Sean Kliethermes

Territory

Students interested in the Honors College and students who are candidates for the Presidential Scholarship

Favorite movies and books

I’m a child of the ‘70s and ‘80s, so my favorite movies are all of the classics: Star Wars (the original ’77), The Empire Strikes Back, Caddyshack, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Wrath of Khan, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, etc. I’m also an avid reader, and my favorite books tend to be from the categories of fantasy and science fiction. They include The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, The Foundation Trilogy and the Robot novels by Isaac Asimov, the first three Dune novels by Frank Herbert, just about everything by H. P. Lovecraft, the Conan tales by Robert Howard, Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe series, etc. 

Favorite place to eat in Springfield

When asked about my favorite restaurant, I feel I can honestly give only one answer: I carry a torch for a local chain known as Mexican Villa. They have several locations, but I recommend going to the original, which is on National Avenue, a few blocks south of campus. Mexican Villa is awesome! It is Springfield’s unique and delicious take on traditional Tex-Mex food. I recommend the Sancho Enchilada-Style. You also can’t go wrong with the tacos. Whatever you choose, get some queso sauce for your chips – best in town!

Most interesting class taken at Missouri State

I’ve taken many amazing classes on the Springfield campus, and I’ve learned a lot that I put into practice every day in my job. If pressed for a favorite, however, and I had to pick just one, I’d have to go with “History of Piracy in the Americas,” taught by the Director of the Honors College and Distinguished Professor of History, John Chuchiak. That class is fun, informative, and utterly fascinating, and it is taught by an engaging teacher with tremendous expertise in the field. I heartily recommend signing up for it if you get the chance!

Best advice for future students?

1) Go to class. You’d be amazed how much goes on in a college classroom and just how much you can learn by being there. Also, unlike in high school and when you are living at home, you’re on your own to get motivated to get out of bed every morning. There’s a real temptation to skip class and figure you’ll make it up later. The best way to succeed, however, is to be present, so go to class!

2) Get involved. College has so many opportunities, and getting involved in student organizations and campus activities will provide you with friendships and experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to try something new, either. There are a lot of weird and wonderful things to do on a college campus, and you may surprise yourself with how much fun you’re having doing something you never pictured yourself doing. That said, don’t forget about that first piece of advice!