Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Andrea Thomas, Chief Marketing and Student Experience Officer at the University of Utah. A proud alum and longtime marketing leader, Andrea shares her journey from the corporate world back to her alma mater and reflects on the unique opportunity to shape the student experience through storytelling, brand strategy, and community engagement.

Their conversation explores the power of relationships in higher education, the importance of keeping students at the center of decision-making, and how universities can create meaningful connections that last far beyond graduation. Andrea discusses the role of marketing in helping people understand the value of higher education, fostering a sense of belonging, and communicating the impact universities have on individuals, communities, and society.

Together, they examine the University of Utah's "We Are Utah" and "Impact at Altitude" campaigns, the connection between place and purpose, and how authentic storytelling helps students, alumni, and community members see themselves as part of something larger. Whether you're a higher education professional, marketer, student affairs practitioner, or student, this episode offers valuable insights into creating transformative experiences through connection, culture, and shared purpose.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Chris Nelson, Chief University Relations Officer at the University of Utah. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience at the university, Chris reflects on the evolution of higher education, the power of institutional storytelling, and the role communication plays in advancing the mission of a public university.

Their conversation explores how student and alumni stories help bring meaning to institutional data, why understanding audience matters when communicating impact, and how universities can build trust with the communities they serve. Chris also shares insights on public confidence in higher education, community engagement, and the importance of connecting people to the transformative work happening across campus every day.

Together, they discuss leadership, change, and the enduring responsibility of public universities to improve lives through education, research, healthcare, and service. Whether you're a higher education professional, student, alum, or community member, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how institutions create lasting impact and why storytelling remains central to that work.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Denise Decoite, Senior Director of Career Success at the University of Utah. Drawing on her experience in workforce development, staffing, and higher education, Denise shares how career readiness has become a shared responsibility across the university and why preparing students for the future of work requires more than technical expertise alone.

Their conversation explores the growing importance of durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, professionalism, leadership, and adaptability. Denise discusses how these skills are being integrated throughout the student experience, how employers are responding to rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, and why helping students connect classroom learning to career opportunities is more important than ever.

Together, they examine the evolving relationship between academic learning and workforce preparation, the role of AI in shaping future careers, and how universities can create meaningful, student-centered pathways to success in a constantly changing world.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Richard Preiss, President of the Academic Senate and Associate Professor of English at the University of Utah.

Dr. Preiss shares his perspective as a faculty member navigating the evolving role of higher education and how his work challenges traditional assumptions about the purpose, value, and future of the university.

Their conversation explores how higher education can move beyond transactional outcomes to focus on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. From questioning career-centered narratives to examining the role of the humanities in today’s landscape, Dr. Preiss offers thoughtful insights for educators, leaders, and anyone invested in the future of higher education.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together. A Higher-Ed Podcast, host Chase Hagood sits down with Dr. Allison Calhoun-Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Success and Chief Enrollment Officer at Georgia State University.

Dr. Calhoun-Brown shares her remarkable journey from faculty member to national leader in student success and how Georgia State became a model for closing opportunity gaps and driving student success in higher education.

Their conversation explores how data-informed decisions, intentional design, and human connection can transform institutions and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. From embedding data experts in advising teams to redefining what it means to “do the work together,” Dr. Calhoun-Brown offers powerful lessons for leaders, advisors, and educators everywhere.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, Harvard professor and bestselling author Dr. Arthur Brooks explores meaning, belonging, flourishing, and leadership in today’s university culture.

Arthur Brooks shares his remarkable journey from classical musician to internationally recognized social scientist, reflecting on how purpose and belonging have shaped his path and research. He examines the rising challenges of student anxiety, campus polarization, and the neuroscience of happiness and meaning.

The conversation dives into practical strategies for higher education leaders and students alike: how to reframe struggle as purposeful, strengthen community, and amplify the “light triad” of empathy, humility, and care in an age of division.

The Atlantic article "The Sociopaths Among Us—And How to Avoid Them" by Arthur C. Brooks:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/dark-triads-toxic-personalities/675683/

#ArthurBrooks #HigherEd #Belonging #Meaning #HigherEdLeadership #flourishing 

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Hulleman, Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and Director of the Motivate Lab.

Dr. Hulleman shares his unique journey from being a college football player and social worker to a nationally recognized motivation science expert. He talks about how combining the instincts of excellent teaching with research on learning and motivation can help students thrive.

The conversation explores big-picture challenges in higher ed, the importance of student voice, and what it means to lead with humility and purpose.

We also share some exciting news: the University of Utah and Motivate Lab are launching a new partnership to support student success.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jason Taylor, Associate Professor in the College of Education and Assistant Dean for Transfer Student Success at the University of Utah. Jason shares his journey from being a first-generation student and music major to becoming a national scholar in transfer policy and community colleges.

He dives deep into how personal mentorship, public policy, and systems-level thinking shaped his path—and how the University of Utah is transforming transfer student success through curricular alignment, inclusive programming, and community partnerships.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about access, equity, and how listening to students can drive lasting change.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

#TransferSuccess #CommunityColleges #FirstGen #HigherEdPolicy #TogetherPodcast

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Perry, Vice President for Government Relations and Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, to explore how student internships, public policy, government relations, and listening shape higher education today.

Jason shares his journey from law and government service into higher ed leadership, highlighting the critical role of internships, advocacy, and relationship-building in supporting student success and institutional impact.

He also discusses the challenges facing public higher education, the power of listening, and why lasting change requires ongoing commitment, even during difficult times. Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or higher ed leader, this conversation offers powerful insights into navigating change and strengthening community connections.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu

#HigherEd #StudentSuccess #Leadership #PublicPolicy #TogetherPodcast

In this episode of Together: A Higher-Ed Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah, and Dr. Greg Peterson, President of Salt Lake Community College, to explore the power of institutional partnerships in expanding student success and access to higher education.

The presidents discuss the unique strengths of the SLCC-UU partnership, emphasizing how collaboration between two- and four-year institutions can create seamless transfer pathways and opportunities for students. They share insights on building institutions that work for everyone, prioritizing student success, and embedding these efforts into long-term strategic planning.

We also dive into the challenges of driving transformative change in higher education—balancing innovation with tradition, ensuring higher ed remains valuable and accessible, and building a culture of student-centered decision-making. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or student, this conversation offers a look at the future of postsecondary education.

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Studies: https://us.utah.edu