A Better Way to Do College

With college graduation season upon us, our final episode of season 1 explores why college completion—not just college access—is critical to Arizona’s long-term economic strength and shared prosperity. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, is joined by Christine Mackey, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, to examine how success should really be measured when it comes to higher education’s impact on workforce and economic growth, while also discussing the expanding role of short-term credentials and certificates in today’s rapidly changing economy. 

What does workforce development really mean in a fast-growing state like Arizona? In this episode, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, sits down with Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber, to explore what it takes to grow Arizona’s economy. Together, they discuss the industries shaping the state’s future and why a strong workforce depends on something bigger than jobs alone—an investment in strong educational pathways.

This episode explores what community really means in practice—and how higher education can serve not just students, but entire regions, when institutions truly embody it. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, and his guest, Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation, reflect on what it takes to build and sustain strong communities and why that work matters far beyond the classroom.

What does true access look like beyond an admissions application? This episode explores what real access looks like in practice—and what Arizona can do, across education and workforce partners, to help more students complete the path they start. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales and Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona, examine the barriers that stand between students and opportunity, and the systems, policies, and supports needed to remove them. Because if higher education promises opportunity, access is what makes that promise real.

The moments that change our lives, often, are not moments—they’re people. This episode explores the power of mentorship in expanding what’s possible for students, their families, and entire communities. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, and his guest, Dr. Kimberly Britt, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of Maricopa Community Colleges, talk about the people in their lives who made them who they are and why relationships are still the most powerful motivators in higher education.

Every college journey starts somewhere—but no two paths look the same.
This episode explores all the ways in which students begin their college journeys and how community colleges can meet students where they are to give them the support they need. Travel back in time with Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, and his guest, Dr. Eric Leshinskie, President of Scottsdale Community College, as they reflect on how they got to where they are—and how students experience those same journeys today.

This episode explores the critical role that housing plays in student success. As the cost of living continues to skyrocket across the Valley, a lack of affordable housing poses a significant barrier to Arizonans seeking career and educational advancement. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, and his guest, Robyn Julien, CEO of Save the Family Foundation, discuss the transformative power of providing educational opportunities that come with an ecosystem of support.

This episode explores the critical role that housing plays in student success. As the cost of living continues to skyrocket across the Valley, a lack of affordable housing poses a significant barrier to Arizonans seeking career and educational advancement. In this conversation, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, and his guest, Robyn Julien, CEO of Save the Family Foundation, discuss the transformative power of providing educational opportunities that come with an ecosystem of support.