Higher education is changing rapidly—and faculty are at the center of it all.

From the rise of artificial intelligence and evolving approaches to assessment, to student engagement, faculty well-being, and preparing graduates for an increasingly complex workforce, today's educators are navigating opportunities and challenges unlike any before.

In this special episode of InCITEful Teaching, host Dr. Shannon Harmon is joined by a panel of Mississippi State University faculty for a conversation about the issues shaping higher education today. Together, they offer thoughtful perspectives, practical advice, and honest reflections on what these trends mean for teaching, learning, and the future of our classrooms.

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, reassurance that you're not alone, or simply enjoy hearing how fellow educators are thinking through today's challenges, this episode is packed with timely insights and engaging conversation.

Some of the most powerful learning happens when students step outside the classroom and into real-world settings. In this episode, host Dr. Shannon Harmon talks with Amy Fountain—faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre, internship coordinator, and member of the College of Arts and Sciences' TEAMS initiative—about how internships and experiential learning shape student success.

Together they explore what students gain from internships that a traditional classroom can't always offer, how faculty can prepare students for these experiences, and why reflection is the key to turning experience into lasting learning. Amy also shares how her work coordinating internships has reshaped her own teaching, and how it connects to the broader conversation about teaching excellence at Mississippi State.

Whether you're a faculty member rethinking how your courses connect to students' futures—or simply curious about learning that extends beyond the classroom—this conversation offers practical insight and a fresh perspective on preparing students for what's next.

Teaching is deeply meaningful work, but it can also be demanding work. In this episode of InCITEful Teaching, host Dr. Shannon Harmon sits down with Dr. Emily Stafford, Director of Mississippi State University's Psychology Clinic, to explore faculty well-being, burnout, work-life balance, and the importance of seeking support.

Together, they discuss how burnout manifests in higher education, the unique pressures faculty face, practical strategies for setting boundaries, and ways institutions and colleagues can foster healthier academic cultures. Dr. Stafford also shares information about the Psychology Clinic's services and offers guidance for faculty and students.

Whether you're navigating a challenging semester, supporting colleagues, or simply looking for ways to sustain yourself in this important work, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical takeaways.