In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin reconnects with longtime friend, mentor, and respected communication scholar Dr. Mary Z. Ashlock, Professor of Communication at the University of Louisville.

Together, they take listeners on a candid journey through graduate school, professional growth, and the foundational skills every student needs to thrive in today’s world. From deciding whether grad school is right for you, to developing communication and leadership skills, to navigating post-pandemic challenges on campus, this episode is full of practical advice, personal stories, and real encouragement for anyone building a life and career of purpose.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How to decide if graduate school is the right next step
• Why communication and leadership skills matter in every career
• The power of mentorship and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities
• Why your academic and career path won’t be a straight line, and why that’s okay
• How student involvement builds confidence, networks, and employable skills
• Tips for connecting with professors and securing strong recommendation letters
• Why soft skills are actually core skills essential to personal and professional success

Whether you're a student weighing your next move, a recent graduate charting your path, an educator supporting learners, or a professional seeking growth, Dr. Ashlock’s stories and insights offer clarity, direction, and inspiration.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation filled with heart, laughter, and decades of experience in helping students succeed.

Follow Mary on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @UofLComm 

What if the key to your success isn’t what you already know, but what you don’t know yet? In this inspiring episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with bestselling author, consultant, and innovation expert Alan Gregerman. They talk about what it really means to unlock your genius, no matter your age, major, or background.

Alan shares powerful insights from his books Surrounded by Geniuses and The Wisdom of Ignorance, explaining why curiosity, humility, and embracing the unknown are essential skills for students, parents, and professionals navigating an unpredictable world.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why every person has genius within them and how to unlock it
• How the 99% Rule can help you generate breakthrough ideas
• How to use curiosity, connection, and purpose to shape your future
• The importance of strangers, diverse perspectives, and “fresh eyes” in creating innovation

Whether you're a student charting your path, a parent supporting someone you love, or a leader navigating constant change, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently. Tune in and unlock the genius in you.

Learn more about Greg and follow him on LinkedIn:
https://alangregerman.com/about-alan/

What does improv have to do with leadership, and how can saying “yes” more often transform your life?

In this episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Jordana Cole, a global learning and development leader, certified coach, and proud NSCS alumna whose career has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and connection.

From her early days managing 30 interns at just 23 years old to her upcoming TEDx talk on improv and leadership, Jordana shares stories that remind us that growth comes from leaning into uncertainty.

In this episode:

• What leadership really looks like (hint: it’s an action, not a title)
• How improv can teach us resilience, collaboration, and confidence
• Why saying yes can unlock new opportunities, even when you’re scared
• The power of mentorship, creativity, and embracing the unknown

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a more authentic leader, overcome self-doubt, or bring a little more joy into serious work, this episode is for you.

What happens when a student leader turns his college experience into a career dedicated to empowering others? In this episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Andrew Gaeckle, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and change-maker who now serves as a leader at the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

From growing up across the country and serving as Student Body President at the University of South Carolina, to surviving a life-changing event and building programs that support women founders and students from HBCUs, Andrew’s journey is all about resilience, service, and using business as a force for good.

You’ll learn:

• The surprising lessons that shaped Andrew’s leadership path
• How college involvement and mentorship can open unexpected doors
• The story behind his passion for supporting women & minority entrepreneurs
• Practical advice for students pursuing leadership, business, or service

Whether you’re a student dreaming big, an alum looking to give back, or an aspiring entrepreneur, Andrew’s story will remind you that leadership is less about titles—and more about impact.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

- Learn more about WBENC: https://www.wbenc.org/
- Follow Andrew Gaeckle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agaeckle

What does it take to create a college experience where every student feels supported, seen, and empowered?

In this episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Dr. Stacy L. Jones, Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President at The University of Alabama, where she’s been helping students thrive for more than 30 years.

Dr. Jones shares her incredible journey from starting out in the medical field to finding her calling in student affairs, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, connection, and purpose.

They discuss:
- How to take initiative and build meaningful relationships on campus
- The importance of balancing parental influence with student independence
- Essential campus resources students should know about (like Bama Cares and Student Care & Well-Being)
- Why exploring your interests matters more than sticking to “the plan”

Whether you’re a student navigating your college journey or a parent supporting one, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and encouragement from one of higher education’s most inspiring leaders.

Learn more about student support and follow Dr. Stacy on LinkedIn:
https://instagram.com/@drjua
www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-j-650b592

Choosing a college isn’t just about rankings, it’s about alignment, authenticity, and knowing yourself. In this episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Evan Giokas, founder of College Confidence Coach, to explore how students can navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence.

