MARIETTA, OHIO — Dean Moore began his college journey as a first-generation student from a low-income family with a clear goal: to build a career in the financial services industry. When it came time to choose a college, Moore knew Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) was the right fit. Its affordability and proximity to home allowed him to balance part-time work with his studies, making higher education both accessible and achievable.
While attending WSCO, Moore received both a scholarship and grant that enabled him to complete his education cost-free. Moore also entered WSCO with confidence, having previously taken College Credit Plus (CCP) courses with WSCO while he was a student at Morgan High School. He ultimately graduated from WSCO in 2008 with an associate degree in Accounting Technology and completed coursework toward a second major or transfer pathway in business administration.
Reflecting on his experience, Moore credits WSCO’s faculty for their support and approachability. “Most of the professors were down-to-earth, easy to work with, and seemed to enjoy their teaching role,” shared Moore.
He also emphasized the impact of WSCO’s small class sizes. “I believe the professors genuinely got to know me and took time to understand my background and goals,” he said. “That allowed for more personalized instruction and additional time spent helping me fully understand course concepts.” The close-knit learning environment helped build lasting relationships. “I’ve maintained connections with several classmates through social media, even as we’ve all taken different paths in life,” said Moore.
Moore currently serves as Vice President and Operations Analyst at Peoples State Bank. In this role, he is responsible for analyzing balance sheets, income statements, and other financial data to ensure the bank operates efficiently, aligns with the strategic vision of leadership and the board, and meets profitability goals. He notes that many of the skills required in his position were developed at WSCO. “Courses such as managerial accounting, cost accounting, and finance were extremely valuable to me,” Moore said. “The principles I learned continue to assist me with risk management, vendor due diligence, financial analysis, and goal setting.”
WSCO’s accounting and business administration courses provided Moore with a strong foundation for his career in banking. He credits both the education and professional connections he gained through the college as vital to his success. “I’ve been able to network with other WSCO graduates, which has been incredibly valuable in the banking industry,” Moore said. “Several people I’ve crossed paths with professionally also attended Washington State at some point.”
While Moore has not pursued additional traditional degrees, he has continued to invest in career-focused education. He is a graduate of the Ohio Bankers League’s Bank Leadership Institute and Bank Management School and has earned a Certificate in Risk Management Frameworks from the American Bankers Association, among other professional trainings. “I am a strong proponent of specific, career-oriented educational opportunities,” he shared.
Moore’s connection to WSCO extends well beyond his time as a student. He currently serves on the WSCO Foundation Board of Directors, which is committed to shaping the future and supporting the continuous development of students, faculty, staff, and alumni through philanthropic assistance that advances the College’s mission and positively impacts the communities it serves. “I cannot overstate how much of an impact attending Washington State has made on my life,” Moore shared. “That’s why I care so deeply about the college and am proud to serve on the Foundation Board.”
He credits WSCO as having a defining impact on both his professional and personal life. “Without the education, connections, and experiences at Washington State, I don’t believe I would be the Vice President and Operations Analyst of a community bank,” he said. “So much of my life would be completely different.”
