It's an Honor

Department Head and Professor of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona, and author Ricardo Valerdi joins Dean Pollard to discuss his book The Five Tool Team and a practical framework for making better decisions. They explore how asking the right questions, examining multiple perspectives, analyzing consequences, challenging assumptions, and keeping people at the center of the process can strengthen leadership and decision-making across fields. The conversation also touches on sports, AI, accountability, and why a strong process matters even when the outcome is uncertain.

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Tucson Police Department Chief of Police Monica Prieto sits down with Dean Pollard to reflect on her journey from a University of Arizona student unsure of what came next to leading the department she has served for more than two decades. She shares the moments, mentors, and challenges that shaped her path, while discussing leadership, officer wellness, community trust, and what it means to keep growing through uncertainty. 

Sean McClain, a former student of Dean Pollard and, now, the founder and CEO of Absci, sits down with Dean Pollard to discuss his journey from undergraduate at the University of Arizona to successful entrepreneur. Absci is on a mission to create biologics for patients faster, as an innovative drug creation company unlocking novel biology through generative AI.  

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Ravi Ram, a Flinn Scholar and University of Arizona Honors alumnus, about curiosity, global exploration, and the pursuit of purpose. Ravi reflects on his interdisciplinary academic journey, his transformative experiences studying abroad across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and the lessons he learned about culture, community, and self-discovery. The conversation explores his transition from consulting to a more purpose-driven career, the importance of “disturbing the equilibrium,” and how mindfulness, resilience, and perspective shape meaningful growth. 

Ravi Ram is a leadership consultant who works with organizations around the world to bui...

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Stephen Dahmer—Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona—about the role of curiosity, global experience, and interdisciplinary thinking in shaping modern healthcare. Dr. Dahmer reflects on his journey from medical school to integrative medicine, including formative experiences as a medical interpreter and time spent living in Brazil. Throughout the conversation, he explores the principles of integrative medicine, emphasizing whole-person care, prevention, patient partnership, and the importance of understanding the cultural and personal context behind every patient’s health. 

Dr. Dahmer i...

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Terry J. Lundgren, former Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. and namesake of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona. Terry reflects on his journey from a struggling undergraduate student to a leader in the global retail industry, emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and taking advantage of opportunities. The conversation explores his leadership philosophy, the value of mentorship and cultural fit in organizations, and how adaptability shaped his approach to navigating major industry challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. He also shares insights on the future of...

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Ben Driggs, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Honeywell Aerospace and the 2026 Alumnus of the Year for the W.A. Franke Honors College. Ben reflects on his time as a Flinn Scholar and student body president at the University of Arizona, the curiosity that shaped his career, and how experiences living abroad and working across disciplines influenced his path from consulting to aerospace leadership. 

Benjamin Driggs oversees enterprise strategy, mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, and commercial functions at Honeywell Aerospace. A graduate of the University of Arizona Honors Co...

In celebration of the Big 12 Conference Regular Season Championship secured by Arizona Wildcats men's basketball with a 73–57 victory over Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball, we are proud to share this special encore release of our conversation with University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois.

In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with Reed-Francois for a timely and inspiring discussion about what it truly means to build a championship culture—one that fuels success on the court while shaping leaders for life. As Arizona celebrates its conference title in its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, this conve...

In this episode of It’s an Honor, Dr. Pollard speaks with Alison Flynn Gaffney, CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South, about leadership in healthcare, service-driven decision-making, and the power of evolving one’s path. Alison reflects on her undergraduate path to a career in healthcare, the importance of “service above self,” and how her philosophy of leadership has changed over time. The conversation explores women in leadership, honest communication, community-centered care, and the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening—not replacing—human connection. The episode concludes with a personal reflection on curiosity, resil...

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Patricia A. Prelock, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Arizona, about the personal experiences and intellectual passions that shaped her career as a scientist, clinician, and academic leader. From a formative seventh-grade science fair inspired by her brother with Down syndrome to her internationally recognized work in autism and speech-language pathology, Dr. Prelock reflects on the importance of communication, perspective-taking, and service. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, the future role of artificial intelligence in autism research, and how listening deeply has guided her journey to the University of...

