Best NACUBO Podcasts (2025)

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Aligning Tuition Policies With Strategic Vision 17:37

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2d ago17:37

17:37

When tuition policies have more exceptions than the rule or there is a need to increase student enrollment and reach new markets, it might be time for institutions to take a fresh look at—and consider modernizing—those policies. In this episode, the University System of Maryland’s Colleen Auburger, associate vice chancellor for budget analysis, and…

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Authentic Financial Transformation: Stephanie Mayer 40:04

5d ago40:04

40:04

Finding Your Authentic Path in Higher Education Finance On this episode of Career Conversations, NACUBO director of leadership development Christine Simone talks with Stephanie Mayer, budget analyst at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. After eight years in corporate utility finance at PSENG, Mayer discovered her calling through t…

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Passing the Mic: Meet Melissa Farley 5:20

12d ago5:20

5:20

In this special transition episode of CBO Speaks, longtime host Donna Schiele welcomes incoming host Melissa Farley, former corporate journalist with USA Today Network and current host of The Morning Show in Arizona. "I'm really excited to uncover the stories behind the titles," Farley says. "I want to understand not just what our guests do, but ho…

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Employee Disengagement and Mental Health Concerns Cost More Than You Think 25:45

16d ago25:45

25:45

Employee disengagement and burnout don’t just affect morale; they carry real financial and human costs for institutions. In this episode, Amanda Bailey, vice president for human resources at Boston University, and Kelcey Stratton, chief behavioral health strategist at the University of Michigan, join NACUBO’s Bryan Dickson in a conversation on the …

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Understanding the Latest at the Department of Education 25:05

4M ago25:05

25:05

There’s no shortage of news about the U.S. Department of Education these days—from an executive order proposing to eliminate the agency, to new proposals on Capitol Hill that could reshape federal aid programs, to upcoming regulatory changes. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Karen McCarthy joins NACUBO’s Liz Clark a…

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Building Strategic Bridges: Derrick Sawyer 17:33

5M ago17:33

17:33

Derrick Sawyer's 20-year journey in higher education business and finance traces back to an entrepreneurial start at Delaware State University, where he managed a student-run food business and later the campus newspaper's finances. Currently serving as associate vice president of budgets, business services and risk management at Community College o…

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Looking Back and Planning for the Future After the First 100 Days 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

April 30 marked the first 100 days President Trump’s second term in the White House. Executive orders and federal agency upheavals have created new challenges and much uncertainty for colleges and universities. On Capitol Hill, House budget and tax proposals include a number of policy ideas that are adding to concerns. NACUBO’s Liz Clark and Ashley…

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Building Financial Excellence: Meyroodjy Delva 15:53

5M ago15:53

15:53

As senior director of technical accounting and reporting at Howard University in Washington, DC, Meyroodjy Delva discovered his passion for accounting in high school through a business computer class. Now leading financial operations at his alma mater, Delva shares his journey from Big Four accounting to higher education leadership. In this episode…

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Strategic Storytelling in Finance: University of Puget Sound CBO Kimberly Kvaal on Communicating Complex Change 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

Kimberly Kvaal is executive vice president and vice president for administration and finance at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. In this episode, Kvaal joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss finding purpose in higher education leadership, the power of mentorship in career development, and innovative approaches to financial sust…

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The Power of Financial Data: Kate Smith 16:32

6M ago16:32

16:32

Kate Smith, controller at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, brings a wealth of experience in transforming higher education finance through innovative approaches to data and modeling. In this episode, Smith shares her journey from public accounting to higher education, including her work with nonprofits, an 8-year stint at higher ed marke…

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Growth and Strategic Scale: Texas A&M University CBO John Crawford on Stewarding Financial Success 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

John Crawford is vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. In this episode, Crawford joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss following in his father's CPA footsteps, managing Texas A&M's massive $2.5 billion budget during a tuition freeze, and navigating the evolving landscape of highe…

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Genuine, Collective, Imperfect Leadership: Isaiah Behnke 21:52

6M ago21:52

21:52

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Isaiah Behnke, director of student finance at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Isaiah shares his unique career journey, which he describes as an "improvised jazz session" rather than a scripted symphony, with twists and turns that led hi…

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Mission-Driven Management: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee CBO Robin Van Harpen on Leading Through Change 24:36

