Uncharted State

In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Scott Waller of the Mississippi Business Alliance to explore the critical connection between education and workforce development in Mississippi.From shifting perceptions of higher education to the growing importance of career pathways and stackable credentials, Scott shares insights on how students, institutions, and employers can better align to meet the demands of today’s economy, while also rethinking what “college” means and how success is defined beyond a traditional degree.The conversation dives into how Mississippi can strengthen its talent pipeline, why collaboration between education and industry is essential for economic growth, and the challenges of retaining talent and creating clearer pathways to employment. As the state works to build a more resilient and competitive workforce, this episode underscores the importance of alignment, adaptability, and a shared vision for the future of education and work.In This Episode:The rise of career pathways and stackable credentialsRethinking the value and definition of a college degreeAligning education with workforce and economic needsStrengthening Mississippi’s talent pipeline and retaining talentThe role of business, policy, and education in driving growthWhy clearer connections between learning and careers matter more than ever

In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Stacy Snow, Principal at Kennedy & Company, to explore the evolving pressures shaping online education today. From shifting federal and state policies to increased scrutiny of the vendor marketplace, institutions are being pushed to rethink how they build and sustain online programs. Stacy shares insights from her work helping universities launch more than 140 online programs, emphasizing a critical shift: success is no longer about scale. It’s about relevance.The conversation dives into how institutions can better align programs with regional workforce needs, why most online students still come from close to home, and the importance of asking the right questions before launching or expanding programs. They also tackle the harder realities facing leaders today—financial uncertainty, policy instability, and the growing impact of change fatigue across teams.As higher ed navigates constant disruption, this episode highlights the importance of internal capacity building, stakeholder alignment, and staying focused on what matters most: creating meaningful, student-centered experiences.In This Episode:Why relevance—not volume—is driving online program successThe myth of “build it and they will come” in online educationHow geography and community still shape online enrollmentNavigating federal policy shifts, funding uncertainty, and compliance pressuresThe real impact of change fatigue on higher ed teamsWhy transformative change often happens only in crisisBuilding internal capacity in a shifting vendor and OPM landscape

No new episode of UnchartED State this week! We’re pausing to celebrate our graduates and this milestone season.Catch up on past episodes, share your favorites, and stay tuned. New conversations are coming this summer! 🎓

In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Dr. Julie Jordan, Mississippi State University's first Senior Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance.Dr. Jordan shares how AI has evolved from a niche technology into something more like electricity: embedded in everything and impossible to ignore. The conversation examines how universities are navigating this acceleration, the challenges of institutional pace and adoption, and broader implications for the labor market, knowledge work, and the long-standing "social contract" of higher education.From billion-dollar data centers rising across Mississippi to free AI models you can run offline on your phone, this episode covers a lot of ground while staying rooted in what it all means for the university.In This Episode:Why AI is being compared to electricity, not just another tech trendWhen three-to-five-year plans become three-to-five-week plansHow AI is reshaping jobs, skills, and the value of a degreeCreating space for faculty to tinker, explore, and talk about itEquity, access, and downloadable AI models for rural learnersWhy communication and human connection matter more than ever

In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Dr. Ryan Walker, associate professor at Mississippi State University and director of the VR certificate program.From virtual rainforests to AI-powered teaching assistants, Dr. Walker shares how immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) are reshaping how students learn, interact, and retain knowledge. The conversation explores how experiential learning in 3D environments leads to deeper understanding, stronger memory, and more engaging educational experiences.The episode also dives into the growing role of AI in these environments, from intelligent avatars that guide learning to adaptive tutors that personalize instruction and assessment in real time.In This Episode: The difference between VR, AR, and XR—and how each is used in education  Why experiential, immersive learning leads to stronger retention  How AI avatars and virtual teaching assistants are changing instruction  The role of VR in STEM, healthcare, engineering, and beyond  Accessibility, engagement, and the future of assessment in virtual spaces  How higher education is (and isn’t) keeping pace with emerging technologies  What it means to design learning experiences—not just deliver content As immersive technology and AI continue to evolve, this episode explores how higher education can move beyond traditional models and into fully interactive, student-centered learning environments.

How are universities rethinking fundraising and alumni engagement in today’s rapidly evolving landscape?In this episode of UnchartED State, hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt welcome John Rush, Vice President for Development and Alumni and CEO of the MSU Foundation at Mississippi State University. With over three decades of experience at MSU, John offers a behind-the-scenes look at how institutions are adapting to shifting donor expectations, emerging technologies, and new engagement models.The conversation explores:The evolving role of university foundations and hybrid advancement modelsHow Gen Z is reshaping philanthropy through cause-driven givingThe growing influence of NIL and athletics on donor prioritiesThe role of AI in fundraising and alumni engagementThe vision and impact of the Crossroads District developmentJohn also shares why storytelling, student impact, and authentic relationships remain at the heart of successful fundraising, and why sometimes the most powerful tool is still a handwritten note.Whether you work in higher education, nonprofit leadership, or advancement, this episode offers valuable insights into building meaningful connections that drive long-term impact. 

