What Matters Most with President Paino

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.