LINN — State Tech commencement speaker Tyler Gosney encouraged graduates in Friday’s ceremonies to remain open to unexpected paths in life. He reflected on how he once believed he would never go to State Tech because it was too close to home, but ultimately earned an associate’s degree in Linn and a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

“I firmly believe God accomplished my stuff in this old claim, some things I would never do,” said Gosney, who gained early experience through internships with the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as with the MU  Athletic Department. Gosney currently serves as the Assistant Head Turf Manager with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he is dedicated to excellence in field management. “He had a plan for my life that I wouldn’t understand yet, and that kind of brought me to the confines of this wonderful college.”

Using his educational journey as an example, Gosney urged graduates not to view their futures through rigid expectations or predetermined paths. “As a young guy in the back seat, I remember crossing over the Missouri River and seeing all the highway exits,” Gosney said. “Little did I know that years later, I would be navigating those things.”

Gosney praised State Tech’s balance of classroom instruction and hands-on education, calling that combination one of the institution’s defining strengths.

“This is what makes an institution and State Tech so special,” Gosney said. “They harness this philosophy while also providing excellent classroom education to the next generation of successful men and women of our workforce.”

He noted that the relationships students build during their time at State Tech may ultimately prove as valuable as the technical skills they learn, adding that the work done by faculty and staff “will transform these graduates into assets in the workforce, noting that both of his former instructors still talk to him routinely.

Gosney emphasized respect, humility, and relationship-building as essential qualities for long-term success, regardless of career field or status. “It’s easy to be considerate to the CEO and forget about the janitor,” he said. “Both people get out of bed and put on clothes the same way. Relationships matter.”

He encouraged graduates to invest time in others and build trust through consistency and integrity. “Take a picture, five minutes to learn someone’s story,” Gosney said. “Go the extra mile on that project, because those small things may not be seen immediately, but in the long run, time and patience will build. Trust each other on purpose.”

Gosney also challenged graduates to define success through relationships rather than material accomplishments. “It’s easy and hard to get caught up keeping open houses, upgrading to enhance your car, a promotion at work, a bigger house down the street,” Gosney said. “Those things may be nice, but I look at what I hold in my life and those around me, like dinner with your parents and grandparents, finding your spouse, and working for your children.”

He warned graduates against taking the easy route. “I personally care about serving God, my wife, my family, and striving through all tasks and lessons,” said Gosney. “These are what drive me, and I encourage you to learn what drives you toward your life decisions accordingly. There’s always an easier path. There will be criticism, and trust me, in today’s age of social media, how you handle this is what’s going to matter. Will you take the road less traveled when faced with opposition or criticism? Will you gain grace and understanding, or will you respond to defensiveness? Acting with humility and integrity is an intentional authority task, but one that is going to be rewarded by the ultimate judge.”

Gosney congratulated graduates on reaching the milestone through hard work and persistence. “You earned this moment, you worked so hard and diligently studied to prepare yourself for this step,” he said.

During his time in college, Gosney was actively involved in student organizations, including competing on the CTG PAS team, participating in Phi Theta Kappa, and contributing to the Mizzou Turf Club through fundraising, seminars, and national competitions. He has remained engaged in the profession through long-standing involvement in the NFL Field Managers Association, supporting mentorship and industry development.

Gosney enjoys golfing with friends and working on projects at home. He and his wife, Kelby, recently celebrated one year of marriage and are active members of their local church.

State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong noted the Class of 2026 represented several important anniversaries across campus, including the 35th graduating classes for Automation Robotics and Electrical Technology, 30 years for Commercial Turf and Grounds Management, 25 years for Civil Engineering Technology, and 20 years for Nuclear Technology. He spoke to the significance of the number of graduates during State Tech’s 65-year history. “More than 20,000 men and women have gone out to Missouri and beyond to build, weld, repair, design, heal, lead, and keep Missouri and this country moving forward,” he said. “Almost anywhere you go in the state of Missouri, there’s a very good chance you will also encounter someone who is a State Tech graduate, has worked with a State Tech graduate, employed one, or depends on one every single day.”

Dr. Strong also thanked everyone for supporting graduates throughout their educational journeys. “Your parents, guardians, family members, and loved ones have made sacrifices, many of which you may never fully realize, to help you make this moment,” said Dr. Strong, reminding graduates that the achievement ultimately belonged to them. “You made the commitment, you put in the work, and took ownership of your education. You came to the best college in the country for hands-on education.”

He encouraged graduates to continue learning and embracing new opportunities.

“As you step forward, embrace new challenges, seize new opportunities, and never quit learning,” said Dr. Strong. “The knowledge and experience you’ve gained at State Tech will be a defining moment in your life.”

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Angie Gaines later recognized graduates who earned academic honors.

Graduates earning summa cum laude recognition maintained cumulative grade point averages between 3.8 and 4.0, while magna cum laude graduates maintained GPAs ranging from 3.6 to 3.79. Cum laude recognition was awarded to students earning GPAs between 3.4 and 3.59. Each group was recognized during the ceremony.

Gaines also recognized outstanding students selected from each program based on workplace readiness, academics, technical ability, human relations, and overall excellence.

Vice President of Operations Amy Ames introduced members of the State Tech Board of Regents, including President John Klebba, Vice President Steve Sellenriek, and board member Ed Frederick, who presented diplomas to graduates.

Dr. Strong praised the faculty, staff, and Regents for helping prepare graduates for the next chapter of their lives.

“Their dedication to excellence has played a vital role in your success, guiding and preparing you for the next chapter of your lives,” Strong said. “The Board of Regents and I are deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment.”

Following the conferring of degrees and certificates, Vice President of External Relations Shannon Grus welcomed graduates into the State Tech Alumni Association.

“On behalf of over 20,000 State Tech alumni, we applaud you and congratulate you,” Grus said. “And in fact, we admire you.”

Grus explained the symbolic meaning behind commemorative keychains distributed to graduates.

“You already have the keys to your success,” Grus said. “You are a State Tech grad.”

She encouraged graduates to remain connected to the college and continue supporting future students.

“Don’t let graduation be the end of your involvement, but make it the beginning of a lifetime of connection,” Grus said.

Grus closed by welcoming graduates into what she described as the “successful, high-achieving, hard-working, and sometimes a little crazy State Tech family.”

In presenting his closing remarks, Regents President John A. Klebba told graduates he was the last thing standing between them and a proper celebration. “I want to congratulate you and the students on your achievement and convey the hard work and determination that brought you to this milestone,” he said, presenting graduates to their families and friends.