The College 1020 Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Susan Stewart of Penn State University’s College of Engineering. As Assistant Dean for Academic Support & Global Programs and a Teaching Professor in Aerospace and Renewable Energy Engineering, Dr. Stewart brings a unique perspective on engineering education, student success, and workforce readiness. Together, we explore everything aspiring engineers and th...

For insight and transparency on all things music majors in college, adjunct jazz professor, composer, and musician Gabriel Mervine is your go-to expert. He currently serves as an instructor at both Colorado State University and the University of Denver. Leading student jazz ensembles and teaching music and jazz trumpet, Gabriel brings a wealth of experience to conversations about preparing for col...

If you’re paying attention to the future of learning and generative AI, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name Julie Schell. A nationally recognized field expert and educational researcher for the University of Texas at Austin, she’s at the center of the conversation about what AI actually means for higher education—not in theory, but in practice. Recently named a 2026 Top 25 Higher Ed Influe...

A field favorite in higher education student engagement, Camille leads University Open House and incoming student events at NC State University. As the supervisor of the Office of Campus Visits, she’s a go-to resource for prospective students and families. Camille brings the NC State experience to life—spotlighting the buzz surrounding North Carolina’s Research Triangle, breaking down a “day in th...

A Nobel Prize winner marking his 50th year in UC Berkeley’s Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Dr. Randy Schekman guides prospective students and parents through the realities of selecting an appropriate campus and science major. Drawing on his own path into laboratory science, he highlights the extensive opportunities offered by large public research institutions.

Wake Forest University's Dr. Michael Lamb, a former Rhodes Scholar, award-winning professor, and Executive Director of The Program for Leadership and Character, discusses the art and science of inspiring, empowering, and educating leaders. With research focused on ethics of citizenship and virtues of public life, Dr. Lamb gives personal insight into the application process, preparing essays for co...

Jennifer Sandoval is a nationally recognized authority on application strategies for liberal arts institutions. She guides listeners through interview preparation and supplemental essay strategies for one of the country's top-rated campuses, Claremont McKenna College. CMC’s most recent national rankings include: #1 Friendliest School (The Princeton Review), #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges (Niche), a...

A former hotshot firefighter, climate change ethnographer, and author of When It All Burns (2025) , Jordan provides powerful insight into the social sciences – specifically, anthropology. As a Marshall Scholar, he offers creative ways of securing financial aid. As a UC Santa Barbara instructor, Jordan walks us through the transformative process of college fit finding and making the most of your fi...

A legendary figure in college athletics, Coach Ron Polk - the “Godfather of SEC Baseball” - recently completed his remarkable 54th year coaching college baseball. The winningest coach in SEC history and a former president of the American Baseball Coaches Association, Polk emphasizes the importance of high school athletes attending exposure events. He also weighs in on the evolving landscape of col...

The University of Alabama's Doug Klutz, twice named National Professor of the Year , discusses the importance of experiential learning, applied research, and internship opportunities as an undergraduate. Doug is an instructor in UA's Dept. of Criminology & Criminal Justice. 

Coach Brokaw, K-STATE's Director of Recruiting for Track & Cross County, discusses the importance of developing your Athletic Profile, establishing targeted communication with collegiate coaches and programs, and essential attributes of prospective Division 1 student-athletes. A former 3:57 miler, Coach Brokaw looks to lead Kansas State University to its first NCAA team Championship.