President John Cech, Ph.D. | Carroll College
President John Cech, Ph.D. | Carroll College
Dr. John E. Cech, President of Carroll College, received the Engaged Leadership Award at the Annual Conference of the Western Region Continuums of Service Consortium held at Seattle University. The award honors Dr. Cech's leadership and commitment to civic engagement, educational equity, and community partnerships.
The Western Region Continuums of Service Consortium is an alliance of organizations supporting higher education in the western U.S., including entities like the Pacific Education Alliance for Civic Engagement and Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE). Dr. Cech chairs the MCNCE, an 18-campus network advancing civic engagement across Montana.
Josh Vanek, Executive Director for the MCNCE, remarked, “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.”
Since becoming president in 2018, Dr. Cech has aligned Carroll College's initiatives with its mission of fostering education rooted in faith, reason, and service. Under his leadership, Carroll was the first to receive the NAIA's School of Character Award for integrating core values into athletics.
Carroll students engage in service, accumulating over 18,000 hours annually through programs like Service Saturdays. The Fighting Saints Food Pantry addresses food insecurity on campus, promoting a culture of care. Initiatives like the Pell Promise and Global Student Refugee Initiative highlight Dr. Cech’s dedication to equity. Collaboration with partners, including health organizations and civic entities, strengthens community ties and civic engagement.
Dr. Cech stated, "Receiving the Engaged Leadership Award is a testament to the collective efforts of the Carroll College community in advancing civic engagement and educational equity."
The 2025 Continuums of Service Conference focused on honoring Indigenous history, fostering partnerships, and promoting inclusion in higher education. It united educators and leaders to explore strategies for student success and equitable futures.
Carroll College, a Catholic institution in Helena, Montana, offers transformative education grounded in faith and service. The MCNCE supports civic responsibility across 18 institutions in Montana, encouraging student engagement and community development.
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