Meditz College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Series - The Future Of... Podcast (Audio)

In this episode of the Dean’s Series, The Future Of, Richard Greenwald, Dean of the John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences, speaks with Fairfield alumnus Jason LaRue '99, National Managing Partner of Talent and Culture at KPMG US, and Steph Gallo, Director of Career Planning for the Meditz College of Arts and Sciences.

Jason reflects on his Fairfield journey, from his Jesuit education and debate team experience to his career in recruiting, human resources, and leadership at KPMG. The conversation explores how a liberal arts education builds communication, critical thinking, relationship-building, and adaptability. He explains how these skills continue to matter in a changing workplace. Jason also shares insights on AI, the future of work, early-career talent, and how students can use new tools to strengthen their expertise.

Dean Richard Greenwald, PhD, sits down with Tony Award winning producer Cheryl Wiesenfeld and Associate Professor of theater Sean F. Edgecomb, PhD to explore the future of work in theater and the performing arts. Together, they talk about reviving Yasmina Reza’s Art on Broadway and highlight the importance of laughter and community in theater, the evolving industry influenced by AI, and the need for authenticity in performances. They examine questions of access, representation, and who gets to see themselves onstage, while highlighting social justice driven work and the role of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts in presenting “theater that changes our world.” The conversation connects directly to Fairfield University’s mission as the modern, Jesuit Catholic University, preparing students to think critically, create boldly, and engage the world through the arts.

How can chemistry prepare students to solve problems in science, business, and their communities? In this episode of Fairfield University’s The Future of series, Dean Richard Greenwald speaks with alumna Mary De Duke ’91 and longtime chemistry professor Ed O’Connell about organic chemistry, scientific research, and career development.

The conversation explores the growth of undergraduate research at Fairfield, the value of faculty mentorship, and the communication skills students gain through a liberal arts education. De Duke shares how her Fairfield experience prepared her for graduate study, pharmaceutical research at Pfizer, and the launch of Traveling Toys, a nonprofit expanding access to play. They also discuss artificial intelligence, laboratory technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the resilience required when experiments fail. Watch to learn how curiosity, hands-on experience, and critical thinking can prepare students for meaningful careers in chemistry and beyond.

In this episode of Fairfield University’s The Future Of series, Dean Richard Greenwald and communications professor David Albright speak with sports radio pioneer Mike Francesa about building a career in an industry transformed by broadcasting, podcasts, streaming, and social media.

Francesa traces his path from writing and research to CBS and WFAN, including the persistence that helped him earn an on-air opportunity and build Mike and the Mad Dog. The conversation highlights durable skills: writing clearly, mastering a subject, telling compelling stories, showing up, saying yes, learning every role, and staying resilient through rejection. Francesa also offers direct advice for students pursuing sports media internships and entry-level work in a fragmented digital landscape. Watch to learn how preparation, relationships, enthusiasm, and sustained effort can turn an unexpected opportunity into a lasting career.

How can students prepare for careers shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and hybrid work? In this episode of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Future Of series, Dean Richard Greenwald and Stephanie Gallo speak with business leader Andrew Feigenson about the skills that remain valuable as technology changes how organizations operate.

Their conversation explores the future of entry-level work, the importance of critical thinking and data literacy, and the role of curiosity, authenticity, and accountability in professional growth. They also discuss building relationships in hybrid workplaces, evaluating company culture, learning from failure, and approaching a career as an evolving portfolio rather than a fixed path. Watch to discover practical ways students can combine adaptable skills with a broad understanding of history, society, and human behavior.

How will artificial intelligence reshape legal work, financial regulation, and the skills students need for evolving careers? In the first episode of the Dean’s Future Of series, Dean Richard Greenwald joins Fairfield alumnus Jerry Buckley ’66 and a Fairfield sociology faculty member to explore the opportunities and risks created by generative AI.

Their conversation examines AI-assisted legal research, human oversight, trusted regulatory databases, access to legal services, and new approaches to consumer financial protection. The speakers also reflect on the lasting value of a Jesuit liberal arts education including critical inquiry, compassion, creativity, and the ability to ask better questions as technology changes the answers. Watch to learn how Fairfield prepares students to navigate emerging technologies with judgment, adaptability, and purpose.