Like many folks, Louisville accountant and KET contributor Steve Kerrick likes to channel surf. But unlike some others, when he sits down in front of the television, it’s not to zone out—but to actively feed his need for learning.

“As I channel hopped around, I would come across these KET programs that would catch my interest and found myself watching more and more KET programs,” said the University of Louisville graduate, who also received a scholarship to play baseball for the Cardinals.

I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of the programs and it’s such a good cause. I hope my small contribution of time and resources can help continue that legacy so that others can enjoy it, as well.  – Steve Kerrick,Board member, Friends of KET

“Over the past probably 15 years, I started developing my admiration for KET,” added the former shortstop from Elizabethtown in Hardin County, the early home of the 16th president.

“Some of my favorite programs are Kentucky Life and its program about Lincoln, ‘I, too, am a Kentuckian,’ and some of the programs on the Civil War,” he said. “The history of Kentucky is really interesting to me and learning more about the state, its history, and the people—that, really, is entertainment to me.”

Still an athlete, Kerrick is a fan of the outdoors, enjoying hiking, nature-watching, target shooting, and even yard work —so it’s no wonder he also enjoys the abundance of KET programs featuring the natural world. A particular favorite, especially this time of year, is Nature’s “My Life as a Turkey,” in which a naturalist is accepted by the young birds as a parental figure.

Calling himself a lifelong learner, Kerrick found that when he completed his accounting degree, he still had a thirst for education, so he earned an MBA. Now he takes as many continuing education courses as he can and still finds time to squeeze in classes in Spanish, a language in which he one day hopes to become fluent.

Kerrick said that the personal satisfaction he’s received by watching KET has made him something of a zealot among his friends, whom he frequently emails about watching particular programs. A natural progression for him, he said, was to begin contributing to KET both monetarily and with his time.

“I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of the programs and it’s such a good cause. I hope my small contribution of time and resources can help continue that legacy so that others can enjoy it, as well,” he said.

Contributing financially to KET and its mission to educate, Kerrick said, not only benefits him, but contributes to the overall educational level of the state.

“Whether it’s formal education—getting your GED and being inspired by Dropping Back In, or any of the other programs which help the educators help our citizens—is good for our Commonwealth. That’s on the formal side,” he said

“But the programming I enjoy at night just sitting down watching is not going to get me a degree or anything like that, it’s just good knowledge to have and I really enjoy it.”

And it’s personally inspiring, Kerrick said, to witness KET’s influence firsthand. As a member of KET’s Friends Board, he has volunteered during TeleFund, KET’s on-air fundraiser, at public events, and more.

“As I’ve gotten involved with the Friends Board and being out in the community a little bit—whether it’s working the booth at the state fair or the booth at the St. James Court Art Show—I hear people come up and talk about how much they love KET or how much they love a particular program,” he said.

“Hearing their passion and their same love for the programs that are provided through KET is so satisfying.”

Though he long ago hung up his cap and glove, Kerrick still approaches causes he cares about with the same drive as his days in the dugout. A recruiter as well, he’s even enlisted his family to help him spread KET’s message.

“I told my wife, Sharon, what to expect when we worked together at the fair, and I think she was a little skeptical,” he remembered. “But when we finished she said, ‘Wow these people just come up to you and start talking to you and giving you their life story about how KET has affected them!’

“Seeing that is pretty powerful,” he said.