In this special edition of Central Speaks, host Alex Greenwood sits down with Dr. Ann McCoy, Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, to discuss the University of Central Missouri’s new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.

This isn’t just another document; it’s a roadmap that will guide UCM’s next chapter in academics, student life, staff support, and community engagement.

Dr. McCoy shares:

• Why every voice matters: How input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members will directly shape UCM’s priorities.

• What’s at stake: The plan will affect every corner of the university, from enrollment initiatives to faculty resources to campus facilities.

• How to get involved: Dr. McCoy provides details on the campus-wide survey now open to all stakeholders and explains why your feedback is essential.

• Behind the process: A transparent look at the steps from early interviews and surveys to the Board of Governors’ final adoption.

• A personal note: On a personal note, Dr. McCoy shares a fun fact about how she literally keeps afloat in a busy world.

  
  

Whether you’re a student wondering “what’s in it for me,” a faculty member thinking about resources, a staff member focused on workplace culture, or a community partner invested in UCM’s future, this conversation shows why your participation is vital in charting the course for the next five years.

🔗 Learn more and follow updates: UCM Strategic Plan 2026–2031.

Subscribe to Central Speaks so you never miss a conversation about the people and ideas shaping the University of Central Missouri.

• Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.
• Listen on Spotify here.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts here.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

In this episode, Ed Wirthwein, the director of Community Standards and Support at the University of Central Missouri, shares his journey from being a student at UCM to becoming a vital part of the university's staff, emphasizing the importance of student support, mentorship, and community standards.

He discusses his role in helping students navigate challenges, the significance of Greek life in fostering leadership skills, and his involvement in the Staff Council to advocate for staff interests.

Ed's passion for student success and his commitment to creating a supportive environment at UCM shine throughout the conversation. Listen in!

• Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.
• Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.
• Listen on Spotify here.
• Listen on Apple Podcasts here.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

We're taking a short summer break—but not going silent!

Coming in June, tune in for fresh interviews and a special “Best Of” episode featuring highlights from our first season.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode—and visit us online at https://www.ucmo.edu/news/central-speaks/.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

On this episode of Central Speaks, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Pauling, associate instructor of biology at UCM, whose career has taken her from tracking wildlife in the wilds of Alaska to researching one of the most misunderstood diseases in history—the plague.

Dr. Pauling pulls back the curtain on her journey into wildlife disease research, busts a few plague myths and explains why hands-on, curiosity-driven learning is a major part of the UCM experience.

We talk about why engaging students in real-world inquiry matters, how UCM supports that mission, and what it means to prepare the next generation of scientists not just to learn science—but to do it.

• Visit the Central Speaks website ⁠here⁠.
• Email Alex to nominate a future guest ⁠here⁠.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by⁠⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

In this episode of Central Speaks, we meet Tiffany Cochran, a UCM alumna and Senior Director of Events and Alumni Engagement. She shares her inspiring journey from scholarship student studying Fashion and Apparel Merchandising to leader in alumni engagement, reflecting on the pivotal role scholarships played in her education, her successful career in retail management, and her transition into higher education. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of community involvement, mentorship, and building lasting connections with alumni.

She also addresses common misconceptions about alumni foundations and shares her thoughtful approach to team leadership. And yes—we also learn how racehorses and fashion can go hand in hand.

• Visit the Central Speaks website here.
• Email Alex to nominate a future guest here.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠⁠ UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠⁠ KMOS PBS⁠⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by⁠⁠ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

On this episode of Central Speaks, we sit down with Dr. Matt Howdeshell, vice president ofIntercollegiate Athletics at UCM, to discuss his background, vision for UCM athletics and the crucial role of community engagement. 

We explore the initiatives he has championed to support student-athletes, including enhanced nutrition and mental health services. Dr. Howdeshell also shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing a team-oriented culture and the management approach that drives success on and off the field.

© 2025 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the⁠⁠UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠⁠ Hosted by Alex Greenwood. Recorded at⁠⁠KMOS PBS⁠⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by⁠https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

This episode of Central Speaks shines a spotlight on Courtney Swoboda, director of UCM's Military and Veterans Services Office and 2024 Higher Ed Military Spotlight Award recipient.

Courtney’s decade of service in the Air Force and five years at UCM have shaped her into a transformative leader, redefining military-friendly education through her dedication and innovation.

Under her leadership, UCM's Military and Veterans Success

Join us as we explore what drives Courtney, the impactful programs she has championed, and the story behind a nickname that’s stuck with her over the years.

Listen to Central Speaks on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and on our landing

© 2024 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the ⁠UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.⁠ Recorded at ⁠KMOS PBS⁠; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

Welcome to Central Speaks, the podcast that puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who propel the ⁠University of Central Missouri⁠ forward. Each episode, we delve into the stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond.

Central Speaks is all about hearing directly from UCM’s changemakers as they share how they push boundaries and inspire colleagues and students—redefining what’s possible, every day. Central Speaks is here to tell their stories, in their own words.

Today we welcome Cory Wicker, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, UCM associate vice president for Human Resources.

Since joining UCM in May 2023, Dr. Wicker has brought a wealth of expertise to the university, leveraging his extensive experience in human resources to drive positive change and empower the university’s most valuable asset: its people.

Dr. Wicker’s impressive credentials include a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development, an MBA and certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). His leadership is focused on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to faculty and staff.

Tune in as we discuss his vision for Human Resources in higher education, his strategic approach to human capital development, and how HR is helping to redefine what’s possible at UCM.

He might even have some tips on the music stores with the best vinyl, too.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

Learn more about the UCM Office of Human Resources here.

© 2024 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved. Central Speaks is a production of the UCM Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications.

Recorded at KMOS PBS; engineered by Josh Tomlinson.

Music by https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/music.html

Welcome to Central Speaks, the podcast that puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who propel the University of Central Missouri forward. Each episode, we delve into the stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond.

Central Speaks is all about hearing directly from UCM’s changemakers as they share how they push boundaries and inspire colleagues and students—redefining what’s possible, every day. Central Speaks is here to tell their stories, in their own words.

On our premiere episode, we welcome Amber Goreham.

Amber is a proud two-time graduate of UCM, where she has spent the past 20 years dedicated to empowering students and alumni. With a Master of Science in Ethical & Strategic Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Amber has been at the forefront of guiding UCM students on their career and life paths since 2008. As the director of the Career and

But Amber’s journey wasn’t always centered around academia—she was once on track to become a professional bowler before life handed her a proverbial gutter ball. Today, we’ll explore how she pivoted from the bowling lanes to a lane focused on shaping lives and careers at UCM.

Listen in as we speak with Amber Goreham.

Be sure to check out The Mule Mindset! This podcast, hosted by Kendall Reger, Jessica Johnson, & Ethan Gerst from the Career & Life Design Center at the University of Central Missouri, is designed to aid in professional development and educate listeners on many career related topics. 

© 2024 University of Central Missouri. All rights reserved.