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! 🎸