Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet McKenzie Hovis:

Major: Secondary Education in Mathematics

Hometown: Emlenton, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Class of 1922 Memorial, Fryer Trustee Scholarship, Balmer Trustee Scholarship

On choosing her major: I chose my major because I have always loved math and helping others understand it.

Making the list: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend is being named to the Dean’s List all eight semesters.

Campus involvement: I am a member of the Behrend women’s basketball team, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).

Honors and awards: I was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society and earned AMCC Academic All-Conference every year.

What she would tell first-year students: My advice to first-year students is to take advantage of the opportunities and resources offered at Behrend. See your professors during office hours. Attend sporting or other organized events. Join a club. All these opportunities are available to you as a student at Behrend, and by taking advantage of them, you will grow in so many ways.

After her graduation in May, McKenzie plans to work as a high school mathematics teacher.