What does it mean to market a university in a time of rapid change?In this episode of UnchartED State, hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Thomas Broadus, Chief Marketing Officer at Mississippi State University. With more than two decades of experience in marketing, digital strategy, and communications, Thomas shares how universities are rethinking storytelling, brand strategy, and audience engagement in a fast-moving media landscape.The conversation explores how higher education marketing has evolved, from traditional advertising and paid media to authentic storytelling, influencer-style student content, and algorithm-driven discovery. Thomas also discusses how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping marketing workflows, search visibility, and how prospective students discover universities.Along the way, the discussion highlights the challenge of communicating higher education’s value in an era when public trust is shifting, and why telling real stories of impact, research, and student success matters more than ever.In This Episode:What a Chief Marketing Officer does at a universityHow storytelling shapes a university’s brand and reputationThe growing role of student voices and authentic contentHow AI and AEO is transforming marketing, search, and content creationWhy universities must rethink how prospective students discover programsCommunicating the value and impact of higher education todayUsing storytelling to connect research, learning, and real-world outcomesFrom brand strategy to emerging technologies, this episode offers an inside look at how universities are navigating the evolving world of higher education marketing.

What if the future belongs not to specialists, but to those with range?In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Sean Owen and Maddie Ludt are joined by Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, to explore how higher education can build long-term adaptability into its very foundation.Grounded in the ideas from Range by David Epstein, this conversation challenges the assumption that early specialization is the key to success. Instead, it asks: Are our institutions structured for efficiency or for exploration?Jonathan shares how MGCCC’s new general education core and workforce initiatives reflect a “range-informed” approach, balancing technical mastery with interdisciplinary learning, transferable skills, and career-aligned advising. The episode also explores how industry collaboration, stackable credentials, and partnerships with institutions like Mississippi State University can better prepare students for industries that are constantly evolving.In This Episode:What “range” means in a higher education contextThe tension between specialization and long-term adaptabilityDesigning general education around capabilities, not just contentEncouraging exploration without penalizing studentsIntegrating industry voices into curriculum designHow community colleges can serve as laboratories for innovationThe leadership and cultural shifts required to rethink Gen Ed📘 Learn more about Range here: https://davidepstein.com/range/As industries shift and careers evolve, this episode asks an important question: Are we building programs for the first job or for a lifetime of change?

How does faculty leadership evolve when higher education itself is changing faster than ever?In this episode of Uncharted State, Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt sit down with Dr. Stacy Haynes, professor of sociology and president of Mississippi State University’s Robert Holland Faculty Senate, to explore how faculty governance operates behind the scenes and why it matters more than ever.Drawing on her background in criminology and decision-making research, Dr. Haynes shares how shared governance helps universities navigate uncertainty, balance diverse perspectives, and ensure faculty voices remain part of institutional decision-making. The conversation explores how communication, trust, and early collaboration shape effective leadership, especially as higher education faces rapid technological change, shifting expectations, and increasing external pressures.In This Episode:What faculty governance does behind the scenesHow shared governance connects faculty, administration, staff, and studentsLeading during uncertainty and navigating competing perspectivesBalancing speed with inclusion as higher ed evolvesWhy communication breakdowns create confusion, and how to fix themFaculty perspectives on AI and the future of teaching and learningReimagining governance systems for a faster-moving worldAs universities adapt to new realities, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how leadership, collaboration, and communication shape the future of higher education.

Careers aren’t linear and learning shouldn’t be either. Justin Samuels has lived that reality, from working in higher ed to senior engineering at Mailchimp to founding RenderATL. Along the way, he's learned one truth: the skills you need tomorrow don't exist in today's textbooks. In this episode of UnchartED State, Sean Owen and Maddie Ludt sit down with Justin for a candid conversation about what it really takes to grow in fast-moving industries and what higher education needs to do differently. From embedded internships that put students in the trenches to hiring people smarter than yourself, Justin unpacks where colleges struggle to keep pace with industry and why teaching adaptability matters more than teaching tools. This conversation is about building the kind of learners who don't just survive change. They drive it.Drawing from his journey as a Mississippi State alum, engineer, and entrepreneur, Justin unpacks what higher education gets right, where it struggles to keep up with industry, and why adaptability, belonging, and learning how to learn matter more than any single credential.In This Episode:Changing careers (not just jobs) and embracing uncertaintyBuilding community and belonging in remote and hybrid worldsWhy degrees matter less than experience, mindset, and curiosityHiring people who are smarter than you and why that’s a strengthThe role of internships, co-ops, and industry partnerships in closing skill gapsLearning how to learn in a world that changes faster every yearCareers aren’t linear, innovation isn’t tidy, and learning never really ends. This episode explores how breaking things, thoughtfully, can lead to better leaders, stronger communities, and more resilient learners.

