In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State Community College, live from the Dream Conference 2026. With over 25 years in higher education, Dr. Jackson shares how Nashville State is transforming from an access-focused institution to one centered on completion and post-graduation success. From launching a bold Vision 2030 strategy to scaling student support through success coaches and data-driven decision-making, this conversation explores what it truly takes to improve outcomes at scale.
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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.
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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.
