Student Spotlight: Makenzie Kuntz

April 2024

“I love being a student at Kean and I couldn’t see myself being anywhere else!”

Growing up in Linden, New Jersey, Makenzie Kuntz was always familiar with Kean University. As a child, she attended several shows at Wilkins Theatre and as a young adult participated in a number of leadership conferences on campus.

It seemed fitting that when it came time for Kuntz to attend college, Kean was one of the few schools that offered an established undergraduate program in her chosen major – speech-language-hearing sciences, and a minor in theatre. Kuntz, a first-generation college student, received the William Livingston Scholarship, something that she said contributed greatly to her decision to attend Kean.

Kuntz also knew there were many opportunities for her to get involved in student life. She said she immediately joined the Student Government Association (SGA). During her freshman and sophomore years, she served as the Class of 2025 president, and she currently holds the position of SGA president. Her participation in the SGA has allowed her to contribute toward enhancing the student body experience through implementing educational and social programming and addressing student concerns.

Kuntz is also a Gold Leader and mentor in the Leadership Institute and a member of the President’s Advisory Council, Kean Theatre Council and Speech- Language-Hearing Science Association. She is involved with Kean’s Study Abroad program, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, and Cougar Volunteers, and has been a New Student Experience Leader.

Kuntz said she has enjoyed her classes at Kean and describes her encounters with Kean’s professors as positive. One of her favorite classes, Interpersonal Communication, taught her leadership skills that she relies on daily. Kuntz said the course, taught by Adjunct Professor Sandra Bodin-Lerner made quite an impact on her personally and professionally.

“I love being a student at Kean, and I couldn’t see myself being anywhere else!” Kuntz said, adding that the support she has received at Kean has pushed her to be the best person she can be.

One of Kuntz’s favorite memories at Kean is attending the 2023 Student Leadership Retreat hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. She assisted in the planning process and had the opportunity to co-lead a workshop for her peers. This valuable experience empowered her to build new relationships with other student leaders and improve her skill set.

Kuntz looks forward to graduating in 2025 and seeing where life’s journey takes her.

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May 2021

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