Mike Katz, President of Marketing, Strategy and Products at T-Mobile — and proud CSU alum — joins President Amy Parsons for an energizing conversation recorded at T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, ahead of the CSU vs. University of Washington football game. Mike shares how his start selling cellphones in retail stores while at CSU launched him into a 27-year career that’s shaped one of the most remarkable brand turnarounds in telecom history. Together, they dive into CSU’s growing partnership with T-Mobile, how to build a culture that fuels innovation, and Mike’s advice for students on how to make the most of opportunities — especially the unexpected ones.
Mike leads teams at T-Mobile responsible for shaping the company’s brand, long-term strategy, and driving innovation in customer experience. Over more than two decades with the company, he’s played a role in some of the company’s biggest moments, including the launch of its signature Un-carrier strategy, and expanded the company’s scope beyond wireless into broadband, advertising and digital-first customer experiences. For three years in a row, Forbes has named him one of its 50 Most Influential CMOs.
Previously as president of the T-Mobile Business Group, Mike oversaw rapid growth in enterprise and government partnerships and helped launch initiatives like Project 10Million, the company’s flagship philanthropic effort to connect millions of under-connected K-12 students across the country with free or subsidized internet service and hotspots.
Originally from Carbondale, Colorado, Mike graduated from CSU in 2000 with a B.A. in sociology. For the past six years, he has served on the College of Business board and, a decade ago, co-founded a scholarship that provides full-ride support for Carbondale students pursuing business or construction management. Through his leadership, T-Mobile’s partnership with CSU has established 10 scholarships across multiple campuses and supports the university’s land-grant mission through rural engagement initiatives, an annual CSU Showcase event, and the Green and Gold Guard NIL Collective for student-athletes. Finally — and probably most important — he is also a proud husband and father.
What happens when a modern land-grant university and a global tech leader join forces? In this episode of The Next 150, CSU President Amy Parsons visits Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, WA, for a wide-ranging conversation with Chris Barry, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for U.S. Public Sector Industries.
Chris leads Microsoft’s national engagement across federal, state, and local governments, higher education, and the defense industry — a portfolio that includes nearly 3,500 professionals. As the executive sponsor for the Microsoft–CSU Division of IT partnership, he plays a key role in shaping how technology can support student success, research innovation, and institutional transformation.
Together, they explore how the partnership is expanding access to education, advancing research in areas like laser technology and fusion, and addressing growing cybersecurity needs. They also discuss the intersection of culture and technology, the human side of digital transformation, and how CSU can best serve learners far beyond its Fort Collins campus.
Plus, hear Chris’ advice for today’s students—emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and the importance of becoming AI literate in a rapidly evolving digital world.
More about Chris Barry:
Chris Barry, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leads the Public Sector Industries segment in the United States, encompassing the federal, state and local government, higher education, and defense industrial base sectors. Chris oversees a dedicated team of nearly 3,500 professionals who are dedicated to leveraging Microsoft Cloud and AI solutions to drive digital transformation, enhance productivity, and achieve business goals. His team comprises sales, service, and customer success experts who leverage their industry-specific knowledge to empower customers to achieve more. A seasoned technology leader and adept at driving transformational change, Chris has nearly 23 years of experience at Microsoft and has held leadership roles in sales and marketing for both Enterprise and Partner Groups in the U.S., Canada, and globally. Chris has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft’s Industry Solutions business, where he developed strategies to maximize impact for top industry accounts and scaled solutions through partner ecosystems and worldwide sales teams. Most recently, he served as President of Microsoft Canada, leading a team dedicated to delivering transformative outcomes for Canadians. Chris is passionate about driving meaningful and lasting relationships, building diverse and inclusive teams, and driving positive organizational outcomes. He believes culture is a powerful differentiator and delivering outstanding customer service requires leadership that emphasizes achievement, impeccable service, and problem-solving through autonomy and inventiveness. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for Toronto Global and splits his time between Seattle and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, photography and boating.
Before co-founding New Belgium Brewing and redefining purpose-driven, people-first entrepreneurship, Kim Jordan was a CSU student balancing social work classes, driving a school bus, and carving out a vision for her future. On this episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons sits down with Kim during her return to campus to receive an honorary doctorate degree during CSU’s commencement ceremony at Canvas Stadium. They explore how her unconventional journey shaped one of the largest and most respected craft beer companies in the country, and Kim shares powerful insights on leadership, sustainability, employee ownership, and the value of building a life that is interesting, not linear.
