Childhood

Shelley was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Bill and Phyllis White.Shelley and her sister, Jennifer lived in southern Bollinger County. Shelley's father worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a repairman and during her younger years he farmed a few acres as well as run a small car wash. In Shelley’s senior high years, he built a mini-storage. Shelley’s mother worked at MFA Agri Services in Advance.  Shelley’s upbringing taught her the importance of hard work. Her parents are now semi-retired and spend much of their time visiting their grandkids.

High School

Shelley graduated from Advance High School in 1997. She was very involved in activities such as: cheer leading, band, volleyball, Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club, Future Homemakers of America and Future Farmers of America. Shelley was selected as an All-American Cheerleader and was elected Regional President for the Future Homemakers of America and served as a state delegate to the National FHA convention in Washington D.C. where she had the opportunity to meet Congressman Bill Emerson.

College

Shelley attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She graduated in May 2002, with a major in Education and a concentration in math. Shelley enjoyed being active with the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics where she made presentations to education majors at the local level.

Political Background

During college, Shelley volunteered for Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson's campaign team. She has also served as the Bollinger County Coordinator for Emerson, Senator Jim Talent, Governor Matt Blunt, and President George Bush.  She gained valuable experience in local grass roots politics. Shelley learned from these elected officials that being a leader and representing the people required hard work and an ability to listen to their concerns. Shelley will use that experience as a State Representative to help all citizens regardless of their party or status. She believes the issues affecting our citizens are bigger than any political party.

Teaching Experience

After graduating college, Shelley became an elementary grade teacher with the Leopold school district.  She began pursuing her master’s degree in Education Administration through William Woods University and graduated with that degree in 2004.  Her time teaching showed Shelley how important a good education is and the problems our schools face with educating kids today.  Shelley believes that funding is important to educating students but realizes that sometimes money can’t fix every problem.  She believes we need to get parents more involved and make it easier to discipline trouble-makers who constantly disrupt class and negatively impact the opportunity for other children to learn. During her last year of teaching, Shelley worked part-time as the District Assistant to Representative Rod Jetton.

Legislative Experience

Upon leaving Leopold, Keeney took a full-time position as the district assistant for House Speaker Rod Jetton and State Senator Jason Crowell.  Her duties include handling constituent questions, attending community meetings and working with Rod and Jason to understand how any new laws would affect people in the district.

Shelley learned a great deal about Missouri government and the legislative process during her time as district assistant.  She wants to put that knowledge to work as the next state representative to stop illegal immigration, strengthen families, as well as improve roads and make sure our area gets its fair share of transportation dollars.

Community Involvement

Shelley takes an active part in the betterment of her community and is a member of Harmony Congregational Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, Marble Hill Study Club-GFWC, Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, Women in the Outdoors and National Wild Turkey Federation.

Family

In 2000, Shelley married Matt Keeney and moved to Marble Hill where Matt has been a trooper for the Missouri State Highway Patrol since 1996.