n adult enters the room. A great conversation with longtime political science professor, Dr. Jim Zaffiro.

Dr. Jim Zaffiro has taught a wide variety of courses over his 33 years at Central, including: International Politics, U.S. in World Affairs, International Law and Organizations, Modern African Civilization, Global Sustainability and American Environmental History and Policy. Zaffiro is passionate about sustainability education and also is co-manager of the Central College garden.

We turn a little more serious, but still a bit goofy, talking to Liz Marburger about public education and her hero-husband, among other things.

Elizabeth Marburger is a 1989 Central College graduate, where she majored in Elementary Education. She recently retired from the Perry Community School District. She was married to Central alumnus Dan Marburger, the Perry High School Principal who was shot while protecting students in the building in January 2024.

Division III philosophy, women’s sports, and so many halls of fame….What a great conversation with Senior Associate Athletics Director and Assistant Softball Coach, Alicia O’Brien.

After 18 seasons as a highly successful head coach at Western Connecticut State University, Alicia O’Brien joined the Dutch softball staff as associate head coach in 2006. She also serves as senior associate athletics director, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Equity in Athletics, athletics department  senior woman administrator and athletics department compliance officer.

Central business professorial legend, author and podcaster Dr. Jann talk to us about getting out of our comfort zone, among other things.

Dr. Jann is an author, speaker, and thought leader devoted to taking leaders to the next level. Her extensive work on leadership includes TEDx Talks, books, a column in Training Magazine, and her monthly podcast series, Becoming a Sage.

Jann is a Professor of Business Management Emerita and the former Mark and Kay De Cook Endowed Chair in Leadership and Character Development at Central College, Pella, Iowa.