Gateway Conversations with Eltavious Johnson

In this Gateway Conversations mini-episode, Eltavious Johnson reflects on Janine Driver’s You Say More Than You Think and what body language teaches recent graduates about presence, professionalism, and respect. From networking events and interviews to panels, classrooms, student government campaigns, and sponsor addresses, this episode explores how much we communicate before we ever say a word.

In this episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with one of the most influential and trusted voices on campus — Dr. Jana Mathews — for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the lived realities of student life. A medievalist by training, a nationally recognized expert on fraternity and sorority life, and the Faculty-in-Residence of Ward Ha...

In today’s quick solo episode, I’m breaking down something we all deal with but never really name : small group communication. From staff meetings to student orgs to worship teams to workplace chaos — your success depends on how people talk, decide, and connect. And trust me… I live in small groups. All day, every day. In just a few minutes, I walk you through the three theories that secretly run...

Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Harold Dorrell Briscoe In this episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Rev. Dr. Harold Dorrell Briscoe, minister, professor, historian, father of four, and Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at Rollins College. A leader who moves with ease between the academy and the altar, between data and devotion, Bri...

More Than a Meal A Conversation with Veronica Hidalgo, Carolina Ossa & Maria Cristina Cabanilla In this episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with three powerhouse leaders who are transforming what dining means at Rollins College. Hospitality isn’t just service—it’s culture, memory, and connection. Together, they’ve turned meals into moments that bring people clos...

In this episode, our host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Dr. John V. Sinclair Endowed Chair of the Department of Music at Rollins College and Artistic Director/Conductor of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park—to explore the art of leadership, the role of tradition in a changing world, and the lasting impact of music in education. Together, we reflect on his journey from small-town beginning...

In this episode, our host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Mai-Han Harrington —Rollins College alumna, Trustee, and accomplished executive—to explore the powerful intersections of identity, leadership, and the liberal arts. Together, we reflect on her journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a respected leader in the healthcare industry and higher education governance. Mai...

In this illuminating episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Faye Tydlaska, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Rollins College, for a powerful conversation about access, strategy, and the soul of liberal arts education. With over a decade of leadership at Rollins, Faye has helped shape the college’s enrollment landscape—driving significant in...

In this inspiring episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Carroll Hanley Goggin—Rollins College alumna, trustee, business leader, and advocate for the arts—for a warm, thoughtful conversation about legacy, belonging, and the roads that lead us back to where we began. Carroll’s journey is uniquely interwoven with Rollins—from her days as a math major in the 1980s to...

In this powerful episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Donna A. Lee, Vice President for Student Affairs at Rollins College, for a heartfelt and unflinching conversation about leadership, identity, and the courage it takes to create change in higher education. A proud New Yorker, U.S. Army veteran, and seasoned student affairs leader, Donna brings a lifetime of ex...

In this inspiring episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Dr. Brooke Barnett , the newly appointed 16th President of Rollins College , for her first in-depth campus conversation. President Barnett brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, a journalist’s storytelling soul, and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered transformation. Prior...

In this powerful episode of Gateway Conversations , host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Rollins alumna and national changemaker Dr. Lua Hancock to explore what it means to lead with courage, community, and care. From her early days at Rollins to her decades of impact in higher education, Lua shares insights on cultivating inclusive campuses, building brave spaces, and being fully present in lead...

In this episode, we sit down with Micki Meyer, Dean of Rollins Gateway and a national leader in student engagement. With over two decades at Rollins College, Micki shares the heart behind her work—from transforming campus spaces to championing changemaking and equity in higher education. We explore how she nurtures student leaders, balances personal and professional life, and stays grounded in pur...