Meet Kellen Ray, one of Dickinson State University’s (DSU) amazing student-athletes. We recently learned he’s been accepted to Georgetown University in Washington DC. Congratulations, Kellen! Keep reading to find out more about him including what he thinks of DSU and what he’ll be studying at Georgetown.

Where are you from, Kellen?

I’m from Glendale, Arizona.

Can you tell us about your life before you came to Dickinson State?

Before I came to Dickinson State, I was playing junior college football and attending Scottsdale Community College. I lived in Tempe, Arizona with two of my friends from high school, Canyon Littlesalt and Andrew McCombs. I worked as a valet at a 5-star hotel called JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. Every weekend I would make the drive back to Glendale to see my parents and go to church on Sunday morning.

What led you to choose DSU?

Coach Stanton gave me the wonderful opportunity to play football here at DSU. Making the choice to move to Dickinson, North Dakota was a lot easier when my older brother Kooper Ray already attended and was on the team.

Having a family member here is always a bonus. What are you studying and when do you plan to graduate?

I am currently a finance major and will graduate in December of 2021.

Have any professors made a significant impact on you?

Many professors have made a significant impact on me in my time here. Dr. Charles Conrick IV was the old finance professor here, and I still keep in touch with him. Current professors who have made a significant impact on my time here are Professor Tim Kessel, who took over for Dr. Conrick; Dr. Hauf is an excellent professor; and Hildee Fike made studying statistics fun and exciting. There are even more professors who I enjoyed even though I have only had them for one semester: Professor Jarvis Jahner made my time with him interesting and enjoyable, and Dr. Hirth has made reading literature riveting. Amy Kass is a student-first professor as well, which makes you comfortable being her student. There have been many professors that have impacted my stay here at DSU, and I am so happy to say this.

Are you a part of any clubs or sports? Do you volunteer?

I am a part of Dickinson State’s football team. When I’m not practicing, I’m attending the business club here on campus, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). I’m also the Board of Student Athlete (BOSA) representative for Dickinson State along with Arjana Eilers.

Do you have a job, on or off campus?

I currently do not have a job. However, next semester I will be working with Brady Martz as a full-time intern.

What do you like to do with your free time?

There are many things that I like to do with my free time; it just depends on the season. In the summer, I like to play golf with my brother Kooper and great friend Aaron White. Sometimes, when the weather is just right, I like to play a round of frisbee golf (frolf) with my friend Alex Fransen. Upon traveling to North Dakota, I had never hunted before. Luckily, I have had great friends who have taught me, and now I like to hunt and go shooting with my friends. Anytime I get to hangout and create a new memory with my roommate Isaiah Kludt is a moment I cherish forever.

What are your plans after you graduate?

Upon graduation, I will go back home for the holidays to visit all my family. (I have three brothers and three sisters who all still live back home, except Kooper. I am the second youngest, so six of seven.) Then, I will apply the knowledge I have learned here at DSU at my internship with Brady Martz. Next fall, I have been accepted into a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at Georgetown University in Washington DC. From there, I hope to obtain a job in investment banking.

Wow, Georgetown! Congratulations!

So, Kellen, what would you tell someone who’s thinking about becoming a Blue Hawk like yourself?

From someone who came from a big city, Dickinson State has welcomed me with open arms. The people here are so open and welcoming; they have taught me things I will never forget. Coming to DSU was one of the best decisions of my life as I have had new experiences that will stick with me until I am old. The professors care about you, you will meet new friends, and you will have memories that will last a lifetime. Go Hawks!

Is there something we haven’t asked that you’d like to share?

Sure! I will be a groomsman in Aaron White’s wedding in the summer of 2022 and the Best Man in Kooper’s wedding in the fall of 2022!

Thanks for talking with us, Kellen, and best of luck to you!