The Saint Leo 360° Podcast

Episode 73: Alumnus Jimmy Sutman on the Saint Leo Master’s in Creative Writing Program

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we speak with Jimmy Sutman of Youngstown, OH, a recent graduate of the master’s in creative writing degree program at Saint Leo University. During the conversation, Sutman talked about:

• His personal background
• His undergraduate education and early career
• How he learned about Saint Leo University and what drew him to enroll in its master’s in creative writing degree program
• Faculty members and courses that stood out to him in this graduate degree program
• How the online format fit into his busy schedule and the benefits of the in-person, low residency portion of the program
• How the program has benefited him in his writing career
• Why he would recommend this master’s in creative writing degree program to others
• The nonprofit work he does to help people with disabilities

Learn More about the Saint Leo University Master’s in Creative Writing Degree Program

Interested in a master’s in creative writing degree from Saint Leo University? Learn more about this unique online program with a low residency at https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/creative-writing-english-degrees/masters-degree-creative-writing.

Episode 72: Spotlighting the BA Degree in Psychology Program at Saint Leo University

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we highlight the BA degree in psychology program at Saint Leo University. Our guest is Dr. Tammy Zacchilli, a longtime professor of psychology at Saint Leo. During the discussion, Zacchilli spoke about:

• A brief bio about herself
• Her teaching career and her journey to teach at Saint Leo University
• A brief history of the bachelor’s degree in psychology program at Saint Leo
• Where the program is offered
• Who this program is intended for
• An overview of the tracks and courses offered
• An overview of the faculty who teach in the program
• Relevant clubs and chapters for psychology majors to get involved in outside of the classroom
• Career opportunities with this undergraduate degree in psychology
• Pursuing graduate studies with this degree
• Alumni success stories of those who have earned this degree
• What sets this program and Saint Leo University apart from others

Learn More about the BA in Psychology Degree Program at Saint Leo

To learn more about the BA in psychology degree program offered at Saint Leo University, visit https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/psychology-degrees/bachelors-degree-in-psychology-general.

Episode 71: Julieann Usry, Saint Leo Doctor of Education Alumna

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we chat with Dr. Julieann Usry, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in School Leadership degree program at Saint Leo University. During the conversation, Usry spoke about:

• Her personal background and family
• Her work history in education and current role at Pasco Middle School in Dade City, FL
• Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, both of which she earned from Saint Leo University
• What inspired her to enroll in Saint Leo’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program
• Memorable faculty and courses in this doctoral program
• How the online format of the program fit well into her lifestyle
• How she has benefited from the program curriuculum in her career and why she would recommend this doctoral program to others
• Her career goals in education

Learn More about the Doctor of Education Program at Saint Leo University

To learn more about the Doctor of Education in School Leadership degree program at Saint Leo University, visit https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/education-degrees/doctorate-education-school-leadership.

Episode 70: Highlighting the Saint Leo University ROTC Program

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we discuss the Saint Leo University ROTC program. Our guest is Capt. Wesley Champlin, an assistant professor of military science who oversees the program for Saint Leo students. During the conversation, Champlin talked about:

• His military background and highlights from his military career
• How he got into teaching students in the ROTC program and what drew him to come to Saint Leo University
• A brief history of Saint Leo’s connection to the military
• Who is eligible to participate in the Saint Leo University ROTC program
• The characteristics of students who make a good fit for this program
• The partnership Saint Leo University has with the University of South Florida for this ROTC program and how the program is facilitated on both the Saint Leo and USF campuses
• The tracks in the program (Army, Air Force, and Navy)
• Types of courses, training, and activities offered in the program
• The benefits of this ROTC program for all students, regardless of their future goals
• How the program can lead to a military career and post-ROTC program requirements to become enlisted in a specific branch
• The overall benefits of serving in the military
• How students can learn more about the Saint Leo University ROTC program

Learn More about the Saint Leo University ROTC Program

Interested in learning more about this program? Visit https://www.saintleo.edu/student-experience/military-and-veterans/rotc.

Contact Capt. Wesley Champlin

To contact Capt. Wesley Champlin directly, he can be reached by phone at (352) 588-8685 or by email at Wesley.champlin@saintleo.edu.

Episode 69: Highlighting the Epsilon Tau Chapter of the Sigma Sigma Sigma (TriSigma) Sorority at Saint Leo University

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we discuss the Epsilon Tau chapter of the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) sorority at Saint Leo University. Our guest is Catherine Goodyear, a junior pursuing a criminal justice degree from Saint Leo who currently serves as president of the Epsilon Tau chapter. During the conversation, Goodyear discussed:

• Where she went to high school and why she chose Saint Leo University for college
• Her major and what her academic experience has been like at Saint Leo
• A basic overview of the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) National sorority and the mission of this organization
• How and why she got involved in the Epsilon Tau chapter of Tri Sigma at Saint Leo University
• Her current role and duties in the organization
• Who is eligible to join and any requirements students must meet to become a member
• Examples of activities and events the Epsilon Tau chapter puts on throughout the year
• Types of volunteer work and fundraising the chapter does to support various causes
• The benefits of being involved in this sorority and Greek Life in general
• Contact info and social media handles for the chapter

Check Out the Saint Leo Tri Sigma Website

Visit the website for the Epsilon Tau chapter of Tri Sigma at Saint Leo University at http://saintleo.trisigma.org/.

Follow the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Tri Sigma on Social Media

Follow the Epsilon Tau chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma) on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/trisigma_saintleo/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TriSigmaEpsilonTau/.

Learn More about Greek Life at Saint Leo University

Check out the Saint Leo Greek Life page for an overview of everything involved in becoming a member of these organizations at https://www.saintleo.edu/student-experience/get-involved/greek-life.

