Campus Changemakers

Dr. Laurie Borowitz | Kishwaukee College

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College, to explore what it takes to drive transformational student success in community college education. With a career spanning counseling, student services, and executive leadership, Dr. Borowicz shares how a relentless focus on data, culture, and continuous improvement has helped Kishwaukee College achieve record student completion and achievement outcomes. The conversation dives into leadership, accountability, technology, and the importance of creating an environment where innovation and student success can thrive. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful message: when institutions combine high expectations with strong support systems, students can achieve more than they ever thought possible. Dr. Borowicz reflects on the transformative impact community colleges have on individuals, families, and entire communitiesand why creating opportunities for learners remains her greatest motivation.

Dr. Shannon Kennedy | Rappahannock Community College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Shannon Kennedy, President of Rappahannock Community College, to discuss leadership, student success, and the transformative role community colleges play in rural communities. Drawing on nearly three decades in higher education, Dr. Kennedy shares her journey from broadcast journalism to college leadership and reflects on what it means to lead an institution focused on access, opportunity, and workforce impact. The conversation explores whole-college transformation, shortened academic terms, student retention, career pathways, and the importance of building systems that help students persist through life’s challenges. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful belief: student success starts with showing up, staying connected, and creating an institution that is willing to evolve alongside the students it serves.

Dr. Kristen Raney | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Kristin Rainey, President of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), to explore what it takes to create systems that truly support student success. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in community and technical college leadership, Dr. Rainey shares her journey into higher education, her passion for expanding opportunity, and how NWTC is rethinking transfer pathways, workforce outcomes, and student support. The conversation explores whole-college transformation, leadership, data-informed decision-making, and the importance of building systems that help students persist and thrive. At the heart of the episode is a powerful reminder: students do not need to work harder to succeed—institutions need to create better systems, stronger supports, and clearer pathways that help every learner reach their potential.

Dr. Monty Randall | College of the Muscogee Nation

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Monty Randall, President of the College of the Muscogee Nation, to explore how higher education can strengthen culture, community, and tribal sovereignty. Drawing on his own journey as a veteran, first-generation college student, and tribal college graduate, Dr. Randall shares how reconnecting with language and culture transformed his educational experience and shaped his vision for student success. The conversation explores cultural revitalization, Indigenous student support, community vibrancy, career pathways, and the unique role tribal colleges play in preserving identity while preparing students for the future. At the heart of the episode is a powerful message: when students feel connected to their culture, community, and purpose, they are empowered to thrive both in higher education and beyond.

Dr Bradley Barrick | Montcalm Community College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Bradley Barrick, President of Montcalm Community College, to explore what it means to build a truly student-ready institution in today’s rapidly changing higher education landscape. Drawing from his own journey as a community college graduate, Dr. Barrick shares how MCC is rethinking student success through holistic support, community connection, and a deep commitment to listening to student voices. The conversation dives into enrollment growth, student housing, mental health, AI readiness, food insecurity initiatives, and why community colleges must adapt to students not the other way around. At the heart of the episode is a powerful belief that education works best when students feel supported, connected, and never alone in their journey.