Presented by Maricopa Community Colleges
A Better Way to Do College explores the changing landscape of higher education and the impact those shifts have on access, opportunity, and the people we serve. Hosted by Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, the podcast features candid conversations with educators, students, and thought leaders on the ideas shaping the future of learning, work, and community.
Each episode challenges us to think differently about how education can empower people and the communities around us. By looking beyond the classroom, we can rethink what college can be and discover how higher education can continue to change for the better.
Because there is a better way to do college—and it starts with conversations that matter.
A new season, a new chancellor, and a new host! Here to kick off season 2, Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, is joined by Dr. Veronica Hipolito, President of South Mountain Community College, one of Maricopa’s 10 colleges, for a candid conversation about what makes opportunity real in higher education and what that means for students, their families, and entire communities. Together, they examine the real difference between college possibility and a practical path forward. Let’s get into a new season of A Better Way to Do College!
10 Jun 2026
Episode 7: College Completion and the Economy
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.
29 Apr 2026
Episode No. 6: Investing in Arizona’s Workforce
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.
1 Apr 2026
Episode 5: Defining Community
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.
23 Feb 2026
Episode 4: What Does Access Really Mean?
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.
23 Jan 2026
Episode 3: The Power of Mentorship
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.
15 Dec 2025
Episode 2: Where We Started
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.
17 Nov 2025
Episode 1: How Arizona's Housing Crisis Impacts Student Success
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.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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