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Wesley Warshawer—Winter 2025 Convocation Speaker, 2025 Young Alumni Awardee, and W.A. Franke Honors alumnus—to explore the role of curiosity, global perspective, and lived experience in shaping a meaningful path. Wesley reflects on his time as a Franke student, the challenge of choosing a direction, and how studying and living abroad—from South Korea and China to East Africa—profoundly influenced his understanding of culture, humility, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the value of evolving through new experiences, building authentic networks, and remaining open to growth wherever life takes you. 

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Arizona. The discussion traces his early academic foundations in physics, the mentors who shaped his development, and the role of persistence in undergraduate research. 

Dr. Díaz de la Rubia provides an accessible overview of fusion energy—how laser-driven fusion works, why it represents a significant clean-energy opportunity, and what obstacles still limit commercial viability. He also outlines the university’s growing initiatives in artificial intelligence, including applications in healthcar...

In this special episode of It’s an Honor, guest host Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia—Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of Learning Development and Community Involvement—sits down with Gabriella “Gabi” Arroyo, a W.A. Franke Honors College student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology, to explore the deeply personal and universal theme of ancestry. 

Their conversation delves into the many ways ancestry shapes who we are: through culture, immigration, family, and the stories passed down through generations. They discuss how traditions, indigenous perspectives, and collective memories give meaning to ancestry, and how we uncon...

Dr. Tom Bever, Regents Professor at the University of Arizona and a foundational figure in the field of psycholinguistics, joins It’s an Honor for a wide-ranging conversation on science, language, and the future of the mind. He recounts his early days experimenting with ants and atomic energy, reflects on his educational journey through Harvard and Switzerland, and shares personal stories of working alongside Noam Chomsky. 

Listeners will hear Dr. Bever’s insights on language development and pyscholinguistics, his experiments surrounding the U-shaped learning curve in adolescents, and his evolving interest in consciousness studies. The episod...

Dr. Adeel Yang, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of companies bridging healthcare, education, and technology, joins It’s an Honor for a wide-ranging conversation on medicine, startups, and innovation. He recounts his journey from uncertain college beginnings to pursuing both medicine and venture capital, shares stories from launching Picmonic and Medumo, and reflects on his experience navigating Y Combinator while balancing clinical training.

Listeners will hear Adeel’s insights on entrepreneurship, patient education, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare and education. He also discusses how a newfound hobby in golf and accessibility challenges inspired the creation of D...

William A. Franke—renowned global investor, aviation executive, and namesake of the W.A. Franke Honors College—joins us for an extraordinary conversation on today’s episode of It’s an Honor. As the founder and managing partner of Indigo Partners, Bill has helped transform the aviation industry through strategic leadership roles in companies like Frontier Airlines, Tiger Airways, Wizz Air, and Volaris. His reputation for turning around struggling companies, including Circle K, and serving on numerous corporate boards has made him a sought-after figure in international business. 

In this episode, Bill reflects on his unconventi...

In this episode, Dean John Pollard sits down with Dr. Lori Poloni-Staudinger, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona, and 2024 Women of Impact Honoree Together, they explore the intersection of fashion, politics, leadership, and the evolving role of higher education in society.  

From the symbolism of Chuck Taylors and tan suits to the unspoken codes that define political presence, Dr. Poloni-Staudinger reflects on her research into how fashion choices shape public perception—particularly for women navigating the double-bind of appearing too feminine or not feminine enough. The conversation spans from glo...

Microprocessor legend Bill Mensch joins the show to reflect on a lifetime of innovation—from designing the Motorola 6800 and co-developing the 6502 processor to shaping the field of embedded intelligence. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mensch explores the future of conscious technology, shares insights from his own AI model, and discusses how philosophy, religion, and science converge around ideas of intelligence and self-awareness. Touching on everything from the Super Nintendo to the GAIA conference and the BCII dual degree at the W.A. Franke Honors College, this episode bridges hardware, humanity, and the pursuit of lifelong learning. 

