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 the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with MeShonya “Dr. MeMe” Wren-Coleman, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students at Bethel College – North Newton. A dynamic higher education leader, Dr. MeMe brings a data-driven, results-oriented approach to designing and improving student success programs that meet the highest standards of best practice, technology integration, and compliance.
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.
