Michelle Matis is vice president of finance and CFO at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, Florida. In this episode, Matis joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her career path in higher education finance, managing financial health during challenging times, and the importance of collaboration and transparency.   "I always try to instill that with my team first, that we're going to be transparent. It's helpful if when we're talking to people, we're giving the same message so that there's clarity and consistency," Matis says. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and using consistent terminology when discussing financial matters. "Making sure we're using the same language is important. Then just communicating often and regularly." Matis goes on to talk about educating staff on the college's finances, funding sources, and budget allocation to foster a shared understanding.   Join us for a conversation with Matis as she talks about balancing long-term investments with short-term needs, the evolving role of institutional advancement, and her advice for aspiring financial leaders in higher education.   Links

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Todd Kilburn is chief financial officer at Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in Kentucky. In this episode, Kilburn joins our host Donna Schiele to discuss navigating institutional transitions, balancing financial leadership with student success, and the evolving responsibilities of modern chief business officers across KCTCS's 16 colleges, 70 campuses, and over 85,000 students.   "I love discussions around strategy... I want to find a place where I can be a strategic thought partner," Kilburn says, reflecting on what drives his career choices and lateral moves. "I like helping to set the strategy and helping the institution advance its goals and its mission." He emphasizes the importance of finding roles that align with one's strengths while continuing to present new challenges.   Join us for a conversation with Kilburn as he shares insights on managing a system of 300+ buildings, the critical role of resourcefulness in leadership, and how maintaining student-centric focus drives strategic financial planning.   Links

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Harry Allen is executive VP for financial excellence and CFO at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. In this episode, Allen joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his journey from banking to higher education, the importance of relationships and service in leadership, and his vision for the future of finance in higher ed.   "I view my role in the many roles that I've had in my career. I'm mostly one that is empowering others and serving as the catalyst," Allen says. He emphasizes the importance of listening, learning and collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions. "And so I show up to tables to listen and learn. And I think when you spend time doing that first, you get a true understanding of what the person's goals and motivations are versus coming to the table ready to say no to something."   Allen goes on to talk about his excitement for the future, seeing AI not as a threat but as a tool to enhance human creativity and innovation. He advises emerging leaders in higher ed to raise their hand for special projects, serve their community, and stretch outside their comfort zone to gain new skills. Join us for a conversation with Allen as he talks about Belmont's explosive growth, building proactive financial infrastructure, and leaving a legacy of service and philanthropy.   Links

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Kimberly Wagner is the vice president of business and finance at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. In this episode, Wagner joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her transition from corporate accounting to higher education, the importance of empowering and investing in your team, and trends and changes in community colleges.   "I think truthfully sweating the small stuff sometimes back then does make you appreciate later, you know, looking back," Wagner says. She emphasizes the value of truly listening and absorbing information, especially early in your career. "One thing that I wish I would have done more, and I think I tried my best as much as I can, is that listening – truly listening – you need to listen and absorb." Wagner goes on to advise aspiring leaders to think carefully before responding, noting the wisdom in pausing and delivering thoughtful responses.   Join us for a conversation with Wagner as she shares insights from her diverse career path, discusses Elgin Community College's award-winning financial literacy program, and explores the evolving role of community colleges in meeting the needs of both traditional students and adult learners.   Links

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Claire Knapp is the vice president of finance and administration, chief business officer and treasurer at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana. In this episode, Knapp joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his unique career journey from public accounting to higher education, navigating financial challenges in a post-pandemic environment, and the importance of collaboration and relationships in his role.   "If you're stepping into the CBO role, you have to have a strategic mindset. I think it's important to be thinking strategy and also to be able to think strategy with not only the group that you may be working with, but thinking strategically with the cabinet, thinking strategically with the board, bringing strategic ideas," Knapp says. He emphasizes the significance of strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data effectively. "Relationships are really critical. I view myself as an investor for the university. So when departments or other of our colleagues come and ask them when to spend money, for me, it's an investment. So it's working together with them."   Join us for a conversation with Knapp as he discusses the evolving role of a CBO, critical skill sets for aspiring leaders in higher education finance, and the value of mentorship in professional growth.   Links

