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

Join us as Rachel interviews Andrea Faber, Assistant Vice Provost of Student Success at Tiffin University! They discuss the challenges of the 'business' side of being a student, Faber's success with Pharos360, and future hurdles in student success.

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.