2026 Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient Announced

The Labette Community College (LCC) Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Joshua “Joe” Keal has been named the recipient of the 26th Annual William & Allene Guthrie Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. This award recognizes LCC graduates who have made significant contributions both in their professional careers and through community service.

Keal, a 1995 graduate of Labette Community College, has built an outstanding career as an architect, artist, and community leader, earning recognition for his innovative designs, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to creating spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

A Parsons native with strong family ties to LCC, Keal continued his education at the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies in 1998 and a Master of Architecture in 2002. He has since established himself as a respected leader in the architectural profession, with more than 25 years of experience designing and leading projects across the country.

Keal currently serves as Design Principal for HDR’s Kansas City design studio, where he helps shape the vision for significant healthcare, education, science and research, and civic environments. His human-centered approach to design is grounded in curiosity, creativity, and a belief in the power of place to improve lives. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating innovative, high-performance environments that strengthen connections, support well-being, and bring lasting value to the people and communities they serve.

Among his notable projects are the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, the renovation and expansion of North Kansas City High School, and the renovation and expansion of Seaton Hall and Seaton Court at Kansas State University. His work has earned numerous regional, national, and international honors, including awards from the American Institute of Architects and recognition for excellence in sustainable design, educational facilities, and cultural spaces.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Keal is actively involved in community and nonprofit initiatives that reflect his commitment to helping others thrive. His service includes supporting children and families healing from trauma, as well as mentorship and early-career development opportunities for Black teachers in Kansas City. He has held leadership and advisory roles with organizations including The Children's Place of Kansas City and Teachers Like Me. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design and shared his expertise through professional conferences, lectures, and industry presentations.

An accomplished artist as well as an architect, Keal has maintained his connection to Labette Community College through contributions of original artwork to the LCC Foundation’s Auction for Scholarships, helping raise funds to support future generations of students.

Keal and his wife, Jessica, reside in Prairie Village, Kansas, and have two children, Taylor and Mallory.

Through his professional achievements, artistic talents, community leadership, and continued support of his alma mater, Keal exemplifies the excellence, service, and commitment to making a positive difference recognized by the Van Meter Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.

In November, Keal will be formally honored at LCC’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon, where he will join an esteemed group of past honorees. The award is named in memory of William and Allene Guthrie Van Meter, whose generous estate gift funded the renovation of LCC’s Thiebaud Theatre. William Van Meter was a 1929 graduate of LCC, and Allene Van Meter taught at the college from 1929 to 1935—leaving a legacy of commitment to education that continues to inspire future generations.

A complete list of past honorees is available at https://labette.edu/foundation/vanmeter For more information on the Van Meter Alumni Award, please contact Executive Director, Lindi Forbes, by email at lindif@labette.edu or by calling 620-820-1212.