Steve Keeley, PhD

Biography

Dr. Steve Keeley’s family roots are in the small farming community of Annawan, Ill. but he grew up following his father’s career in the military. He graduated from high school and met his wife in Colorado Springs, Colo., so Keeley claims both Annawan and Colorado Springs as “dual-hometowns”.

Keeley said his path to Turf Management was one of trial and error. “I was encouraged to go into agronomy by my high school counselor because I wanted to work outside. In college I discovered that agronomy wasn’t really for me, but I did find a turf management class while looking through a course catalog. Because of my love of the outdoors and sports, it was a good fit.”

While finishing his Ph.D. at Colorado State, Keeley had three different position offers upon his graduation in 1996. He decided on K-State because as he says, “It felt the most like home--I liked the people and the Midwestern attitudes.”

In addition to his roles in turf and golf course management, Keeley teamed up with fellow K-State professor Dr. Jack Fry and the Sports Turf Manager’s Association (STMA) to develop a new option within the Horticulture major, Sports Turf Operations Management, which became available in the Fall 2008 semester.

When he is not busy with university work, Dr. Keeley enjoys bike riding, running and spending time with his family.

Education

• Ph.D. Horticulture, Colorado State University (1996)
• M.S. Crop and Soil Science, Michigan State University (1991)
• B.S. Landscape Horticulture, Colorado State University (1984)

Research

Dr. Keeley’s research is in applied turfgrass management with an emphasis on grass selection and cultural practices that reduce inputs and improve performance under heat, drought, cold or traffic stress. He also has an interest in integrated weed management research.