In this recap, we look back on previous episodes to reflect on the overarching story across the spring semester. From unseen work and relational retention to accompaniment, illuminators, and systems change, this season made one central argument: the work that matters most in higher education is relational, slow, and often invisible. Featuring conversations with Sherry Woosley, Matt Boisvert, Tori Kneeland, and Dave Rozeboom, this episode revisits the key moments, stories, and insights that shaped the season.

In this recap, we look back on previous episodes to reflect on the overarching story across the spring semester. From unseen work and relational retention to accompaniment, illuminators, and systems change, this season made one central argument: the work that matters most in higher education is relational, slow, and often invisible. Featuring conversations with Sherry Woosley, Matt Boisvert, Tori Kneeland, and Dave Rozeboom, this episode revisits the key moments, stories, and insights that shaped the season.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dave Rozeboom to explore what it really takes to create better student experiences in higher education. From the disconnect between Student and Academic Affairs, to the growing challenges around retention, resources, and student needs, Dr. Rozeboom unpacks the gaps between what institutions intend to deliver and what students actually experience. Drawing from leadership through crises, he highlights the importance of leaders who build relationships that truly impact student success.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dave Rozeboom to explore what it really takes to create better student experiences in higher education. From the disconnect between Student and Academic Affairs, to the growing challenges around retention, resources, and student needs, Dr. Rozeboom unpacks the gaps between what institutions intend to deliver and what students actually experience. Drawing from leadership through crises, he highlights the importance of leaders who build relationships that truly impact student success.

In this episode, we interviewed Tori Kneeland about her work with relational retention. Tori shares her personal college journey and how it shaped her work with at-risk students. She also addresses the ongoing challenge of creating meaningful, systemic change to improve retention. Tori emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins, being present in everyday moments, and staying persistent, because those moments of persistence are often where real connection begins.

In this episode, we interviewed Tori Kneeland about her work with relational retention. Tori shares her personal college journey and how it shaped her work with at-risk students. She also addresses the ongoing challenge of creating meaningful, systemic change to improve retention. Tori emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins, being present in everyday moments, and staying persistent, because those moments of persistence are often where real connection begins.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be there for our students. In this episode, we explore presence, not as something passive, but as a disciplined, other-centered way of being with students. It’s not about leading, fixing, or analyzing; it’s about walking side by side and building trust through the small, everyday moments that make deeper connections possible.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be there for our students. In this episode, we explore presence, not as something passive, but as a disciplined, other-centered way of being with students. It’s not about leading, fixing, or analyzing; it’s about walking side by side and building trust through the small, everyday moments that make deeper connections possible.

In this episode of Cap & Gown, we explore the power of becoming an Illuminator. Inspired by ideas from "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen," we examine how shifting from a “danger brain” to a connection mindset changes the way we advise, teach, and lead. From nonverbal cues and mirroring to generous listening and active curiosity, we unpack the postures that communicate belonging before a single word is spoken.

In this episode of Cap & Gown, we explore the power of becoming an Illuminator. Inspired by ideas from "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen," we examine how shifting from a “danger brain” to a connection mindset changes the way we advise, teach, and lead. From nonverbal cues and mirroring to generous listening and active curiosity, we unpack the postures that communicate belonging before a single word is spoken.