How CBE is Transforming Student Success
Inside South College’s Fastest-Growing Learning Model with Dr. Persis Young.
How Does Competency-Based Education (CBE) Support Student Success?
Dean’s List: How Competency-Based Education (CBE) