law enforcement would provide him with opportunities to positively influence his surrounding community. “For me, I found that the purpose of our life is to live for the Lord, to surrender to him, and to do and live as God would have us to live. With my passion to reach out to people and to help people who are in need, it’s a career that I believe in, and it’s a career that I see a lot of need for more Christians.”

OUTREACH | During the fall 2016 semester, Keener interned at the White County Sheriff’s Office. He worked with deputies, detectives, jailers and bailiffs and experienced various patrol calls and courtroom procedures. During his four years at the University, Keener has been active with several community outreach programs, spring break missions, and the Student Association, and he has served as a resident assistant. “There is such a large population of incredibly warm-hearted people here who really love Jesus and to me that has been the absolute highlight of being here especially given that there is such diversity in nationalities from all over the world.”

FRUITFUL EXPERIENCES | From leading mission trips to participating in student committees, Keener said his time at the University has prepared him for his future. “Every opportunity that we have, whether we take it or not, we learn something from, and through that it betters us so that it broadens our horizons, experiences, abilities and capabilities. I would say these definitely helped prepare me for my goals in the future. These four years here at Harding have been fantastic — so many experiences, so many opportunities, a lot of great people. My experiences here at school — in the classroom as well as interacting in an internship — have more than prepared me to start out with a criminal justice career. ”