Member Spotlight: John Fouch, Spring 2015 Inductee

Greetings fellow ASL members! Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is John Fouch. I’m 57 currently and the Chief of civilian human resources for an Army Brigade in Europe. I have experienced the idiosyncrasies of management with several different employers, including the Army (26 years), Kraft Foods Corporation (11 years), and the Postal Service (14 years). One factor common to all in my experience; there is ample room for improvement. It was, in fact this mindset that led me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies with the University of Maryland University College, while stationed as a Department of Army civilian in Europe. I started the program in summer 2012, and completed the last requirement for graduation in summer 2015.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was completing the degree program Summa Cum Laude, while working a full time job which at times can be very time and attention intensive. Although many of my contemporaries commented that this would be difficult “at my age”, I would argue my age gave me an advantage with regard to time and workload management. My greatest enablers have been and continue to be my wife and daughter. Their support is many times the difference between success and failure. I am currently working towards an MBA, also at UMUC, with projected completion in Fall 2017.

My end state goal is to re-enter a field I experienced for several years in uniform and truly love: Teaching adult level education. I have gained a newfound respect for all those, particularly young adults, who can balance work, a home life, family, and complete a degree program. I salute you all, with the utmost sincerity.