President's Desk Podcast with Dr. Rudy Besikof

02/28/2025

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2025/2/26/the-presidents-desk-episode-88

It was an honor to welcome Laney Architecture Professor Barry Yu in January. Felicia and I enjoyed speaking with this industry expert, whose portfolio includes work done at both Disneyland and Caesar's Palace. I learned quite a bit about Architecture studies and was surprised to learn that students also develop skills that may have them working in the field of animation!

02/22/2025

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2025/2/21/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

This latest episode of "The President's Desk" podcast was the coolest one ever, as we welcomed Environmental Control Technology (HVAC) Professor and Laney Alum Sappho Su. Thanks as always to my cohost Felicia Bridges for making this conversation so memorable.

12/23/2024

12/23/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/12/19/the-presidents-desk-with-lane-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

What are the keys to crisis management? What are some proactive ways to fight cybercrime? I had a chance to discuss this and so much more with Laney IT Director Chris Moore, who shared the experience of his first year at Laney with me, Felicia and Randi. Also joining for a fourth time and adding a lot to the discussion as always was District Chief Technology Officer Antoine Mehouelley.

12/18/2024

https://kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/12/10/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof-1

In this latest episode of the Laney College President's Desk, I had a chance to chat with the Department Chair of our Library, Yiping Wang, for an engaging discussion about how students are supported. In addition to her leadership in the Library, Yiping is largely responsible for our campus's engagement in the Online Educational Resources (OER)/ Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) statewide initiatives. Truly, California's Community College libraries are evolving with our great students!

As always, Felicia Bridges did a great job cohosting, with Journalism Major Randi Cross asking great questions. Also, stay tuned for my "Obscure Song" feature at the end to see if can guess the song!

12/14/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/12/10/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

In October Laney College launched the grand opening of the College's Q***r Community Center. I was pleased to welcome Professor Yih Ren, whose leadership led to the opening of the Center. We also discussed a number of topics, including our common work and interests in ESL, culture, and linguistics. Also, tune into the end for a song you may not know came from the late, great Prince!

10/24/2024

Episode #83 of the Laney College President's Desk Podcast includes a discussion about our college's efforts to have more classes offer low- or no-cost textbooks. My thanks to Professors Marx Gomez Liendo (Sociology) and Beth Wadell (ESL), impassioned educators who lead our Affordable Instructional Materials Committee at Laney and truly have our students' best interests in mind.

10/13/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/10/9/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

For our 82nd episode, Felicia and I sat down with Peralta Executive Director of Public Safety & Security, Mr. Abdul Pridgen. Much of the discussion in our hour together focused on personal wellness, in addition to hearing about his new role.

Thanks as always to Dr. Felicia Bridges.

10/05/2024

Pleased to announce that beginning October 5, President's Corner (a/k/a the TV version of my podcast, The President's Desk) will air at 4 o'clock Sunday's on KTSF TV 26, San Francisco. Be sure to tune in.

Many thanks to KGPC Station Manager and "Greatest Cohost Ever" Felicia Bridges for her part in making this dream collaboration a reality.

My previous KTSF appearances with Business & Lifestyle Host Mina Li can be viewed at https://www.ktsf.com/laney-presidents-corner/

Looking forward to this new phase of Laney College's partnership with this great television station.

10/04/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/10/3/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

Our latest episode puts the spotlight on Adult Education at Laney, as we welcome Coordinator Nik Howell to my podcast, along with Northern Alameda County Adult Education Director Shemila Johnson, who joined the show via Zoom.

Thanks to Nik and Shemila's efforts, as well as the dedication of so many more in our area, education is a possibly for EVERYONE in the East Bay. During the program, Shemila also shared how the consortium she directs extends across all Peralta community colleges, Unified School Districts, and the County's Office of Education.

Goes to show that partnering only increases the visibility/possibility of education to all in our communities and makes more opportunities for the students of tomorrow!

09/24/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/9/23/the-presidents-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

Student Leadership was our focus for Episode #80 as we welcomed Frida and Motse, Laney's student government President and Vice President. A lively conversation that shows leadership at our great college extends to our students!

Pictured left to right with me are students Motse and Frida, student cohost Randi Cross, and yes, the amazing Felicia Bridges!

09/17/2024

09/17/2024

Peralta and Laney College were absolutely represented at the Napa Ride to Cure ALS this past Saturday. In addition to colleague Mark Johnson, who rode along with me, it was great to see Laney Professor Chris Weidenbach there as well (Actually did not see him during the race, as he rode the 63 miles about one hour faster than we did!).

What a great event for an even better cause!

09/08/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/9/5/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

Episode #79 of The President's Desk had one of the most compelling guests yet, Machine Technology Professor Adam Balogh. Just as interesting as the field of Machine Tech was what Adam shared about his own pathway toward leading a program at Laney whose contacts have included NASA and Tesla!

My thanks to cohosts Felicia and Randi as well as Raya Zion for packing this hour with so much for our audience! IF you prefer TV and live in Oakland, you can also catch the show Sundays at 2:00 p.m. on the Peralta TV Network!

08/31/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/8/30/the-presidents-desk-with-dr-rudy-besikof

As we started the new semester at Laney and throughout the Peralta Community College District, Artificial Intelligence in the realm of education has been the big topic. Professor Tuan Nguyen joined my show for an engaging discussion. Also, student journalism major Randi Cross returned as a cohost and added to the discussion. Behind the scenes, Raya Zion continues to help spotlight our many community partners, and Judy Mei has taken the booking of guests to a whole new level!

08/27/2024

https://www.kgpc969.org/the-presidents-desk/2024/8/21/the-presidents-desk-with-laney-college-president-dr-rudy-besikof

For Episode #75, Felicia and I welcomed Media Communications Professor Steve Shlisky and students Kim Gonzales and Ehret Fieldhouse to the program. Kim shared her experience as an entrepreneur, while Ehret broke news about a new career opportunity. It was truly our diamond episode with these three Laney gems in the studio!