For most college students, the fall semester means returning to campus for classes, hanging out with friends and settling back into the typical student life routine. But for one Rockhurst University senior, Joseph Fallis, this semester brought a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: working full-time alongside Mike Kehoe on his successful campaign for Missouri governor. 

Fallis made the bold decision to take a semester off from his business administration studies to join Team Kehoe, a move he described as a “no-brainer.” 

Fallis’s journey with the Kehoe campaign began last May when he joined the team as a summer intern with no initial plans to pause his time at Rockhurst. However, his pivotal contributions to Kehoe’s victory in a highly competitive primary election in August did not go unnoticed. Just weeks before the fall semester, Team Kehoe invited Fallis a spot to join the campaign full-time.

While it was an easy choice for Fallis to make, this decision meant stepping away from his routine college life and diving headfirst into the fast-paced world of political campaigns. Each day looked different, but his primary responsibilities included traveling alongside, driving and staffing Kehoe at various events across the state of Missouri. Immersed in campaign operations, Fallis not only gained hands-on political experience but also discovered corners of the state he had never explored before.

“There wasn’t really a typical day, so to speak, because we were always traveling and constantly in different places, but most days started with early rallies, events and meetings across the state,” said Fallis.

For Fallis, the biggest challenge was adapting to the relentless pace of the campaign, which took some time to adjust to. Despite the initial hurdles, he credited his time at Rockhurst for equipping him to handle the demands of the role.  

“Rockhurst helped me prepare for this opportunity by teaching me how to balance a lot of different projects at once,” said Fallis.

Another challenge Fallis faced was stepping away from school, a decision he does not take lightly but firmly stands by. He encourages other students to pursue similar opportunities, whether in politics or other fields, calling his experience “surreal.” 

“School will always be there, but some opportunities that pop up along the way may not,” said Fallis.

The hard work paid off when Kehoe secured his victory on Nov. 5 in the governor’s race. Being part of such a successful campaign made the long hours and fast pace worthwhile. Fallis described the win as incredibly rewarding, knowing he contributed to something meaningful and impactful. It has inspired him to continue pursuing opportunities that challenge him and push him to grow both personally and professionally.

Throughout his involvement, he has gained valuable life lessons, especially about the power of building strong relationships. He recognizes that the connections made in politics are crucial and will have a lasting impact on his future endeavors.

“One of the biggest things that I took away from this experience is the power of relationships with other people,” said Fallis. “If you invest in others and treat people the right way, things will fall into place. That’s why I believe Governor-Elect Kehoe won the election. He truly cares about and wants to help other people.” 

Fallis felt supported by his friends and peers at Rockhurst while he was away from school. In turn, his unconventional move resonated with and inspired fellow students, including senior Nathan Hergenrother.

“His choice showed me that sometimes stepping outside of my comfort zone could lead to big successes and new opportunities,” said Hergenrother.

With the successful campaign now behind him, Fallis will spend the remainder of the year working on the transition team for the Office of Governor-Elect. In January, he plans to return to Rockhurst for one final semester to complete his degree and enjoy some time with friends before graduation.

“Being away from Rockhurst for a semester has made me appreciate my time there, and I am going to enjoy every minute next spring,” said Fallis.

Fallis has thoroughly enjoyed his eight-month experience on the campaign, which has reinforced his decision to pursue a career in politics after graduation.

Fallis’s journey shows that opportunities arise from taking risks and following one’s passions. His experience at Rockhurst was able to prepare him and give him the confidence to take on the challenge of working on a political campaign. Now, as he prepares to return for his final semester, Fallis looks back on the unforgettable experience with Team Kehoe, knowing it will leave a lasting impact on his future.