A trailblazer by every measure, Kim has received widespread recognition. She has been honored with the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal for Growth and Innovation, the Brewers Association Recognition Award, and the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Conservation Achievement Award. In February, Kim was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
She was named CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences Honor Alumna in 2017 and received the William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement Award in 2018.
Kim has also served on numerous national and regional boards and committees, including the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority, the Brewers Association Board, and the Governor’s Renewable Energy Authority. In December of 2024, Kim concluded an eight-year term on the CSU System Board of Governors, where she served two years as Chair. In 2013, Kim and her family launched the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation to champion social and environmental change through mission-driven philanthropy and impact investing.
In this conversation, recorded during CSU's inaugural Professional Bull Riders’ The Last Cowboy Standing, President Amy Parsons sits down with Rodeo legend Flint Rasmussen and standout CSU Rodeo Team member Ral'Shaun "YD" Descheny.
From Flint’s storied career as the most iconic entertainer in Western sports to YD’s rise as a student-athlete and top roper, this episode covers CSU's deep rodeo roots, the evolving world of bull riding, and what it means to lead with heart in and out of the arena.
Flint Rasmussen is one of the most recognized figures in rodeo entertainment and a legend in the arena. After graduating from Western Montana College with a degree in secondary education and teaching math and history, and coaching sports, Flint traded the classroom for the arena and went on to redefine the role of a rodeo entertainer. An eight-time ProRodeo Cowboys Association Clown of the Year and eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Clown and Barrelman, he became the exclusive entertainer for PBR’s premier tour for nearly two decades and a 26-time PBR World Finals Arena Entertainer. He helped shape the storytelling side of Western lifestyle as host of the talk show "Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen" for 20 years. A 2024 National Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee and 2025 Bull Riding Hall of Fame inductee, Flint now works on the corporate side of PBR. But above all, the Montanan values being known simply as Paige and Shelby’s dad.
YD Descheny, a Navajo student from Rock Point, Arizona, is forging his own path in the sport as a member of CSU’s Rodeo Team. After attending Diné College and Lamar Community College, YD is now a senior competing in team roping and studying equine science in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. He has already earned recognition as one of the top five headers in the Central Rocky Mountain Region and recently took home $15,000 at the 2025 World Series Team Roping Championships in Cheyenne. Representing both his heritage and CSU with pride, YD embodies the grit and promise of the next generation of rodeo athletes.
Don’t miss this behind-the-chutes episode of The Next 150 podcast.
In this standout episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons welcomes two of Colorado State University’s most accomplished alumni: Senator Polly Baca and Dr. Nate Easley. Both guests serve as members of the CSU System Board of Governors, and their journeys from CSU students to state and national leadership roles reflect the power of public higher education to shape lives and drive change. The episode concludes with thoughtful, personal advice for students navigating their own paths.
Senator Polly Baca, appointed to the CSU System Board of Governors in 2020, earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado State. She went on to make history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Colorado State Senate, the first woman of color to chair the Democratic Caucus in the Colorado House, and the first Hispanic woman in the U.S. nominated for Congress by a major political party. She worked for Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton, and served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee for eight years. Baca has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, the Colorado Latino Hall of Fame, and the National Hispanic Hall of Fame, with multiple awards named in her honor.
Dr. Nate Easley was also appointed to the Board in 2020, and currently serves as Vice Chair. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in history and his master’s degree in education from CSU, before completing his Ph.D. at American University. A national leader in educational equity, Easley has served as CEO of the $50 million Denver Scholarship Foundation and as President of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. He is the founder of Easley Found Solutions. He has held board leadership roles with the National College Attainment Network and School Board Partners, and has spent his career advancing college access for first-generation, low-income, and minoritized students.
Together, Baca and Easley reflect on the impact of their CSU experiences and how they continue to champion educational opportunity and student success across the state and beyond.