6M ago24:36

24:36

Robin Van Harpen is senior vice chancellor for finance and administrative affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this episode, Van Harpen joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about transitioning from legal counsel to CFO leadership, navigating institutional financial challenges, and fostering an environment whe…

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Instincts, Improvement, Inspiration: Adrienne Frank 15:33

6M ago15:33

15:33

In this insightful Career Conversations episode, host Christine Simone sits down with Adrienne Frank, director of business and fiscal administration at Auburn University's Harbert College of Business in Auburn, Alabama. Adrienne shares her unique journey from the corporate world to higher education, offering valuable advice for those seeking career…

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Data-Driven Turnaround: Transforming Institutional Finance with Northern Kentucky University CBO Christopher Calvert 33:35

7M ago33:35

33:35

Christopher Calvert is chief financial officer and vice president of administration and finance at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. In this episode, Calvert joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss his journey from private sector finance to higher education leadership, implementing data-driven financial strategies, and nav…

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Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Today's Chief Business Officers 37:19

7M ago37:19

37:19

This conversation – a crossover episode between our two other podcasts CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief – is important enough that we wanted to release it on this feed as well. Enjoy! The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibiliti…

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Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Today's Chief Business Officers 37:19

7M ago37:19

37:19

The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibilities, and aspirations of CBOs across the country. In this special crossover episode between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, host Donna Schiele and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson explore the Pr…

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Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Today's Chief Business Officers 37:14

7M ago37:14

37:14

The fifth edition of the National Profile of Higher Education Chief Business Officers, released last year, offers crucial insights into the career paths, responsibilities, and aspirations of CBOs across the country. In this special crossover episode between CBO Speaks and NACUBO in Brief, host Donna Schiele and NACUBO's Bryan Dickson explore the Pr…

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Leading With a Sense of Service: Bobby Srivastava 23:52

7M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Bobby Srivastava, chief administrative officer and senior fiscal officer at The Ohio State University College of Engineering in Columbus, Ohio. With a background in K-12 education and over a decade of experience in higher ed, Bobby shares his unique insig…

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The Federal Funding Freeze, Budget Uncertainty, and Tax Reform Outlook 22:02

8M ago22:02

22:02

Executive orders and memos issued during President Trump’s first weeks back in the White House have elevated risk and uncertainty for colleges and universities. A leaked list of House budget and tax proposals includes a number of alarming policy ideas, and it is unclear how, or if, the Congress will be able to fund the federal government after Marc…

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The Power of Curiosity and Transparency: Leadership Lessons from University of Rhode Island CBO Abby Benson 32:06

8M ago32:06

32:06

Abby Benson is vice president for administration and finance at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. In this episode, Benson joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her diverse career path, the importance of curiosity and transparency in leadership, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. "…

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Purposeful Leadership: Robbie Campbell Lissade 14:53

8M ago14:53

14:53

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Robbie Campbell Lissade, the director of budget and finance at Rutgers University-Newark in Newark, New Jersey. Campbell Lissade shares her inspiring journey from corporate accounting to higher education, discussing the challenges she faced and the mentor…

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NACUBO Consulting’s Ruth Johnston on Navigating Challenges and Strengthening Institutions 24:43

8M ago24:43

24:43

Dr. Ruth Johnston, vice president of NACUBO Consulting joins Liz Clark to talk about NACUBO Consulting. Ruth talks about the expertise, experience, and leadership abilities NACUBO consultants bring to each engagement. She also discusses some of the top issues for which institutions are seeking solutions. Ruth also explains how NACUBO Consultants ar…

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Beyond the Job Description: Seizing Opportunities with Great Falls College MSU CBO Carmen Roberts 26:33

8M ago26:33

26:33

Carmen Roberts is the executive director of operations at Great Falls College Montana State University in Great Falls, Montana. In this episode, Roberts joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her journey to becoming a higher education leader, the challenges and opportunities in operations management, and the importance of fostering collaboratio…

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Student-Centric Leadership: Kelly Broughton 23:14

8M ago23:14

23:14

In this episode, Christine Simone chats with Kelly Broughton, director of operational purchasing and travel at Ohio University's Business Service Center in Athens, Ohio. Broughton shares her unique career journey transitioning from library sciences to higher ed finance and administration. Broughton discusses how transferable skills such as customer…

