Uncharted State
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.
Uncharted State
Reimagining Student Success
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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 students
- The shift from "college ready" to "student ready" institutions
- Credit for prior learning: Why recognizing work experience improves graduation rates
- Moving beyond "traditional" vs "non-traditional" labels that devalue student experience
- How career impact and skill application define success for adult learners
- The role of technology and AI in identifying student needs and measuring outcomes
Success 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has different needs than an 18-year-old freshman—and universities must meet both where they are, not force them into outdated categories.