What does it mean to lead with purpose? How does access to education change lives? In this episode of The Next 150, CSU President Amy Parsons sits down with Katie Kramer, President and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation and a former Boettcher Scholar, along with Andrea Donlucas, a current CSU student and scholar. Together, they explore the life-changing impact of the Boettcher Scholarship, the role of community and mentorship in leadership development, and why investing in access to higher education is essential for Colorado’s future. Andrea shares her path from a first-generation student to a future educator and aspiring politician, while Katie reflects on her time in the program to now building inclusive leadership ecosystems across the state.
Before Eugene Daniels was serving as editor of the POLITICO playbook, co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, he was a defensive end and student journalist right here at Colorado State University. On this episode of The Next 150, Eugene returns to campus as CSU’s 2025 commencement speaker and reflects on the journey from CSU's student media to holding powerful people accountable through political reporting. He shares how CSU mentors helped him find his voice, how athletics taught him leadership and why he believes students belong in every room they enter.
Plus, Eugene offers candid insight on journalism’s evolving role in democracy and advice for students navigating college and beginning their future careers.
After a year of seeing him on the sidelines cheering on our Rams, it's finally time to sit down with Denver Broncos legend Terrell Davis in our next episode of The Next 150. From sleeping in his equipment before his first-ever football practice as a kid to becoming a Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer, this episode dives deep into TD’s story of resilience and grit. He tells defining stories from his childhood, opens up about overcoming adversity, rediscovering joy in the game, and why he believes greatness can come from anywhere. TD also shares advice for today’s student-athletes and reflects on what it has meant to be welcomed by the CSU community as our inaugural Rambassador.
From battling childhood asthma to summiting the highest peaks in the world, Luis Benitez has never followed a traditional path—and he doesn’t think you should either.
While on campus for CSU's Outfitting Tomorrow Summit, Luis Benitez joined President Amy Parsons on this episode of The Next 150 podcast. Luis is a globally renowned adventurer, the first director of the Office of the Outdoor Recreation Industry here in Colorado, and the current vice president of global government affairs for Lululemon. They discuss his winding journey from a kid on the swim team to leading expeditions on every continent, advocating for public lands, and shaping national policy around outdoor recreation. Luis opens up about his career, purpose-driven branding, and the bipartisan power of getting outside.
Plus, hear his advice for students here at CSU who are finding their voice and forging their own unconventional paths.
Tuberculosis is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases, but it’s not just history. On this episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons sits down with CSU’s own Dr. Karen Dobos and Dr. Marcela Henao-Tamayo, co-directors of the Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, to talk about the future of infectious disease research and the role CSU is playing in shaping disease prevention. Hear how their paths—from wildlife biology and medical school in Colombia—led them to Fort Collins and the ways in which students can get involved to help make an impact on public health. From a recent TB outbreak in Kansas City to World TB Day outreach with local high schools, this episode dives into CSU’s reputation as a global powerhouse in TB research.
Plus, learn how AI could unlock the next big breakthroughs in preventing infectious disease and why President Parsons was gifted a signed book by best-selling author John Green.
The Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) President Nick DeSalvo and Vice President Braxton Dietz sit down with President Parsons to talk about their journeys to CSU and their experiences in student government. From tackling major policy issues like U+2 to balancing student life with big responsibilities, Nick and Braxton share what it’s really like to advocate for their fellow Rams. Plus, hear their plans for the future, surprising celebrity encounters, and their advice for the next generation of leaders and CSU students.
It's time to pick up your shot put or discus and meet the elite women throwers and coach currently shaping CSU's Track and Field throwing legacy. This episode of The Next 150 podcast features a powerhouse lineup: National Collegiate Athletic Association indoor champion Mya Lesnar, NCAA outdoor runner-up Gabi Morris and First Team All-American Michaela Hawkins '24, alongside their coach, Brian Bedard '88. They share their experiences competing at the highest levels as a squad from national championships to the 2024 Olympic trials. They also discuss the power of mental preparation, the impact of a strong team culture and how lessons from the field translate into academic and professional success. And Coach Bedard offers insight into what it's been like to build a program that consistently wins championships. Hear their advice for young athletes and incoming CSU students on embracing challenges and staying committed to their goals.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joins The Next 150 to share his journey in law and public service—and how he’s working to build a better future for Colorado. From protecting the state’s water resources to addressing youth mental health, he highlights the power of bipartisanship, collaboration, and mutual respect in solving today’s biggest challenges. Plus, he offers valuable advice for CSU students, emphasizing lifelong learning, empathy, and entrepreneurial thinking in a rapidly changing world.
