We Grow Aces A University of Evansville Podcast

Throughout this year, we’ve listened to the voices that make up this place, stories rooted in memory, shaped by experience, and carried forward in community. In this final episode, we sit down with James MacLeod, the professor of history and chair of the Department of History, Politics, and Social Change, who reminds us that history is not simply something we inherit. It’s something we interpret, wrestle with, and pass on. For him, teaching history isn’t about delivering settled answers. It’s about making space for the voices in the room, especially the voices of students, to enter the larger human story. In their questions, their challenges, and their hopes, he sees something more than academic curiosity. He sees the possibility of change. This episode explores how listening to the stories around us deepens the story we’re living in and how the next chapter may already be taking shape in the lives of those we’re teaching, mentoring, and learning from.

In this powerful episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Abigail Werling as she talks about visionary leadership and believing one of the greatest gifts we can give others is the freedom to dream.As the Vice President of University Advancement, she has built her leadership around relationships, possibility, and helping people see beyond what is into what could be. A self-described dreamer, she shares how relational leadership isn’t about control, t’s about unlocking imagination, courage, and calling in others.But her story isn’t just about professional leadership.In a deeply personal moment, she recounts getting physically lost in the woods, an experience that unexpectedly became a profound spiritual turning point. What began as disorientation in the forest surfaced a deeper realization of her own spiritual lostness. In the quiet and uncertainty, she encountered clarity, surrender, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Juliet Aura, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, to explore her passion for helping people grow and thrive.Juliet shares her “why,” rooted in a love for seeing development unfold—both in the clients she tends to in the clinic and in the students she mentors in the classroom. She reflects on her journey moving to the United States, driven by a desire to expand her impact and do more for the people around her.This episode highlights the joy and purpose found in supporting others’ growth, showing how dedication, care, and intentional guidance can leave a lasting mark on both individual lives and broader communities.

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Roscoe, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Engagement, to explore the power of showing up for others.Rachel shares her “why,” rooted in the desire to be someone people can rely on—to give her all when her name is tied to something and make it the best it can be. She reflects on the selflessness of her parents, who modeled care not just for each other but for her as a child, and how that inspires her to give back in her work today.Her impact is not measured by recognition or applause; rather, it comes from supporting others’ dreams and visions, helping people flourish, and creating meaningful outcomes that extend beyond herself. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how serving others with dedication and care can be one of the most powerful ways to live your “why.”

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit with Teddy Decorrevont, Residential Coordinator, about identity, belonging, and the power of kindness.Teddy shares his journey wrestling with identity and the ways this has shaped how he relates to others. Central to his “why” is a deep commitment to creating warmth and care for those around him, helping people feel loved, seen, and accepted—like sitting by a fire wrapped in a blanket.He reminds us, echoing Henri Nouwen, that those who truly matter in our lives are the ones who sit with us in our struggles, sharing presence rather than solutions. Teddy challenges listeners to reflect on how we show up for others and how our shared humanity can create spaces of belonging for everyone.

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we’re joined by Zach Weinberg, Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Evansville, for a conversation about leadership that goes far beyond wins and losses.Zach shares his passion for developing teams by bringing people together across differences—backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences—and challenging them to grow into something more than a group: a family. He invites us to rethink leadership through a powerful metaphor—the family dinner table—a place where commitment is practiced, trust is built, and people show up for one another even when it’s hard.Drawing from his Jewish faith and heritage, Zach reflects on how his lived experience has shaped his understanding of belonging, especially in spaces where shared belief and togetherness are not always readily available. His story challenges us to consider what it truly means to create inclusive environments where people feel seen, valued, and connected.This episode is a thoughtful exploration of team culture, faith, leadership, and belonging, reminding us that when we commit to one another like family, we create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Yolanda Obaze, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, to explore a powerful and refreshing take on purpose.When asked about her “why,” Yolanda’s answer was simple yet transformative: “Why not?” Rather than viewing life through the lens of limitation, she challenges us to consider possibility—especially in moments when the world tells us we’re stuck or that change isn’t possible.Yolanda shares her journey from Nigeria to the United States, her early career in the business sector, and the pivotal realization that led her into higher education. Today, her purpose is deeply rooted in student development—walking alongside students not just in the classroom, but through their lived experiences, personal growth, and professional transformation.This episode is an invitation to reframe obstacles, rethink what’s possible, and approach life and leadership with curiosity, courage, and a bold “why not?” mindset.

In this first episode in Season 2 of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Chad Hart, Director of Retention, to explore how change—both expected and unexpected—can become one of the most powerful forces in shaping our “why.”Chad reflects on experiencing early career success at a young age, followed by the reality many professionals face: industries shift, technology evolves, and roles that once thrived come to necessary endings. Rather than seeing these moments as setbacks, Chad shares how each transition became an invitation to grow, adapt, and listen more closely to where he was being called next.Woven throughout his professional journey is a deeply personal spiritual journey, one that influenced not only the jobs he pursued but the purpose behind them. These shifts helped expand his understanding of impact, leading him into work centered on student success, connection, and retention.This episode is a reminder that change doesn’t diminish our purpose—it can deepen it, refine it, and lead us to a more grounded, meaningful “why” if we’re willing to embrace the journey.

In our final episode of the season, we talk with Jessica Snow--Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, deeper thinker, and lifelong learner--about identity, ambition, and the beauty of becoming. From her academic path through biology and medicine to a transformative year in Luxembourg, Jessica reflects on how stepping back can sometimes move us forward.We explore the pressures of productivity, the realities of medical training, and how motherhood reshaped her view of failure--not as defeat, but as creative possibility. The idea of 'blank slate' weaves through our conversation, inviting a more curious, compassionate approach to growth.We also touch on anxiety in the digital age (The Anxious Generation), movement as medicine, and the quiet joy of evolving alongside the people we love.

