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.
Campus Changemakers is a podcast where U.S. college leaders share stories, lessons, and ideas about shaping the student experience. In this episode, host Ben Hallett, Co-CEO of Vygo, sits down with Ana Velázquez—Director of Equity and Justice, first-generation Latina educator, and dedicated equity accomplice. Ana reflects on her journey as a first-generation student and how it inspires her equity-driven leadership. From building inclusive programs to championing social justice at the institutional level, she shares actionable strategies for creating belonging and breaking down systemic barriers. This conversation highlights how campus leaders like Ana are driving innovation, connection, and meaningful change for the next generation of learners.
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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.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Rick MacLennan, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District, where he leads Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura Colleges in advancing equitable, student-centered education across Southern California. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in community colleges across Idaho, Maryland, and Washington, Dr. MacLennan brings a deep understanding of access, equity, and opportunity in higher education. A U.S. Army veteran and former adult learner, he has built his career on the belief that education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Mike Gavin, President of Delta College, Aspen Presidential Fellow, and founder of Education for All — a movement that positions higher education as a vehicle for social justice, economic mobility, and the development of a more humane society. A respected scholar and thought leader, Dr. Gavin has authored two influential books on race and higher education, challenging institutions to rethink their role in creating equitable systems of learning. His leadership at Delta College reflects his lifelong commitment to using education as a tool for transformation — bridging access, inclusion, and innovation to empower both individuals and communities.
In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Howard Spearman, President of Rock Valley College, to discuss his mission to inspire others, build collaborative learning environments, and lead with purpose in higher education. A visionary community college leader, Dr. Spearman is deeply committed to empowering students and educators alike—developing and implementing a clear, student-centered vision that turns learning into a lived reality. His leadership is grounded in collaboration, positivity, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education to shape both personal and professional growth.
