Podcast Explores Rollins College
This episode of Getting In - A College Coach Conversation features Faye Tydlaska, vice president for Enrollment and Marketing; Anne Stone, interim associate dean; Joseph Pool '26, a public policy and political economy major; and Valerie Mandel, executive director of the Center for Career and Life Planning.
By Jo Marie Hebeler
July 06, 2026
Host Sally Ganga takes a "Deep Dive" into Rollins College, a private liberal arts institution located in Winter Park, Florida, just outside Orlando. With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students, Rollins combines the personalized attention of a small college with the opportunities and resources of a vibrant metropolitan area.
Together, they explore what makes Rollins unique, from its distinction as the oldest college in Florida to its student-centered approach and strong sense of community. The conversation highlights the close relationships students build with faculty, the individualized support available both inside and outside the classroom, and the ways the college encourages intellectual curiosity, leadership, and engagement.
Listeners will learn about one of Rollins' most famous alumni— Fred Rogers, and how his legacy of connection and care continues to reflect many of the institution's values.
The guests also discuss how Rollins prepares students for life after graduation. Valerie shares how the Center for Career and Life Planning helps students connect their academic interests to meaningful careers through internships, employer partnerships, and career exploration opportunities. Joseph offers a student perspective on leveraging the college's resources, while Drs. Tydlaska and Stone discuss the balance Rollins strikes between academic rigor, close faculty mentorship, and real-world preparation.
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