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. Shelley Errington Nicholson, educator, social justice advocate, and Dean of Students at Greenfield Community College. With extensive experience in student development, advising, volunteer management, public speaking, assessment, and grant writing, Shelley has dedicated her career to empowering students and advancing equity in higher education.
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In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Michael Heim, Director of Federal Grants – Migrant Education Student Access & Support (MESAS) at Washington State University. Michael leads with a coach-first philosophy, developing high-performing teams, empowering student leaders, and cultivating community partnerships with a special focus on advancing Latinx (HSI) initiatives that deliver measurable student success.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Ryan P. Barone, Assistant Vice President for Student Success at Colorado State University. A first-generation college graduate turned higher education leader, Ryan bridges academic affairs and student affairs to drive campus-wide strategies that foster belonging, equity, and achievement. He oversees key initiatives, including the Academic Advancement Centre, McNair Scholars Program, Scholar Success Programs, Key Communities, and University Learning Communities, all designed to help students navigate, thrive, and graduate.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Kelly Soucy, Associate Dean of Students at The University of Texas at Austin. A compassionate higher education leader dedicated to supporting the whole student, Dr. Soucy brings a wealth of experience in fostering belonging, well-being, and academic success across diverse student communities.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Darryl B. Holloman, Vice President for Student Affairs at Spelman College and NASPA Board Chair (2025–2028). With nearly three decades of higher education leadership, Dr. Holloman has dedicated his career to advancing student success, fostering community, and shaping inclusive learning environments.
