Current Assistant Director of Transportation for Stillwater Public Schools, Matt Weinrich knew he wanted to continue his education, but finding the right program can be a challenge. That was until he found the Southern Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program.
“I felt that it was the next evolution in my leadership career. I had been an athletic director for nine years and a summer school principal for Rose State Kids College. Those experiences helped me realize that I was ready to start making school wide decisions on a larger scale,” Weinrich said. “SNU was the perfect fit. I learned at a great pace that pushed me but still allowed me to be present with my family.”
For Weinrich, the program and the process gave him the ability to not only spending time at home with family but develop a group of peers with likeminded goals.
“Our class became a family. I still text and talk to many people from my program. We bounce ideas off each and problem solve together. It really was an immersive journey,” said Weinrich.
Professionally, the SNU program will help push his career forward and give him the tools he will need to be successful.
“It allowed me to come into my current position with credibility and the tools I needed succeed. I now deal with discipline and hiring for SPS transportation department,” said Weinrich.
There are many aspects of the program Weinrich said he enjoyed. The professionalism of the professors was just one reason he enjoyed being a student in the program.
“I loved the approachable professors. I learned and asked real questions from people who were doing the jobs or had done them. They answered the tough questions and shared their real-life experiences,” Weinrich said. “If you are looking for a program with a great pace and instructors with real world experience it is perfect for you. SNU has a unique family atmosphere that was such a great surprise.”
Away from work you can usually find Weinrich spending time with his family.
“I love spending time with my wife and kids. I love being outside with them – fishing, hiking, exploring, and getting stickers in my socks. If you got a few stickers in your socks, you know you did something.”
