A Leader's Journey with Dr. Matt Seimears

Dr. Matt Seimears, President of Lower Columbia College shares his inspiring leadership journey along with some great advice for leaders in any organization. Also…keep listening to hear Chris’ Corner final thoughts at the end! Dr. Chris Jochum Dr. Chris Jochum is currently the chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University where he oversees all aspects of a robust program serving over 900 future teachers. With a comprehensive professional background spanning more than two decades that includes serving as a public-school ESL and Spanish teacher, an education professor and a university leader, Chris is dedicated to improving organizations and the lives of those within them by developing effective leaders. Known for his relational and transformative leadership, he has successfully led the development of new academic programs designed to meet the needs of both aspiring educators and school districts across the U.S.   As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Chris has shared his expertise with leaders in public schools and colleges and universities within the U.S. and internationally based on the notion that leadership is influence through relationships, courage, character, and service. His research focuses on developing and empowering K-12 teacher leaders and training department chairs and deans in higher education. Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership Twitter LinkedIn Dr. Matt Seimears C. Matt Seimears, Ph.D., a first-generation college student, entered the workforce after graduating high school as a MIG/TIG Welder, building and welding dust control equipment to keep milling operations clean. He attended Butler Community College, later transferring to Pittsburg State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree. He taught inner-city second and third-grade ESOL students, eighth-grade ESOL Science, and rural ninth-grade and coached high school wrestling for fourteen years. He earned his Master's Degree from Wichita State University, a Bachelor's Degree from Newman University, a Ph.D. from Kansas State University, and taught as an adjunct at Cowley Community College for six years. Prior to becoming the President of Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA, he worked at Emporia State University (2004-2019) as an Instructor/Academic Advisor, Professor, Associate Department Chair, and Department Chair. He became the Dean of the College of Education at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) in 2019 and was named Interim Provost at EOU in 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-seimears-b0075b6/⁠ ⁠https://news.newmanu.edu/alumnus-eastern-oregon-university/⁠ ⁠https://lowercolumbia.edu/president/