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Enabling Strategic Data Use with a New Analytics Playbook 26:26

8M ago26:26

26:26

La Toya Hart, Ph.D., assistant vice president, institutional research, planning and effectiveness, at Jackson State University and Lindsay Wayt, Ph.D., senior director, analytics, at NACUBO join Liz Clark to talk about the new Change With Analytics Playbook, a comprehensive resource designed to support institutions in creating a culture and capacit…

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Reframing Financial Conversations: Kalamazoo Valley Community College CBO Brian Lueth on Resource Allocation and Student Impact 18:33

9M ago18:33

18:33

Brian Lueth is vice president for finance and business at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In this episode, Lueth joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his journey from public accounting to higher education, the importance of effective communication in conveying financial information, and strategies for maintaining af…

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Ethics Above Everything: Shea Bryant 11:37

9M ago11:37

11:37

Shea Bryant, manager of financial reporting at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, joins host Christine Simone on NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast. Bryant shares insights from his career journey, transitioning from external auditor to higher ed business officer, and discusses the importance of staying connected with GASB expec…

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Leading with Authenticity: Kelvin Davis 18:13

10M ago18:13

18:13

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Kelvin Davis, associate vice president of finance and administration at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Davis, a recent recipient of NACUBO's prestigious Rising Star Award, shares his unique journey in higher education and the lessons he…

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Transparency Transforms: Effective Communication with Lake-Sumter State CBO Michelle Matis 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

Michelle Matis is vice president of finance and CFO at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, Florida. In this episode, Matis joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her career path in higher education finance, managing financial health during challenging times, and the importance of collaboration and transparency. "I always try to instill that …

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Workforce Development and Student Outcomes 16:39

10M ago16:39

16:39

Demographic and economic swings are a reality for colleges and universities, but thoughtful campus leaders can create proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to program development and connect those with employers’ workforce needs. Ivy Tech Community College’s Dominick Chase, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Molly Dodge, s…

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Leading Through Change: Amanda Srichareon 17:50

10M ago17:50

17:50

Amanda Srichareon of Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) shares her compelling 16-year journey from sponsor billing representative to university bursar. Her story demonstrates how recognizing opportunities, embracing mentorship, and developing an authentic leadership style can shape a successful career in higher education. Throughout the conversat…

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Fitchburg State Looks at the Impact of Billing Practices on Student Retention 17:40

10M ago17:40

17:40

Student retention is a top priority for every campus and is affected by numerous factors. Everything from accessibility to payment instructions, course registration and billing due dates, payment methods and options could influence student retention. Join Becky Copper-Glenz, Fitchburg State University’s dean for the school of graduate, online, and …

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Beyond the Balance Sheet: Kentucky Community and Technical College System CBO Todd Kilburn on Student-Centered Financial Leadership 22:51

10M ago22:51

22:51

Todd Kilburn is chief financial officer at Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in Kentucky. In this episode, Kilburn joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss navigating institutional transitions, balancing financial leadership with student success, and the evolving responsibilities of modern chief business officers across KCTCS's…

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Transforming Higher Ed: Craig Alexander 21:15

11M ago21:15

21:15

Want to drive transformation and build stronger teams in higher ed? Tune in for insights from Craig Alexander, continuous improvement officer at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone chats with Craig about his unique journey from a 16-year career at Sprint to hi…

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TIAA Institute’s Anne Ollen on Why Someone Would Want to Work for a College or University 29:25

11M ago29:25

29:25

Anne Ollen, Managing Director at the TIAA Institute, a think-tank within TIAA, develops and executes the TIAA Institute's higher education program. In conversation with NACUBO’s vice president for policy and research, Liz Clark, Anne shares highlights from a recent TIAA Institute research initiative to deepen understanding of potential and current …

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Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone: Belmont University CBO Harry Allen's Advice for Growth 22:44

11M ago22:44

22:44

Harry Allen is executive VP for financial excellence and CFO at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In this episode, Allen joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his journey from banking to higher education, the importance of relationships and service in leadership, and his vision for the future of finance in higher ed. "I view my role …

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Persistence Pays Off: Don Marrow 15:51

11M ago15:51

15:51

In this insightful episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone chats with Don Marrow, director of budget and resource planning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Don shares his unique 17-year journey at the university, transitioning from a temporary civil service employee to a leadership role in business and…

