Cap & Gown

It’s a wrap on Season 5—and what a season it’s been. From the spirit of the “Redbud Season” to powerful insights from student success leaders across the country, we tackled the real challenges (and hope!) in higher education post-pandemic.🎙 Highlights include:-Career mapping, stackable credentials for vets, and practical crisis response skills-Standout voices from Sherry Woosley, Barrington Price, Debbi Rutledge, and more-Mic-drop moments on student agency, burnout, transformation, and redefining college readiness📚 Plus, a look into our 2025 book: Slow Productivity Hacks—featuring strategies to sync your workflow, manage task overload, and create meaningful progress without burnout.

It’s a wrap on Season 5—and what a season it’s been. From the spirit of the “Redbud Season” to powerful insights from student success leaders across the country, we tackled the real challenges (and hope!) in higher education post-pandemic.🎙 Highlights include:-Career mapping, stackable credentials for vets, and practical crisis response skills-Standout voices from Sherry Woosley, Barrington Price, Debbi Rutledge, and more-Mic-drop moments on student agency, burnout, transformation, and redefining college readiness📚 Plus, a look into our 2025 book: Slow Productivity Hacks—featuring strategies to sync your workflow, manage task overload, and create meaningful progress without burnout.

In this episode, Sherry Woosley and Rachel Phillips-Buck unpack the current landscape of higher education—from national policy shifts to enrollment cliffs and Gen Z career expectations. They reflect on the hidden costs of overcommitment, the rise of administrative overhead, and the importance of doing fewer things, better. With practical tips on limiting your mission, managing legacy work, and setting boundaries, this conversation challenges student success professionals to rethink how they spend their time and focus on the projects that matter most.

In this episode, Sherry Woosley and Rachel Phillips-Buck unpack the current landscape of higher education—from national policy shifts to enrollment cliffs and Gen Z career expectations.

They reflect on the hidden costs of overcommitment, the rise of administrative overhead, and the importance of doing fewer things, better. With practical tips on limiting your mission, managing legacy work, and setting boundaries, this conversation challenges student success professionals to rethink how they spend their time and focus on the projects that matter most.

In this episode of Cap & Gown, we sit down with the brilliant Viva Gore, Director of Retention Intelligence at Pharos Resources, to dive into the power of practitioner-driven data in student success. 🎓📊

Viva shares her expertise on how institutions can move beyond numbers and spreadsheets to translate data into real, actionable insights that help students thrive. From early identification strategies to retention best practices, this conversation is packed with real-world examples and hands-on experience from someone who has been in the trenches of student success work.

If you're passionate about using data with purpose, this episode is for you! Listen now and gain practical takeaways that you can apply at your institution.

🔗 Listen to the full episode anywhere you get your podcasts!
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on student success, retention, and proactive support!

#StudentSuccess #HigherEd #Retention #CapAndGownPodcast #DataDriven

In this episode of Cap & Gown, we sit down with the brilliant Viva Gore, Director of Retention Intelligence at Pharos Resources, to dive into the power of practitioner-driven data in student success. 🎓📊

Viva shares her expertise on how institutions can move beyond numbers and spreadsheets to translate data into real, actionable insights that help students thrive. From early identification strategies to retention best practices, this conversation is packed with real-world examples and hands-on experience from someone who has been in student success work.

If you're passionate about using data with purpose, this episode is for you! Listen now and gain practical takeaways that you can apply at your institution.

🔗 Listen to the full episode anywhere you get your podcasts!
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on student success, retention, and proactive support!

#StudentSuccess #HigherEd #Retention #CapAndGownPodcast #DataDriven

Productivity in higher ed isn’t about busyness—it’s about impact. In this episode, we explore how to rethink productivity in a way that’s sustainable, meaningful, and truly student-centered.

Listen now! 🎧

Productivity in higher ed isn’t about busyness—it’s about impact. In this episode, we explore how to rethink productivity in a way that’s sustainable, meaningful, and truly student-centered.

Listen now! 🎧

It was a pleasure getting to know Dr. Sherry Woosley on Cap & Gown this week! We discussed her journey into higher education, the valuable student success tips she’s learned along the way (including the different types of homesickness!), and the next frontier of higher ed.

In this episode of Cap and Gown, Rachel Phillips Buck and Sharia Hays at George Fox University dive into the evolving landscape of student affairs, the intersection of faith and racial justice, and the challenges of balancing student care with compliance. They discuss the shifting expectations of students and families, the future of campus housing post-pandemic, and how AI is shaping student success. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on leading with intentionality in higher ed!

