Sociology Outstanding Senior found her life’s calling on a whim

April 29, 2026 - Karessa Weir

Areté Keener, who took her first Sociology class on a whim, has been named the 2026 Outstanding Senior for MSU Sociology. 
 
“The very first sociology class I took was on a whim and I knew ‘This is where I am suppose to be,’” Keener said. “Sociology encompasses society as a whole.  I’ve always had questions about society and why things are this way – capitalism and inequality and why people suffer - and Sociology gave me answers.” 

As a transfer student to Michigan State University, Keener immediately took a full semester of Sociology classes “because I was so in love with it.” 
 
Dr. Carla A. Pfeffer, Chair of the Department of Sociology, said that Arete’s pathway into Sociology is one that is common: “Sociology is home to many students who come to us as transfers or after deciding against another major they’ve tried. As students begin to carve out their own paths and pursue their own dreams, they often find that sociology provides them with the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to effectively address challenging social issues and find meaningful and impactful careers. 
 
Keener’s main interest is environmental sociology but she loves that sociology has opened her eyes up to concepts like environmental justice and racism as well. 

“I grew up in a very small town, had a conservative education where teachers followed the book and I never questioned it,” Keener said. “That was until I found sociology. Now I question everything.” 
 
Her first experience with Sociology research came from MSU Sociology Assistant Professor PJ Pettis. Together they worked on a Provost’s Undergraduate Research project assessing hazardous air pollution in queer communities.

"I was first introduced to Areté as a student in my Sex, Gender, and Sexuality course, where she quickly distinguished herself through her intellectual curiosity, thoughtfulness, and consistent engagement. She demonstrated a strong interest in the sociology of the environment and gender, and approached the material with both seriousness and enthusiasm. Building on this interest, Areté sought out opportunities to engage in research with a colleague and me in environmental sociology, particularly on the social production of health inequalities linked to environmental factors. Throughout this work, she has been consistently prepared, focused, and attentive to detail, contributing meaningfully to our ongoing efforts," Pettis said. 

"Beyond the classroom and research setting, Areté has remained actively involved in the academic community, serving as a student representative on the Undergraduate Education Committee. In this role, she has demonstrated a clear commitment to service and to the broader intellectual life of the institution. When I learned that Areté was the recipient of this award, I was not surprised. She embodies the qualities of a dedicated and engaged student and future scholar, and it has been, and continues to be, a privilege to know her. I look forward to seeing the contributions she will undoubtedly make in the years to come."

She then worked with MSU Professor Aaron McCright where they administered a standardized survey to a national sample of American adults to test leading hypotheses explaining gender differences in environmental decision-making. 
 
"I've had the pleasure of working with Areté over the last year, and she has excelled in our project,” McCright said. “Areté has created an engaging poster of our findings, and we are currently working on a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. I've been very impressed with Areté's skills and work ethic, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with her into the future." 
 
Keener also worked closely with MSU Sociology Associate Professor Sarah Prior both as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant in Sociology and as a member of the Bailey Scholars Program.  

“Areté is a deeply curious and inquisitive person. She has brought thought, empathy and curiosity to all of her sociological endeavors. Her work as a ULA, as a student researcher for several faculty, as an e-Board member of the Sociology Club, as an AKD member, as a committee representative, and as a classmate have all been completed with diligence and a genuine excitement for learning. She is a joy to be around and an absolute pleasure to have as a student,” Prior said.  
 
Keener points to Prior as one of the largest influences on her college experience.  
 
“Dr. Prior is just amazing in general. Her style of teaching is very decolonial. She will sit back and let the students just think about it.  That’s hard to do with 200 people in the room,” Keener said. “I appreciate her so, so much.”  

She also appreciates the opportunity to do hands-on research with McCright. 

“He is so knowledgeable. I admire the way his brain literally works. He is an amazing person and brilliant researcher,” Keener said.  

After graduation, Keener is keeping her options open. She is considering graduate school but also playing with the idea of going to law school.  

“My main goal is that I want to help the world in whatever way I can even if it is just changing one person’s opinion on recycling,” Keener said. “If I pursue a PhD or a JD in environmental law, I know I am helping the world.”