Sterling College President Scott Rich successfully defended his dissertation in December 2016 and completed his doctorate of education from Northcentral University. The degree was conferred in late December.

“We on the Board of Trustees want to take this opportunity to congratulate Scott on the completion of his doctoral program. Such an accomplishment is impressive under any circumstance, but even more so when you consider that he has done this in four years while handling, in an extremely capable fashion, all the duties of his Sterling College Presidency. This degree will enhance the Christ-centered leadership he has provided so capably since his installation as president. This accomplishment further illustrates his commitment and willingness to do whatever is necessary to build and grow this great institution. For this the Board is extremely blessed and thankful,” said Randy Henry, chair of the Sterling College Board of Trustees.

Rich’s defense was titled “Relationality on Campus: Student to Faculty Ratios and the Impact on Student Performance at Private Post-Secondary Institutions in Kansas,” in which he describes how the relationship between two people affects the amount of learning that occurs.

“Education can be defined as the science of oral interaction. Because education is also relational, the relationship between the faculty and the student impacts the learning that can occur within that conduit. Data about the importance of class size proves that point, so that is where the concept of relationality in education impacts student learning, and ultimately, how that student thinks and makes important choices in life. This is a main tenet of Christian liberal arts education –  we must teach our students to think critically and make wise choices. Society needs young people prepared to engage in the world around them,” said Scott Rich, president.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.