Who needs college anymore? What should higher education look like in an era of rapid change, AI, and evolving workforce demands?In this episode of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt sit down with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter. Together, they explore why degrees still matter for some learners, why they don’t for many others, and what must change to create meaningful, trusted pathways beyond the traditional four-year model.Drawing on years of research, real learner stories, and national workforce data, deLaski challenges the “college for all” narrative while making a compelling case for short-term credentials, micro-pathways, employer-aligned learning, and the human skills that AI can’t replace.In This Episode:Who the “new majority learner” is and why higher ed wasn’t designed for themWhy affordability and relevance keep millions from completing degreesThe rise of short-term credentials, apprenticeships, and stackable pathwaysHow employers, colleges, and states can build trust in alternative credentialsCredit for prior learning, skills transcripts, and work-based experienceWhy critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy matter more than everHow universities can balance workforce outcomes with the public goodLearning no longer follows a single path. This episode offers a deep exploration of how education, work, and lifelong learning must weave together to better serve learners and society.📘 Learn more about the book or purchase a copy:https://www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org

As 2026 begins, what changes will define higher education? And how do we prepare learners for a world where the jobs, technologies, and challenges of tomorrow don't yet exist?In Episode 8 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt are joined by special guest Dr. Asim Ali, Executive Director of the Biggio Center at Auburn University, to make bold predictions about the year ahead. Sitting on the front porch of a new year, they tackle everything from the future of the four-year degree to emerging technologies that seemed impossible just months ago.We're living in what Dr. Ali calls a "liminal period"—the old model is dying, but the new one isn't fully formed. In this in-between space, universities face critical questions: Will degrees continue as the primary organizing principle, or are stackable credentials and continuing education reshaping everything? How do we balance preparing students for immediate workforce needs while developing lifelong learners? And what role will AI, augmented reality, and cultural fluency play in classrooms?In This Episode: The Four-Year Degree: Will it remain the organizing principle of higher education, or are unbundling and stackable credentials the future?Land Grant Legacy: How institutions like Mississippi State and Auburn have navigated economic transformations beforeContinuing Education: Why it's the overlooked solution for meeting immediate workforce needs while preserving holistic learningEmerging Technologies: Augmented reality, AI-powered learning profiles, brain-computer interfaces, and what seemed crazy yesterdayGenerational Shifts: Moving beyond traditional demographic categories to AI fluency, cultural quotient, and diverse learning needsFaculty Evolution: The shift from sage on the stage to facilitator, and what support faculty need to make that transitionStudent Engagement: Why motivation matters more than technology, and what needs to changeLearning Environments: Creating spaces for time-scarce adult learnersHigher education stands at a crossroads. This conversation offers a roadmap for universities ready to become lifelong learning partners, meeting students not just for four years but throughout their lives.

What happens when the pace of change in higher education outpaces the systems designed to sustain it? And how do institutions adapt intentionally and intelligently to a future where AI, shifting learner needs, and rapid disruption are the norm?In Episode 7 of UnchartED State, Dr. Kim Siegenthaler, joining us all the way from Hawaii, talks with Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt about the urgent transformation taking place across higher ed. From AI literacy and faculty training to demographic cliffs, workforce expectations, and the realities of campus life in a post-COVID world, this episode explores how institutions can stay nimble, relevant, and learner-centered.Dr. Kim offers a candid look at the tension between long-range planning and sudden disruptions, the changing profile of today’s learners, and why embracing chaos and ambiguity may be essential for educators moving forward.In This Episode:Why banning AI is unrealistic—and why faculty AI literacy matters more than everHow higher ed can nurture student creativity and leverage emerging technologiesThe growing disconnect between traditional structures and modern learner needsLong-range “hurricane” shifts vs. sudden “tornado” disruptions shaping universitiesRethinking faculty development, curriculum design, and institutional agilityThe future of enrollment, research, workforce development, and community relevanceHigher education is standing at a crossroads, and this conversation shines a light on the mindset, strategies, and courage it will take to lead through the uncertainty ahead.

