Episode Summary

In 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 Episode

• Carlos’ journey into advancement and higher education leadership
• What attracted him to PUC and its mission
• How he views the role of alumni in the life of the college
• Challenges and opportunities in alumni engagement and fundraising
• His vision for building stronger connections within the PUC community
• The impact advancement can have on students and the campus experience

Why Listen

Advancement 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 Summary

In 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 Episode

• An overview of his research on grebes and what drew him to this field
• How fieldwork and observation play a role in student learning
• Ways students can get involved in hands-on scientific experiences
• The impact of mentorship in shaping future scientists

Why Listen

This 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 Episode

• Her path into academic leadership and lessons learned along the way
• Why leadership isn’t limited to formal roles or titles
• Common challenges women face in leadership—and how to navigate them
• How faculty and staff can encourage and support women leaders
• The role of mentorship, representation, and everyday influence

Why Listen

This 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.