Kelsey Kownick
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Cary Grove High School
Hometown: Cary, Ill.
Majors: History education; middle grades social science education
Activities: Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Augustana Concert Band, varsity esports - Valorant player (2022-2023), Emerge Leadership Program
Internship: Student teaching at Glenview Middle School in East Moline, Ill.
Post-grad plans: Teach social studies at the middle/high school levels in Illinois
Why Augustana?
I adored the “small campus” feeling Augustana creates and the ability to form personal connections with my professors through the smaller class sizes. The motto “more than a number” truly guided my decision to choose Augustana, and receiving a scholarship to play my clarinet through my college years solidified it. Augie quickly became my second home.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not! The expectations and goals I held for myself were vastly different from the ones I hold for myself today. Thanks to my willingness to be open to new experiences, I accomplished more in these last four years than I ever imagined I could, such as becoming the first woman in a sorority to be affiliated with Augustana's esports program!
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I would like to begin by highlighting three of my education professors, Dr. Scarlett, Dr. Schroeder and Dr. Egan, who have gone above and beyond to help me become the best educator I can be using my strengths and best attributes. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Scarlett, who served as my academic advisor and an excellent role model for me during my teaching journey.
To my family, thank you for providing me with unconditional support and direction during these last four years. I could not have done this without you, and everything I strive to do is with the purpose of making you all proud!
Lastly, thank you to all of my friends and lifelong connections I have made here. Each of you has impacted me in a positive manner and will always be remembered in the stories I take away from my time at Augustana.
Peak experience?
One of my favorite experiences was my student teaching internship at Glenview Middle School. Teaching my 6th-grade ancient history classes allowed me to form meaningful relationships with my students and actively apply the knowledge I gained in my education classes to a real classroom setting (I miss all 131 of you!).
What surprised you?
I love the culture and community Augustana fosters among its students, staff members and alumni. I was always blown away by the positive reputation the school holds in both the Quad Cities and my hometown in the Chicago suburbs.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice during J-term of 2025 to travel to China for three weeks with Dr. Lawrence, where I visited the cities of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Xi’an and Beijing. Some of my favorite memories include trying new foods, hiking along the Great Wall of China and biking across the Xi’an city wall!
What will you miss the most?
One of my favorite aspects of attending a smaller college is walking through campus and seeing people I have met through classes, activities, trips or my sorority. I love seeing so many familiar faces every day, and this feeling will be thoroughly missed when I graduate.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
College is such a unique time in your life to explore your interests and become the best version of yourself, and the opportunities available to you will become limited over time. Opportunity doesn’t always knock twice — so open the door wide the first time.
"Kelsey's future students will be so lucky to have her as their teacher! She is thoughtful, caring, creative and passionate about what she teaches. She really knows how to bring history alive for her students. It's been an absolute joy to work with her in both the college classroom and during her student teaching experience!"