Evan shares his personal story, from transferring universities to launching a coaching business that helps high-school and first-generation students find their best-fit colleges. Together, Steve and Evan dive into:

- How to handle the stigma around transferring schools and turn it into an advantage
- The importance of internal self-validation when making college decisions
- Why community college can be a powerful and affordable stepping-stone
- Tools like YouScience and Kolbe assessments for understanding your strengths
- How parents can support—without steering—the decision-making process

If you’re a high-school student, parent, or educator helping someone prepare for college, this episode offers practical advice to make the journey more intentional and less stressful.

Learn more about the College Confidence Coach and follow Evan on LinkedIn:
https://www.thecccoach.com/evans-journey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-giokas-56443746

What happens when your college journey takes an unexpected turn? For Garrett Mintz, Founder & CEO of Ambition in Motion, getting arrested as a freshman at Indiana University was the wake-up call that changed everything. In this episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Garrett to talk about how setbacks can open new doors, why authentic mentorship is transformative, and how taking initiative can shape your career.

From selling drugs in high school to building a company that connects students with mentors and executives, Garrett’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of community. You’ll hear insights on horizontal mentorship, the importance of curiosity, and how to build meaningful connections that fuel both personal and professional success.

This episode will inspire you to embrace your authentic self, seek mentorship, and keep moving forward no matter what obstacles you face.

Learn more about Ambition in Motion and follow Garrett here:
https://ambition-in-motion.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmintz

In this episode, host Steve Loflin sits down with Marine Corps veteran, attorney, and national security expert Lindsay Rodman to get some Scholar Scoop about taking risks, finding your path, and leading with courage.

From Duke University to Harvard Law, from serving as NLC President at NSCS to introducing General Colin Powell at the society’s 20th anniversary, Lindsay’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and bold decision-making. She shares how saying “yes” to opportunities—even when they felt out of reach—shaped her life and career, ultimately leading her from military service to the White House and beyond.

Listeners will gain insights on:

• Why embracing risk and battling imposter syndrome can open unexpected doors
• How board and leadership experiences as a student prepare you for real-world impact
• The importance of mentorship and trusted advisors in shaping your future
• Lessons from military service that apply to career and personal growth

Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or mentor, Lindsay’s story will inspire you to lead authentically, pursue big goals, and create your own definition of success.

Learn more about Lindsay Rodman:
https://lindsayrodman.com/

From his early days volunteering at age 11 to building a 7-figure business and mentoring thousands of young professionals, Daniel Horgan has spent his life proving that relationships drive change. In this inspiring episode of Scholar Scoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with the nationally recognized speaker, author, and social impact strategist to talk about living life by design. 

Together, Steve and Dan reflect on their shared history with NSCS, dive into the power of community service, and what it really means to live life by design, not by default. Dan shares practical insights on:

• How to find your passion through curiosity and action (not just theory)
• Why authenticity and vulnerability matter in leadership and job interviews
• How students and recent grads can navigate career choices in a post-pandemic world
• The role of mentorship, community, and intentional connections in personal growth

Dan also opens up about the inspiration behind his latest book, We Got This: A Pocket Guide to Thriving in Life and Career, which offers actionable advice for students, young professionals, and anyone looking to grow with purpose.

Whether you’re a student, an early-career professional, or a mentor looking to guide the next generation, this episode is packed with wisdom you can put into practice today.

Read Dan's new book and follow him on LinkedIn:
www.colabl.com
www.linkedin.com/in/danielghorgan/
https://www.amazon.com/We-Got-This-Thriving-Careers/dp/B0DSC672W9

Your college journey doesn’t have to follow a straight line, and today’s guest is living proof.

On this episode of ScholarScoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Lizeth Gonzalez Smith from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business to talk about how non-traditional educational paths can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

From starting at community college to working in accounting, mortgage banking, and now connecting students with employers, Lizeth’s career is all about adaptability, networking, and maximizing opportunities. She shares why employers are increasingly hiring from diverse academic backgrounds, and how early engagement with career services can give you a huge advantage.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or mentor, this conversation will help you see the power of flexibility, the importance of soft skills, and the lasting impact of building meaningful professional connections.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How community college can accelerate your degree and save you money
• Why human interaction still matters in a tech-driven job market
• The top skills employers want that you can start building now
• How to connect with alumni and professionals for career opportunities

Learn more about Smith Careers and follow Lizeth on LinkedIn:
https://careers.rhsmith.umd.edu/employers-meet-our-employer-relations-team/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/analizethgonzalez