MARCH 2026
VOLUME 7
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
NEWSLETTER
An Interview with COE retirees: Dr. Jan Speck & Mr. Phil Ragusky Q: Looking back on your time at MBU, what do you hope will be part of your lasting legacy in the College of Education, particularly in the lives of the students, colleagues, and school partners you have influenced? Dr. Jan Speck: I hope that my lasting legacy at MBU will be the development and continuation of an exemplary school counselor education program. My goal has always been to prepare future school counselors who are knowledgeable, ethical, compassionate, and ready to serve students in meaningful ways by impleneting a comprehensive school counseling Dr. Jan Speck program. I hope MBU's program continues to equip graduates with the skills and confidence needed to support the academic, social/emotional and career development of all students, and that it remains a program our university, school partners, and alumni are proud of. 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.