Alumni Highlight – Matthew Bauman

Washington County Community College is proud to highlight the accomplishments of our graduate, Matthew Bauman, who earned a Substance Use and Recovery degree in 2024.

Matthew’s remarkable journey, from returning to college after more than two decades away from academics to earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and now pursuing a PhD in Psychology demonstrates the transformative power of education and lifelong learning. His story is an inspiring example of curiosity, perseverance, and the impact that WCCC can have on helping students discover new possibilities.

 

Why Did You Choose This Program?

Matthew chose the Substance Use and Recovery program at WCCC because of his desire to better understand substance use and recovery and his original goal of becoming an alcohol and drug counselor. He was drawn to WCCC because it was one of the few colleges offering a program dedicated specifically to this field. The college’s affordability, combined with its welcoming environment, made it the ideal place to return to school after more than twenty years away from academics.

 

Current Occupation: Mental Health Counselor and PhD Student

Following graduation from WCCC, Matthew worked as a community health worker in Machias while completing his bachelor’s degree in Psychology through the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He then earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, where he completed an internship at Sunrise Opportunities, providing mental health counseling services to individuals in the community.

Today, Matthew works with the Narrative Network, specializing in Narrative and Collaborative psychotherapy. He is also pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Capella University, where his research focuses on language, meaning, and the ethics of grammar.

How Did Washington County Community College Prepare Him for His Current Role?

Matthew credits WCCC with providing the strong academic foundation that launched his educational and professional journey. Through the Substance Use and Recovery program, he gained a solid understanding of recovery, ethics, helping relationships, and community care while developing the confidence to continue his education.

Beyond the classroom, WCCC encouraged Matthew to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and discover his own academic and professional voice. The program reinforced the importance of approaching recovery work with respect, patience, humility, and genuine human connection principles that continue to guide his work as a counselor today.

 

A Recent Accomplishment: Advancing in Counseling and Doctoral Research

One of Matthew’s greatest accomplishments has been rediscovering a passion for learning in midlife. Since graduating from WCCC, he has earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, entered the counseling profession, and begun doctoral research exploring language, meaning, and ethics in psychology.

Matthew is especially grateful for the opportunity to work alongside individuals during meaningful moments in their lives and is excited to continue contributing to both the counseling profession and psychological research.

Advice for Current and Prospective Students

Matthew encourages current and prospective students to remain curious and open to new ideas. He believes that listening to others, embracing collaboration, and continuing to ask questions can lead to both personal and professional growth.

“Remaining curious, being open to new ideas, and realizing the importance of collaboration and connection with others has been transformational in my life,” he shares. “I have found real value in listening to and attempting to understand others, as that has resulted in the ability to further understand myself.“

Matthew also reflects that while he wishes he had trusted his curiosity earlier in life, returning to school when he was ready made the experience especially meaningful. He credits the support of his family, particularly his partner Cheyenne, as well as the encouragement of WCCC faculty, including Liz Sullivan, for helping make his success possible.

Matthew’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue new goals. Through determination, curiosity, and the support he found at Washington County Community College, he transformed both his educational path and career. We are incredibly proud of Matthew’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing the continued impact he will make in the fields of mental health, recovery, and psychological research.