Community Conversations: From local to global engagement

From Advisor to Assistant Provost: Dr. Jaria C. Bush’s Journey in Higher Education Leadership

In this episode, Dr. Jaria C. Bush shares her journey through higher education—beginning as an academic advisor and rising to Assistant Provost for Student Management at the University of Bridgeport. She reflects on the pivotal experiences that shaped her leadership approach and how she intentionally supports and empowers her staff along the way. Since the recording of this episode, Dr. Bush has transitioned from her role at the University of Bridgeport and relocated to Atlanta, marking an exciting new chapter in her professional journey.

From Bond to Comic Books: Exploring Culture with Dr. Brian A. Dixon

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Brian A. Dixon, a cultural studies scholar and college English professor with over twenty years of teaching experience. Dr. Dixon shares insights from his work at Goodwin University and his research on popular culture, literature, and media—from comic book archetypes and detective fiction to British sitcoms and the cultural legacy of James Bond. Blending scholarship, teaching, and creative writing, Dr. Dixon reflects on how cultural studies helps us better understand storytelling, identity, and the world around us.

From Practice to Professor: Lessons from a Respiratory Care Leader

Michael Murphy, Program Director of Respiratory Care at Goodwin University, shares his journey from practicing respiratory therapist to professor and academic leader. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his career, his transition into teaching, and his passion for preparing the next generation of respiratory care professionals.

Feeding Hope: Aubrey Roscoe’s Journey to End Food Insecurity in Connecticut

In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Roscoe, a passionate public health leader whose career has been driven by one purpose — putting people and communities first. From her beginnings in community health to her leadership at the Institute for Hunger Research and Solutions at Connecticut Foodshare, Aubrey has dedicated her work to tackling one of our most pressing challenges: food insecurity. Join us as Aubrey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the hope she finds in communities coming together to ensure every family has access to nutritious food. Her story is a reminder that lasting change starts with compassion, collaboration, and the courage to act.

From First-Gen to Faculty: Professor Heather Jimenez’s Journey

In this inspiring episode, Professor Heather Jimenez shares her powerful journey as a first-generation college student. From key moments in her childhood to her academic path and eventual transition into a professional career, Professor Jimenez opens up about the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path to becoming a professor. She also dives into her impactful work in public health, where she supported patients and helped them access critical resources. Throughout the episode, she highlights how transferable skills played a vital role in her growth and career evolution. Tune in to hear how resilience, purpose, and adaptability can open unexpected doors.