Dr. Bryan Carter, Director of the Center for Digital Humanities, professor of Africana Studies at The University of Arizona, and an expert in virtual environments, joins us to explore the intersection of AI, XR, and digital storytelling in education. We discuss the evolution of AR and VR, their role in transforming learning spaces, and the challenges of staying on the cutting edge of technology. Dr. Carter shares insights on his groundbreaking Virtual Harlem project, the future of volumetric capture, and the ethical concerns surrounding AI’s rapid advancement. Plus, we dive into his journey from collegiate quarterback to tech in...

In this episode, Dean Karthik Kannan joins us to explore the future of higher education, from the rise of AI and transdisciplinary learning to the increasing global connectivity reshaping academia and industry. We discuss how the Honors-Eller partnership is preparing students for real-world challenges, the balance between innovation and overreliance on technology, and the evolving structure of degree pathways. Dean Kannan also shares his leadership journey, insights on collaboration and entrepreneurship, and how higher education can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. 

Drs. Mark and Mindy Zeitzer, the W.A. Franke Honors College’s 2023-24 Alumni of the Year recipients, join us for an inspiring discussion on today’s episode of It’s an Honor. As distinguished healthcare professionals and committed community leaders, the Zeitzers exemplify the mission of the Honors College through their impactful careers and dedication to service. Mindy, an accomplished nurse educator and director of Linfield University’s Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and Mark, an emergency physician, and chief medical officer of ZoomCare, share insights into their professional journeys and their innovative contributions to healthcare. In this...

In the second part of our series on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Drs. Samara Klar, Chris Weber, and Alex Braithwaite return to analyze how polling predictions measured up to the results. They break down key issues like the economy's overwhelming influence, the fracturing Democratic coalition, and the global trends shaping voter behavior. From split-ticket voting to the future of immigration reform and climate policy, this episode offers fresh insights into what the election means for American politics moving forward. Missed part one? Catch up to complete the story. 

In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with The University of Arizona Athletic Director, Desireé Reed-Francois for a lively conversation about building a championship culture and shaping future leaders both on and off the field. They delve into the dynamic intersection of sports and academics, sharing insights on the power of leadership and the ways athletics and academics align in creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Desireé, a U of A alumna and former student-athlete herself, recounts her journey from UCLA rower to seasoned athletic director, including her impactful years at the U of A Law School in the '90s. 
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Dr. Samara Klar is a Political Scientist and the Melody S. Robidoux Fund Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy. She studies how individuals’ personal identities and social surroundings influence their political attitudes and behavior. Most often, she uses experimental methods (in and outside the lab), surveys, and other statistical tools. She is a co-Coordinator of the Arizona Policy Lab.  Dr. Christopher Weber is a professor and the Director the Voter Project at the University of Arizona. Dr Weber specializes in political psychology, and political behavior, with a focus on American political campaigns and ideology. Dr. Alex Bra...

Join us for today’s live-recorded episode of It's an Honor, where we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Lori Poloni-Staudinger, Dean of the University of Arizona's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Together, we'll be answering questions from members of the DC Capitol Cats alumni group, current University of Arizona students, and other SBS and Honors alumni.

This episode will delve into our efforts to fuel wonder through innovative programming and collaboration, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, and the crucial role of teaching and developing critical thinking, entrepreneurial, and interdisciplinary skills among st...

Dr. Dante Lauretta, an award-winning Regents Professor of Planetary Science and Cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, joins us for an enlightening discussion on today's episode of It's an Honor. As the director of the Arizona Astrobiology Center and the leader of NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return mission, Dr. Lauretta brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His contributions to NASA have been nationally recognized, with the OSIRIS-REx mission receiving the prestigious Collier Trophy and the 2024 Goddard Memorial Trophy. In this episode, we delve into the OSIRIS-REx mission, and how research on the asteroid ‘Bennu’ has...

Dr. Cheree Meeks, Dr. Jamaica DelMar, Ms. Barbea Williams, and Ms. Lauryn Jones join us for a captivating discussion on today's special episode of It's an Honor. All four of our guests give their insight on what it means to be a black woman in leadership positions, and what has inspired them to continue leading with authenticity. The podcast touches on the value of building community, the challenges associated with attracting and retaining students of color, and the importance of empowering black students in and around the university. Dr. Meeks dives into the Black Excellence Scholars Program at the...

