Tyler McKee
Name: Tyler McKee
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Marine Science
Tyler McKee is from a military family. Instead of joining the service, he broke the mold when he decided to attend college upon graduating from high school. After a semester at a community college, Tyler discovered Coastal Carolina University. He enrolled and started to chart his own path. When Tyler was offered a resident adviser position with University Housing his sophomore year, he felt as if he had found his calling. Describing himself as “outgoing,” the new job fit his personality perfectly.
“In every situation I have a positive attitude and I am an upbeat person,” Tyler explains, leaving little doubt about the benefit of having him around freshmen students looking for direction. “My favorite part is meeting new residents and getting to know them.”
Tyler also derives purpose at Coastal from his academic pursuits. A marine science student, he originally decided to attend CCU because of the program’s strong national reputation. He has enjoyed studying his passion and has set a goal to finish this final semester strong so he can end his college career with a 3.0 GPA.
What comes next after he walks across the stage this May? Well, Tyler might have strayed from what most McKees do initially, but the desire to serve has always been with him. Tyler plans to join the Coast Guard and attend Officer Candidate School after he earns his degree.
We admire Tyler for his commitment to our country and we wish him best of luck with both his final semester and his future endeavors.
Q&A with Tyler
How did you hear about Coastal?: A friend from high school told me about Coastal. This particular friend graduated from CCU this past semester.
Why did you come to Coastal?: To study marine science at an institution with one of the best programs in the nation. I also decided to attend because I could receive instate tuition via the ACM.
Favorite professor: Erin J Burge, Ph.D.
Favorite class: Marine Geology Lab
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The class sizes are small and they allow for students to connect with their professors.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: The close proximity to fishing locations.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: Club Swim, intramural soccer and I am the chair of the RA Council.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work for University Housing as a resident adviser.
Plans after graduation?: I plan to join the Coast Guard and attend Officer Candidate School.
What are your hobbies?: Fishing, biking, scuba diving, kayaking