In this episode of Cap and Gown, Rachel Phillips Buck and Sharia Hays at George Fox University dive into the evolving landscape of student affairs, the intersection of faith and racial justice, and the challenges of balancing student care with compliance. They discuss the shifting expectations of students and families, the future of campus housing post-pandemic, and how AI is shaping student success. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on leading with intentionality in higher ed! 

It was a pleasure getting to know Dr. Sherry Woosley on Cap & Gown this week! We discussed her journey into higher education, the valuable student success tips she’s learned along the way (including the different types of homesickness!), and the next frontier of higher ed.

In this episode of Cap and Gown, we’ll be reviewing the State of the Union with Rachel to reflect on the past year in higher ed, and set our sights on what’s ahead! We’re also thrilled to introduce our 2025 theme: Intentionality—inspired by the thought-provoking work of Cal Newport, author of our featured book of the year: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.Discover how intentionality can shape our work, deepen our impact, and strengthen the way we serve our community!

We had an incredible conversation with Camryn on this week's episode of Cap & Gown! Camryn, our talented Student Success Specialist, shared insights into her journey as a highly involved student leader and how that experience shapes her impactful work today. We explored her role in data and retention intelligence, uncovering how it's not just about the numbers—it's about transforming those insights into meaningful, lasting support for students.

Meet Debi Rutledge, Director of Academic Support and Retention at Rochester University! With over 30 years in higher ed, Debi brings a transformative approach to student success, blending her expertise in Marriage and Family Therapy with a systems view to support the whole student experience. Her "Warriors Thrive" program redefines support for students facing unique challenges today, like mental health needs and financial insecurity. Through transformational, not transactional, support and academic coaching, her team is seeing incredible results—like 100% retention among students completing key coaching sessions. Debi’s vision? A future where student support is personalized, proactive, and positive!

In this episode, we explore how job crafting can be a powerful tool for higher education professionals to boost their job satisfaction and make a meaningful impact on student success. By reshaping tasks, relationships, and perceptions, educators can align their roles with their strengths and passions. Discover practical strategies and real-life examples of job crafting that not only enhance professional well-being but also positively influence student outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Barrington Price delivered a wealth of knowledge on navigating student success. As CEO leading Dominican University, Dr. Price's partnerships with organizations like Unite Us and To and Through are driving remarkable changes in the lives of students and their communities. This episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss!

Our CIO doesn’t just build technology solutions – he grounds them in his real-world experience as a higher education practitioner. His hands-on understanding of student success and institutional challenges allows us to create tools that truly serve our partners🤝

In this episode of Cap & Gown, Matt and Rachel dive into the complexities of curiosity. They explore the difference between limits and boundaries, how to recognize when curiosity may lead to harm, and the importance of emotional bandwidth. From knowing the right time to ask questions to understanding the impact of curiosity on relationships, this discussion offers practical advice for embracing curiosity as part of your identity. Plus, hear how curiosity influences students, the 80/20 rule in student affairs, and why everyone is both a teacher and a learner. Enjoy!

Is college truly transactional? 🎓💼 Dive into the debate of extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation in higher education. Discover the power of relationship constellations and how they shape student success. 🌟 Learn how relationship-rich education drives success in college and beyond! 🚀

Join Rachel Phillips-Buck and Matt Boisvert as they kick off the 5th season of Cap & Gown! Listen as they cover the State of the Union from the summer of 2024.

#studentsuccess #highereducation #pharosresources

Join us for another engaging episode of "Cap and Gown" where Rachel Phillips-Buck and Matt Boisvert dive into the themes of curiosity and personal development. They explore how understanding and implementing curiosity can significantly enhance both personal growth and professional success. Stay tuned as they unfold the power of curiosity and its potential to transform lives and careers.

Rachel engages James Weiser, the Dean of Library Information Services and Educational Technology at Abilene Christian University. They delve into the evolution and role of libraries and librarians in the digital age, highlighting how these spaces and professionals have adapted to technological advancements like AI and the internet. Weiser emphasizes the importance of libraries in supporting academic endeavors and fostering a learning environment that can adapt to the needs of students and faculty alike. He shares personal experiences and strategies for integrating technology in education, demonstrating the ongoing relevance and resilience of libraries in facilitating access to knowledge and nurturing academic communities.

Host Rachel PB and guest Allison Ash, Assistant VP of Strategy and Operations for Student Success and Senior Consultant at Credo, discuss her journey in higher education, highlighting her love for student care and systemic improvements at institutions, as well as her unique interests in music and involvement in a rock band. She reflected on the impactful and challenging aspects of her roles, emphasizing the reward in seeing staff and students succeed and navigate difficulties.

Rachel Phillips-Buck shares her journey of facing and overcoming challenges in education, highlighting her experiences as a student struggling with self-doubt and academic difficulties. She discusses seeking help and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to express vulnerabilities and receive guidance. Rachel's story emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity, resilience, and the critical role of educators in recognizing and nurturing students' potential, ultimately leading to her success and advocacy for student success in higher education.

In this episode of Cap & Gown, Rachel & Matt explored the vital role of psychological safety in fostering curiosity and learning among students and colleagues. They emphasized the importance of setting expectations for failure and uncertainty, encouraging open communication and vulnerability, and responding productively to feedback. By creating an environment where individuals feel seen and safe, they can more freely express their ideas, acknowledge their struggles, and engage in meaningful dialogues that lead to growth and improvement.

#studentsuccess #highereducation #podcast

Dr. Nancy Shankle will talk about her innovative work at the RELLIS Academic Alliance (Texas A&M University System). Join us for a great conversation about how to remove obstacles that transfer students often face and help them achieve their dream of a bachelor's degree.

In this episode, Matt and Rachel dive into the speed bumps of curiosity: Overcoming speed bumps to curiosity involves recognizing and addressing factors like fear, trauma, time constraints, and distance. Creating intentional spaces for curiosity and adopting a mindset of intentionality and embracing diverse perspectives can help navigate these obstacles and foster deeper curiosity and connection.

In this touching episode, Matt and Rachel delve into Matt's career path, from his first job at CNW Manufacturing to obtaining a master's degree in Marketing and Management at Arizona State University. Matt recounts his transition to higher education, inspired by mentors and experiences at Abilene Christian University, eventually leading him to become a marketing faculty member and assistant dean at ACU's College of Business, and finally, his entrepreneurial venture into Pharos Resources.

In this insightful conversation, Rachel Phillips Buck, VP for Student Success at Pharos Resources, and Michael Burns, Dean of Students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, delve into the complexities and nuances of student life in higher education. They discuss the evolving challenges students face, the importance of genuine engagement and support from faculty, and the dynamic between challenging students for growth while providing necessary support. The dialogue highlights key aspects of student development, the role of educators in nurturing resilience, and the need for balance in addressing both academic and personal growth in the collegiate environment.

In this episode of Cap and Gown, the 2024 theme of curiosity is explored as a crucial aspect of personal development and adaptation to change. The conversation addresses why curiosity matters, its role in fostering successful traits in students, and its impact on various life aspects, from personal introspection to societal engagement. Additionally, the discussion incorporates Rachel's eclectic Google searches, underscoring the breadth and depth of curiosity in understanding ourselves and the world around us.

Welcome to Cap and Gown's first episode of 2024 with Rachel Phillips-Buck and Matt Boisvert from Pharos Resources. In this episode, they discuss the transition into 2024, reflecting on last year's theme of joy, and the anticipation of revealing a new theme. The conversation covers various topics, including higher education policies, the influence of AI on students' career choices, college costs, the gender gap in higher education, and mental health concerns among students. They also explore innovative initiatives like tuition-free programs at Christian colleges and new courses on content creation. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where they'll unveil the 2024 theme and discuss a supporting book.

"Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership," by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, explores leadership as a learnable skill rather than an innate trait. Join Rachel and Matt as they explore the five leadership principles in the book, and how you can effectively integrate them into your student success efforts. #podcast #studentsuccess #pharosresources

Tune in to hear Rachel's interview with Matthew Little: Matthew's life story emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities, particularly for first-generation students. Despite facing challenges like poverty and misunderstanding financial aid, he took nine years to graduate, working for AmeriCorps and eventually realizing his Pell eligibility. His diverse experiences, from being featured on a Japanese reality show to translating urban experience into rural engagement, have shaped his belief in taking chances and defying conventional career paths, which he now shares with risk-averse students.

In this episode, Rachel and Matt explore the core concepts of Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness and unravel the theories of Friedman and McGregor, discover the keys to unlocking true potential. Gain actionable insights and practical tips to enhance your intrinsic motivation, fostering a sense of self-determination that can propel you towards your goals and dreams.

Join Rachel with special guest Sherry Woosley as they discuss belonging, future, and the Believability Gap.

In this episode, Rachel and Matt break down current events in higher education and their potential implications for your school. Tune in to learn about the latest developments regarding artificial intelligence, FASFA, Title IX, and more. Watch or listen to Cap & Gown on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more: https://pharosresources.com/cap-gown-mission-first/#highereducation #higheredpodcast #studentsuccess

In this episode, Rachel and Matt discuss insights from Johann Hari's book 'Stolen Focus', and dig into the factors behind our daily distractions. Tune in as they offer practical advice on how to gain clarity and depth in our work and relationships.

Watch or listen to Cap & Gown on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more: https://pharosresources.com/cap-gown-mission-first/  

#highereducation #higheredpodcast #studentsuccess #focus