Uncharted State

Building Belonging in Higher Education

College of Professional and Continuing Studies

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 learning
  • Practical instructional strategies that foster genuine connection
  • How to engage diverse populations: military veterans, working professionals, traditional students, and adult learners across generations
  • The role of vulnerability and authenticity in effective teaching
  • What students can do to take ownership of their educational experience
  • Real stories from the classroom

Whether you're teaching, designing educational programs, or navigating your own learning journey, this conversation offers actionable insights for transforming isolation into community.

People on this episode