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Lori Seager is vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this episode, Seager joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her unique career path, the value of a liberal arts education, and the evolving role of a CBO.   "I think if a person cultivates that relationship, especially with their supervisor and asks for opportunities to be involved in new projects and learn new things, I think that's a really valuable experience for a person who aspires to a CBO role," Seager says. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and actively seeking out growth opportunities. "I think it's the work that I do in my daily job. But I have always valued and made it a priority to be involved in networking and professional development," Seager goes on to say, highlighting how continuous learning and building connections have been key to her development as a leader.   Join us for a conversation with Seager as she shares insights on the challenges and rewards of working in higher education, the importance of adaptability and communication skills for CBOs, and her optimistic outlook on the future of liberal arts colleges.   Links

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Amanda Withers is the chief financial officer and senior vice president for operations at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. In this episode, Withers joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her journey to becoming a CBO in higher education, the importance of leadership and mentorship, and the future of the CBO role.   "I think the CBO is going to become more of an integrated leader," Withers says. As resources become more constrained, CBOs will need to be data-informed and lead conversations about cost containment while working closely with other senior leaders. "The CBO role is going to continue to grow in depth and breadth as part of the core leadership of the university."   Withers goes on to talk about the importance of showing up and being intentional in both professional and personal situations. She emphasizes that time is our greatest asset, so we must invest ourselves fully in the moments we're in, whether it's a meeting or a child's sports event.   Join us for a conversation with Withers as she shares leadership lessons learned throughout her career, the value of formal and informal mentorship, and her thoughts on how higher education and the CBO role will evolve in the coming years.   Links

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Clayton Gibson is vice president for finance and administration and CFO at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. In this episode, Gibson joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about his educational journey, his transition from corporate to higher ed, and the importance of mentorship.   "Focus on your career and technical skill sets, but you also want to be involved in the community," Gibson says, recounting valuable advice he received from a mentor at Ernst & Young early in his career about the value of that connection to your community when you’re working to move into more prominent roles. He goes on to talk about how he has maintained involvement with non-profits throughout his career journey, recognizing the importance of community engagement for leadership roles.   Join us for a conversation with Gibson as he shares insightful leadership lessons, discusses addressing workforce challenges in higher ed, and offers his perspective on the future of the industry and his own career.   Links

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Ann Bordelon is executive vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this episode, Bordelon joins our host Donna Schiele to talk about her career journey, mentorship, and leadership through change in higher education.   “I look back on my career and there have been a handful of people who have really been instrumental,” Bordelon says. She goes on to emphasize the importance of mentors and sponsors who invested in her growth and advancement throughout her career.   Join us for a conversation with Bordelon as she talks about transitioning from corporate roles to higher education leadership, guiding her institution through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and an ERP system implementation, and keeping students at the heart of every decision.   Links

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Peter Elliott is vice president for administrative services at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida. In this episode, Elliott joins host Donna Schiele to talk about his career path, challenges in higher education, and the importance of community colleges.   “I like to say when I introduce myself: I'm here because usually when a student gets to my office, they're not happy, and the odds are pretty good I'm not going to make them happy,” he says. Elliott explains that teaching as an adjunct allows him to interact positively with students and connect back to the mission of higher education. “So in a classroom I get to interact with students in a positive way, and it connects me back to what we're doing,” he continues. Teaching accounting reminds Elliott that the focus should be on changing students' lives.   Join us for a conversation with Elliott as he talks about transitioning from auditor to higher education administrator, solving hiring challenges, and why community colleges are often overlooked in the national media.   Links

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Rob Cramer is vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI. In this episode, Cramer joins host Donna Schiele to discuss learning from mentors, overcoming challenges, and being optimistic for higher education.   "How do we get to ‘yes’ when being asked to help solve problems?" Cramer reflects. Despite challenges, he remains focused on understanding needs and finding solutions—a mentality that fuels his optimism for higher ed's future. "That's still something that really sticks with me today," Cramer says.   Join us as Rob Cramer recounts his journey from state government to higher ed leadership. He shares insights on managing risks, fostering student success, and supporting today's evolving workforce. Even amidst challenges, Cramer remains optimistic about the critical value of higher education.   Links

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