Cap & Gown

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...

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 ins...

Rachel Phillips-Buck and Dr. Sherry Woosley had an insightful conversation on transforming campus culture from 'Danger to Daring'—a neuroscience-informed approach to fostering a true sense of belonging in students! From understanding the amygdala's role to exploring how curiosity can shift your mindset, their discussion was impactful- catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. #student...

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 h...

We are so excited to introduce you to Kallie Menard, M.Ed , Senior Client Development Representative at Pharos! Kallie works closely with prospective clients, showcasing the value of Pharos' solutions to help them improve student retention and success. In this episode, Kallie talks about her experiences as a young professional in higher ed, burnout, and Gen Z in the workplace. You will be sure to...

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 profes...

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 embracin...

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 academ...

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, empha...

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 cu...

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 an...

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.

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 assistan...

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 challeng...

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 eclecti...

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, coll...

"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