Today's guest has the unique distinction of having headed three of the nation's most prominent university systems. JB Milliken has led the University of Nebraska System, City University of New York System, and currently leads the University of Texas System. Our conversation explores how he has approached these vastly different organizations and his views regarding the challenges and opportunities confronting higher education.

Today in his current role in Austin, he oversees one of the largest public university systems in the United States. The University of Texas System is comprised of 14 academic and health institutions that collectively enroll over 256,000 students and employs more than 122,000 faculty, healthcare professionals, researchers, and staff. He oversees a total budget of nearly $31 billion.

Our guest today is Blake Thompson, President of Mississippi College.  Blake's interview provides us with the opportunity to compare and contrast leadership approaches at a major public research university and a relatively small private college. He was the Board Secretary at Ohio State University, sitting in on strategic discussions with the OSU Board prior to becoming President at Mississippi College in his native state.

He sits on the NCAA President's Council for Division II.  He is a longtime friend of our firm, and we couldn't be more delighted to visit with him today.

Our guest today is Coach Lon Kruger.  Coach Kruger is one of the very few coaches to lead five different programs to the NCAA tournament. He retired from coaching in 2021, finishing with over 650 career wins.  In 2022, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game's great coaches.

Our guest today is Dr. David Skorton, who is President of the American Association of Medical Colleges.  David has had a remarkable career and has held many titles and positions of significant responsibility and importance. Among these roles are medical doctor, University President, Director of the Smithsonian, and his current role as President and CEO at AAMC.

Dr. Robert C. Robbins is our guest today.  Bobby has recently completed a seven-year tenure as the President of the University of Arizona.  Prior to the University of Arizona, he served as President and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, and earlier was Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.

We are delighted to discuss his successful career as he moved from world renowned heart surgeon to university president and of course the tenets of leadership he developed and followed during his journey through these various roles.

Since beginning this podcast series highlighting university Presidents,  we have been struck by the challenging journeys many have taken in their rise to leadership.  Our guest today is Andrew Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, and his journey has been one of the most inspiring we have encountered.  Andrew was born and spent his early years in China.  Part of which was spent in a re education camp during the cultural revolution in that country.

Andrew assumed the Presidency of the College of Charleston in May of 2019.  He is a beloved figure in the city of Charleston and has been transformative in his leadership at the College of Charleston.  We are delighted to be able to discuss his journey and gain his insights into leadership today.

Dr. Renu Khator has served as the 13th President of the University of Houston since 2008. She is the first Indian immigrant to lead a major research university in the United States and has significantly elevated the profile of the institution both nationally and globally.

Under Dr. Khator's leadership, the University of Houston has achieved prestigious tier one status from the Carnegie Foundation, recognizing it as a top tier research institution. During her tenure, the University has established a new medical school, expanded research, improved student success outcomes, and developed initiatives that strengthens its role in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, and technology.

Dr. Khator's inspiring journey from a small town in India to leading a major American university is a testament to the power of education and perseverance.