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

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 success * The myth of “build it and they will come” in online education * How geography and community still shape online enrollment * Navigating federal policy shifts, funding uncertainty, and compliance pressures * The real impact of change fatigue on higher ed teams * Why transformative change often happens only in crisis * Building internal capacity in a shifting vendor and OPM landscape

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! 🎓

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 trend * When three-to-five-year plans become three-to-five-week plans * How AI is reshaping jobs, skills, and the value of a degree * Creating space for faculty to tinker, explore, and talk about it * Equity, access, and downloadable AI models for rural learners * Why communication and human connection matter more than ever

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.

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 models * How Gen Z is reshaping philanthropy through cause-driven giving * The growing influence of NIL and athletics on donor priorities * The role of AI in fundraising and alumni engagement * The vision and impact of the Crossroads District development John 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.