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.
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Ben sits down with Jessica Luquin from the University of New South Wales. Jessica currently leads the student engagement team at the university. Her team aims to ensure that every first-year student at UNSW has access to a qualified mentor and a quality orientation and transition experience.
Ben sits down with Georgia Baker from the University of Queensland. She is currently the International Student Advisor for the faculty of engineering, architecture and information technology at the university and has been with the University for over 10 years.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani sits down with Gareth Trainer from the University of Sunderland. He is currently the Head of the Centre for Graduate Prospects at the University.
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Ben sits down with Associate Professor Fion Lim from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Fion is currently the Director of the UTS Learning Centre (SILC) and has over a decade of experience in various forms of international education.
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Ben sits down with Christa Smith from the Sheridan Institute of Higher Education. Christa is currently the Director of Student Services at the Institute and is passionate about quality education for students of every age.
