What happens to Nebraska students during and after college, and what can we learn from their journeys? Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, joins NSWERS Executive Director Matt Hastings to discuss the importance of trusted statewide partnerships and how connected education and workforce data can inform higher education strategy and decision making. From student retention and internships to rural pathways, they explore how a better understanding of students’ experiences can help Nebraska plan for the future.

Learn more about the NSWERS data products mentioned in this episode:
LR261: NSWERS Evaluation of Unfunded Tuition and Fee Waivers
2025 Dual Enrollment Special Report
Bridging Nebraska's Employment Gap Story
Employment Gap Brief
Timely Employment Brief
Chronic Absenteeism Brief
Talent Retention Brief
Keeping Students in Nebraska Story
Ongoing Workforce Retention Brief

NSWERS | Answers for Nebraska
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How can a community college serve students who cannot always come to campus? Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College, and former president of the NSWERS Executive Council, joins NSWERS Executive Director Matt Hastings to discuss the many paths students take through higher education and into work in rural Nebraska. Barrett shares examples of apprenticeships, employer partnerships, and dual enrollment, and explains how Northeast Community College uses data to strengthen student support. They also discuss how connected education and workforce information can help leaders see whether their investments are making a difference for students and communities.

This episode was recorded in the spring of 2025.

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