This past May, the first cohort of Newman’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program proudly graduated with their doctorates.
Following the commencement ceremony, Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout reflected on what this first graduating cohort means for the university.
“It’s a representation of the success of our students and what we’re providing to them and the community through programs that serve the region and help students achieve their goals,” he said. “It’s a symbolic representation of our mission, where students are equipped to transform society and impact their communities.”
President Kathleen Jagger shared that as DBA graduates crossed the commencement stage, she asked several of them how it felt to be pioneers in the program’s first cohort.
“’Well, that feels pretty great,’” she recalled hearing. “We’ve been with these students for several years, and to have them hooded as part of the regular graduation ceremony gives not only a sense of accomplishment for those students, but also gives the rest of the students and the audience something to aspire to — like maybe there’s more for me, too.”
A DBA family
One of the graduates, Dave Lechleiter, described the experience as “coming home,” noting that his cohort felt like family.
Originally from Minnesota, Lechleiter chose Newman’s DBA program because he wanted a Catholic education and felt there was no better time to pursue it than through his terminal degree.
Throughout his studies, Lechleiter said he felt the impact of his education in real time, particularly in his work as a consultant for a software company.
“I’ve been using the teaching and the learning from this degree since day one,” he said. “Eventually, I hope to semi-retire, become an adjunct professor and share my knowledge with the next generation.”
For Lechleiter, the most surprising aspect of the program was “the fact that we can do this.”
“There were nights of self-doubt … (but} I think the blessing and the surprise with that is truly, God never gives us more than what we can handle,” Lechleiter said, also quoting the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” a statement of humility and gratitude.
Learning at a higher level
Similarly, DBA graduate Terri Rice, whose background is in corporate marketing, pursued her doctorate to elevate her career and transition into academia, with the goal of sharing her knowledge with future students.
Her studies challenged her to think more critically, approach problems from new perspectives and continually ask “why.”
“Because a lot of times we think we know the reason why we have one perspective, but learning at a higher level, it makes you open up your brain, makes you open up your eyes, makes you listen at a different level,” Rice said. “There’s so much knowledge out there, and education is a continual thing.”
She noted that her biggest takeaway from the DBA program is that there’s a lot she doesn’t know.
“Which is a good thing because that just emphasizes that education is a lifelong activity,” she said.
While the DBA program was not without its challenges, Rice said it offered a powerful lesson in prioritization and organization — skills she believes others could benefit from, as well.
“I truly would recommend the program to someone who’s looking to expand their knowledge base on that higher level,” Rice said. “But more than anything, it has to be right for you. If it’s right for you, then apply yourself to it. And the Newman staff, the Newman family, will work with you to make it fit for you.”
Newman University’s first DBA graduating class included Judy Bell, Melissa Kent, Lechleitner, Jonathan Madsen, Angie McCoy, Rice and Derrek Schartz.
Check out NU’s DBA Program
The Newman DBA degree program provides experienced professionals and academics with advanced skills and credentials in business beyond the MBA.
