Mentors are one of the most powerful elements of the student experience. But how do you scale that kind of personalized support without losing what makes it meaningful?
In this episode of Inside the Learning Experience, host Betheny Gross sits down with senior research analyst Jeremy Hodgson to explore the design of an AI-powered mentor and the data systems behind it.
The conversation breaks down:
- The transactional and transformational roles mentors play
- How student data currently informs mentoring at WGU
- A live walkthrough of Stu, an AI-powered student support prototype
- The role of psychology and learning science in shaping AI interactions
- The challenges of integrating student data responsibly and securely
- Why student feedback must be embedded from day one
Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for mentors, this episode explores how thoughtful, ethical design can extend their impact—helping students navigate resources, stay motivated, and move confidently toward graduation.
