What drives curiosity? What fuels purpose? What matters most?
In this official podcast from the University of Mary Washington, President Troy Paino sits down with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to explore the ideas, experiences and connections that shape their lives and work. From groundbreaking research to creative pursuits, from classroom moments to career milestones, each episode uncovers the heart of a UMW education—and the people who bring it to life.
What Matters Most with Dean of Admissions and Director of First-Year Admissions
In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with Melissa Yakubowski, Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Sarah Lindbergh, Director of First-Year Admissions at the University of Mary Washington. Both UMW graduates, Yakubowski and Lindbergh share their personal journeys from students to admissions professionals and reflect on what makes the Mary Washington experience special. In recognition of Virginia College Application Weeks 2026, they also touch on the college search, offering advice to students and families on finding the right fit.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on October 14, 2026.
30 Sept 2026
What Matters Most with Deans Melissa Jones and Dave Fleming
In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with Melissa Jones, Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, and Dave Fleming, Dean of Residence Life and Housing and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. The longtime student affairs professionals share how their work helps students navigate the college experience, build meaningful connections, and find their place at the University of Mary Washington. Jones and Fleming also reflect on the challenges facing today’s students, including anxiety, financial pressures, uncertainty about the future, and the rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence. Throughout the conversation, they share personal stories and insights about the power of care, compassion, connection, and simply being there for students when they need support.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on September 15, 2026.
7 Jul 2026
What Matters Most with Steve and Donna Gladis - Live at Reunion Weekend 2026
In this special live episode of What Matters Most, recorded during Reunion Weekend 2026, President Troy Paino welcomes longtime UMW supporters and friends Donna and Steve Gladis for a conversation spanning decades of Mary Washington history. Donna reflects on her experience as a student in the 1960s, sharing memories of campus life, lifelong friendships, and the unique environment of an all-women's college during a time of profound social change. Steve discusses his military service, career in leadership and coaching, and the inspiration behind his novel The Brides of War, which explores the experiences of Mary Washington women whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War.
The conversation also highlights the couple's enduring commitment to the University through volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and support for the Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Liberal Arts. Along the way, Donna and Steve share their thoughts on lifelong learning, leadership, resilience, community, and the importance of staying engaged. The episode concludes with reflections on what matters most to them today—and why the values they discovered at Mary Washington continue to guide their lives.
12 May 2026
What Matters Most with UMW 2026 Commencement Speaker Lou Marmo
In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with distinguished alumnus Lou Marmo, a 1994 graduate whose journey from Mary Washington to the C-suite spans business, education, and leadership at the highest levels. Lou reflects on why he chose Mary Washington, the friendships and faculty relationships that shaped his undergraduate experience, and how a liberal arts education prepared him for an evolving career across multiple industries. The conversation also explores his return to UMW as a member of the Foundation Board and his many contributions and connections to his alma mater, including an iconic and lasting symbol. He also shares a snippet of his commencement speech and timeless advice for graduating seniors.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on April 16, 2026.
23 Apr 2026
What Matters Most with Sammy D. Eagle(s)
In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with two highly involved seniors from the University of Mary Washington who have spent their college years immersed in academics, leadership, and campus life. Both guests share why they chose UMW, what they study, and how their diverse experiences have shaped their time on campus. And in a special moment during the episode, these seniors reveal a shared campus involvement that most students never knew about—a spirited role that has allowed them to support the UMW community in a memorable way.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on March 17, 2026.
24 Feb 2026
What Matters Most with UMW Men's Basketball Captains
In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with UMW Men’s Basketball co‑captains Kye Robinson ’28 and Jay Randall ’27—two standout leaders driving the Eagles through one of the strongest seasons in program history. Together, they talk about the influences that shaped them, the mindset behind their success, and what matters most to them as student-athletes.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on February 6, 2026.
2 Feb 2026
What Matters Most with Professor and Director of the Arts Gregg Stull
In this episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with Gregg Stull, Professor of Theatre and Director of the Arts at the University of Mary Washington. A UMW alumnus with nearly five decades of connection to the University, Stull reflects on his journey from first‑year theatre student to influential educator and leader. He shares why a Mary Washington education is about far more than a major, how experiential learning shapes confident creators, and why the arts play a powerful role in helping students understand themselves and the world around them. Stull also offers an inside look at UMW’s emerging arts initiatives, including the new theatre complex and his vision for elevating the arts across campus and throughout the community.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on January 20, 2026.
18 Dec 2025
What Matters Most with Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-Presidents
In this episode of What Matters Most, we’re joined by SAAC Co-Presidents Jay Hooker, Sophie Hubbard and Kalani Moore from the University of Mary Washington. Together, they share what it means to lead and advocate for student-athletes while balancing academics, athletics and campus involvement.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on November 24, 2025.
20 Nov 2025
What Matters Most with Professor and Director of Center for AI Anand Rao
In this episode of What Matters Most, we sit down with Anand Rao, Professor of Communication and Digital Studies and Director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington. A nationally recognized leader in AI education, Rao is passionate about integrating artificial intelligence into the liberal arts while preserving human creativity and critical thinking. He shares insights from his work on ethical AI adoption, debate-centered learning, and preparing students for an AI-driven future.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on October 24, 2025.
27 Oct 2025
What Matters Most with Student Leaders Amira Said and Adam McAninley
In the first episode of What Matters Most, President Troy Paino sits down with student leaders Amira Said '26 and Adam McAninley '27. Amira is a senior, environmental science major and a catalyst for sustainability efforts on campus. Adam is a junior, double-major in political science and environmental science, whose passion for honor fueled not only his decision to attend UMW but his role as a student leader. Together, the two discuss internship experiences, core values, role models and what matters most to them as UMW students.
This episode of What Matters Most was originally recorded on September 30, 2025.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact What Matters Most with President Paino
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of What Matters Most with President Paino?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
