In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Adam Klepetar, Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at Berkshire Community College, to explore the power of community colleges, holistic student support, and the human side of student success. Adam shares how his own transformational college experience shaped a career dedicated to creating access and opportunity for students. Together, Ben and Adam discuss Berkshire’s remarkable recent growth, the impact of Massachusetts’ free community college initiative, and why investing in advising, mental health, and essential needs support is critical to improving student outcomes. The conversation also dives into leadership, student development theory, AI in higher education, and the importance of preserving human connection in an increasingly digital world. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful idea: higher education works best when students feel seen, supported, and connected to a community that believes in their potential.
.png)
Ben sits down with Michael Burgess from Western Sydney University. Michael Burgess joined Western Sydney University in February 2016 as the Chief Student Experience Officer and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in complex consumer environments.
%2520(1).png)
In this episode of the student edition of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Sharna Silloux, Vygo’s Global Community Lead, sits down with Natasha Do from Deakin University.
Professor Mark Hoffman is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and a Vice-President of the University of Newcastle. In this role he is responsible for the academic activities of the University including its education programs, encompassing: enabling and pathways programs; the Wollotuka Institute for advancement and leadership of Indigenous education; and education innovation and technology.
Ben sits down with Matt Hoskins from Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild. He is currently the Head of Student Services and leads nine very talented teams in the delivery of a range of programs, events and services.
Ben sits down with Prof.Kris Ryan from Monash University. Kris has been with the University since 2009 and is currently the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), leading a portfolio that includes student experience, diversity and inclusion, education innovation and education policy.
