Brody pictures

Brody has learned how to make faces and this is his favorite one. He is so funny to watch.

Article on Ken

The following article was on the MSU website. Unfortunately is available only to faculty & staff who have a login. Thought you might enjoy it.


From the drawing board to the construction world

Ken Boatright enjoys the challenge of a blank piece of paper.

“For me, I feel it is a God-given desire,” said Boatright. “There is just something about taking a flat piece of paper, making a drawing that looks two dimensional and, if everything goes well, it actually looks like the subject!”

For many years, Boatright has been recreating the beauty of a variety of subjects. Armed with a pen or pencil and a piece of paper, the only qualifier for being a subject of one of his drawings is to capture his interest. Visitors at the Ozark Empire Fair and the annual Ozarks Celebration Festival often get to see Boatright’s work firsthand.

In addition to drawing, Boatright’s other hobbies include other hands-on, creative activities, such as woodworking and gardening.

“I have always admired people who could create or do things with their hands,” said Boatright.

As project manager for the design and construction office at Missouri State University, Boatright chose his profession based on his desire to build things. However, his drawing and drafting opened the door for his work with the University.

Recently, Boatright represented the University as the onsite contact for the renovation of Siceluff Hall. His work included inspections of the site to ensure the project was being built according to the plans and solving the problems that arose during construction.

“I enjoy building, working with contractors, architects and engineers, and working through the challenges that come up during construction,” said Boatright. “I get a lot of personal satisfaction from being involved from the start to the finish of a project.”

Boatright has also been involved in multiple projects at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center, including the construction of a multipurpose barn, renovation of Pinegar Arena and improvements to the parking lot and entrance road.

“I enjoy working at the University because it is always changing, and each day brings a new set of opportunities and challenges,” said Boatright, who has worked at Missouri State for 31 years.