What does a retired U.S. Coast Guard aviation electronics technician who’s worked for Consumers Energy for more than a dozen years and has already earned multiple degrees, including an MBA, do for new challenges? If you’re Bob Johnson of Traverse City, you earn an online doctorate and run for an elected government position.

Six months into his elected position as a member of the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, he believes the doctoral degree in business administration he earned at Baker College Center for Graduate Studies is helping him make that positive contribution to his community, fulfilling his original goal.

“My doctorate forever changed the way I look at information,” Johnson said. “I’m now constantly questioning where data came from, by whom and how it was gathered, and if there is any possible bias.”

Much of his work on the commission requires thinking outside of the box and making tough choices. Among his responsibilities are approving budgets, contracts and resolutions, and providing direction for the administrator.

He said, “Baker College provided a demanding curriculum and welcoming instructors who understood the dynamics of an adult learner approaching new career opportunities.”

The Baker College online program is structured as a three-year, 90-credit program and blends taught interdisciplinary content and research seminars with assessed scholarly and professional development activities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that employment for individuals with doctoral degrees will increase 16 percent by 2022.

As a county commissioner, Johnson is a member of the Airport Commission, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Northern Nexus Committee, which helps with economic development.

He is continuing his day job as a senior engineering technical analyst lead at Consumers Energy and is also serving a term as member of the Michigan Veterans Facilities Board of Managers through February 2016. He was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013 to represent the American Legion. This state board oversees the operation of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.

For more information about the Baker College doctoral degree in business administration, contact Chuck Gurden in the admissions office at 800.469.3165 or adm-ol@baker.edu, or visit www.baker.edu/dba.