In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College, to explore what it takes to drive student success in one of the most diverse and high-need communities in the United States. With over four decades in higher education, Dr Reber shares how HCCC has transformed outcomes by removing barriers, scaling student support, and building a deeply student-centred culture. From tackling food and housing insecurity to doubling completion rates, this conversation highlights how equity-driven leadership can create real, generational impact. A powerful discussion on access, resilience, and what it truly means to meet students where they are.
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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.
