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 Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Amanda Jordan, Director of Student Experience at Chattanooga State Community College. With over 15 years of experience across community colleges and universities, Amanda has built a career dedicated to student engagement, first-generation advocacy, and leadership development. Ben and Amanda explore her work leading campus-wide initiatives that promote socio-academic integration and belonging, from student leadership organizations and international student programming to intramural sports and first-generation support. Drawing on her background in advising, coaching, admissions, and orientation, she shares practical insights on how student affairs and academic services can align to create inclusive, student-centred environments.
In this episode of Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Harry Ingle, Jr., Executive Director for Student Affairs and an experienced higher education leader dedicated to advancing student development and institutional success. With a strong background in enrollment management, leadership, and student recruitment, Harry has spent his career driving initiatives that foster student persistence and achievement. Skilled in operational management and technology systems such as Ellucian Banner, he combines strategic oversight with a student-centred approach to create programs that support retention and growth. Ben and Harry discuss his research interests in student recruitment and persistence, his approach to building high-performing teams, and how effective management and innovation can elevate the student experience.
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Welcome to Campus Changemakers, where Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with the innovators transforming the student experience. In this episode, we meet Cynthia Aguilar, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). With nearly two decades in student affairs, Cynthia is driving initiatives that strengthen belonging, leadership, and well-being across campus. From overseeing student engagement and media to supporting student parents and promoting equity, her leadership embodies UTEP’s mission of accessible, high-quality education for all. Join Ben and Cynthia as they explore what it means to lead with empathy, empower student voices, and redefine the modern university experience.
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In this episode of Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Matt Daily, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, a passionate advocate for first-generation and low-income student success. A culturally responsive higher education leader, Matt has spent his career designing and implementing high-impact programs that drive equity, belonging, and long-term student achievement. His innovative curriculum for first-generation students has been adopted by colleges and universities across the nation, setting new standards for inclusive education and student support. Ben and Matt explore what it means to lead with purpose, the importance of equity-informed decision-making, and how institutions can turn advocacy into actionable change.
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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.
