President Cech: Reflecting on Forty Years in Higher Education

Portrait of Dr. John Cech

On Wednesday, August 21, 1985, I walked onto the campus of Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, for my new employee orientation as an instructor in the college’s budding Computer Applications program. That day marked the beginning of my 40-year journey in higher education, with the presidency of Carroll College being my crowning achievement. Earlier in July, Victoria and I enjoyed several weeks at our favorite cabin on Seeley Lake, celebrating this milestone. It was during this time that I also made the decision to retire as President of Carroll College, effective June 30, 2025.

Higher education has changed significantly over the past 40 years. In 1987, at Rocky Mountain College, the new RMC grant writer, Ms. Victoria Brown, and I wrote a proposal to the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust to fund Montana’s first microcomputer lab, which was state-of-the-art at the time. Rocky led the state in providing computer applications training using this new microcomputer technology. Classes were in high demand, and I frequently taught on Monday through Thursday nights and even on Saturday mornings to meet the needs of the local and regional community.

My career took a pivotal turn in 1989 when the late RMC President, Dr. Arthur H. DeRosier, Jr., invited me to become RMC’s Director of Continuing Education. This role was followed by my appointment as a Dean in 1992. From that point on, I remained on what my faculty colleagues lightheartedly referred to as “the dark side” (i.e. administration) of the academic world. My journey continued at MSU Billings, where I served as the Dean of City College from 2002 to 2010, and then at the Commissioner of Higher Education’s Office in Helena, where I was Deputy Commissioner from 2011 to 2018.

During those years, I was privileged to contribute to the Montana University System's rebranding of its two-year colleges and education system around a common mission. This effort has led to lasting impacts that are still being enjoyed across the state today. These include free dual enrollment for Montana’s high school students, seamless transfer within the university system, and national and international recognition for revamping remedial education and healthcare workforce development. Montanans are very fortunate to have both an outstanding public system and excellent private options such as Carroll, and I feel deeply grateful to have worked in both.

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In 2018, I was honored to be named as the 18th President of Carroll College, a Catholic diocesan institution.  As I reflect on my time at Carroll, I can think of no phrase more appropriate than the college’s 115-year-old motto, “Non scholae sed vitae” which is Latin for “Not for school but for life.”  Since 2018, I have met hundreds of Carroll alumni, from graduates of the 1950s to the class of 2024.  Each of them has shared how the school profoundly impacted their lives, often highlighting the special faculty or staff members who went above and beyond to care for and mentor them.

That’s the part of higher education that has NOT changed in 40 years. I began by teaching what was, in 1985, a cutting-edge program in computer applications like WordStar and Lotus 1-2-3. Since then, higher education has shifted increasingly towards online delivery, the proliferation of digital information resources, and the evolving role of libraries. Today, it grapples with incorporating AI into professional and academic settings. However, these major changes are secondary to the primary purpose. Higher education is much more than just acquiring a trade or skill; it’s about asking deeper questions about society and life. It’s about the pursuit of truth and the mentors who guide students in seeking it. 

I look forward to continuing to serve Carroll as its president during the 2024-2025 academic year. I am humbled to have worked with such an amazing Board of Trustees, Executive Leadership Team, and talented faculty and staff. I am grateful to the opportunities provided to me by Archbishop Thomas (Bishop of Helena at the time of my hire); Bishop Vetter; Monsignor O’Neill (Board chair for four years); and Father Beretta (current chair). I am also grateful to the amazing donors, alumni, and the community of Helena and beyond for their support of Carroll and its mission.  

Carroll College is a special place and one which I feel epitomizes why higher education is so valuable today – Not for school but for life.

It has been a wonderful 40 years. While I don’t know what lies ahead for me after June 30, 2025, I suspect I might fail at retirement.   

Finally, my deepest thanks to the former RMC grant writer who helped me secure the grant from the Murdock Trust back in 1987 – my wife, Victoria! She is a SAINT indeed!

Go Saints!

John E. Cech, Ph.D., is the 18th President of Carroll College and former Deputy Commissioner of the Montana University System (2011-2018).