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.

Labor Day

We spent Labor Day holiday in Snyder, TX with Jeremiah, Kasey and Mabry. We went to a Snyder football game on Friday night, Kasey, Mabry and I went antique shopping - we had fun and bought a few things. Kasey bought a cute little table and two chairs for their front porch. They guys worked on a project at home. Sunday was church and a cookout. We had a great visit and are making plans for the holidays - already!! Mabry is sure growing and I expect she will be crawling next time we see her.

Brody update

Matt, Jaclyn & Brody stopped by Sunday on their way home from Sedalia. Brody is sure growing - he is so funny. He just laughs and he lights up when he sees his Daddy.

I'm back

Well it has been a busy August and I finally have some time to update my blog. We drove to Tulsa on Sunday, August 16 to meet up with Kasey and Mabry. We have a great visit - had lunch and did some shopping. It was so good to see them again. Jeremiah was not able to come due to work but it was really good to see the girls again. We are planning a trip to Texas soon. More pictures to come. Here are some picture of Mabry taken in Tulsa.

Blue Ribbons

Ken won several blue ribbons for his artwork at the fair. He entered an eagle, a tractor and an owl. He is such a good artist.

Prize winning cake

Last year I entered the "Weird Chocolate Cake" contest at the Ozark Empire Fair. Didn't place. This year I tried it again. After making several cakes and sharing them with my office and Ken's office - I entered a "Black Bean Chocolate Cake" and won first place. Yeah!! I had a lot of fun experimenting with different cakes and both offices had fun eating them. I've already begun thinking about next years cake.

Ozark Empire Fair

Brody made his first trip to the Ozark Empire Fair. Although he did sleep through most of it he did wake up in time to enjoy some of it. We had a great time - looking at all the exhibits and all Ken's blue ribbons. Enjoyed corn dogs, McAlister's Tea and Hiland ice cream. Yum! Oh - I forgot the turkey leg. We had a great time.