Get answers and guidance from an admissions counselor!
We know you have questions as you navigate the process of looking at colleges, completing applications, and deciding on a school. We asked our counselors what you should know before you make your college decision. Take a look at their advice and meet our admissions team below.
College Advice from Our Admissions Team:
- Think about the environment you want to live in. For instance, do you want to be in a bustling city? Or a more rural setting? Or a small city that offers both?
- Consider how large or small you want your campus and classes to be, and how closely you’ll want to work with professors.
- Make sure to ask how much your education will cost and what your options are for financial aid.
- Think about what you might want to study. If you think you’ll want to learn about a variety of things, or if you’re not certain about your major yet, consider attending a school that offers lots of degree options.
- Ask what the process is for admission, what the standards are, and learn about deadlines that you need to meet.
- Get a clear picture of the kind of housing options you’ll have on campus and off campus for future years.
- And don’t forget to ask about what you can do for fun on campus and off campus.
- Make sure you find time to attend college fairs and meet with us when we come to your high school. Plan ahead by checking out upcoming visits and list of tips.

Peg Richmond
Director of Admissions
admissions@keene.edu
(603) 358-2276
College: Keene State College
Major: M.Ed. School Counseling
Hometown: Swanzey, NH
What do you love the most about Keene?
I love the opportunities I’ve had to interact with students. Keene State College has allowed me to be the advisor for class executive boards, attend events in the arts center, athletic events, lectures and so many other arenas where we witness students excelling in and out of the classroom.
What advice would you give a high school student applying to Keene State College?
Represent yourself in an honest, positive and accurate way. Ask questions, visit campus, do your research and put the time and energy into completing your applications that it deserves. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.
Favorite spot on campus:
In the admissions office with our staff!
Bert Poirier
Sr. Associate Director
Book an Appointment
bpoirier@keene.edu
(603) 358-2271
College: Keene State College
Major: BA Spanish and M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction
Travel Territories: North Country and Monadnock Region
Favorite Spot on campus:
The Admissions Office
If you could go to college again, what major would you choose?
Pre-med
What do you love the most about Keene?
The people and the culture
Quote that you live by?
Education is not received. It is achieved.
Liz Cahoon
Associate Director
Book an Appointment
ecahoon@keene.edu
(603) 358-2268
College: Keene State College
Major: BA in Management
Hometown: Keene, NH
Travel Territories: Lakes Region, Seacoast & Central NH
What advice would you give a high school student applying to Keene State College?
Visit campus and trust your instinct.
Favorite Spot on campus:
Sumner Joyce Athletic Field – It’s where I met my husband
Favorite Place to eat in Keene:
Nicola’s Trattoria
Fun Fact about you?
I am the 8th of 9 children.
Kevin Justice
Assistant Director of Admissions - Multicultural Recruitment
Book an Appointment
kjustice@keene.edu
(603) 358-2275
College: Whitman College
Major: BA in Mathematics
Hometown : Boise, ID
Travel Territories: Greater Manchester/Nashua area of NH, Greater Springfield MA
Fun Fact about you?
I love music, especially when I am driving my car. If I have a choice between flying and driving, I will always choose driving while listening to music.
What do you love the most about Keene?
Our student body. They are hardworking, involved, and passionate. I get the chance to work with them on many levels and they are continually challenging and educating me.
If you could go to college again, what major would you choose?
Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences or Exercise Science
Sasha Watt
Assistant Director
Book an Appointment
swatt@keene.edu
(603) 358-2270
College: Keene State College
Major: English
Hometown: I have lived all over the US; California, Utah , Colorado, but I call Mystic, CT “home”
Travel Territories: Eastern CT, SE Cape Cod & Island (MA) & RI
What do you love the most about Keene? It is a wonderful community to live in. I love our downtown! What’s the best memory you have of attending Keene State College? Working in the Admissions Office and being a volunteer Tour Guide
Favorite Spot on campus:
The Quad
Favorite Place to eat in Keene:
The Stage
Carrie Holmes
Assistant Director
Book an Appointment
cholmes2@keene.edu
(603) 358-2267
College: Keene State College
Major: BA in Spanish & Psychology
Hometown: Dover, NH
Travel Territories: Maine; Essex, Middlesex and Boston area of MA
Favorite Place to eat in Keene:
My favorite place to eat in Keene is the dining commons right on campus! I love the stir fry station, or the omelet station for breakfast, and who doesn’t want soft serve ice-cream or frozen yogurt after every meal?
If you could go to college again, what major would you choose?
Maybe architecture, or SPDI. I am just so amazed by the ideas and creativity that come out of those two departments.
Fun Fact about you?
Other than my students, my favorite part of teaching was writing or finding songs and chants to teach content . Ask me about the long division chant – you will not be disappointed.
Charlie Wynn
Admissions counselor
Book an Appointment
Charlie.Wynn@keene.edu
(603) 358-2272
College: Franklin & Marshall College
Major: BA in Theatre & Psychology
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Travel Territories: Milford area of NH, greater Fairfield area of CT, and all non-New England!
Favorite Place to Eat in Keene: Thai Garden or Local Burger
Fun Fact: I play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons.
If you could go to college again, what major would you chose? English. I also regret not taking more math.
Advice for current high schoolers: If a school is on your list, VISIT! You never know how you’ll feel until you step on campus for the first time.
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