A View From the Mount: Joe Lebherz in Smart Company Magazine
A View from the Mount
Smart Company Magazine
Q&A with Joe Lebherz, the Director of Mount St. Mary’s Center for Professional and Continuing Studies in Frederick, MD
Q: What does your background in local business and political experience bring to the Mount and the newly established center?
A: Baggage! No, seriously, I hope that I bring strong knowledge of the regional market, a track record in getting things done, creativity and innovation in programming, and integrity in dealing with individuals of all stripes. By the way, the center has a new name, but the University has offered programs in Frederick for years, seven years now in our current location on Spectrum Drive.
Q: Though you traveled to the Mount the last three years, how does it feel to be working back in Frederick?
A: It has a familiar feel. But I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my commute along the Catoctin Mountains up to the exquisite setting and rich community of the Mount and the gem that is Emmitsburg. A great place with a great sense of place. But Frederick continues to become a dynamic and complex community, with new opportunities around every corner. And it’s especially rewarding to come across former colleagues and friends, all while making new friends and acquaintances every day.
Q: How exciting is it to back working in Frederick?
A: I worked long enough at the Chamber of Commerce to know how central to our community and quality of life are the businesses that populate our area. You simply cannot overestimate the value they create for society: the investments they make, the risks they take, the needs they meet, the opportunities and fulfillment they offer to those willing to work. I have always considered myself extremely fortunate to be in the positions I have held, where I am able to work with and to develop relationships with the many and varied bright, hard-working men and women who are the foundation of our local economy.
Q: Why is it important for people to consider grad degrees?
A: Because every organization, like every community, needs leadership, depends upon it. Smart organizations nurture and cultivate it. Graduate schools lay the groundwork for leadership. Good economies or bad, leadership is essential, always in demand.
Q: Why is it important for adults to consider returning to school and getting their undergrad?
A: As a practical matter, businesses and corporations value individuals with a college degree. Businesses are nothing if not pragmatic, and they would not stress the value of having a degree if it did not improve their organization. And then there is this crazy accelerated life we all lead – it has become more imperative to learn anew throughout your life, in order sometimes just to keep pace. And of course there is the deep fulfillment that comes with obtaining an undergraduate degree, regardless of whether it plays or leads directly into one’s work: it means that one has learned how to learn. And that’s a treasure that no one can ever take from you.
Q: What is special/unique about the center/programs offered by the Mount?
A: The programs offered here are designed to fit the lifestyles of the working adult. It’s usually the other way around – students conform to the way things are and are presented. Our programs conform to the customer/adult student, beginning with scheduling – evening and weekend classes, in an accelerated format that mature. working adults can handle, usually very well. These programs offer convenience, small class sizes, and outstanding, dedicated instructors at very reasonable costs. And, best of all, they have the brand and the rigor of Mount St. Mary’s University and its accredited programs behind them.
Q: What makes the Mount Frederick Campus stand out?
A: Well, probably not its location – many folks tell me they don’t know where it is (on Spectrum Drive, just below the FSK Mall). But students here really like its location because it is, in fact, very convenient. But what makes it stand out, to my mind, is this: if the University had not made the decision and the investment to bring this program to the greater Frederick community, hundreds of working adults may have never completed their undergraduate degree or pursued their graduate education. It has made a difference, a remarkable difference oftentimes, in the lives of many.
Q: What future plans does the Center have?
A: You will see additional graduate programs, a more diverse array of undergraduate programs, certificate programs, and probably even non-credit offerings in the coming years. The educational product available in the greater Frederick area will expand and become more comprehensive as it, hopefully, meets the expanding needs of the dynamic market we share.
Q: How does the Center and the Frederick business community work together?
A: Many students attend classes here with the financial backing or simply the encouragement of many local businesses. And many businesses use our facility for conferences and meetings. So there are existing relationships that are mutually beneficial. This will grow and should grow, and whether it does will be one measure by which I will judge my effectiveness.
Q: How long does it take to get/finish your degree? (grad and undergrad)
A: One can obtain a degree in two years, and sometimes less. For some undergrad students, it may take longer, simply because they have extremely busy lives and multiple responsibilities. It’s our job to help our students reach their goal, no matter how long it may take.
