Central Speaks: A UCM Podcast

UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications

Welcome to Central Speaks, the podcast that puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who propel the University of Central Missouri forward. On each episode, we delve into the stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond. Central Speaks is all about hearing directly from UCM’s changemakers as they share how they push boundaries and inspire colleagues and students—redefining what’s possible, every day.

  1. How UCM Meets the Moment: President Roger Best on the Three C’s

    May 14

    How UCM Meets the Moment: President Roger Best on the Three C’s

    University of Central Missouri (UCM) President Roger Best joins Central Speaks to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping higher education today, and how faculty and staff can help UCM meet this moment in service to students. The conversation centers on what he describes as the “three C’s”: communication, change and community. President Best shares his perspective on the external forces affecting colleges and universities, the importance of clear and transparent communication, the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, and the role of belonging in supporting student success. He also highlights strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and the day-to-day work of helping UCM adapt while staying true to its mission of Education for Service. Throughout the conversation, President Best underscores that student success is not the responsibility of one office, department, or program. It depends on the collective efforts of faculty and staff across the university. And yes, we also get to the bottom of what happened to the pastries at Pastries with the President. Plus, stick around for a Final Fun Fact you won’t want to miss. Learn more about President Best here. Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Listen on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Visit the updated UCM News Bureau ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. © 2026 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood, director of university communications. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

    49 min
  2. Susan Smedley on IMC, Storytelling, and Service

    May 4

    Susan Smedley on IMC, Storytelling, and Service

    In this episode, Alex Greenwood talks with Vice President for the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications, Susan Smedley, about how IMC supports the University of Central Missouri (UCM) through strategy, storytelling, and service. Susan shares her path from advertising and private industry into higher education, and how that experience shapes her belief in access, opportunity and student success. The conversation also covers IMC’s role on campus, why brand consistency matters, how campus partners can work with IMC more effectively and why early collaboration leads to better results. At its core, Susan says, IMC exists to help UCM tell its stories well while supporting the university’s mission of “Education for service.” Listen in, and be sure to stick around after the credits for a sneak peek at our next episode. Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Listen on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Visit the updated UCM News Bureau ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. © 2026 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

    43 min
  3. From Undecided to Graduated with Dr. Maggie Segnitz

    Apr 27

    From Undecided to Graduated with Dr. Maggie Segnitz

    In this episode, Dr. Maggie Segnitz, Director of the Success Advising Center at the University of Central Missouri, shares insights into success advising, its role in student achievement, and how it differs from traditional advising. Discover how UCM supports students from undecided majors to graduation and the importance of relationship-building in higher education. Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Listen on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Visit the updated UCM News Bureau ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. © 2026 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

    40 min
  4. David Pearce on Government, Education, and Community

    11/07/2025

    David Pearce on Government, Education, and Community

    In this Season Three premiere, host Alex Greenwood talks with "the Great Connector," David Pearce, UCM’s Executive Director for Governmental Relations, about his path from politics to higher education advocacy. David breaks down how relationships drive real progress in Jefferson City, recent legislative wins that matter for UCM, and why civic engagement still counts. Listen in to David on the Callis Insights podcast from 2023 here. Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Listen on Spotify ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Listen on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Visit the updated UCM News Bureau ⁠here⁠. 💡 Have an idea for a future guest? ⁠Email us⁠ with your nomination. © 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson. Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html⁠

    30 min
  5. Best of the ’Burg: A Central Speaks Roundup

    10/06/2025

    Best of the ’Burg: A Central Speaks Roundup

    This episode of Central Speaks examines the reasons why the University of Central Missouri was recognized in the Warrensburg Star-Journal’s Best of the Burg awards. From being a top place to work to Mules National Golf Club and Traditions Restaurant to student services and campus support, UCM earned recognition not just for what we do but also for how we do it. In that vein, we revisit some of the voices and stories that show what makes UCM stand out. You’ll hear from people across campus who make student success and community engagement more than just slogans; they make them a reality. Whether they’re supporting employees in the heat of summer, helping students design meaningful careers, or showing what belonging truly feels like, these stories reveal the people behind the honors. Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Listen on Spotify ⁠here⁠.Listen on Apple Podcasts ⁠here⁠.Visit the updated UCM News Bureau here. 💡 Have an idea for a future guest? Email us with your nomination. © 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson. Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html⁠

    14 min
  6. Ann McCoy on Shaping UCM’s Future Together

    09/23/2025 ·  Bonus

    Ann McCoy on Shaping UCM’s Future Together

    In this special edition of Central Speaks, host Alex Greenwood sits down with Dr. Ann McCoy, Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, to discuss the University of Central Missouri’s new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. This isn’t just another document; it’s a roadmap that will guide UCM’s next chapter in academics, student life, staff support, and community engagement. Dr. McCoy shares: Why every voice matters: How input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members will directly shape UCM’s priorities. What’s at stake: The plan will affect every corner of the university, from enrollment initiatives to faculty resources to campus facilities. How to get involved: Dr. McCoy provides details on the campus-wide survey now open to all stakeholders and explains why your feedback is essential. Behind the process: A transparent look at the steps from early interviews and surveys to the Board of Governors’ final adoption. A personal note: On a personal note, Dr. McCoy shares a fun fact about how she literally keeps afloat in a busy world. Whether you’re a student wondering “what’s in it for me,” a faculty member thinking about resources, a staff member focused on workplace culture, or a community partner invested in UCM’s future, this conversation shows why your participation is vital in charting the course for the next five years. 🔗 Learn more and follow updates: UCM Strategic Plan 2026–2031. Subscribe to Central Speaks so you never miss a conversation about the people and ideas shaping the University of Central Missouri. Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Listen on Spotify here.Listen on Apple Podcasts here. © 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson. Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

    15 min
  7. Standards, Support, and Second Chances: Ed Wirthwein on Student Success

    06/27/2025

    Standards, Support, and Second Chances: Ed Wirthwein on Student Success

    In this episode, Ed Wirthwein, the director of Community Standards and Support at the University of Central Missouri, shares his journey from being a student at UCM to becoming a vital part of the university's staff, emphasizing the importance of student support, mentorship, and community standards. He discusses his role in helping students navigate challenges, the significance of Greek life in fostering leadership skills, and his involvement in the Staff Council to advocate for staff interests. Ed's passion for student success and his commitment to creating a supportive environment at UCM shine throughout the conversation. Listen in! Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Listen on Spotify here.Listen on Apple Podcasts here. © 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson. Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

    39 min
  8. Central Speaks Summer Update

    05/28/2025 ·  Bonus

    Central Speaks Summer Update

    We're taking a short summer break—but not going silent! Coming in June, tune in for fresh interviews and a special “Best Of” episode featuring highlights from our first season. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode—and visit us online at https://www.ucmo.edu/news/central-speaks/. © 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1 min
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About

Welcome to Central Speaks, the podcast that puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who propel the University of Central Missouri forward. On each episode, we delve into the stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond. Central Speaks is all about hearing directly from UCM’s changemakers as they share how they push boundaries and inspire colleagues and students—redefining what’s possible, every day.

Information

  • Creator
    UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications
  • Show Website
    Central Speaks: A UCM Podcast