by Jenn Folden, ZSC Chief Communications Officer
Zane State College has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the Gardner Institute since participating in the Foundations of Excellence, First-Year Experience project in 2006. Since then, John Gardner has remained one of Zane State College President Chad Brown’s strongest supporters. Over these many years, Dr. Brown has collaborated and presented with John on multiple occasions. Most recently, Dr. Brown was featured in a weekly podcast – Office Hours with John Gardner. While Dr. Brown is generally private, this conversation between old friends reveals what drives his commitment to Zane State and the surrounding communities.
“My individual story matters because, at Zane State, we believe every individual’s story matters.” – Zane State College President Chad Brown.
When Dr. Brown sat down for a podcast interview with John Gardner, the topic was to discuss Brown’s approach to innovation. In case you aren’t familiar with Gardner, he is like the Steve Connell of higher education. Gardner learned the importance of engaging with students in the first year. “The saying, ‘standing on the shoulders of giants,’ makes me think of John. He is one of those giants in helping students succeed in higher education,” Brown said.
Through Gardner’s questions surrounding innovation and learning, the often-private community college president started sharing personal details about his life. “My father raised me never to be afraid to make mistakes; moving ahead was often more important than getting things right. And what matters most is learning from our mistakes and successes. For me, that is the key to innovation,” Brown explained.
As it turns out, Brown’s life’s journey started similarly to Zane State students.
“If you ever wondered if people at a certain level understand the need for second chances and that everyone’s life circumstances are different, we get that very clear at Zane State—from the top down. I am a first-generation college student. As a kid, my parents told me, ‘If you want to go to college, you are going to have to pay for it yourself.’ I knew I could graduate, but I needed scholarships, the PELL Grant, and student loans,” Brown explained.
Brown has consistently said that he believes every student who enters through the College’s front doors can be a successful college student. He views College employees as guides to help students find careers that fit their interests and skills. Part of the College’s role is to provide students with the support they need to navigate the education process and everything that goes with it (like financial aid, scheduling tutors, and providing a calming atmosphere with individualized attention).
Overcoming challenges is a part of the college plan.
If you have ever attended a Zane State College Commencement, you may have experienced goosebumps or shed tears while the graduate video features play during Dr. Brown’s address. He includes these stories to spotlight the students who have overcome obstacles and challenges yet still managed to walk across the stage.
Like Zane State students, Dr. Brown continually faces challenges, including living with a chronic neurological condition called dystonia. This movement disorder causes muscle contractions that are repetitive and painful. As a result, he takes nothing for granted. He is thoughtful with every step, every conversation, and every interaction. Even on the most challenging days, he always sees students as a source of inspiration. He said, “They are the purpose behind the College’s vision of creating ‘A Promising Future for Every One.'”
Plan for the unexpected and expect the best outcome.
Dr. Brown explained that even the most well-planned paths can take twists and turns. “No one ever starts out by saying they want to be a college president. I went from wanting to be a Major League Baseball trainer to being a small, rural community college president. My roundabout route of opportunities and experiences brought me to Zane State. I wouldn’t want to be any place else.”
While Dr. Brown didn’t plan to be a college president, the ZSC community is grateful he landed where he did. As a former Zane State College Trustee, John Matesich, III, said, “It was people like you who brought their ideas and intellect to bear on the issues of change and made our community a better place to live and raise our children. Thank you for your role in this transformation.”
Ready to feel inspired and possibly motivated to enroll in college? Get started by taking some time (around 40 minutes) to listen to the podcast, which is available by visiting zanestate.edu/president.
Zane State is now enrolling for Spring Semester that starts in January. If you want to learn more about how Zane State can help you get started on your career goals, call 740.588.5000 or email hello@zanestate.edu. Be sure to ask about support resources such as emergency grants, mental health counseling, and community and industry connections.
Zane State: Your Community. Your College.