Episode 68: A Conversation with Gianna Russo, Assistant Professor of English & Creative Writing at Saint Leo University

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we visit with Gianna Russo, an assistant professor of English and creative writing in the Department of Language Studies and the Arts within the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University. During the discussion, Russo covered:

• Her personal background with a unique family history in the Tampa Bay area
• How she got interested in writing poetry
• What inspired her to pursue a career teaching high school and a unique creative writing program she helped develop
• How she began teaching for Saint Leo University and courses she teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Her innovative approaches to teaching and grading assignments
• The benefits of attending Saint Leo University from the standpoint of a faculty member
• The publications and writing events she is involved with at Saint Leo
• Her published works and a reading of one of her favorite poems

Learn More about Gianna Russo and the Sandhill Review

Check out Gianna Russo’s personal website at https://russo15.wordpress.com/. Learn more about the Sandhill Review at https://slulibrary.saintleo.edu/c.php?g=368486.

Learn More about the English and Creative Writing Degree Programs at Saint Leo

Get the scoop on Saint Leo’s BA in English degree at https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/creative-writing-english-degrees/bachelors-degree-english.

Learn more about the MA in creative writing degree program at https://www.saintleo.edu/programs/creative-writing-english-degrees/masters-degree-creative-writing.

Episode 67: Exploring the New Saint Leo Wellness Center

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we chat about the new Saint Leo Wellness Center housed at University Campus. Our guest is Kathleen Pantalone, the executive director of wellness center services and events at Saint Leo University. Pantalone discussed:

• Her professional background and how she came to Saint Leo University
• The inspiration behind opening the Saint Leo Wellness Center and the importance of such a facility on a college campus
• The highly successful grand opening of the Wellness Center in the spring
• The days and hours of operation of the center
• An overview of the center facilities and how this relates to the mind, body, spirit theme of the center
• Who is eligible to use the center and membership options for students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and family members
• Current group classes and programs offered at the center
• Personal training options
• Early feedback Pantalone and her team have received on the center
• Future plans for the center and how such decisions will be made
• How to learn more about and connect with the Saint Leo Wellness Center

Learn More about the Saint Leo Wellness Center

Check out the Wellness Center website to learn more about the facility by visiting https://wellness.saintleo.edu/.

Episode 66: Mary Kate Soliva, U.S. Army vet/Reservist and Doctor of Criminal Justice student

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we feature a recording from a recent “Conversations on Success Beyond Service” virtual event held in early August. This event was hosted by Dr. Larry Braue, director of the Office of Military Affairs at Saint Leo University, along with the Saint Leo WorldWide Student Life Department. The featured guest is Mary Kate Soliva, a U.S. Army veteran who still serves in the Army Reserves. She is also a current student in Saint Leo’s Doctor of Criminal Justice degree program. During this event, Soliva spoke about:

• Her military career and why she decided to depart as a full-time Army soldier but wanted to continue to serve in the Army Reserves
• The challenges for veterans of transitioning from military service to civilian life and finding their purpose after service
• Organizations that support veterans with their transition and help with career services
• Why she chose to pursue Saint Leo University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice degree program and some other unique academic and leadership opportunities she is pursuing
• Her role as president of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter at Saint Leo University and the numerous benefits of membership
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the military and veterans
• Her career goals

Learn More about the Doctor of Criminal Justice Program at Saint Leo University

Interested in potentially pursuing a Doctor of Criminal Justice degree like Soliva is doing? Check out the DCJ – Homeland Security program page to get all the details on this unique doctoral program offered online through Saint Leo University.

Learn More about Mary Kate Soliva

Check out this blog article on Soliva to learn more about her background and future goals.

Episode 65: Hitting the Court with Lance Randall, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Saint Leo University

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, we hit the basketball court with Lance Randall, the head men’s basketball coach of the Saint Leo University Lions. Randall talked about:

• His early years growing up in the Midwest
• His college career playing basketball and a memorable time in which he got to play with Michael Jordan
• What led him into coaching and his early coaching career with stints around the world
• Arriving at Saint Leo University and his first successful run as head men’s basketball coach
• Why he returned to Saint Leo after leaving for four years
• His current coaching staff and how they all work together
• Memorable basketball seasons and outstanding student-athletes he has coached
• The characteristics he looks for when recruiting basketball players to come play for the Saint Leo Lions
• The benefits of attending Saint Leo University and playing Division II athletics in the competitive Sunshine State Conference (SSC)
• How student-athletes can effectively balance athletics and academics
• Professional opportunities for talented college basketball players

Lance Randall’s Bio and Coaching Resume

Learn more about Coach Randall and his basketball coaching career on his bio page at https://saintleolions.com/staff-directory/lance-randall/124.

Follow the Lions

Follow the Saint Leo University Lions men’s basketball team at https://saintleolions.com/sports/mens-basketball.

Episode 64: Tara Woods, Saint Leo Double Criminal Justice Alumna & Veteran of the Ocala, FL Police Dept.

In this episode of the Saint Leo 360 podcast, our guest is Tara Woods, a double alumna of the criminal justice degree program at Saint Leo University. She is also a longtime member of the Ocala, FL Police Department. During the discussion, Woods talked about:

• Her progressive career with the Ocala, FL Police Department and how she advanced through a number of roles over more than a 30-year career
• How she learned about Saint Leo University and the convenient options to earn her degrees
• The undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice she earned from Saint Leo University and how these degrees benefited her career
• The unique programs she has developed between the police department and local community in her most recent role after returning to the department following a very brief retirement
• Her advice on how to succeed in any career and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, even if they are not the most desirable at the time

Learn More about the Criminal Justice Degree Program Options at Saint Leo University

From associate through doctoral degrees, learn about all of the criminal justice degree options available at Saint Leo University at https://www.saintleo.edu/criminal-justice-degrees.