About Us
LeadwithPassionHigherEd believes that every individual working on behalf of the success of Higher Education is a leader with the capacity to transform individuals, institutions and communities for the better. One person can alter the trajectory of a success story in Higher Education through their passion and their leadership.
Our primary goal through LeadwithPassionHigherEd is to share the optimism of Higher Education through its leaders. We often and always find the stories of despair around Higher Education, however, LeadwithPassionHigherEd is looking through a different lens – we are inspired by its transformative power and want to share that story through leaders who make an impact every day. Beyond titles, we expose the inner spirits of Higher Ed leaders – individuals with passion for Higher Ed – who transform lives and communities through their passion.
Come learn with us. Celebrate leaders in Higher Ed. Be inspired to find your inner leader.
Our site is currently in beta mode. Look for new podcast episodes and content in the coming weeks!
Jim Rogers
James Rogers is a first-generation college graduate who has a passion and expertise in enrollment marketing, student success and advancement within Higher Ed.
Jim currently serves as CMO for a leading Ed-Tech company that helps students prepare for college, find their best fit higher-ed institution and succeed when they get there.
Previously, Mr. Rogers served as the CMO and Product Strategy leader for an Ed-Tech company that focused on enrollment marketing and advancement. He led the development of new products in enrollment that focused on recruiting specific student populations through digital and multi-channel marketing and a suite of new fundraising solutions that focused on raising large gifts from selected alumni segments..
Mr. Rogers graduated with a B.S in Finance from the University of Central Florida and holds a M.A. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.
Mr. Rogers is involved with LeadwithPassionHigherEd because he believes in the value of a college education, in the people who are serving students today, in the potential to make the world a better place by inspiring others to serve in this great endeavor and that by sharing the learnings of successful leaders others will grow professionally and more students will be helped.
He also enjoys kayaking, hiking, sports and taking photographs. He is well traveled but is most passionate about nature’s beauty often taking photos along the beaches of the Outer Banks in NC, in the desert around Moab, UT and in the mountains of Glacier National Park in Montana.
Patricia Maben
Patricia Maben is an experienced Enrollment Management professional with a passion for leadership in Higher Education. Her career in Enrollment Management has been fueled by the recognition, experience and satisfaction that Higher Education has a transformational impact on individuals, communities and society. This is the reason Patricia joined LeadwithpassionHigherEd.
Patricia is currently serving as the Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management at Washington & Jefferson College, a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Patricia graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering.
Her leadership style brings thoughtful and analytical discussion, a willingness and desire to “debate, resolve and evolve”, places a high value on individual connections, infuses humor and storytelling, and the firm belief that all individuals have unique strengths that, in the right environment, can thrive to positively impact Higher Education.
When not working on Higher Ed leadership and problem solving, Patricia can be found road biking, running, reading, movie going, cooking and spending time with her family.
Brian Gawor
Brian is a 20-year higher education veteran who has served roles in student affairs, enrollment, annual giving and major giving.
Brian had a life-changing experience at Knox College in Galesburg, IL where he studied political science, ran the college radio station, and participated in student government. He then stayed at Knox for ten years and held roles in the residential learning office, admission, and advancement divisions. He completed his master’s degree at Western Illinois University, and is a doctoral candidate at Illinois State University.
After working as a major gift officer for Illinois State University, he now serves as the chief fundraising researcher for a major higher education corporation, and works with hundreds of institutions each year to drive prospective student, alumni and donor engagement strategy. He spends his professional time polling higher education professionals for current trends, and presenting across the US and Canada. You can also hear him on the popular Fundraising Voices podcast.
Kyle Kelly
Kyle joined the Higher Ed-Tech space after graduating from West Virginia University on 2016. Since then he has spent his time connecting with leaders in advancement, admissions, career services and student success to help them achieve their goals.
In his spare time, Kyle can be found skiing, snowboard, hiking, frequenting museums, attempting to learn photography, and playing with his dog.