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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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. Enamait is redefining how community colleges prepare students for meaningful futures—locally and nationally. His work champions the importance of policy advocacy and collaboration across institutions to empower students from all backgrounds, particularly in underserved regions.
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 transformative outcomes through innovative policy development, budget stewardship, and strategic partnerships that center student achievement. Her leadership philosophy—grounded in compassion, accountability, and service—reflects her lifelong commitment to building strong, inclusive communities.
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 its influence in state and national education policy. Under his leadership, Eastern Arizona College has continued its 137-year legacy of community impact while embracing innovation and student-centred success.
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 years of experience in curriculum and program development, he has designed best-practice frameworks for first-generation student support now implemented across colleges and universities nationwide.
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, wellness, and community engagement.