Content advisory: This conversation includes mentions of suicide and drug use.
Kicking off the new year with a high-energy episode that hits all the right notes! 🎵 From promoting icons like The Eagles and ZZ Top to managing stars like Lyle Lovett and Big Head Todd & The Monsters, to launching CSU's Music Business Program, the legendary Chuck Morris has done it all.
Recently awarded the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s Music and Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year, Chuck reflects on his five-decade career and his deep commitment to mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of music industry leaders. Taking us down memory lane, he regales us with CSU’s rich live music history—from unforgettable (and rainy!) nights at Hughes Stadium to packed shows at Moby Arena with artists like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.
As founder and director of the College of Business' innovative Music Business Program, Chuck also shares why CSU is the perfect home for the program and his vision for its future.
Now, let’s rock and roll and see where Chuck’s passion takes us! 🎸
As we adventure into a new podcast studio, we're joined by Colorado State University's very own CSU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Marion Underwood! Dr. Underwood shares her inspiring journey from clinical psychologist to academic leader, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped her career. She offers a comprehensive vision for CSU’s future, diving into discussions on the university’s top institutional priorities: student success, rural initiatives, competitiveness, research excellence and democracy. Drawing on her personal experiences as a mother, she reflects on how these experiences have influenced her leadership style and the guidance she provides to others. Dr. Underwood also shares valuable insights into fostering civic engagement and mentoring within the student community, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving role of women in leadership.
Are you a Colorado State University Basketball fan? If you are, this episode is for you! 🏀🐏
As the 2024-2025 CSU Basketball seasons get underway, let's reminisce with two CSU basketball icons, McKenna Hofschild and Joe Palmer. McKenna earned her graduate degree in Business from CSU and is one of our most decorated players. She holds the Mountain West's all-time assist record, ranks second in program scoring, earned four All-Mountain West team selections, and maintained the nation's second-highest assist average. McKenna reflects on making CSU history, inspiring the next generation of athletes, and the explosive growth of women's sports during her collegiate career.
She's joined by Joe Palmer, who holds undergraduate degrees in history and social behavioral science and a graduate degree in sports management from CSU. Joe shares his big move from Division III to the thrill of March Madness and what it was like to become a fan favorite for his clutch performances (including three memorable 3-pointers against Colorado) and his trademark headband.
Together, they share personal growth stories and life lessons, and discuss how sports bring people together.
In this special episode of The Next 150, get ready for a Halloween twist! 🎃 🎼
Immerse yourself in the world of organ music with Joel Bacon, a two-chair endowed CSU music professor. Turn up your volume to experience Professor Bacon performing some of his favorite compositions and learn how his passion for the organ sparked the creation of CSU’s Halloween Organ Extravaganza. He also reflects on his history with the world's largest pipe organs and shares advice for CSU students looking to expand their horizons.
In Episode 6 of The Next 150, we welcome Secretary John F. Kelly, a 45-year Marine Corps veteran who led the U.S. Southern Command.
After retiring as a four-star general in 2016, Sec. Kelly went on to serve as the 5th U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and later as White House Chief of Staff under the Trump administration.
We explore Sec. Kelly’s strategies for students on becoming informed voters, emphasizing the need for civil discourse, diverse news sources, and community engagement. Sec. Kelly reflects on his military career, public service, and the shared values that give him hope for the future of American democracy.
Episode 5 brings us Colorado State University’s powerhouse civic engagement duo Martín Carcasson and Sam Houghteling. Martín is the director of CSU’s Center for Public Deliberation. Sam is the director of CSU’s Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership.
The conversation explores facets of civic education and active citizenship. Martín and Sam also dig deep into the importance of student voting and how their respective centers equip CSU students with the tools to participate in deliberative democracy.
Drawing on his career in public service, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner joins President Amy Parsons to discuss leadership and fostering collaboration in today's political landscape. Cory offers practical advice to CSU students on navigating political discourse, stressing the need for students to be active in their communities, engage in meaningful conversations and strive to find common ground. Listen in to hear Cory’s optimism shine through for the next generation of leaders.