Paul D. Mencke
Paul Mencke started his Washington State University career as an undergraduate student playing on the cougar football team from 1996 to 2000 as well as the cougar basketball team during the 1999 to 2000 season.
After completing a double major in history and education, Mencke returned to WSU to receive his master’s degree in business administration. He then worked in orthopedic sales for four years. While his career was successful, Mencke was committed to furthering his education.
In 2007, Mencke and his wife made the decision to move from Tacoma to Pullman where Mencke was accepted into the cultural studies and social thought in education doctoral program.
Mencke already had established a support system at WSU with colleagues and near-by family members. The support made the transition across state easier for his family, Mencke said.
His research focused on historically marginalized college students and the impact of critical pedagogy on retention. Mencke was president of the Education Graduate Organization in 2009 to 2010 and he advises the WSU Student Entertainment Board.
Mencke’s wife, Bernadette, is also working to complete her doctorate degree in higher education. She was recently honored as one of WSU’s Outstanding Women. Mencke and his wife have two sons; the youngest was born just after Mencke defended his dissertation.
He is graduating with a doctorate degree and hopes to further his career as a professor in education.
Highlight Student
 College: Education |
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Degree: Doctorate in cultural studies and social thought in education |
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High School: Lewis and Clark High School, Spokane, Wash., 1996 |
| Other Schools Attended: Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., Bachelor of Arts in education, Bachelor of Arts in history, 2000, and Master of Business Administration, 2002 |
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Career Goal: To become a professor of education or a university staff member in the department of student development |
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Parents: Lue and Dan Mencke of Spokane, Wash. |
| Family: Wife, Bernadette Mencke, sons Paul Jr. and Carter, all of Pullman, Wash. |