Photo: Josh Vanek of MCNCE accompanies Dr. Cech with his Engaged Leadership Award. Since the Region also encompasses Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, the award is accompanied by a traditional Kukui Nut Lei.
Helena, MT — Dr. John E. Cech, President of Carroll College, was recognized with the esteemed Engaged Leadership Award at the Annual Conference of the Western Region Continuums of Service Consortium, held March 26–28, 2025, at Seattle University. This distinguished recognition acknowledges Dr. Cech's dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to civic engagement, educational equity, and community partnerships.
The Western Region Continuums of Service Consortium, a coalition of organizations supporting higher education institutions in the western United States, includes notable members such as the Pacific Education Alliance for Civic Engagement (PEACE), LEAD California, Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, and the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good. Notably, Dr. Cech serves as the Chair of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, an 18-campus network that encompasses institutions from the Montana University System, Tribal colleges in Montana, and private institutions like Carroll College. This network plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and promoting civic engagement across Montana's diverse higher education landscape.
“President Cech embodies the kind of engaged leadership that defines what it means to be a Montanan. He cares deeply about mission and consistently supports Carroll’s students, faculty, and staff, while actively engaging with the broader Helena community,” said Josh Vanek, Executive Director for the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement. “Over the past year, he’s chaired our CEO Council and Executive Board, and was instrumental in helping launch the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement. From hosting events at Carroll to collaborating with his peers, he’s actively expanding community partnerships and creating more volunteer and civic engagement opportunities for students across Montana.”
Under Dr. Cech's leadership, Carroll College has become a national model for civic responsibility and community engagement. Since assuming the presidency in 2018, he has intentionally aligned the college's initiatives with its mission of fostering a holistic educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and service to the common good. This commitment is exemplified by Carroll's recognition as the inaugural recipient of the NAIA's School of Character Award, honoring its integration of core values into its athletics program.
Carroll students collectively contribute over 18,000 hours of service annually through programs like Service Saturdays and immersive service-learning experiences. The Fighting Saints Food Pantry, established in 2022, further demonstrates this commitment by addressing food insecurity on campus and fostering a culture of care and responsibility.
Dr. Cech's dedication to equity is evident in groundbreaking programs such as the Pell Promise, which ensures Montana Pell Grant recipients can attend Carroll tuition-free, and the Global Student Refugee Initiative, providing scholarships and support for displaced students from Ukraine, Ethiopia, and beyond. He has expanded academic offerings with programs like Accelerated Nursing and the Master of Social Work, addressing workforce needs while supporting underserved communities.
Through partnerships with organizations like St. Peter’s Health, Shodair Children’s Hospital, Benefis Health, God’s Love, Helena Food Share, and Special Olympics—as well as his service on the Intermountain Health PEAKS Region Board and other civic and educational boards—Dr. Cech has supported and amplified student and campus-led efforts to strengthen community ties and expand opportunities for engagement. In addition, his leadership helps ensure that Carroll integrates public scholarship and experiential learning into its curriculum, exemplified by projects like COVID-19 wastewater tracking and Engineers Without Borders.
"Receiving the Engaged Leadership Award is a testament to the collective efforts of the Carroll College community in advancing civic engagement and educational equity," said Dr. Cech. "I am honored to be part of this journey and look forward to watching Carroll College continue the mission of fostering a culture of service and compassion."
The 2025 Continuums of Service Conference, themed "Higher Education: Honoring our Connections to Place and Indigenous Communities," explores ways that higher education honors Indigenous history, builds partnerships, and fosters inclusion for diverse communities. This event brought together educators and community leaders from across the western region to navigate strategies for enhancing student success, developing collaborative partnerships, and creating vibrant, equitable futures for all.
About Carroll College:
Carroll College is a Catholic diocesan liberal arts institution located in Helena, Montana, dedicated to providing a transformative education grounded in faith, reason, and service. Committed to academic excellence and the development of the whole person, Carroll prepares students to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
About the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement:
The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) is a statewide network dedicated to educating students for civic responsibility and partnering with communities to promote community service and civic engagement. Comprising 18 higher education institutions across Montana, including public, private, and Tribal colleges, MCNCE fosters a collaborative environment that supports student engagement and community development. Led by campus CEOs and supported by staff and faculty, MCNCE offers programs such as the Community Building Institute and the George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship to empower students and communities alike.