Alumni Spotlight: Keith Thorn

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world

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Meet Keith Thorn, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Webster in 1998 and then a master’s degree in Media: Advertising/Marketing in 2001.

What enticed you to choose Webster University for your degree?

At 33 years old, with three young children and a full-time job, I needed more than a traditional college experience — I needed a university that understood life in motion. Webster offered the flexibility, academic quality and professional focus I was looking for. Its evening and accelerated courses made it possible to pursue my master’s in Advertising and Marketing without stepping away from my responsibilities. What enticed me most was Webster’s commitment to adult learners and the belief that growth doesn’t pause for life — it grows with it. That made all the difference.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

What stood out most about my time at Webster was the people — the professors who challenged and encouraged me, and the classmates who became lifelong friends. I wasn’t a typical student: I was 33, married, working full-time and raising three young children. Yet I was welcomed, supported and pushed to grow.

One of my most unexpected joys was playing varsity soccer for a season — at 33! That experience reminded me that growth doesn’t have an age limit. The camaraderie on the field mirrored the collaboration I found in the classroom.

My professors didn’t just teach — they opened doors. They helped me explore creative strategy, communication and leadership in ways that reshaped my professional path. Even now, years later, the relationships I formed and the confidence I gained still influence how I show up in the world.

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

When I began my bachelor’s degree at Webster, I was working as a designer. Over time, the confidence and insight I gained from my studies helped me transition into web design and then launch my own company offering integrated advertising, marketing, print and web design services.

My Webster education gave me the foundation to adapt and thrive as digital platforms and business horizons rapidly evolved. It wasn’t just about earning a degree — it was about learning how to think, lead and grow. That same mindset has carried into my current chapter: writing and publishing over 15 books, continuing to share stories, strategies and reflections that connect with others.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about my job is the freedom to create and the opportunity to connect. Whether I’m designing a brand, crafting a marketing strategy or writing a book, I get to bring ideas to life in a way that makes an impact.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping others tell their story, grow their vision or see themselves in words that matter. Every project is a new canvas — and every conversation is a chance to inspire or be inspired.

What is something valuable you have learned during your career?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about what you build — it’s about who you become along the way.

I’ve learned to embrace reinvention, to trust the process even when the path isn’t clear and to see every challenge as an invitation to grow. Whether I was launching a business or writing a book, the moments that mattered most weren’t the milestones — they were the quiet choices to keep showing up, staying honest and leading with purpose.

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster University for their degree?

If you’re considering Webster, know this: you’re not just choosing a university — you’re choosing a place that understands life doesn’t pause for education.

Whether you’re balancing work, family or a career shift, Webster meets you where you are and challenges you to grow from there. The faculty are more than teachers — they’re mentors who open doors and push you to think bigger.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself, pursue your goals and prepare for what’s next in a changing world — Webster is the place to start. It was for me.

What is your favorite spot on your Webster campus? Favorite spot around the University?

My favorite spot on campus was the sports complex. As a 33-year-old student playing varsity soccer, it became more than just a field — it was a place of growth, connection and unexpected joy. Being out there reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms; it happens when you challenge yourself, build relationships and embrace new experiences at any age.

Around the University, I always appreciated the nearby parks and neighborhoods — quiet spaces that gave room to think, reflect and catch my breath between work, school and family life. Webster’s surroundings felt like an extension of its values: welcoming, balanced and full of possibilities.

What has your life journey looked like?

I grew up in St. Ann, Missouri — a blue-collar suburb where hard work, family and grit shaped much of who I am. During my years at Webster University, I lived in Ballwin, balancing school, full-time work and raising three young children with my wife. That season of life was demanding but also deeply formative — it taught me resilience, focus and the power of believing in what is possible.

Today, I live in Collinsville, Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis. My journey has taken me from designer to business owner to author of more than 15 books. Through it all, I’ve stayed grounded in the lessons of where I came from, grateful for each chapter and excited for the ones still to be written.

What was your first job, and what do you remember most about it?

My very first job was as an illustrator for the Yellow Pages — back when everything had to be hand-drawn. No digital shortcuts, no photos — just ink, layout boards and hours of careful craftsmanship. Every ad had to be precise, readable and designed to fit within tight printing constraints.

What I remember most is how that job taught me discipline, patience and pride in the creative process. There was no “undo” button — only intention and skill. That early experience gave me a deep respect for craftsmanship and the value of thoughtful design.

It also became the foundation for everything that followed. As technology evolved, I carried that same attention to detail into digital platforms, eventually launching my own company that blended traditional design principles with modern marketing, web development and storytelling. That first job taught me to adapt while never forgetting the roots of great work.

How do you spend your free time?

In our free time, my wife and I spend our winters in South Padre Island, Texas, where we enjoy the coastal peace, local community and warm weather. During the summer months, we travel and camp, always chasing a sense of adventure and renewal.

When we’re home, I find joy and grounding in training at the St Louis Ki-Aikido dojo that meets at MICDS — it's not just physical practice, but a lifelong path of discipline and presence. We also take pride in maintaining a vibrant, flowering yard that reflects the beauty of each season. Whether it’s on the mat, in nature or by the water, I try to spend my time in places that bring growth, gratitude and connection.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

What I’d add is simply this: it’s never too late to grow, to start again or to follow the pull of something meaningful. My journey through Webster — starting school at 33 with a full-time job and young family — reminded me that education isn’t just about degrees. It’s about unlocking the next version of yourself.

Webster gave me the tools to build a business, the confidence to evolve as an author and the perspective to keep learning in every season of life. I’m grateful for that — and honored to still be part of the Webster community.