Ken Jansa

Ken Jansa’s journey has shaped a deep passion for helping others who are seeking a second chance after facing job loss. A 1989 graduate of Eastern Montana College (EMC), Ken’s path to higher education wasn’t a straight line. He initially pursued a degree in wildlife biology at the University of Nebraska Lincoln—but life had other plans. A period working in the oil fields in Utah ended abruptly when he was displaced from the industry, prompting him to pursue a degree in business at EMC in 1987. After earning his bachelor’s, Ken started his master’s program from University of Montana by taking night classes while working at the bank and taking care of three young children. These experiences transformed his life and sparked a lifelong desire to support others who are navigating similar crossroads.

Ken understands firsthand the power of education to rebuild a life and career after adversity. His three-decade career in banking—including early roles at Norwest Bank and a long tenure at Valley Bank, where he ultimately served as Vice President before the bank became Bank of Glasgow—provided the financial stability and sense of purpose he had long hoped for. After retiring at age 60, Ken found a way to reconnect with his original passion for nature and now works with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), blending career fulfillment with his love for the outdoors.

Through this scholarship, Ken is creating an opportunity for individuals who, like he once did, are pursuing education as a pathway to a fresh start. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and transformation—and he is deeply committed to helping others rewrite their own stories through the power of education.