In this episode, we visited with Nii Kpakpo Abrahams to explore how Butler University is strengthening student success by investing in one of its most powerful assets, faculty. The conversation challenges common misconceptions and highlights how institutions can encourage, empower, and equip faculty to play a central role in retention, especially for first-year students. Through initiatives like faculty development workshops, first-year summits, and fellowship programs, Butler has built a culture that prioritizes academic belonging and classroom engagement. This episode offers practical ideas for fostering collaboration, deepening faculty involvement, and transforming the classroom into a cornerstone of student success.

In this episode, we explore how proactive academic advising can play a critical role in retaining students who struggle in their first semester. Drawing on the work at Idaho State University, the conversation highlights how early identification, personalized advising, and intentional follow-up can help students on Academic Warning regain confidence and momentum. We discuss the importance of meeting students where they are, creating space for reflection, and empowering informed choices as they navigate academic challenges. With data showing meaningful gains in retention, this episode offers practical insights into how targeted, student-centered advising strategies can turn early setbacks into opportunities for long-term success.

In episode 20, we had a fun conversation with Dr. Anna Newsome Holcomb and Rick Clark from Georgia Institute of Technology where we explored how Georgia Tech is building a networked approach to student success by aligning access, retention, and academic support for high-priority student populations. The conversation examines how cross-campus collaboration, data-informed strategy, and new leadership roles are helping the institution close achievement gaps for limited-income students while expanding opportunity. From targeted mentoring and early interventions to the new Atlanta Bridge Program, this episode highlights how strategic partnerships can connect enrollment and student success efforts across the full student journey, from admission through degree completion.