The conversation with Sir David Bell, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Sunderland, delves into the intersection of education and community development. Sir David emphasizes the importance of a strong university-city relationship and the role of universities in preparing good citizens and work-ready individuals. He also discusses the challenges faced by universities in maintaining their social license and the need for education to provide tools for informed decision-making. Takeaways University-city relationship Preparing good citizens and work-ready individuals Challenges in maintaining social license Education's role in providing tools for informed decision-making
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Campus Changemakers is a podcast where U.S. college leaders share stories, lessons, and ideas about shaping the student experience. In this episode, 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 diving headfirst into student life as an undergraduate to becoming a thoughtful, intentional leader who brings diverse teams together to identify opportunities and implement meaningful solutions. With a background rooted in first-generation student support, LaNaé shares insights on building inclusive programs, fostering belonging, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Campus Changemakers is a podcast where U.S. college leaders share stories, lessons, and ideas about shaping the student experience. In this episode, host Ben Hallett, Co-CEO of Vygo, sits down with Ana Velázquez—Director of Equity and Justice, first-generation Latina educator, and dedicated equity accomplice. Ana reflects on her journey as a first-generation student and how it inspires her equity-driven leadership. From building inclusive programs to championing social justice at the institutional level, she shares actionable strategies for creating belonging and breaking down systemic barriers. This conversation highlights how campus leaders like Ana are driving innovation, connection, and meaningful change for the next generation of learners.
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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 University. Under her leadership, WSU Tech has become Kansas’ largest technical college and the managing partner for the National Center for Aviation Training, setting the national standard for innovation in applied learning.
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 opportunity in higher education. A U.S. Army veteran and former adult learner, he has built his career on the belief that education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
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 rethink their role in creating equitable systems of learning. His leadership at Delta College reflects his lifelong commitment to using education as a tool for transformation — bridging access, inclusion, and innovation to empower both individuals and communities.
