Unchart(Ed)

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Unchart(Ed), we welcome Carlos Garcia, PUC's new Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations for a conversation about relationships, community, and connection. Carlos shares his professional journey, what drew him to PUC, and how he views alumni as an important part of the college's ongoing story. Together, we explore the opportunities and challenges facing advancement work today and discuss how meaningful relationships can strengthen the PUC community and support students for generations to come. What You'll Hear in This EpisodeCarlos’ journey into advancement and higher education leadershipWhat attracted him to PUC and its missionHow he views the role of alumni in the life of the collegeChallenges and opportunities in alumni engagement and fundraisingHis vision for building stronger connections within the PUC communityThe impact advancement can have on students and the campus experience Why ListenAdvancement and alumni relations are about more than fundraising—they're about building relationships that sustain and strengthen a community over time. This episode offers insight into how alumni, employees, students, and friends of the college all contribute to PUC's story, and why connection, belonging, and shared purpose are essential to a thriving campus community.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, we sit down with Floyd Hayes, professor of biology, whose local research on Grebes offers a glimpse into the world of field biology and the role of observation, curiosity, and discovery in scientific work. Floyd shares how his research informs his teaching, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with the natural world while developing critical thinking skills. From time spent in the field to moments of discovery, this conversation highlights how hands-on learning shapes both scientific understanding and student growth. What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeAn overview of his research on grebes and what drew him to this fieldHow fieldwork and observation play a role in student learningWays students can get involved in hands-on scientific experiencesThe impact of mentorship in shaping future scientists Why ListenThis episode offers a window into how research and teaching come together to create meaningful learning experiences. Whether you work in the sciences or not, it’s a reminder of the value of curiosity, exploration, and mentorship—and how faculty help students engage deeply with the world around them.

In this episode, we sit down with PUC’s academic dean to talk about women in leadership and what it means to lead well within higher education. Drawing from her own journey, she reflects on the importance of visibility, mentorship, and support for women, while also challenging the idea that leadership only comes with a title. Together, we explore how leadership can be practiced from anywhere on campus.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHer path into academic leadership and lessons learned along the wayWhy leadership isn’t limited to formal roles or titlesCommon challenges women face in leadership—and how to navigate themHow faculty and staff can encourage and support women leadersThe role of mentorship, representation, and everyday influenceWhy ListenThis conversation offers thoughtful insight for anyone shaping campus culture. Whether you lead from a formal position or through daily influence and service, this episode invites faculty and staff to reflect on how leadership is modeled, shared, and supported—and how we can create space for women to lead with confidence and purpose.

In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Sollanek, PUC’s newest biology professor, to talk about what it’s like to join the campus community, step into the classroom, and begin shaping student experiences. Our conversation explores his journey into biology, how he approaches teaching and learning, and the ways he hopes to support students both academically and personally. We also talk about collaboration, mentorship, and the excitement—and challenges—of starting fresh at a new institution.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhat drew him to biology as a discipline and a teaching vocationThe courses he’s teaching and the strategies he’s excited to use in the classroomHow he connects lab and lecture work to real-world applicationHis approach to mentoring students and supporting their growth beyond academicsWhy ListenThis episode offers a thoughtful introduction to a new faculty voice on campus and a reminder of how teaching, mentorship, and collaboration shape the student experience. Whether you work directly with students or support learning behind the scenes, this conversation highlights the shared work of helping students find confidence, direction, and meaning in their education.

Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with a new member of the PUC community whose work bridges music education and student recruitment. As a faculty member in the music department and part of enrollment and marketing efforts focused on music students, our guest shares what it looks like to support students both inside and outside the classroom. We talk about rebuilding the symphonic wind ensemble, navigating today’s recruitment landscape, and the role music plays in shaping confident, connected students—and a vibrant campus culture.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow this dual faculty/recruitment role came to beRestarting a symphonic wind ensemble after a two-year pauseRecruiting music students in a shifting higher-ed landscapeMusic as both a discipline and a transferable skill setWhy outreach and collaboration matter for creative programsWhy Listen This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how programs are rebuilt and students are supported through collaboration, adaptability, and advocacy. Even if you don’t work in music, the episode highlights how faculty and staff across campus play a key role in helping students thrive.

