With the start of the fall semester, Dr. Johannes Strobel assumed the role of Graduate College dean. We recently sat down with Strobel to talk about Missouri State’s big PhD news, the future of graduate education and the recruitment method he characterizes as “a long, long American tradition.”

Q&A

On What It Means to Be a Research Institution

Academic Expressions: Your arrival on campus coincides with an important milestone, the authorization to independently offer PhDs. How do you view this new chapter at Missouri State?
Johannes Strobel: It might sound simple, but graduate education is education. Sometimes there’s a narrative: “We’re a teaching institution; becoming a research institution might change the culture.” I would argue that now, we’re allowed to teach on all levels. Teaching is still the focus. It might mean more one-to-one teaching, longer-term mentorship, more community-based support — but it’s all teaching. We don’t have to see it as a culture change. We can see it as an expansion of our culture.

AE: So you’re excited?
JS: Very excited — invigorated. When colleagues at other institutions heard the news that we’re now authorized to offer PhDs, they most often told me that they’re envious. This is because we now get to define our research doctorates — we’re not stuck in a definition that comes from old models of what PhDs look like. We can be intentional, different. For example, how do we define research? We can conceive of a model that has room for community engagement. We can work with community partners and define what is meaningful for us to research.

AE: And many people in our campus community are great at facilitating those kinds of connections and conversations.
JS: Yes, if we look across the university, we’re already working with partners who help us define research areas that will serve our community. It’s not always easy to do! Whenever we look at something in the world that needs more research and study, there’s a good chance it’s a contentious issue.

AE: There may be a reason it hasn’t been thoroughly studied.
JS: Exactly. Any time we’re asked to partner on exploring challenges or finding innovative solutions, it’s probably not in an area that’s already defined with widespread agreement. Having PhD programs means we’ll be conducting the highest, deepest level of study on our campus. This opens up new dimensions of community work, particularly on issues that need this kind of thoughtful study.

AE: So for people who love our public affairs mission, the opportunity to grant research doctorates opens up new possibilities.
JS: Absolutely! Research work is defined by curiosity and a systematic approach, and it’s got to serve something. This can mean many things. The important part is that as a researcher, you’re driving toward something, you take an organized approach, and you want to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

On the Future of Graduate Education

AE: Beyond our new role as a PhD-granting institution, how do you view the landscape in graduate education?
JS: Let’s think about all the micro-credentials that are out there. Right now, a huge range of companies offer them. But it’s kind of the Wild West for training. Research shows that many people who get these micro-credentials are unsatisfied with what they get. They might walk away saying, “I’ve learned a bit about X or Y, but what am I really able to do?” Employers also view these credentials with uncertainty. They might say, “This person has three badges in data science, for example, but if I give them a data set, what can they do?”

AE: So perhaps we can step into that gap?
JS: We know the places that offer micro-credentials are responding to a need. But are they adequately meeting the need? How can we, as professional educators, walk alongside people, allowing them to upgrade their professional toolbox with confidence and ease? Maybe your industry changes, or you might have to relocate and change industries. Whether you were with us for undergraduate study or you’re new to us, we can be the valued, trusted learning partner who walks with you through life. Eventually, we all need new professional tools, and the rate of retooling will come faster and faster. We want to help people continue to be competitive, explore new interests and further develop their skills.

On International Student Recruitment

AE: International students consistently express interest in pursuing graduate study in the United States — even though it’s a big commitment. How do we give them confidence that we’re a good choice?
JS:  I’ve learned that what works well is asking current international students to help us spread the word in their circles at home. We empower them to speak for us. Since I’ve been on campus, I’ve talked with 50 international graduate students. A vast majority came here because they knew someone who studied at Mo State. I’m interested in how we support this kind of ambassadorship. When someone makes a positive impact on our campus, we can think bigger — we can think about their whole community. That community is investing in us because they’re trusting in our educational capabilities. How do we extend the relationship?

AE: Building on the trust that strong relationships and good experiences create.
JS: Yes, if we look at the history of the U.S., this is how it’s been for generations. Why do we have so many people of German ancestry here in Missouri? We have valleys that are well suited to winemaking, so some brave pioneers came here. They established a good life. Then, they wrote back to their home communities: “I have a job for you. This is a good place, and I can use your help.”

AE: It’s very human.
JS: Very human. And very American. It’s a long, long American tradition.