Uncharted State

College of Professional and Continuing Studies

Welcome to UnchartED State, the podcast remapping higher education for a changing world. Hear from bold thinkers, industry experts, and higher ed leaders as they unpack how professional and continuing education is transforming work, learning, and opportunity. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Mississippi State University or the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

  1. Jul 8

    Beyond Compliance: Institutional Strategy and Effectiveness with Dr. Tracey Baham

    In this episode of UnchartED State, host Susan Seal is joined by Dr. Tracey Baham, Associate Vice President for Institutional Strategy and Effectiveness at Mississippi State University, to unpack the shifting landscape of accreditation, data, and institutional effectiveness in higher education. As external pressures and evolving standards reshape the field, Dr. Baham offers an inside look at how universities are moving beyond compliance-driven models toward more strategic, mission-centered decision-making. The conversation explores the growing role of data in shaping institutional strategy, the challenges of data literacy, and the risks of relying too heavily on standardized metrics. Together, they examine the tension between accountability and autonomy, the unintended consequences of performance-based funding, and what it means to measure success in education, both in the short term and across a lifetime. From accreditation reform to the broader purpose of higher education, this episode highlights a critical moment of transformation and asks: how do institutions stay true to what makes them unique while adapting to a rapidly changing environment? As higher education continues to evolve, this episode challenges listeners to rethink how we define quality, success, and impact, not just through numbers, but through purpose, mission, and meaningful outcomes. In This Episode: The shift from compliance to strategy in institutional effectivenessHow accreditation is evolving at the federal and national levelsThe growing importance of data literacy in higher educationRisks of standardization and losing institutional identityPerformance-based funding and its unintended consequencesRethinking how we measure success beyond short-term metrics

  2. Jun 24

    From First Year to Final Defense with Dr. Angi Bourgeois

    In this episode of UnchartED State, host Susan Seal sits down with Dr. Angi Bourgeois, Senior Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Mississippi State University, to explore the evolving role of general and graduate education in today’s rapidly changing landscape. From the value of general education courses to the growing complexity of graduate pathways, Dr. Bourgeois shares insights on how higher education can better prepare students not just for their first job, but for long-term success in an unpredictable world. The conversation challenges the idea of education as purely transactional and instead highlights its role in developing critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Together, they discuss how institutions can balance workforce demands with broader educational goals, why general education remains a vital foundation, and how graduate programs are adapting to meet the needs of both students and employers. As higher education continues to evolve, this episode underscores the importance of preparing students for more than a career—but for a lifetime of growth and impact. In This Episode: The role and relevance of general education in today’s colleges and universitiesHow graduate education is evolving to meet changing workforce needsBalancing job preparation with critical thinking and lifelong learningRethinking education as more than a transactional experiencePreparing students for long-term success in a rapidly changing world

  3. Jun 10

    Rethinking Education and Workforce Alignment with Scott Waller

    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

  4. May 27

    Inside the Pressure Cooker: Online Education, Policy, and the Push to Adapt with Stacy Snow

    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

  5. May 13

    A Moment to Celebrate: Graduation Season & What’s Ahead

    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! 🎓

  6. Apr 29

    What AI Means for the University with Dr. Julie Jordan

    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

  7. Apr 15

    VR, AI, and the Future of the Classroom with Dr. Ryan Walker

    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.

  8. Apr 1

    The Future of Alumni Engagement with John Rush

    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.

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About

Welcome to UnchartED State, the podcast remapping higher education for a changing world. Hear from bold thinkers, industry experts, and higher ed leaders as they unpack how professional and continuing education is transforming work, learning, and opportunity. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Mississippi State University or the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Information

  • Creator
    College of Professional and Continuing Studies
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Uncharted State
  • Show Website
    Uncharted State

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