Sociology alum and school counselor recognized for Dragon Impact Award
Each day, more than 500 middle school students walk through the doors at Horizon Middle School, and Angie Keeping is there to support every one of them. A 2026 Dragon Impact Award recipient, Angie traces her own journey back to the Minnesota State Moorhead community that helped her find her footing.
In 2010, Angie Keeping graduated from Moorhead with a degree in sociology and a minor in psychology. She started working immediately as a case manager in Children Therapeutic Support Systems (CTSS], later becoming a school counselor for Horizon Middle School here in Moorhead.
“MSUM really prepared me to manage my time, stay organized and work hard,” says Angie.
Angie explored her interests at Minnesota State Moorhead. “Growing up in a small town, I didn’t always have access to a wide range of opportunities. Being able to come here, where there are so many options, really helped me find what I was meant to do.”
Angie had professors and other students support her, making her studies at Moorhead even more special. “It laid the foundation for the rest of my life. My time at MSUM taught me that I belong somewhere, and it was the beginning of everything for me.”
“Regardless of whether or not you’re working in your intended field, those foundational skills are so important in hearing people's stories and helping them get where they are supposed to be. If you had told me ten years ago that I'd be a school counselor, I’d have laughed, but those real like experiences can flip you in a new direction,” Angie says.
Angie believes being immersed in a rich culture and supporting community is crucial to continuing to learn something new every day. “There are so many different lifestyles and perspectives everywhere. You can learn so much from other people.”
Today, Angie now supports nearly 550 students at Horizon Middle School, where she strives to provide that same sense of support and belonging she found at MSUM to the students who walk through the doors of Horizon Middle School.
Sociology Degree
If you’re interested in social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of society and the ways in which people interact in groups and organizations. You’ll expand your thinking and investigate topics such as minorities, family, crime, class, healthcare and religion.
Learn more about Sociology