Getting In: A College Coach Conversation

Host Dina Birmingham makes her debut as a podcast host with a special episode featuring a guest who has played an important role in her own life: her older brother, Roger J. Thompson, the 31st President of Saint Mary's College of California. Together, they explore educational leadership, student support, and the many resources available to help students succeed on campus.
 
In the first segment, Dina continues our "How to Become" series with a conversation about how to become a college president. Roger reflects on his journey from high school and college through a career in higher education that included working in the registrar's office at the University of Southern California and holding a variety of administrative leadership roles before becoming president of Saint Mary's College. Along the way, he shares the experiences and mentors that shaped his path, discusses the challenges and rewards of higher education leadership, and explains what he enjoys most about helping students from the administrative side of the institution. His story offers a fascinating look at the many career paths available within higher education and the impact that dedicated professionals can have on students' lives.
 
In the second segment, Dina is joined by finance expert Parisa Salavitabar for a practical discussion on campus offices: who to go to for what. College campuses can be filled with unfamiliar offices, titles, and jargon, leaving many students unsure where to turn when they need help. Dina and Parisa break down some of the most important resources available to students, including academic advising offices, financial aid departments, registrars, student support services, and the bursar's office—yes, the same term that gained newfound popularity thanks to Hamilton. They explain the role each office plays and offer guidance on how students can quickly find the right support when questions or challenges arise during their college experience.

Host Ian Fisher welcomes listeners for an episode featuring two familiar faces and one new voice.
 
In the first segment, Ian continues the "Meet an Educator" series with College Coach Stacey Badger. Stacey reflects on her career in admission at the University of Southern California, where she worked with applicants across multiple academic divisions, including both Viterbi Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She shares insights into how applications are reviewed for different academic programs, what students often misunderstand about the admission process, and how her experiences as an admission professional shape the guidance she provides today. Stacey also discusses her own undergraduate journey and what she enjoys most about helping students and families navigate the college process as part of the Bright Horizons College Coach team.
 
Next, Ian sits down with finance expert and longtime member of our Finance Team Dina Birmingham who will be the podcast's newest host starting next week. Dina shares about why she is excited to take on a hosting role and the unique perspective she hopes to bring to future episodes, helping families better understand how financial planning and admission decisions intersect throughout the college journey.
 
The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Clifton, who provides an update on the latest developments in federal student loan repayment. Michelle explains recent changes affecting borrowers, including the end of the SAVE plan forbearance, and discusses practical steps families and graduates can take to understand their repayment options, such as using available loan repayment calculators and planning tools to evaluate payment strategies and make informed decisions as the student loan landscape continues to evolve.

Host Sally Ganga continues our "Deep Dive" series with a closer look at Rollins College, a private liberal arts institution located in Winter Park, Florida, just outside Orlando. With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students, Rollins combines the personalized attention of a small college with the opportunities and resources of a vibrant metropolitan area. Sally is joined by Dr. Faye Tydlaska, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing; Dr. Anne Stone, Interim Associate Dean, Cornell Chair of Social Impact, and Professor of Communications; Joseph Pool '26, a Public Policy and Political Economy major, Alfond Scholar, Ginsburg-Phoenix Fellow, and founder of Breaking Bread; and Valerie Mandel, Executive Director of the Center for Career and Life Planning.
 
Together, they explore what makes Rollins unique, from its distinction as the oldest college in Florida to its student-centered approach and strong sense of community. The conversation highlights the close relationships students build with faculty (not quite to the level of texting back and forth… but close!), the individualized support available both inside and outside the classroom, and the ways the college encourages intellectual curiosity, leadership, and engagement.
 
Along the way, listeners will learn about one of Rollins' most famous alumni—Mr. Rogers (yes, that Mr. Rogers)—and how his legacy of connection and care continues to reflect many of the institution's values.
 
The guests also discuss how Rollins prepares students for life after graduation. Valerie shares how the Center for Career and Life Planning helps students connect their academic interests to meaningful careers through internships, employer partnerships, and career exploration opportunities. Joseph offers a student perspective on taking advantage of the college's resources, while Drs. Tydlaska and Stone discuss the balance Rollins strikes between academic rigor, close faculty mentorship, and real-world preparation.

Host Kyra Tyler celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bright Horizons with an in-depth conversation with CEO Stephen Kramer and a look back at the company's remarkable journey.
 
In the first segment, Kyra continues the "Becoming" series with How to Become a CEO, sitting down with Stephen to trace his path from student to leader. He reflects on what he was like growing up and during his college search, including his focus on strong business programs and the early connection he made with a future business partner. Stephen also shares what life looked like immediately after graduation (including plenty of job rejection letters) and how attending business school helped open doors and shape his trajectory. The conversation follows his career through to leadership at Bright Horizons, including navigating one of the company's greatest challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on a business centered around child care and in-person services.
 
In the second segment, Stephen is joined by Stacy Raddock, Vice President of Educational Counseling at Bright Horizons, to reflect on Bright Horizons at 40. Together with Kyra, they discuss the company's growth, evolution, and impact over four decades. Stacy shares insights into her role and the unique challenges the College Coach team faced during COVID, when students were no longer able to access support in their school counseling offices. The conversation also highlights a defining strength of Bright Horizons: a workplace culture that fosters long-term commitment and connection, with Kyra, Stacy, and Stephen each having spent more than 20 years with the organization and what keeps them motivated in their work and their life.

Shannon Vasconcelos takes the mic for her final episode as host. Don't worry though, she'll be back as a guest at some point!
 
In the first segment, Shannon is joined by College Coach Kara Courtois to share essential tips for the senior summer. From managing logistics like dorm room shopping and campus prep to pausing and reflecting on the emotional transition ahead, Kara highlights how students can stay organized without letting this meaningful summer slip by.
 
Next, College Coach Julia Jones introduces "Reuse & Recycle," a helpful guide to navigating college essays. Julia breaks down the different types of essays students may encounter and explains when it's appropriate to repurpose or adapt existing content and when it's better to start fresh. It's a practical look at how to work smarter while still crafting thoughtful, authentic responses.
 
The episode concludes with finance expert Michelle Smoley, who unpacks "Trump accounts" and their potential role in college savings. She explains how these investment accounts work, along with their benefits and drawbacks, and helps families understand when they might make sense compared to more traditional savings tools. (Note: The $1,000 seed money is available for any child born January 1st, 2025 or later, not July 1st, 2025 as stated in the segment.)