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.
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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.
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In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Amanda Shelnutt, Director of First-Generation Student Success at Oberlin College. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment, equity, and the arts, Amanda has dedicated her career to creating inclusive spaces where students can thrive, connect, and lead.
