When Dr. W. Hubert Keen took the helm of Farmingdale State College back in 2007, it was the beginning of an era of gentility. Not simply for the college, but for Long Island leadership.
All told, the Fulbright Fellow has compiled a distinguished list of achievements — including record enrollments and unmatched endowment funding to the college — during his tenure as president. It’s a befitting legacy to an illustrious academic career that has spanned more than 40 years. Despite the success, that legacy may be overshadowed when Keen steps down in June of next year, for not only will we lose a great leader, but a true gentleman. Read on …
FMC: What are the three best things you’ve done in your life?
WHK: Marry Sally and be a father to a great son. Come to Farmingdale State College. Mentor students who’ve gone on to great success in their lives and careers.
Growing up in Virginia, I found great inspiration in nature
FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?
WHK: Accepting a job that was mired in politics. I learned from it.
FMC: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?
WHK: Growing up in Virginia, I found great inspiration in nature which is why I became a biologist.
FMC: Why do you do what you do?
WHK: It is infinitely interesting, never boring, presenting numerous positive challenges—and I can feel I did something worthwhile.
FMC: What’s your biggest vice?
WHK: Glasses of Barolo.
FMC: What gives you hope for the future?
WHK: The basic human instinct is to be kind—and when our base natures come out they can usually be tamed.
FMC: What’s your idea of a great day off from work?
WHK: To run seven miles, come home and let the endorphins flush through me.
FMC: Coke or Pepsi?
WHK: Diet Coke.
FMC: Who was/is the most influential person in your life?
WHK: My Sally.
FMC: Favorite restaurant (anywhere)?
WHK: It varies—depending on which one I am in. Restaurants I like are Prime (Huntington), Jewel (Melville), and most recently, Trento (Farmingdale).
FMC: Last book read?
WHK: “All the Light We Cannot See.” It’s deeply inspiring and thought provoking.
FMC: Where do you get your news?
WHK: Two paper papers, some of each online. (Newsday—is there any choice? Well, maybe the Farmingdale Observer.) But the ultimate is The New York Times—either online or in print.
FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?
WHK: John Wooden, Ron Brownstein, David Brooks, Daniel Kahnamen, Charles Darwin -but I would substitute Eleanor Roosevelt for Brooks, if I had to.
FMC: Favorite drink?
WHK: Single Malt Scotch. It’s a close first over Barolo.
FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
WHK: That I am a rigid tyrant (chuckle).