
Making New Possible
The Future Starts With Students | Anthony Cruz
Making New Possible continues with Anthony Cruz, President of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), for a conversation about student-first leadership, the future of higher education, and preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. Anthony shares how his 20-year career in student affairs shaped his leadership philosophy and why keeping the student experience at the center of institutional decisions is essential. He explores MATC’s peer mentoring program, the importance of building social capital for first-generation students, and new ways the college is connecting students with industry through professional mentorship and micro-internships. Anthony also discusses how advisory councils help ensure MATC’s curriculum reflects the evolving needs of local employers while giving students opportunities to explore career paths before committing years to a specific field. With artificial intelligence reshaping industries and creating new workforce demands, Anthony explains why technical education remains critical, from integrating AI literacy into existing programs to preparing the skilled professionals needed to build and maintain the infrastructure behind emerging technology. Join host Angela Damiani for a conversation about student-centered leadership, the evolving role of higher education, and what it takes to prepare the next generation for a changing world.

