From the Ville to the Nest: A Parent and Family Podcast

Move-In 2026 is almost here, and we've got you covered! Host Jessica Combess sits down with Kristen Roberts, Director of Operations, and Kenzi Surkin, Assistant Director for Operations, from University Housing and the Resident Experience to walk families through everything they need to know for the big day. From what to pack (and what to leave at home — sorry, Fluffy and Fido), to how time slo...

Most students don't think about the University Career Center until senior year — and by then, they're already behind. In this episode, host Jessica Combess sits down with Chester Delph, Associate Director for Employer Engagement at the UofL University Career Center, to unpack everything career services actually offers, starting the moment a student steps on campus. From Cardinal Careers (the vette...

What's it like to lead a university family's trust with the people they love most? UofL President Dr. Gerry Bradley sits down with Host Jessica Combess for an honest conversation about the student journey — from move-in day jitters to graduation. A first-generation student himself and father of five (with multiple Cardinals in the family), Dr. Bradley shares what student success really means beyon...

In this SEASON 2 PREMIERE EPISODE of From the Ville to the Nest , we're sitting down with Melissa Eversole, Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions at UofL, to talk all things new student orientation. From what to do before you arrive to how to support your student through one of their biggest transitions yet — this conversation is packed with practical tips and reassurance for familie...

Season 2 of From the Ville to the Nest starts next week! 🎙️ Join host Jessica Combess for another season of conversations designed to help UofL parents and families stay informed, connected, and in the know. This season includes favorite topics like orientation and move-in, plus conversations about career services, campus support, and even a special episode with UofL President Dr. Gerry Bradley. W...

It’s the From the Ville to the Nest Season 1 finale! 🎙️ Host Jessica Combess reflects on a year of stories, conversations, and connection — celebrating 30 episodes, 2,000+ listens, and nearly 40 campus and community guests. Hear which episodes families loved most, discover a few hidden gems you might’ve missed, and learn how this podcast grew from a laptop in an office to an award-winning show rec...

When your student calls home sick for the first time, it can be hard not to worry — but UofL Campus Health is here to help. In this episode, host Jessica Combess sits down with Gary Thurman , Nurse Practitioner at UofL Campus Health , to talk about how their team supports students’ physical and mental well-being right here on campus. From routine checkups and women’s health to urgent care and chro...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , host Jessica Combess sits down with Mary Beth Uberti , Program Coordinator of BRICC to talk about how families can help their Cardinals make safe, informed decisions around drinking and drug use. This conversation isn’t about being anti-drinking — it’s about understanding today’s realities, talking openly, and building trust. Mary Beth shares practic...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re talking with UofL’s Office of Service Learning & Civic Engagement about how students connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Hear how service learning helps students grow as leaders, make a difference in their communities, and even take part in the transformative International Service Learning Program (ISLP) . Whether your Cardin...

Finding belonging can make all the difference in your student’s college experience. In this episode, host Jessica Combess sits down with Mónica Negrón from UofL’s Center for Belonging, Access, and Engagement (BAE) to talk about how their team helps students connect, celebrate their identities, and thrive throughout their Cardinal journey. From early arrival programs and one-on-one coaching to fun...

🎧 Support Without Stigma: The Story of the Cardinal Cupboard The Cardinal Cupboard is more than a food pantry — it’s a community. In this episode, host Jessica Combess talks with Kathy Meyer , Director of Student Involvement, about how UofL’s on-campus pantry supports all Cardinals — students, faculty, and staff — with dignity and care. Discover how the Cupboard fosters food security, reduces sti...

For the first time, From the Ville to the Nest is bringing student voices to the mic! 🎓 Meet UofL Student Government Association leaders Macy Waddle and Grant Avis as they share how SGA represents the voice of the students, what campus involvement really looks like, and why leadership opportunities matter. Parents, you’ll hear directly from students about the impact of getting involved, how famil...

Midterms can feel overwhelming, but your student doesn’t have to face them alone. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, Executive Director of REACH and Testing Services, Dr. Geoff Bailey, joins us to share how UofL’s tutoring, coaching, and study support programs help students build confidence, strengthen skills, and succeed in the classroom. Parents and families will learn why the best R...

🎧 From the Ville to the Nest brings you the inside scoop on how to make the most of Family Weekend in Louisville! In this episode, Jessica sits down with Rosanne Mastin from Louisville Tourism to share all the best ways parents and families can experience the city - from must-see attractions like the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the Kentucky Derby Museum, to h...

Being a Cardinal is bigger than just four years on campus — it’s a lifelong connection! In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , host Jessica Combess sits down with Mary Ann Vetter, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement , and Amanda James, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement , to talk all things UofL Alumni. They share how parents and family members who are alumni can stay involved, the...

Starting college is a big transition for every student—but it can feel especially overwhelming for first-generation Cardinals , who are the first in their families to attend college. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we sit down with Christy Metzger , Associate Director of Student Success, to talk about what it means to be a first-gen student at UofL and the many ways the Student Suc...

When you hear “Dean of Students Office,” do you picture the principal’s office? At UofL, it’s actually so much more than that. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , Dr. Shirley Hardy and Geri Morgan from the Care & Conduct team join us to talk about how their office supports students through both the highs and the hard moments of college life. From navigating crises to learning from...

Dr. Michael Mardis, UofL’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, proud three-time alum, and Cardinal parent, joins From the Ville to the Nest for a special back-to-school conversation. In this episode, Dr. Mardis shares what makes UofL such a unique and welcoming community, how Student Affairs supports your student outside the classroom, and his own perspective as a parent watching...

🎙️ Welcome Week: Your Student’s Launchpad It’s finally here - Welcome Week at the University of Louisville! In this episode, Jessica Combess is joined by Lacey Skeldon, program assistant for Welcome Week, to give you an inside look at the events, the purpose behind them, and how families can support their students during this exciting time. From move-in day jitters to late-night socials and campus...

Move-In Day at UofL is one of the most exciting - and emotional days of the year for Cardinal families. Whether this is your first time helping a student move into college or you’ve done this before, there’s a lot to prepare for and a lot to take in. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re joined by Kenzi Surkin from Housing and the Residential Experience and Kristin Roberts , Direct...

Is your student thinking about Greek life but not sure what all the terms and traditions really mean? Does what you see in popular media scare you about the process? In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re joined by Stephanie Schroeder and Derek Woodruff from UofL’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) to break it all down for you. Whether your student has already mentioned j...

You've had questions - and we have answers! In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re joined by Emily Bridges, Assistant Director of Marketing for Louisville Athletics, to walk us through everything you need to know about how students will access athletic events starting in the 2025–2026 season. We cover the new Ville’ns membership, the student fee, how the ticket lottery works, wh...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re talking openly about something that matters to every college student— mental health . Join us as we sit down with Dr. Geeta Gulati , Director of the UofL Counseling Center, to explore the resources and support systems available to your Cardinal. From one-on-one counseling to 24/7 crisis services and campus outreach, the Counseling Center is her...

Not every student lives in a residence hall - and that’s perfectly okay. Whether your Cardinal is commuting from home or transferring in from another college, they’re still an important part of the UofL family. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , host Jessica Combess sits down with Alex Courtenay, Coordinator for Commuter and Transfer Initiatives at the University of Louisville. Togeth...

Think your student doesn’t need UofL's Disability Resource Center? Think again. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest , we’re joined by Krista Schutz-Hampton , Neurodivergent Specialist in the Disability Resource Center at UofL - and a college parent herself. She helps us unpack what the center does, who qualifies for accommodations, and why even students who never had an IEP or 504 Pl...