SPARTANBURG, S.C. (courtesy smcsc.edu) — Art professor Kris Neely is deeply committed to SMC’s mission to prepare students for life with a broad-based liberal arts education, enriching practical experiences supporting career interests, and driving passion for making the world a better place.
Each day he works with students, Neely thinks of how seamlessly this mission blends with another activity he has devoted his talent and energy to: The Boy Scouts.
Neely has been involved with the Scouts for most of his life, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and helping others to do the same. Neely recently received the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for all his contributions to the Scouts. He is one of two recipients from the Palmetto Council, which serves more than 3,000 youngsters in Spartanburg, Chester, Cherokee, Lancaster, Union, and York counties.
“The learning-by-doing capstone opportunities infused in our curriculum, as well as the civic engagement we foster at SMC — I relate all of this to my experience as a Scout,” Neely said.
Neely grew up in a family of Scouts. His father, Rev. Dr. Kirk Neely, and three older brothers also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he followed in their footsteps. As an adult, he has mentored Eagle Scouts – including his son, Michael – and led two church-based troops.
In late February, Neely’s father presented him with the Eagle Scout Award in a small ceremony. Neely was recognized at a Scout banquet in Rock Hill on March 10.
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