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Keele in the USA
Adam Konowe( Study Abroad, Class of 1989) is the President of Keele in the USA and participates in a variety of opportunities to support Keele from afar each year, as well as frequently on campus. In 2025, this included speaking on a Keele Business School lecture module, participating in Keele’ s Curriculum Design Community of Practice, meeting with members of Keele’ s senior team, and conducting a workshop for Keele Drama Society, as well as hosting a number of in-person events within the US – including various alumni reunions, and welcoming Keele students visiting a US university( the University of North Carolina – Wilmington) as part of their course.
“ Attending Keele University for the 1988-89 academic year was an invaluable study-abroad experience that continues to pay dividends to this day, so I readily volunteer my time here in the US and when I return to the UK. Sharing perspectives related to my work in journalism, public relations, marketing, higher education, and theatre with Keele senior staff, faculty, and students helps extend the value of these experiences for everyone involved by bridging the gap between campus life and beyond.”
Student and staff volunteers, currently led by two dedicated PhD students Jacob Noble and Brenda Flores Cuevas, use the dedicated student community beds to grow seasonal vegetables and pollinator-friendly plants, developing practical skills and a stronger connection to nature. The allotments also provide a quiet outdoor space that encourages social interaction and supports mental health.
The remaining beds are cared for by staff and community members, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge and resources are shared. This mix of users reflects Keele’ s commitment to sustainability and inclusive participation.
Produce grown in the garden is shared among participants – sometimes enjoyed together in the garden, sometimes at home – with recipes and photos exchanged through an active WhatsApp group. The Walled Garden demonstrates how sustainability can be integrated into everyday life, giving students and staff the chance to contribute to a greener campus while reducing waste and promoting local, low-carbon food systems.
Walled Garden allotments
Maintaining our beautiful campus would not be possible without volunteer support, notably working with our Arboretum and National Collection of Flowering Cherries, and within the heritage Walled Garden close to Keele Hall. This garden contains eleven allotment beds managed by the Keele community, including two dedicated to student groups. Originally a kitchen garden, this historic area continues to serve as a productive space that supports sustainability, wellbeing, and community engagement.