We Grow Aces A University of Evansville Podcast

Throughout this year, we’ve listened to the voices that make up this place, stories rooted in memory, shaped by experience, and carried forward in community. In this final episode, we sit down with James MacLeod, the professor of history and chair of the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change, who reminds us that history is not simply something we inherit. It’s something we interpret,...

In this powerful episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast , we sit down with Abigail Werling as she talks about visionary leadership and believing one of the greatest gifts we can give others is the freedom to dream. As the Vice President of University Advancement, she has built her leadership around relationships, possibility, and helping people see beyond what is into what could be. A self-described...

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast , we sit down with Juliet Aura , Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, to explore her passion for helping people grow and thrive . Juliet shares her “why,” rooted in a love for seeing development unfold —both in the clients she tends to in the clinic and in the students she mentors in the classroom. She reflects on her journey moving to th...

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Roscoe, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Engagement, to explore the power of showing up for others. Rachel shares her “why,” rooted in the desire to be someone people can rely on—to give her all when her name is tied to something and make it the best it can be. She reflects on the selflessness of her parents,...

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit with Teddy Decorrevont, Residential Coordinator, about identity, belonging, and the power of kindness. Teddy shares his journey wrestling with identity and the ways this has shaped how he relates to others. Central to his “why” is a deep commitment to creating warmth and care for those around him, helping people feel loved, seen, and acc...

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we’re joined by Zach Weinberg, Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Evansville, for a conversation about leadership that goes far beyond wins and losses. Zach shares his passion for developing teams by bringing people together across differences—backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences—and challenging them to grow into someth...

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Yolanda Obaze, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, to explore a powerful and refreshing take on purpose. When asked about her “why,” Yolanda’s answer was simple yet transformative: “Why not?” Rather than viewing life through the lens of limitation, she challenges us to co...

In this first episode in Season 2 of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Chad Hart, Director of Retention, to explore how change—both expected and unexpected—can become one of the most powerful forces in shaping our “why.” Chad reflects on experiencing early career success at a young age, followed by the reality many professionals face: industries shift, technology evolves, and roles that o...

In our final episode of the season, we talk with Jessica Snow--Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, deeper thinker, and lifelong learner--about identity, ambition, and the beauty of becoming. From her academic path through biology and medicine to a transformative year in Luxembourg, Jessica reflects on how stepping back can sometimes move us forward. We explore the pressures of productivity, th...

In this episode, we sit down with Maxwell Omwenga--educator, father, and man of deep faith--to talk about answered prayers, calling, and living with purpose. Originally from Kenya, Maxwell shares how his journey into higher education felt like a door only God could open. From pursuing a PhD at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, to making his arrival on our campus, he was challenged to as: If...

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at the University of Evansville—a lifelong learner, global traveler, and seeker of connection. Jill shares the story of her early roots—shaped by parents who started small, but dreamed wide—and how that foundation sparked a lifelong curiosity that would carry her across the world. Fr...

In this episode of We Grow Aces, we sit down with Will McDonner, Assistant Director of Residence Life at the University of Evansville—a place he’s called home since his days as a music major and RA.Will shares how his journey into student affairs was less about a grand plan and more about presence, service, and a daily commitment to grow: “be better today than yesterday.” That simple mantra has be...

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Ashley Nells--Registrar and Head of Academic Advising & Retention at the University of Evansville--about the winding, grace-filled path that's led her from student to campus leader. Ashley shares how her journey--beginning in archaeology, shifting to history, stepping away from teaching, and moving through roles in admissions--was never...

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast , we sit down with Tommy Housman, instructor of communications and Student Media advisor at the University of Evansville. Tommy shares his journey from working in design and freelance roles that lacked fulfillment to rediscovering purpose in teaching, mentoring, and storytelling. He reflects on his lifelong creativity--ranging from music and art to anima...

"Faithfulness isn't always seen, but it is always felt,' In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Michael Hocker--the steady, behind-the-scenes presence in the UE mailroom--to hear the story of a life shaped by service, quiet strength, and resilience. Michael shares how, without the chance to attend college, he carved a path through the world of hospitality--from hotels in Orlando to working wi...

In this episode of We Grow Aces , Irais Ibarra joins us to explore how obstacles aren’t just meant to be overcome—they’re meant to shape us. Through her work with the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, Irais shares how leaning into life’s hardest moments can lead to powerful transformation. Grounded in a deep belief that everything is connected and purposeful, Iris offers wisdom on restoration, comm...

In the premiere episode of We Grow Aces , host Bre Bondurant welcomes Dr. Rob Shelby—Vice President for Talent and Community, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the University of Evansville—for a profound conversation on identity, purpose, and the transformative power of human connection. Rob shares how his upbringing, love for agriculture, and winding career path—from sociologist to admini...

Welcome to the We Grow Aces podcast, where real people share rooted stories that grow deeper relationships and meaningful lives. Every voice carries a story, every story reveals a calling, and every calling shapes the world we're building together. I'm Bree Bondrian, and on this podcast, we explore the sacred intersection of vocation, identity, and community, one honest conversation at a time. Fro...