In this episode of Unchart(Ed), we sit down with Victoria Wambua, one of PUC’s newest math professors to explore her journey into mathematics, what drew her to teaching, and why math is about far more than equations. She reflects on mentors, meaningful classroom moments, and the creativity and beauty found in mathematical thinking—while sharing what excites her most about joining the PUC community. What You’ll Hear in This Episode• Her path into mathematics and the experiences that shaped it • How she helps students who feel anxious or intimidated by math • Why math matters beyond the classroom—and where it shows up in everyday life • Misconceptions about math and what she wishes more people understood Why You Should ListenWhether math has always been a favorite subject or a lingering challenge, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how thoughtful teaching can transform students’ confidence and curiosity. It’s also a chance to get to know a new colleague.

In this episode, we talk with Tony Nakashima, PUC’s new Director of Athletics, about how athletics shapes more than just competitors—it shapes character, leadership, and community.Tony shares how he hopes to build a program that helps student-athletes grow as confident, capable leaders both on and off the field. He also talks about how athletics contributes to the culture and spirit of the college—and how faculty and staff can play a role in supporting student-athletes and the department as a whole.What you’ll hear:How athletics builds leaders and confidenceThe role of sports in campus cultureWays faculty and staff can champion student-athletesWhy you should listen: This conversation goes beyond wins and losses—it’s about how teamwork, mentorship, and shared pride strengthen the fabric of our campus. Whether you’re in the classroom, office, or cheering from the sidelines, Tony’s insights offer inspiration for how all of us can invest in student growth and community spirit.📅 Check out upcoming games: pioneersathletics.com/composite

What makes a college experience truly transformative? In this episode, we sit down with Milbert Mariano, Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Professions, to talk about how experiences beyond the traditional classroom—like PUC’s Honors program and summer classes abroad—help students grow intellectually, personally, and spiritually. From the cobblestone streets of Italy to the close-knit community of the Honors program, Milbert shares how faculty and staff can create opportunities that open minds, inspire curiosity, and shape students into thoughtful, compassionate global citizens.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeHow study abroad experiences deepen learning and cultural understandingThe goals and impact of PUC’s Honors programHow faculty can help guide students toward transformative opportunitiesThe value of mentorship and connection in shaping student growthWhat the dean in particular finds special about interactions with PUC studentsWhy Listen Whether you teach, coach, or support students in another capacity, this episode is an invitation to think about how you can help students expand their horizons—academically, personally, and spiritually. You’ll come away inspired to see every interaction as a chance to guide growth and open doors to new possibilities.

Starting a new role is always an adventure—and when that role is guiding the spiritual and student life of an entire campus, the adventure is even bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Aimee Leukert, PUC’s new Vice President for Student and Spiritual Life, to hear about her journey to Angwin, her first impressions of the community, and the vision she brings to this work. Together, we talk about how student life and spiritual life intersect, what it means to create a vibrant campus culture, and how faculty and staff can partner in supporting students as whole people. What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeAimee’s path to PUC and what drew her to this roleHer first impressions of campus and the communityThe relationship between student life and spiritual life—and why both matter for student successOpportunities for faculty and staff to support and collaborate in building strong campus cultureHopes, priorities, and vision for the year ahead Why Listen This episode is a chance to get to know Aimee not just by her title, but by her story, her perspective, and her hopes for our students. Whether you work in the classroom, an office, or behind the scenes, her insights remind us that all of us play a role in shaping a thriving, connected campus where students can grow in every dimension of life.

Adventism has deep roots in California, shaping both the church and the communities around it in surprising ways. In this episode, we sit down with PUC theology professor Jim Wibberding, whose new book, Walking with the Pioneers: The captivating story of west coast Adventism, explores the history of Adventism in California from 1859-1909. Together, we talk about the stories and figures that stand out, what makes California such a unique setting for faith, and how the past can give us perspective on the present and future of Adventism.

Episode Summary This year, our campus is centering around a new spiritual theme: The Journey. In this episode, we sit down with Arturo López, PUC chaplain, to talk about where the theme came from, why it matters, and how it can shape our shared experience as a community. Together, we reflect on the value of themes in helping people focus and find meaning across a whole year—both collectively and as individuals.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe inspiration and process behind choosing this year’s themeWhy having a common theme matters for campus culture and spiritual lifeHow themes can provide continuity, spark conversation, and build connectionPractical ways faculty and staff can bring the theme into their own areas of influenceReflections on the impact of shared stories and language in shaping community identity and connectednessWhy Listen Whatever your role on campus, this conversation is a reminder of the power of shared focus—and the role we each play in bringing a theme to life through our words, actions, and presence. It will also help you enter the coming academic year with a renewed sense of purpose.Follow us on Instagram @uncharted_puc