What Students Are Carrying with Brittany Blackwell Broussard

Today’s college students are carrying more than many education leaders realize.In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Brittany Blackwell Broussard, Director of Culture and Climate and Psychology Instructor at Northwestern State University, to talk about culture, climate, belonging, empathy, and what it really means to help students feel safe, seen, supported, and valued.Brittany shares how campus culture shows up in everyday student life, why empathy empowers students, and why education leaders must pay attention to what students are carrying before they assume laziness, attitude, or disinterest.This conversation is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, advisors, and anyone committed to building campus environments where students can thrive.In This Episode:What culture and climate mean in real lifeHow empathy empowers studentsWhy today’s college students are carrying more than many leaders realizeHow work, family responsibility, commuting, finances, and first-generation expectations affect studentsWhy leaders should be careful not to misread overwhelm as laziness or disinterestHow small moments help students feel seen and supportedWhy belonging must move beyond performative statementsHow educators can build trust through authenticity, personal outreach, and practical supportWhy students need to hear, “You belong here”Key Takeaway:Empathy empowers. When education leaders take time to understand what students are carrying, they are better equipped to build trust, create belonging, and support students before small challenges become bigger decisions.Memorable Quote:“Students want to be seen. They want to feel heard and actually feel valued.”Knucklehead Decision Segment:Brittany shares why a lack of communication and transparency can become a major leadership mistake. When something happens and leaders do not communicate clearly, students fill in the blanks, rumors grow, and trust can be damaged.Best For:Education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, academic advisors, culture and climate leaders, student support professionals, and anyone who wants to create stronger campus belonging.Connect With Brittany Blackwell Broussard:LinkedIn: Brittany Blackwell BroussardListen to more episodes:zratedsuccess.comLearn more about Z-Rated Success:Visit zratedsuccess.comBring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:Visit nickzizi.com