Can you imagine going back to graduate school to pursue a doctorate after you’ve retired—twice? LHP’s Chaplain Walter Ghosten did it while continuing to work and has never looked back. In August, he was awarded a doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University.
After two successful careers—engineering and ministry—he could have rested on his laurels and enjoyed more leisurely pursuits like his peers. But that is not how Dr. Walter Ghosten rolls. One of his favorite sayings by Ralph Waldo Emerson expresses it best: “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Dr. Ghosten says he was motivated to go back to school by a desire to expand his knowledge with a deeper understanding of leadership as a chaplain.
“Regent University had the ideal doctoral online program in Strategic Leadership that focused on leadership processes that occurs when an individual is engaged in influencing others when facing a personal or work-related problem,” Walter says. “The support of my family, LHP’s leadership, and others made my decision to return to the demanding process of studying and writing research papers more inspiring.”
Walter admits that during the 3½ years he worked to complete the degree there were times when he wanted to quit. However, writing his weekly inspirational message for LHP employees on the Chaplain’s Corner and prayer inspired him to press on toward his goal.
“Leading a diverse culture of team members is important and this inspired me to pursue a greater understanding about what it means to lead with compassion,” Walter says. “Team members need the best a Chaplain can offer.”
Congratulations Dr. Walter Ghosten!
