What Matters Most with President Paino

University of Mary Washington

What drives curiosity? What fuels purpose? What matters most? In this official podcast from the University of Mary Washington, President Troy Paino sits down with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to explore the ideas, experiences and connections that shape their lives and work. From groundbreaking research to creative pursuits, from classroom moments to career milestones, each episode uncovers the heart of a UMW education—and the people who bring it to life.

Episodes

  1. FEB 2

    What Matters Most with Professor and Director of the Arts Gregg Stull

    In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with Gregg Stull, Professor of Theatre and Director of the Arts at the University of Mary Washington. A UMW alumnus with nearly five decades of connection to the University, Stull reflects on his journey from first‑year theatre student to influential educator and leader. He shares why a Mary Washington education is about far more than a major, how experiential learning shapes confident creators, and why the arts play a powerful role in helping students understand themselves and the world around them. Stull also offers an inside look at UMW’s emerging arts initiatives, including the new theatre complex and his vision for elevating the arts across campus and throughout the community. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on January 20, 2026.

    34 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    What Matters Most with Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-Presidents

    In this episode of What Matters Most, we’re joined by SAAC Co-Presidents Jay Hooker, Sophie Hubbard and Kalani Moore from the University of Mary Washington. Together, they share what it means to lead and advocate for student-athletes while balancing academics, athletics and campus involvement. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on November 24, 2025.

    39 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    What Matters Most with Professor and Director of Center for AI Anand Rao

    In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with Anand Rao, Professor of Communication and Digital Studies and Director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington. A nationally recognized leader in AI education, Rao is passionate about integrating artificial intelligence into the liberal arts while preserving human creativity and critical thinking. He shares insights from his work on ethical AI adoption, debate-centered learning, and preparing students for an AI-driven future. This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on October 24, 2025.

    57 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    What Matters Most with Student Leaders Amira Said and Adam McAninley 

    In the first episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with student leaders Amira Said '26 and Adam McAninley '27. Amira is a senior, environmental science major and a catalyst for sustainability efforts on campus. Adam is a junior, double-major in political science and environmental science, whose passion for honor fueled not only his decision to attend UMW but his role as a student leader. Together, the two discuss internship experiences, core values, role models and what matters most to them as UMW students.This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on September 30, 2025.

    43 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

What drives curiosity? What fuels purpose? What matters most? In this official podcast from the University of Mary Washington, President Troy Paino sits down with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to explore the ideas, experiences and connections that shape their lives and work. From groundbreaking research to creative pursuits, from classroom moments to career milestones, each episode uncovers the heart of a UMW education—and the people who bring it to life.

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