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How Georgia Tech is Using Generative AI to Streamline Work 20:23

11M ago20:23

20:23

Brent O’Guin, artificial intelligence strategist and architect at the Georgia Institute of Technology speaks with Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO about his work leading generative AI integration across the institution. Stating “you don’t have to wait to start getting value from AI,” Brent shares his experiences helping staff bui…

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Listening and Leading: Elgin Community College’s CBO Kimberly Wagner 25:43

11M ago25:43

25:43

Kimberly Wagner is the vice president of business and finance at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. In this episode, Wagner joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her transition from corporate accounting to higher education, the importance of empowering and investing in your team, and trends and changes in community colleges. "I think …

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Leading with Compassion: Bob Miller 17:22

12M ago17:22

17:22

In this insightful episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations podcast, host Christine Simone sits down with Bob Miller, director of fiscal administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. With over 22 years of experience at UTSA, Bob shares his unique journey from campus recreation to strategic enrollment and offers valuable advice for aspir…

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Amazon Web Services’ Mark Hampton on the Need for Effective Change Management 20:39

12M ago20:39

20:39

With 30 years of experience in higher education administration, Mark Hampton, executive education advisor at Amazon Web Services (AWS), is deeply familiar with the changing needs of institutions and necessary steps to meet the challenge. In conversation with NACUBO’s vice president, policy and research, Liz Clark, Mark shares insights about change …

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Strategic Thinking, Analytics, and Relationships: Insights from Manchester University CBO Claire Knapp 23:55

12M ago23:55

23:55

Claire Knapp is the vice president of finance and administration, chief business officer and treasurer at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana. In this episode, Knapp joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his unique career journey from public accounting to higher education, navigating financial challenges in a post-pandemic envir…

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Embracing Strengths, Driving Change: Ben Lennander 18:05

12M ago18:05

18:05

In this episode, host Christine Simone chats with Ben Lennander, assistant vice chancellor of human resources at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Ben shares his unique career journey, leadership philosophy, and insights on building strong professional relationships in higher education. Key Points and Themes: Applying an entrepreneurial mindset …

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Three Institutions Partner to Enhance Student Mental Health Services 19:30

1y ago19:30

19:30

Andrea Young, vice president for finance and administration at DePauw University, and Curtis Wiseley, executive director of MINDful College Connections, speak with Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO, about their innovative approach to better meet the mental health needs of students at Depauw University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Tec…

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Mentorship Matters: Insights on Career Growth from Colorado College CBO Lori Seager 22:34

1y ago22:34

22:34

Lori Seager is vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this episode, Seager joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her unique career path, the value of a liberal arts education, and the evolving role of a CBO. "I think if a person cultivates that relationship, especially with …

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Genuine Connections, Lasting Legacy: Alyson Baxter 27:21

1y ago27:21

27:21

In this episode of NACUBO's Career Conversations, host Christine Simone chats with Alyson Baxter, assistant vice president, finance and operations, shared administrative services at the University of Alabama. Alyson shares her inspiring 17-year journey at the university, from graduate assistant to AVP, and the lessons she's learned along the way. K…

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How Leaders at UC Irvine Harnessed Momentum from the Pandemic to Rethink Work 19:31

1y ago19:31

19:31

In 2021, human resources leaders at the University of California, Irvine leveraged changing ideas about the nature of work to introduce “Work Reimagined,” a program designed to retain the institution’s culture and community and deliver on its mission while building a human-centric work experience that allows for increased flexibility where and when…

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Leading With Intention: Leadership Lessons From Sam Houston State University CBO Amanda Withers 23:09

1y ago23:09

23:09

Amanda Withers is the chief financial officer and senior vice president for operations at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. In this episode, Withers joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her journey to becoming a CBO in higher education, the importance of leadership and mentorship, and the future of the CBO role. "I think the …

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Pete Zuraw Shares People-Centered Insights from Recent Facilities Research 25:21

1y ago25:21

25:21

Pete Zuraw, vice president of market strategy and development at Gordian, joins Neil Gavigan, policy and advocacy manager at NACUBO to discuss the latest in higher education facilities management. The conversation centers around the 11th edition of Gordian’s State of Facilities in Higher Education study, released earlier this year. Pete and Neil fo…