In this episode, we sit down with Maxwell Omwenga--educator, father, and man of deep faith--to talk about answered prayers, calling, and living with purpose. Originally from Kenya, Maxwell shares how his journey into higher education felt like a door only God could open. From pursuing a PhD at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, to making his arrival on our campus, he was challenged to as: If this isn't for God's glory, then what is it for? That question continues to shape his life and work.We talk about the power of being known, the beauty of developing students, and the joy of watching his own children grow as worshippers and musicians. Through it all, Maxwell's prayer remains simple: God, make me a blessing.

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at the University of Evansville—a lifelong learner, global traveler, and seeker of connection.Jill shares the story of her early roots—shaped by parents who started small, but dreamed wide—and how that foundation sparked a lifelong curiosity that would carry her across the world. From teaching English in Russia and Bulgaria to living in Germany, her path has never followed a single lane. With studies spanning industrial engineering, business, the arts, and a deep love of language, Jill embodies the beauty of saying yes to the unknown.In this conversation, we explore what it means to live without fear of failure, to loosen the grip of self-imposed limits, and to embrace people, cultures, and experiences with open hands and a wide heart. Jill’s life invites us to ask not “What am I supposed to be?” but rather, “What might be possible if I stay curious?

In this episode of We Grow Aces, we sit down with Will McDonner, Assistant Director of Residence Life at the University of Evansville—a place he’s called home since his days as a music major and RA.Will shares how his journey into student affairs was less about a grand plan and more about presence, service, and a daily commitment to grow: “be better today than yesterday.” That simple mantra has become a quiet rhythm behind how he leads, de-escalates conflict, and shows up for students in moments big and small.We talk about the sacred work of building belonging in residence halls, of seeing students as whole people, and of holding space—even when the ask is something as ordinary as a meal plan adjustment.This is a conversation about formation, not just profession. About how the real work of campus life often happens in the margins—late at night, in hard conversations, in quiet moments of care—and how being present there can change everything.

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we talk with Ashley Nells--Registrar and Head of Academic Advising & Retention at the University of Evansville--about the winding, grace-filled path that's led her from student to campus leader. Ashley shares how her journey--beginning in archaeology, shifting to history, stepping away from teaching, and moving through roles in admissions--was never a straight line, but always meaningful. It's a story of listening closely to where she felt most alive, most useful, and most grounded in purpose. We explore how she came to find herself in the registrar's office, where structure meets soul: where policy becomes a tool for justice, and where advocating for students is both a practice of leadership and a spiritual act of care. This conversation is about discernment, vocation, and trusting that even detours are part of the design. If you've ever wondered whether your path still 'counts' when it changes shape, Ashley's story is one worth hearing.

In this episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Tommy Housman, instructor of communications and Student Media advisor at the University of Evansville. Tommy shares his journey from working in design and freelance roles that lacked fulfillment to rediscovering purpose in teaching, mentoring, and storytelling. He reflects on his lifelong creativity--ranging from music and art to animation--while also opening up about personal struggles, including health challenges and rebuilding life through resilience and empathy. Through candid conversation, Tommy explores how hardship has shaped his perspective on leadership, community, and the importance of collaboration over competition. Rooted in both personal and professional experiences, his story highlights the transformative power of creativity, vulnerability, and belonging

"Faithfulness isn't always seen, but it is always felt,' In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Michael Hocker--the steady, behind-the-scenes presence in the UE mailroom--to hear the story of a life shaped by service, quiet strength, and resilience. Michael shares how, without the chance to attend college, he carved a path through the world of hospitality--from hotels in Orlando to working with the San Francisco Giants during their World Series season in Phoenix. He reflects on the privilege of knowing high-profile athletes personally, while staying grounded in roles that often go unnoticed. We also dive into Michael's early life, including difficult moments with family members and close friends, and how those challenges forged in him a commitment to contribute, to care, and to carry weight that others wouldn't. His story is a reminder that some of the most important work in the world happens quietly--in the background, with faithful hands.

In this episode of We Grow Aces, Irais Ibarra joins us to explore how obstacles aren’t just meant to be overcome—they’re meant to shape us. Through her work with the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, Irais shares how leaning into life’s hardest moments can lead to powerful transformation. Grounded in a deep belief that everything is connected and purposeful, Iris offers wisdom on restoration, community, and becoming who we’re meant to be.

In the premiere episode of We Grow Aces, host Bre Bondurant welcomes Dr. Rob Shelby—Vice President for Talent and Community, and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the University of Evansville—for a profound conversation on identity, purpose, and the transformative power of human connection. Rob shares how his upbringing, love for agriculture, and winding career path—from sociologist to administrator—have shaped his philosophy of letting life unfold organically. Reflecting on themes of dignity, growth, and interconnectedness, Rob explains the vision behind We Grow Aces as not only a food sustainability initiative but also a way to cultivate deeper community bonds. With humility and insight, he invites listeners to consider what might grow in their own lives if they stop chasing and start allowing life to come to them.

Welcome to the We Grow Aces podcast, where real people share rooted stories that grow deeper relationships and meaningful lives. Every voice carries a story, every story reveals a calling, and every calling shapes the world we're building together. I'm Bree Bondrian, and on this podcast, we explore the sacred intersection of vocation, identity, and community, one honest conversation at a time. From everyday reflections to life-altering moments, our guests let their lives speak, uncovering how the stories they carry have shaped the work they do and the people they're becoming. Because when we honor our stories, we make space to grow. Together, this is the We Grow Aces podcast.