Dr. Alex Braithwaite, the Melody S. Robidoux Foundation Fund Professor and Associate Director of the School of Government & Public Policy at the University of Arizona, joins us for a captivating discussion on today's episode of It's an Honor. With a remarkable background in international relations and conflict studies, Dr. Braithwaite's expertise is unparalleled. As a W.A. Franke Honors College Academy Scholar, he brings a unique perspective to our conversation, enriched by his dedication to peer-reviewing and editing esteemed journals such as the Journal of Peace Research, British Journal of Political Science, and Conflict Management and Peace Science. While y...

Dr. Jacqueline Melvold is an award-winning Lecturer in the Transdisciplinary School at the University of Technology Sydney and is Course Director of the Bachelor of Technology and Innovation. She is passionate about influencing change as an education leader by exploring innovative and creative approaches to learning in collaborative and transdisciplinary environments. Dr. Melvold was instrumental in developing and implementing the curriculum for the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII). She co-taught the inaugural course of the BCII, HNRS 270: Problems to Possibilities, this summer, and plans to return to Franke Honors in the spring to teach the course again. 

In this episode of It’s an Honor, guest hosted by Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of Learning Development and Community Involvement in the Franke Honors College and Faculty Co-Chair of the Latinx Staff and Faculty Association, we have the honor of hearing from Dr. Sandra Bernal, a Lecturer in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture, and Mel and Melissa Dominguez, co-owners of the South Tucson-based Galeria Mitotera, about their involvement in the third annual El Día de los Muertos celebration at the University of Arizona. This year’s celebration is op...

Dr. Amanda Kraus currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Executive Director of the University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center, one of the largest in the nation. She is also an Associate Professor of Practice in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the UA, coordinates the M.A. program, and instructs courses on student services and disability in The College of Education. Dr. Kraus studies disability identity, disability dynamics in the student veteran community, and disability-related biases and microaggressions. Through her research and teaching, she challenges the dominant deficit or tragedy narrative on...

Victoria DeFrancesco Soto is Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas and is also a political analyst for NBC News and Telemundo. She is the first Latina Dean at a presidential institution and was named one of the top 12 scholars in the country by Diverse magazine. Victoria previously taught at Northwestern University and Rutgers and received her Ph.D. in political science from Duke University. Her areas of expertise include civic engagement, women, immigration, Latinos and political psychology. Underlying all of her research interests is the applicability of high-quality, rigorous research to on-the-ground...

Bem Le Hunte is an internationally published novelist and an expert in the field of Creative Intelligence. She is the Director of Learning and Teaching in the TD School at UTS, as well as the founding course director of the multi-award-winning Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII). She teaches creative thinking, theory and practice across many disciplines from anthropology to media and creative writing – and works with academics from across all faculties at UTS as well as with an industry partnership base of over 2,000 individuals, to create and support this world-first, multi-award-winning future-facing transdisciplinary degree. 

In tod...

Rebecca Gomez, PhD, is a Professor in the College of Science and the Director of the Child Cognition Lab at the University of Arizona and is one of our incredible 2023 Franke Academy of Scholars award recipients. Dr. Gómez was also the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, has been an associate editor for Cognition, a leading journal in the field of cognitive science, and has served on the editorial boards of Psychological Science and Language Learning and Development. In this episode, we discuss how Rebecca became interested in developmental psychology, her current research with child c...

Teresa Rosano is a practicing architect and professor in the College of Architecture, Planning, & Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) at the University of Arizona. Teresa’s award-winning work has been featured in over 300 books and magazines worldwide, including Architecture Magazine. In addition to her celebrated architectural work, Teresa has been recognized for her excellence in teaching. Most recently, she received the 2023 Margaret M. Briehl and Dennis T. Ray Five Star Faculty Award, the only student-selected faculty award at the University of Arizona. In this episode, Interim Dean John Pollard has a conversation with Teresa about her design approach, the creative process, her va...

Dave Franke is the Principal of Franke & Co., and, along with the rest of the Franke family, is known for philanthropy, including the impactful gift that made us the W.A. Franke Honors College. With his experience creating and evolving businesses and philanthropic pursuits, Dave is no stranger to change. In this episode, Franke Honors Interim Dean John Pollard has a conversation with Dave about change in its many forms, from leadership transitions and human relationships to higher education and artificial intelligence.