In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College, to explore what it takes to drive student success in one of the most diverse and high-need communities in the United States. With over four decades in higher education, Dr Reber shares how HCCC has transformed outcomes by removing barriers, scaling student support, and building a deeply student-centred culture. From tackling food and housing insecurity to doubling completion rates, this conversation highlights how equity-driven leadership can create real, generational impact. A powerful discussion on access, resilience, and what it truly means to meet students where they are.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College, to explore what it takes to drive student success in one of the most diverse and high-need communities in the United States. With over four decades in higher education, Dr Reber shares how HCCC has transformed outcomes by removing barriers, scaling student support, and building a deeply student-centred culture. From tackling food and housing insecurity to doubling completion rates, this conversation highlights how equity-driven leadership can create real, generational impact. A powerful discussion on access, resilience, and what it truly means to meet students where they are.
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In this episode of Campus Changemakers, 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 — modernizing 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. Ben and President Haynie discuss what it means to lead with purpose, the evolving role of community colleges in the U.S., and how institutions can remain agile, relevant, and mission-driven in a changing higher education landscape.
In this episode of Campus Changemakers, 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 support, and a vibrant campus culture that guides students from exploration to enrollment — and onward to long-term success. Drawing on his expertise in enrollment management and student development, Seth shares strategies for creating pathways that not only attract prospective students but also sustain retention and achievement once they arrive.
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In this episode of Campus Changemakers, 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 how APUS, one of the largest and most mission-driven online universities in the United States, is expanding its impact on military, veteran, adult, and international learners while advancing quality, engagement, and student success. Nuno shares his insights on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance access and personalization, and reflects on the leadership lessons from his journey across global education, technology, and business.
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In this episode of Campus Changemakers, 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 Director of the Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities to leading student success efforts at Texas State. They discuss how Dr. Preston leverages technology, strategic planning, and cross-campus partnerships to create a university-wide culture of success, while ensuring equitable access for underserved communities.
