COLLEGE OF EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
An Interview with COE retirees: Dr. Jan Speck & Mr. Phil Ragusky
Q:LookingbackonyourtimeatMBU,whatdoyouhopewillbepartof yourlastinglegacyintheCollegeofEducation,particularlyinthelives ofthestudents,colleagues,andschoolpartnersyouhaveinfluenced?
Dr.JanSpeck: IhopethatmylastinglegacyatMBUwillbethe developmentandcontinuationofanexemplaryschoolcounseloreducation program.Mygoalhasalwaysbeentopreparefutureschoolcounselorswho areknowledgeable,ethical,compassionate,andreadytoservestudentsin meaningfulwaysbyimplenetingacomprehensiveschoolcounseling program.IhopeMBU'sprogramcontinuestoequipgraduateswiththe skillsandconfidenceneededtosupporttheacademic,social/emotional andcareerdevelopmentofallstudents,andthatitremainsaprogramour university,schoolpartners,andalumniareproudof.
Q: During your years of service, what aspects of your role brought you the most joy or fulfillment, and why were those moments especially meaningful to you as an educator and mentor?
Dr. Jan Speck: The greatest joy in my role came from seeing our graduates excel in the profession of school counseling. Watching former students grow into confident professionals who advocate for students, support families, and contribute positively to their schools has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the work we did together in the classroom and during their training helped prepare them to make a difference in the lives of young people has been especially meaningful to me.
Q:As you step into retirement, what advice or encouragement would you like to leave for future faculty members and the next generation of teacher candidates preparing to serve in the classroom?
Dr. Jan Speck: Always remember the profound impact educators have on the lives of students. Approach your work with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. For faculty, continue to mentor and challenge your students to grow into reflective and ethical professionals. For future educators and counselors, remain student-centered in all that you do and never lose sight of the important role you play in helping young people reach their full potential.
Thank you, Jan, for your dedicated years of service. We wish you immense joy and abundant blessings as you embark on this next chapter of your journey.
Q:LookingbackonyourtimeatMBU,whatdoyouhopewillbepart ofyourlastinglegacyintheCollegeofEducation,particularlyinthe livesofthestudents,colleagues,andschoolpartnersyouhave influenced?
Mr.PhilRagusky:WhenIthinkaboutmytimeatMBU,Ihopemylasting legacyisseeninthepeople/relationships,andnottheprograms.My greatesthopeisthatI’vehelpedpre-serviceteachersseeeducationas morethanajob it’sacallingtoserveothersandmakeadifference.It’s beensuchablessingtowatchstudentsgrowintoconfident, compassionateeducatorswhobringlightandexcellencetotheir classrooms.I’mproudofthestrongconnectionswe’vebuiltwithour partnerschools;thoserelationshipshavealwaysbeenattheheartofour work,anditwasallforourstudentsandtheCollegeofEducation.Ifeel thattheCOEisinstrongpositionandpoisedforcontinuedexcellencein theyearstocome.
Q: During your years of service, what aspects of your role brought you the most joy or fulfillment, and why were those moments especially meaningful to you as an educator and mentor?
Mr. Phil Ragusky: The moments that brought me the most joy were the simple ones sitting down with a student teacher who finally “got it,” visiting classrooms where our graduates were thriving, or working side by side with my friends who shared the same heart for students and passion for Jesus Christ. Those moments reminded me again and again why I love this field and the people in it. There is joy and fulfillment in seeing a career come full-circle by serving the next generation of teachers.
Q: As you step into retirement, what advice or encouragement would you like to leave for future faculty members and the next generation of teacher candidates preparing to serve in the classroom?
Mr. Phil Ragusky: As I step into retirement, my encouragement to those who come after me is to invest deeply in relationships. The connections you build—with students, colleagues, and school partners—will be the foundation of everything meaningful you do. The field of education is not that large, and you never know how God will use a relationship today, to direct your path for tomorrow. Take time to listen, to collaborate, and to celebrate the work you ’ re doing together. Lead with kindness and integrity, because people remember how you treat them far more than what’s on your résumé. Teaching and mentoring are team efforts, and it’s the relationships that make the journey not only worthwhile, but truly joyful.
Thank you, Phil, for your years of dedicated service. We wish you immense joy and countless blessings in this next chapter of your life.
