In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President & CEO Andy Vaughn sits down with longtime Alliant Director of Financial Aid, Deb Spindler, to unpack the sweeping federal financial aid changes coming in 2026 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Andy draws from his experience as one of the federal negotiators crafting these regulations, while Deb breaks down what students—current and future—need to know about the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, adjustments to Stafford Direct loan caps, and the new “professional” program designation for Clinical Psychology doctoral programs. Together, they clarify what qualifies students for “legacy” status, how loan limits will work moving forward, what steps students should take today to prepare, and how individual financial situations can receive personalized guidance from Alliant’s Student Finance team.

Alliant is proud to partner with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy to help Kaiser employees earn degrees and pursue difference-making careers. In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant president Andy Vaughn speaks with Dan Gizzo, PhD, a clinical psychologist, Alliant alum, and executive director of the Academy. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health stigma and the intersection of mental and physical health. Dr. Gizzo shares insights on the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the significance of values in healthcare, and the role of technology in training future clinicians. The conversation highlights the need for a diverse workforce in mental health and the ongoing efforts to support individuals pursuing careers in this field.

In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President Andy Vaughn visits with Dr. Debra Kawahara, 2025 President of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Professor at Alliant. She discusses her journey to leadership, the challenges faced during her APA presidency, and the importance of adaptability in leadership roles. She emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity within the field of psychology and shares insights on the evolving landscape of education and career opportunities in clinical psychology.