Campus Changemakers

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Campus Changemakers is a podcast where U.S. college leaders share stories, lessons, and ideas about shaping the student experience. Hosted by Ben Hallett, Co-CEO of Vygo, each episode highlights the people driving innovation and connection on campuses today, and explores how their work is making a difference for the next generation of learners.

Episodes

  1. 10/28/2025

    President Todd Haynie | Eastern Arizona College

    In this episode of Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with President Todd Haynie, the 22nd President of Eastern Arizona College, where he has dedicated over 25 years to expanding access, opportunity, and excellence in community college education. A proud native of Arizona’s Gila Valley and an EAC alumnus, President Haynie has led the institution through a period of transformation — modernizing its image, expanding degree offerings, and strengthening its influence in state and national education policy. Under his leadership, Eastern Arizona College has continued its 137-year legacy of community impact while embracing innovation and student-centred success. Ben and President Haynie discuss what it means to lead with purpose, the evolving role of community colleges in the U.S., and how institutions can remain agile, relevant, and mission-driven in a changing higher education landscape.

    26 min

  2. 10/13/2025

    Dr. Amanda Jordan | Chattanooga State Community College

    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. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation in student experience, and why supporting diverse learners through intentional design is key to driving long-term student success.

    11 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    Dr. Harry Ingle, Jr. | Tennessee Technological University

    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.

    33 min

  4. 10/13/2025

    Dr. Michael Preston | Texas State University

    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.

    25 min

  5. 10/13/2025

    Nuno Fernandes | American Public University System

    In this episode of Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with  Nuno Fernandes, President of the American Public University System (APUS), to explore his mission to make higher education more accessible, affordable, and outcomes-driven. Since taking office in 2022, Nuno has been leading a global digital transformation, integrating personalized, collaborative, and tech-powered learning experiences to prepare students for the future. Ben and Nuno discuss how APUS, one of the largest and most mission-driven online universities in the United States, is expanding its impact on military, veteran, adult, and international learners while advancing quality, engagement, and student success. Nuno shares his insights on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance access and personalization, and reflects on the leadership lessons from his journey across global education, technology, and business.

    28 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Seth Harden | Jackson State Community College

    In this episode of Campus Changemakers, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Seth Harden, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management at Jackson State Community College. A strategic higher education leader, Seth is committed to empowering students through inclusive initiatives that span high school engagement, recruitment, academic advising, and student life. Ben and Seth explore how his mission-driven approach fosters strong partnerships, personalized support, and a vibrant campus culture that guides students from exploration to enrollment — and onward to long-term success. Drawing on his expertise in enrollment management and student development, Seth shares strategies for creating pathways that not only attract prospective students but also sustain retention and achievement once they arrive.

    21 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Cynthia Aguilar | The University of Texas at El Paso

    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.

    23 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Dr Matt Daily | Idaho State University

    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.

    40 min

  9. 10/03/2025

    Dr. LaNaé Budden | University of South Carolina

    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.

    16 min

  10. 10/03/2025

    Ana Velázquez | Northern Illinois University

    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.

    32 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Campus Changemakers is a podcast where U.S. college leaders share stories, lessons, and ideas about shaping the student experience. Hosted by Ben Hallett, Co-CEO of Vygo, each episode highlights the people driving innovation and connection on campuses today, and explores how their work is making a difference for the next generation of learners.

Information

  • Creator
    Vygo
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Campus Changemakers
  • Show Website
    Campus Changemakers