What does it take to rethink teaching for a new generation of learners? And how can curiosity, reflection, and shared inquiry reshape the future of higher education?In this episode of Uncharted State, Dr. Shannon Harmon—faculty member turned instructional innovator—joins Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt to examine how the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is transforming the way universities approach teaching. From questioning long-standing norms to embracing discomfort, Dr. Harmon shares why examining our own practices is essential for improving student learning and building a more adaptive academic culture.In This Episode: • What the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning actually is and why it matters • How faculty curiosity and reflective practice drive meaningful change • Why today’s learners require new approaches, new structures, and new mindsets • The role of feedback, experimentation, and “failing forward” in instructional growth • How AI literacy, micro-credentials, and competency-based learning are reshaping the future • Why the classroom must become a community of learnersTeaching isn’t static. It’s a living, evolving practice. This episode explores how embracing inquiry, innovation, and the needs of today’s learners can reshape classrooms, curriculum, and the future of higher education itself.

What does it mean to be a people-first leader? And how can empathy, openness, and shared power transform the way we lead?In Episode 5 of Uncharted State, Dr. Will Reed—military leader turned educator—joins Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt to explore what it means to lead with people at the center. From the Army to the classroom, Dr. Reed shares how connection, humility, and care are reshaping leadership in higher education and beyond.In This Episode:What “people-first leadership” looks like in actionHow lessons from the military and Marvel movies can inspire teamwork and shared powerThe value of empathy, openness, and listening in leadership developmentWhy servant leadership and psychological safety matter more than everHow Mississippi State’s applied leadership programs are preparing learners to lead changeLeadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about people. This episode reveals how leading with heart, humility, and shared purpose can transform teams, organizations, and lives.

Who is the “new learner,” and how are universities redefining education to meet them where they are?In Episode 4 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt explore what it means to learn, teach, and grow in an era of constant change. From virtual cadaver labs to credit for prior learning and lifelong pathways that blend work, study, and technology, they dive into how higher education is transforming to support learners at every stage of life.In This Episode:What defines the “new learner” and how their paths differ from traditional studentsReal stories of learners redefining success through flexible education pathwaysHow community colleges and universities are collaborating for seamless transitionsCredit for prior learning and the power of recognizing real-world experienceHow VR, simulation, and AI are transforming how—and where—we learnWhy listening, relationships, and empathy matter as much as innovationLearning today doesn’t follow a straight line. The new learner journey is about flexibility, relevance, and reimagining education as a lifelong, connected experience.

As industries evolve and AI reshapes the workforce, universities face a new challenge: preparing learners not just for their first job—but for a lifetime of reinvention.In Episode 3 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt explore how higher education and industry can collaborate to define what success truly means in today’s dynamic world.In This Episode:Why 65% of jobs still require a college degree—and why that’s only part of the storyHow universities can become lifelong learning partners, not just degree-granting institutionsThe rise of “returnships” and retooling opportunities for mid-career professionalsWhy soft skills, creativity, and adaptability still matter more than everHow AI integration in curriculum can empower—not replace—the human thinkerBuilding “sandbox” spaces where students, faculty, and industry explore innovation togetherEducation is no longer a finish line—it’s a lifelong partnership. Success today means agility, curiosity, and collaboration between learners, universities, and the industries they’ll transform.

Are GPAs and graduation rates really measuring success? Dean Susan Seal and team challenge traditional metrics and explore what success means today.In Episode 2 of Uncharted State, Susan Seal, Sean Owen, and Maddie Ludt tackle a fundamental question: How should we actually measure student success in higher education?In This Episode:Why traditional metrics (GPA, retention, graduation rates) were designed for external stakeholders, not studentsThe shift from "college ready" to "student ready" institutionsCredit for prior learning: Why recognizing work experience improves graduation ratesMoving beyond "traditional" vs "non-traditional" labels that devalue student experienceHow career impact and skill application define success for adult learnersThe role of technology and AI in identifying student needs and measuring outcomesSuccess looks different for everyone. A student returning after 15 years of management experience has different needs than an 18-year-old freshman—and universities must meet both where they are, not force them into outdated categories.

How do students truly feel connected to their university? Dean Susan Seal and team explore practical strategies for building authentic belonging.In this inaugural episode of Uncharted State, Dean Susan Seal, Associate Dean Sean Owen, and Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement Maddie Ludt from Mississippi State University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies tackle one of higher education's most critical challenges: helping diverse student populations feel like they belong.In This Episode:Why belonging drives student success, retention, and deeper learningPractical instructional strategies that foster genuine connectionHow to engage diverse populations: military veterans, working professionals, traditional students, and adult learners across generationsThe role of vulnerability and authenticity in effective teachingWhat students can do to take ownership of their educational experienceReal stories from the classroomWhether you're teaching, designing educational programs, or navigating your own learning journey, this conversation offers actionable insights for transforming isolation into community.