Why I Give: Dr. Kristi Pope Key, Instructor of English

Dr. Kristi Pope Key is an Oklahoma native who joined LSMSA as Director of Academic Services in 2015. Dr. Key—who’d taught a Southern Lit elective at LSMSA each year since joining the staff—returned to the classroom as a full-time Instructor of English in 2023. As a longtime member of the LSMSA community, Key has seen the LSMSA Foundation utilize its resources to enrich the lives of students and faculty in many ways. She’s seen funds raised by the LSMSA Foundation be used to purchase microscopes, rent dance floors, pay for theatrical rights, provide travel funds for college visits, and more.

“I know that there are students on campus who would not be able to attend or experience LSMSA at its fullest without the support of the Foundation,” Key said. “For many of our students, their path to the future travels through, not just our curriculum and our student life programs, but through the Foundation as well.” 

Dr. Key added that she is encouraged by the LSMSA Foundation’s plans for the future, citing “the vision for a new Makerspace and classroom building and the vision for travel or test-prep funds for every student on campus” among the reasons why she plans to continue supporting the organization’s efforts.

Dr. Key added that every gift to the LSMSA Foundation, regardless of size, is multiplied when placed alongside the gifts of others.

“Every gift contributes to better meeting the needs of current and future LSMSA students,” she said. “Even small gifts count toward goodness for our Eagles.”

To learn more about the LSMSA Foundation or make a gift, visit the Foundation website.