In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Sheree Utash, President of Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) a visionary leader transforming the landscape of technical education and workforce development. Since assuming the presidency in 2015, Dr. Utash has led WSU Tech through a remarkable period of growth and change, including its pivotal 2018 affiliation with Wichita State Universi...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Rick MacLennan, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District, where he leads Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges in advancing equitable, student-centered education across Southern California. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in community colleges across Idaho, Maryland, and Washington, Dr. MacLennan brings a deep understanding of access, equity, and op...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor of the Colleges at State Center Community College District. With a career spanning decades in leadership, student success, and community engagement, Carole has become a driving force in advancing equitable access and excellence across California’s community colleges. A proven leader with a passion for collaboration, Dr. Goldsmith has led teams to deliver tr...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Howard Spearman, President of Rock Valley College, to discuss his mission to inspire others, build collaborative learning environments, and lead with purpose in higher education. A visionary community college leader, Dr. Spearman is deeply committed to empowering students and educators alike—developing and implementing a clear, student-centered vision that turns learning into a lived r...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Mike Gavin, President of Delta College, Aspen Presidential Fellow, and founder of Education for All — a movement that positions higher education as a vehicle for social justice, economic mobility, and the development of a more humane society. A respected scholar and thought leader, Dr. Gavin has authored two influential books on race and higher education, challenging institutions to re...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. John Enamait, President of Stanly Community College and Chair-Elect of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). A steadfast advocate for rural innovation, opportunity, and student success, John has dedicated his career to ensuring that education transforms lives and strengthens communities. With a leadership philosophy rooted in access, equity, and workforce readiness, Dr...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with President Todd Haynie, the 22nd President of Eastern Arizona College, where he has dedicated over 25 years to expanding access, opportunity, and excellence in community college education. A proud native of Arizona’s Gila Valley and an EAC alumnus, President Haynie has led the institution through a period of transformation modernising its image, expanding degree offerings, and strengthening...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Matt Daily, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, to explore his mission of empowering first-generation and low-income students through culturally responsive leadership and innovative program design. A passionate higher education advocate, Matt has built and led high-impact initiatives that redefine how institutions support student success. With over eight y...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Cynthia Aguilar, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). With nearly 15 years of higher education experience, Cynthia has built her career around advocacy, leadership, and empowering students to thrive. A proud UTEP alumna, she now leads critical programs that shape student success from leadership development and student conduct to health...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Amanda Jordan, Director of Student Experience at Chattanooga State Community College. With over 15 years of experience across community colleges and universities, Amanda has built a career dedicated to student engagement, first-generation advocacy, and leadership development. Ben and Amanda explore her work leading campus-wide initiatives that promote socio-academic integration and belo...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Nuno Fernandes, President of the American Public University System (APUS), to explore his mission to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and outcomes-driven. Since taking office in 2022, Nuno has been leading a global digital transformation, integrating personalized, collaborative, and tech-powered learning experiences to prepare students for the future. Ben and Nuno discuss...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Seth Harden, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Jackson State Community College. A strategic higher education leader, Seth is committed to empowering students through inclusive initiatives that span high school engagement, recruitment, academic advising, and student life. Ben and Seth explore how his mission-driven approach fosters strong partnerships, personalized suppor...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Michael Preston, Associate Vice President for Student Success at Texas State University. A first-generation college graduate and higher education leader with nearly 25 years of experience, Dr. Preston brings a proven record of driving innovation and collaboration to advance student retention, graduation, and post-graduation outcomes. Ben and Michael explore his journey from Executive D...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Harry Ingle, Jr., Executive Director for Student Affairs and an experienced higher education leader dedicated to advancing student development and institutional success. With a strong background in enrollment management, leadership, and student recruitment, Harry has spent his career driving initiatives that foster student persistence and achievement. Skilled in operational management ...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. LaNaé Budden, Director of the First-Generation Center at the University of South Carolina. A higher education and organizational development executive with a passion for helping others feel seen, connected, supported, and proud, LaNaé has dedicated her career to enhancing the student experience while growing as a leader and lifelong learner. Ben and LaNaé explore her journey from divi...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Ana Velázquez, Director of Equity and Justice, first-generation Latina educator, and committed equity accomplice. Ana is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers in higher education and creating pathways that empower underrepresented students to thrive. Ben and Ana explore her inspiring journey as a first-generation student and how it fuels her passion for equity-driven leadership. From ...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Han Kiat Ho, Dean of Students at the National University of Singapore (NUS). As a dedicated higher education leader, Han Kiat oversees student affairs at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities, guiding programs and policies that foster belonging, personal growth, and holistic success for a diverse global student body. Ben and Han Kiat explore how NUS supports students in navigating ac...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Kimberly Burgess, Executive Director of Student Success at Albany State University, an accomplished higher education professional specialising in advising, first-year experience, student success, and academic planning. A dynamic speaker and program developer, Kimberly has led initiatives across online universities, large public institutions, and HBCUs, shaping retention strategies, enh...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Joel Di Trapani and Vygo’s Director of Sales Lyndin Smith-Francis sit down with Professor Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity. With more than five years at the helm of one of Australia’s largest regional universities, Professor Klomp has championed a mission to unlock the potential of regional Australia through equitable access to world-class education and training. Together, they explore how r...

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with MeShonya “Dr. MeMe” Wren-Coleman, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students at Bethel College – North Newton. A dynamic higher education leader, Dr. MeMe brings a data-driven, results-oriented approach to designing and improving student success programs that meet the highest standards of best practice, technology integration, and compliance. Ben and Dr. MeMe explore her leader...