In this episode, our host, Brian Buford, is joined by Dr. Tom Owen, longtime University of Louisville professor and archivist.

Since 1975, Dr. Owen has been preserving and sharing the stories that shape both Louisville and UofL. A public historian, former Metro Council president, and historical tour guide, Dr. Owen brings a lifetime of knowledge about the university’s past and its place in our thriving community.

From walking tours to published histories, Dr. Owen helps us see how UofL’s history is deeply connected to the city and its people—listen to learn more! 

Visit the UofL Libraries website here: https://library.louisville.edu/home

Visit the Employee Success Center website here: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight, we sit down with Mani Vangalur—Director of Technology Solutions at the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering, a UofL alum, and an avid ultramarathon runner. Mani is deeply involved in the culture of UofL, participating in various presidential commissions including the Commission on Climate, Culture and Well-being, Staff Senate, the Cardinal Leadership Institute, and other groups that support our quality of life and development as a university and community space. 

Mani shares what motivates him and how his passion for equity, innovation, and endurance feed into both his work and his running. 

Tune in to hear Mani illuminate some of what teaches us about purpose, resilience, and community at the University of Louisville and beyond.

Check out the Speed School’s website here: https://engineering.louisville.edu/

Learn more about the Employee Success Center at our website: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess 

Welcome to Season 5 of The Employee Success Podcast! We’re kicking things off with a very special guest—Dr. Gerry Bradley, the 20th President of the University of Louisville—recorded just after his inauguration events. 

In this exclusive conversation, President Bradley reflects on his time in the role, shares what the inauguration means to him, and outlines his vision for the future of UofL. From championing student success to investing in the growth and development of our faculty and staff, President Bradley speaks candidly about his hopes for a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking university community. 

Stay connected with UofL employee development and learning opportunities by checking out the Employee Success Center website: louisville.edu/employeesuccess 

Learn more about President Bradley here: https://louisville.edu/president/meet-president 

In this episode of the Employee Success Podcast, we sit down with Gerard Rabalais, VP for HSC Professional and Educational Development at the University of Louisville, to explore how institutions can better support the development of staff and faculty—especially those approaching the later stages of their careers.

Dr. Rabalais shares practical insights on how to engage and retain late-career employees, foster purpose, and help them navigate transitions with intention and dignity.

Be sure to check out our earlier collaboration with Dr. Rabalais and Staci Saner on the Employee Success Center Podcast and Faculty Feed, where we dive deeper into the evolving definition of career success in higher education and engaging employees: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/uoflemployeesuccesscenter/episodes/Talking-about-Engaging-Employees-with-Faculty-Feed-Podcast-e25f8jo/a-a9vji2u

Listen and learn more about Faculty Feed here: https://louisville.edu/hsc/faculty-development/faculty-feed-the-podcast

Take advantage of all the career development opportunities the Employee Success Center has to offer by visiting our website: www.louisville.edu/employeesuccess  

In this episode, Brian is joined by Emily Rasmussen, a member of the UofL Department of Political Science, a proud Kentuckian, and enthusiastic explorer of the Commonwealth. With a deep love for the state and a curiosity that drives her to understand its people, places, and traditions, and politics, Emily shares how she experiences Kentucky up close and how that perspective can open people to all the unique opportunities in the state. Tune in to hear about hidden KY gems and more!  

The University of Louisville, rooted in the state’s largest city, helps students engage with Kentucky through experiential learning while amplifying the culture, connectedness, and energy of the Commonwealth. 

Learn more about the University of Louisville’s Department of Political Science here: https://artsandsciences.louisville.edu/academics-programs/academic-departments/political-science

Check out the Employee Success Center website for learning opportunities, professional development, and more here: louisville.edu/employeesuccess 

For more historical information about Louisville and the state of Kentucky explore our University Libraries Archives & Special Collections: https://library.louisville.edu/archives/home 

The dedicated employees who work in our university libraries play a big role in supporting students, faculty, and staff every day. In this episode, we chat with Melissa Laning and Cecilia Durbin about how a group of those employees came together to support their own colleagues—creating thoughtful programs, practices, and resources that build a stronger sense of connection, well-being, and professional growth across the libraries.

Check out the UofL Libraries website here: https://library.louisville.edu/home

Don't miss out on the opportunities available on the Employee Success Center website: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess

In this episode, Brian Buford sits down with Andrew Marsh—metal sculptor, founder of Lucky 7 Arts, and Assistant Director at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at the University of Louisville. Andrew shares how his creative practice, deeply rooted in explorations of the human body, emotions, and the physical world, shapes both his art and his professional journey. From building monumental sculptures to driving innovation in renewable energy, Andrew offers a compelling look at the intersection of artistic expression, academic research, and global impact. 

Check out more of Andrew's work on the Lucky 7 Arts website: https://www.lucky7arts.com/

Don't miss the other sites Andrew's work is featured on:

www.citymuseum.org     

https://www.josephinesculpturepark.org/         

https://sculpturetrails.com/

In this episode, Brian Buford welcomes back Kevin McClure, a leading voice in higher education leadership and workplace culture. Together, they dive deep into the evolving concept of employee success in the higher education workplace, exploring what it truly means to create environments where faculty and staff can thrive both personally and professionally.

Kevin shares insights from his upcoming book, The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation, which addresses how colleges and universities can respond to the shifting expectations of employees in a post-pandemic world. The conversation touches on concepts like institutional care, burnout, workplace flexibility, and innovative practices that support well-being and retention. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into the chapter highlighting the impactful work of the Employee Success Center, showcasing real-world examples of how institutions are prioritizing care and connection in their organizational culture!

The Caring University is available for pre-order now and will be released on July 1, 2025. Get your copy here!

Check out our past episode with Kevin here.

Visit the Employee Success Center website and take advantage of our opportunities to advance your career today! 

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight, we sit down with Charice Patterson from the University of Louisville's Career Center to explore the power of vision boards. Charice shares how visualizing your goals can fuel motivation, clarify direction, and support both personal and professional growth. She also discusses the inspiration behind some of her favorite pieces and how you, too, can do it at home! 

Tune in to learn practical tips for creating your own vision board and how it can become a meaningful tool for goal setting and development. 

Check out the University Career Center website here: https://louisville.edu/career 

Send a CardGRAM: https://louisville.edu/employeesuccess/recognition/send-a-cardgram

In this episode, we explore the growing importance of emotional support in the workplace—through the eyes (and paws) of two special guests!

Join us as we sit down with Officer Jacob Robinson of the University of Louisville Police Department and his four-legged partner, Comfort K-9 Lily. Together, they share how Lily is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive environment on campus. From reducing stress during high-pressure moments to simply offering a furry friend to lean on, Lily’s presence is making a big difference.

Tune in to hear stories from the field, the process of getting a comfort animal, and how Lily is helping our community...one tail wag at a time!

Follow Lily's instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lily_ulpdk9/

Learn more about opportunities for growth and support in the workplace on our website: louisville.edu/employeesuccess