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 universities
• How graduate education is evolving to meet changing workforce needs
• Balancing job preparation with critical thinking and lifelong learning
• Rethinking education as more than a transactional experience
• Preparing students for long-term success in a rapidly changing world