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How It Paid Off: From Dean to Deputy Commissioner

Learn how one graduate is making a statewide difference now that he has his doctorate.

John Cech

NAME: Dr. John E. Cech ’10

DEGREE: PhD in Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership

JOB TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Dean and Campus Chief Executive Officer, Montana State University

JOB TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE: Deputy Commissioner for Two-Year and Community College Education for the Montana University System

HOW MY DEGREE HELPS ME BE A MORE EFFECTIVE EDUCATOR: Community colleges are affordable and nimble and can prepare students for a career or to continue their studies at a four-year university. With my PhD, I was able to assume one of the key positions in the state to help create a change movement that will help transform the system and encourage more students to enroll.

BIGGEST BENEFIT OF EARNING A DEGREE AT WALDEN: I had been following Dr. Terry O’Banion’s work for more than 20 years. He is one of the giants in the community college field, both for his research and his innovation. When I found out he was the architect of Walden’s Community College Leadership program and the program’s director, I quickly realized Walden’s program was exactly what I was looking for. The opportunity to study under him was unbelievable, and I’m happy to see he’s now the senior advisor of higher education programs at Walden.

Tell us how your degree paid off at [email protected]. 

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