Mindstream

About Mindstream

Our Mission

Mindstream leads, supports, and empowers colleges and universities, enabling them to weather Higher Education’s perfect storm. As trusted partners, we help institutions optimize their academic portfolios, enhance operational  efficiency,  and build financial resilience… all while preserving their distinctive cultures and  fundamental missions of teaching, research, and service.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Joseph Garcia

President

Bryan Hall, Ph.D

Senior Consultant for Academic Affairs

Spencer Conroy

Senior Consultant for Finance & Administration

Janet Zulu

Data Scientist

Samantha Hopkins

Engagement Coordinator

Shaun Zulu

I.T. Support Specialist

Our Approach

The ‘Mindstream Way’ combines deep sector expertise with data-driven analysis to deliver actionable strategies that drive measurable results. Through strategic portfolio refinement, resource optimization, and innovative solutions, we enable our partners to build resilient foundations for future generations of learners.
Measured by Performance. Defined by Results.

Delivering accuracy, reliability, and measurable impact at scale.

Founded by Joseph Garcia
1990
Public and private institutions served
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Return on consulting fees
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Central to our success is our comprehensive transformation framework built on decades of experience in higher education consulting. This framework integrates proven methodologies for academic portfolio optimization with clear processes for resource allocation and operational efficiency assessment. We provide institutions with customizable templates, workflows, and measurement tools that adapt to their specific needs and scale.

Drawing from our successful client engagements across diverse institutional contexts, we’ve developed best practices that guide sustainable transformation while respecting each institution’s unique character and mission. This systematic approach ensures that change initiatives not only deliver immediate impact but also create lasting value through repeatable, scalable processes.

Joseph Garcia

President

jgarcia@mindstreamco.com

As founder and president of Mindstream, Joseph Garcia leads client engagements and is responsible for all aspects of the firm’s operations. For the past quarter-century, Joseph has served as senior executive in Fortune 50 corporations and senior advisor to leaders in both the private and public sectors…and he applies this business savvy and organizational understanding to the world of higher education. Joseph is not only a proven problem-solver and thought leader, but also a consultant with a track record of fostering organizational innovation and strong financial results in higher education. Over the past 20 years, he has advised over 60 educational entities across the country, from flagship research universities to private liberal arts colleges, and his results have netted them tens of millions of dollars to date. Joseph and his wife live in San Antonio, Texas, with their two children.

Bryan Hall, Ph.D

Senior Consultant for Academic Affairs

bhall@mindstreamco.com

Bryan Wesley Hall, Ph.D., is an accomplished academic leader and scholar who most recently served as Vice Provost for Strategic Programs at Regis University until stepping down in 2024. He now leads Mindstream’s Academic Practice, where he applies his deep expertise in higher education strategy and innovation. With a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder, Hall has held numerous faculty and administrative roles at institutions including St. John’s University and Indiana University Southeast. He has led major strategic initiatives focused on post-traditional and inclusive education, securing over $1 million in external funding to support these efforts. ​ ​ Hall’s scholarly contributions include three books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, primarily on Kantian philosophy, and he has earned multiple awards for excellence in teaching and research, including a Fulbright Fellowship. He remains actively engaged in academic service and higher education leadership as a tenured faculty member at Regis University.​

Spencer Conroy

Senior Consultant for Finance & Administration

sconroy@mindstreamco.com

Spencer Conroy is a battle-tested Chief Financial Officer with over 15 years of leadership experience across higher education and consulting sectors. He serves as Mindstream’s Senior consultant for Financial Strategy, offering strategic expertise to nonprofit and academic institutions. Previously, he served as CFO of Naropa University, where he rebuilt the financial team and reestablished financial reporting processes. At the University of St. Thomas, he managed a $100M budget and grew revenues by 44%, while overseeing a $150M endowment. Earlier, at Saint Joseph’s College, he held multiple roles including VP for Business Affairs and Controller, leading institutional restructures, budget reforms, and financial system overhauls. ​ ​ A CPA with an MBA, Conroy is known for transformational leadership, strategic planning, and digital modernization across finance and operations.​

Janet Zulu

Data Scientist

jzulu@mindstreamco.com

Janet Zulu leads data science at Mindstream, where she merges analytics, automation, and user-centered design to help organizations make smarter decisions and create more meaningful digital experiences. With a background in computer science and a deep commitment to social impact, she works at the intersection of data and purpose. Recognized as a Top 50 Hacker, Janet has published research in applied AI and cybersecurity, focusing on ethical innovation and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Her work is grounded in real-world impact, especially in education, equity, and public service. Janet is currently pursuing her MBA at Texas A&M University–San Antonio and is on track to graduate in December 2025 . This academic pursuit complements her technical expertise, enhancing her ability to drive data-informed strategies that align with organizational goals. Whether designing intuitive websites or building data systems that serve communities, Janet approaches every project with clarity, inclusion, and purpose.

Samantha Hopkins

Engagement Coordinator

shopkins@mindstreamco.com

Samantha Hopkins is the Engagement Coordinator at Mindstream, where she drives engagement strategy through sharp communication, strong relationship- building, and strategic collaboration. She brings a strong background in operations and client management from her time in the telecom industry at Apex Wireless, where she led initiatives like an employee benefits program that helped companies and government agencies offer exclusive discounts to their employees. Known for anticipating stakeholder needs and streamlining engagement processes, Samantha strengthens connection, boosts participation, and helps organizations build lasting relationships.​

Shaun Zulu

I.T. Support Specialist

szulu@mindstreamco.com