Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System, traces a leadership path shaped by purpose, pragmatism, and saying “yes” to meaningful work. Drawing on experiences from Bloomsburg University and Bethany College to her system role in Vermont, she reflects on how her mother’s insistence on opportunity and her own training as a mathematician inform a steady focus on access, affordability, and student success. In this episode, Dr. Mauch discusses the system’s ongoing transformation of bringing legacy campuses together as Vermont State University alongside the Community College of Vermont, while meeting the realities of today’s learners. She offers a candid view of risk-taking and learning from failure, partnering with legislators, and aligning institutional assets to serve every corner of a rural state. Read the full episode transcript. Interview recorded July 2025.

Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President of Oakland University, has built a career at the intersection of medicine, industry, and higher education. A renowned pediatric endocrinologist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, her journey has been shaped by a remarkable upbringing in a family deeply engaged in civil rights and public service. In this episode, Dr. Pescovitz reflects on the values instilled by her parents, the resilience forged through personal loss, and the leadership philosophy she frames around her “eight C’s.” She also shares practical wisdom for aspiring leaders, from setting aspirational goals and embracing “moon landings” to cultivating creativity, compassion, and community on her teams. Interview recorded June 2025. Read the full episode transcript. 

Dr. Luis Pedraja’s path to the presidency began in Little Havana and wound through ministry, classrooms, and accrediting agencies before leading to Quinsigamond Community College. A first-generation college student and Cuban immigrant, he brings a lived understanding of higher education’s power to transform lives. In this episode, Dr. Pedraja reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the values that ground him, and the urgency of leadership centered on equity, humility, and student success. With insight from both national accreditation and local community impact, his story speaks to what it means to lead with conviction in times of rapid change. Read the full episode transcript. Interview recorded July 2025.

Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes leads with a steady hand and an open heart, a necessity in a presidency shaped by disruption, challenge, and change. As President of Cal State LA and Chair of the Academic Search Board, she shares what it means to lead through volatility while staying rooted in purpose and guided by student success. From early experiences in residence life to her reflections on building authentic teams and redefining campus culture post-COVID, Dr. Eanes brings clarity and candor to the realities of higher education leadership. Her story is one of resilience, mentorship, and the daily choice to lead with intention, even when the path for higher education is uncertain. Interview recorded June 2025. Read the full episode transcript.

Dr. Richard Helldobler, President of William Paterson University, brings a unique blend of artistry and strategy to his leadership. After earning a business degree and turning down a lucrative corporate offer, he pursued a career in dance, which led him to become a higher education leader. A first-generation college student with immigrant roots, Dr. Helldobler shares how his background in the arts influences his approach to building teams and navigating complexity. He also reflects on his time as an ACE Fellow, the mentors who guided his path, and the importance of finding opportunity in the midst of challenge. Interview recorded May 2025. Read the full episode transcript. 

Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, President of the University of Nebraska System, reflects on his journey from Brooklyn public schools to academic medicine and higher education leadership. A first-generation student with a background in engineering and cardiac surgery, Dr. Gold shares how trust, transparency, and service have shaped his leadership philosophy. He speaks candidly about the challenges facing higher education today, including shifting public perceptions, and highlights the cultural strengths that make Nebraska a distinctive place to lead. Interview recorded March 2025. Read full podcast transcript.

Krista Newkirk, President of the University of Redlands, shares her leadership journey and the values that guide her approach. President Newkirk reflects on the formative experiences of her childhood on a cattle ranch and the influence of her grandfather's dedication to education. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, courage, and collaborative leadership, advocating for leaders to listen before setting a vision. She also discusses the challenges facing higher education, including public perceptions of its value and the need for policy changes to support accessibility. Interview recorded January 2025. Read full podcast transcript.

Dr. Zulma Toro, Central Connecticut State University’s first female and first Hispanic President, has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underrepresented students, particularly in STEM fields. Her background in industrial engineering shaped her leadership approach, emphasizing the human side of systems and the importance of strong teams. In this episode, Dr. Toro shares the experiences, mentors, and defining moments that guided her journey, from her early years in Puerto Rico to leading a university committed to access and student success. Interview recorded December 2024. Read full podcast transcript. 

In this special episode, Dr. Jay Lemons welcomes Dr. Marjorie Hass, President of the Council of Independent Colleges, and Dr. Charles L. Welch, President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, for an engaging discussion on the Competencies for the College Presidency study. Sponsored by Academic Search and conducted in partnership with AASCU and CIC, the study identifies seven key competencies essential for effective higher education leadership today. Drs. Hass and Welch share their insights on the evolving role of the college presidency, the challenges facing leaders, and how these competencies can guide institutions through complex times. Download the study and read the full episode transcript here. Interview recorded December 2024.

