Gayle Hutchinson is California State University of Chico's first female president in the college's 135-year history. Pushed into the deep end at the start of her presidency, she hit the ground running to lead the university through the Oroville Dam Crisis, the Camp Fire Disaster, and COVID-19. Hutchinson's achievements as president include overseeing the completion of a new arts and science building, securing more than $106 million in state funding, and rebuilding many key relationships between the university and surrounding community. Hutchinson is retiring after almost three decades in the Cal State University system, the last seven years as president of CSU Chico. This interview is personal. As proud alums, Chico State is near and dear to our host Lain Hensley, Bill John, Todd Demorest, Ross Field, Jonas Herzog, Carol Jones and most members of the Odyssey family. Hutchinson's experience in higher education runs deep, and her leadership insights are powerful and inspirational. She has overcome many personal and professional obstacles and shares her keys to success and her plans for the future.