Campus Changemakers

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.

Dr. Sheri Rowland | Tallahassee State College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr Sheri Rowland, Vice President of Student Affairs at Tallahassee State College, to explore holistic student support, innovation in student affairs, and what it takes to truly meet students where they are. Sheri shares how TSC built a campus-wide “Culture of Care” model focused on connection, academics, resources, and engagement helping students navigate everything from academic planning to food insecurity and mental health support. The conversation also dives into leadership, AI in student services, career readiness, and the evolving role of community colleges in preparing students for an unpredictable future. At the heart of the episode is a powerful reminder that student success starts with understanding and supporting the whole student not just academically, but personally, emotionally, and professionally.

Adam Klepetar | Berkshire Community College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Adam Klepetar, Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at Berkshire Community College, to explore the power of community colleges, holistic student support, and the human side of student success. Adam shares how his own transformational college experience shaped a career dedicated to creating access and opportunity for students. Together, Ben and Adam discuss Berkshire’s remarkable recent growth, the impact of Massachusetts’ free community college initiative, and why investing in advising, mental health, and essential needs support is critical to improving student outcomes. The conversation also dives into leadership, student development theory, AI in higher education, and the importance of preserving human connection in an increasingly digital world. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful idea: higher education works best when students feel seen, supported, and connected to a community that believes in their potential.

Dr. Mark Brainard | Delaware Technical Community College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Mark Brainard, President of Delaware Technical Community College, for a powerful conversation about student success, community colleges, and the life-changing impact of accessible education. Throughout the episode, Ben and Mark explore how Delaware Tech has spent the last two decades intentionally improving graduation and completion rates by rethinking how the institution supports students academically and holistically. The episode also explores the long-term impact of Achieving the Dream, the importance of mission-driven leadership, and why community colleges remain one of the most transformational forces in education today.

Dr. Christine Mangino | Queensborough Community College

In this episode of the Campus Changemakers Podcast, Ben Hallett sits down with Dr. Christine Mangino, President of Queensborough Community College, for a thoughtful conversation about equity, belonging, and what it truly takes to help every student succeed in higher education. As a first-generation college student who began her own journey at Nassau Community College, Dr. Mangino brings both personal experience and institutional leadership to the discussion. Now leading one of the most diverse community colleges in the United States, she shares how Queensborough Community College is building a culture of care that supports students from more than 117 countries and over 80 language backgrounds. Throughout the episode, Ben and Christine explore how data can be used not just to measure outcomes, but to uncover barriers and drive meaningful institutional change. From equity dashboards and first-year experience programs to redesigned gateway courses and proactive student support systems, the conversation highlights how Queensborough is working to close achievement gaps and improve retention for all students. This conversation is essential listening for educators, student success leaders, and anyone passionate about building more equitable and human-centered college experiences.