Dr. John Bravman’s journey from a small-town upbringing to leading Bucknell University is a story of perseverance and vision. As a first-generation college student who struggled through his first year at Stanford, President Bravman learned to embrace challenges, guided by transformative mentors and an unrelenting commitment to growth. Now, as Bucknell’s President, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and the initiatives that continue to connect the university to its mission of access and excellence. Interview Recorded November 2024. Read full podcast transcript.

Dr. Darrin S. Good, President of Nebraska Wesleyan University, didn’t always know he’d lead a college. He started on a path to dental school, envisioning a stable career and a comfortable life. But during his dental school interview, he realized his passion lay elsewhere—teaching, mentoring, and shaping the lives of students. In this episode of Leaders on Leadership, President Good shares the personal stories, moments of reflection, and mentors that inspired him to pursue a career rooted in impact and purpose. Interview recorded November 2024. Read the full episode transcript. 

Dr. Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, shares her inspiring journey from K-12 to higher ed leadership with host Jay Lemons. With a commitment to workforce development and a values-driven approach, she highlights the innovative programs, like Tennessee Promise, that boost enrollment and open doors for students across Tennessee. Chancellor Tydings reflects on the importance of building diverse teams and the state’s transformative investment in educational infrastructure, inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose and create lasting impact. Interview recorded October 2024. Read the full episode transcript.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph, President of Georgia Gwinnett College, brings a leadership story shaped by resilience and a drive for growth. Starting in Trinidad, Dr. Joseph’s journey has been marked by pivotal moments, guided by her late husband’s belief in her potential. She shares insights on building trust-filled teams, fostering a supportive community, and making bold decisions to shape a brighter future. Interview recorded July 2024. Read the full episode transcript.

Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President of Texas State University, has a leadership journey that is anything but conventional. Originally aspiring to become a Canadian Mountie, Dr. Damphousse shifted his path in graduate school but remained committed to helping others. He continues to focus on student success and empowering the next generation, drawing from his unique experiences to guide Texas State with a deep commitment to serving its community. Interview recorded August 2024. Read the full episode transcript here.

Dr. Debbie L. Sydow, President of Richard Bland College of William & Mary, shares her journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in higher education, emphasizing the impact of mentors and the importance of strategic reinvestment in student success. She also reflects on the qualities of effective leadership, including comfort with ambiguity, open-mindedness, and a commitment to the institution's mission. Interview recorded July 2024. Read the full episode transcript here.

In this episode, host Jay Lemons interviews Larry Schall, President of the New England Commission of Higher Education. Larry shares his unconventional journey from a civil rights attorney to higher education leader, emphasizing the importance of relationships and authenticity in leadership. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing college presidents today, including external pressures, the need for resilience, and the significance of long-term commitment to an institution. Interview recorded June 2024. Read the full podcast transcript here.

Dr. Susan D. Stuebner, who has served as President of Colby-Sawyer College since 2016, has an inspiring journey that traces back to her early career as head women's basketball coach and admissions counselor at Albright College. Sue shares with host Jay Lemons how she has learned to embrace a guiding principle that has been instrumental to her success: the power of authenticity. She advocates for the importance of being true to oneself and following one's passions, emphasizing that genuine leadership not only fosters a positive environment but also paves the way for meaningful accomplishments. Interview recorded March 2024. Read the full episode transcript here.

Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, President of St. Edward's University, joins Dr. L. Jay Lemons in a compelling conversation about leadership in higher education. Dr. Fuentes shares how she finds harmony at the intersection of her two passions: music and mathematics and tells the story of her journey into academic leadership as a Hispanic woman. She highlights how she lives out her mission of preparing students for their futures through a strong educational community focused on student success. Interview recorded February 2024. Read the full episode transcript here. 

Explore Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson's journey into higher education leadership. From her origins as a first-generation college graduate in Alaska to leading San José State University as its 31st President, she reflects on the mentorship and opportunities that shaped her, including the pivotal Executive Leadership Academy through the American Academic Leadership Institute. Gain insights from her story of resilience and leadership in higher education. Interview recorded December 2023. Read the full episode transcript here. 

In this episode, Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, takes us through her journey to the presidency. From a young age, her mother instilled in her the importance of not only obtaining an education but of finding ways to serve others through that education. She shares the importance of leading through the margins and encourages others to develop a lifelong commitment to learning and developing their leadership from a place of compassion. Interview recorded August 2023. Read the full episode transcript here.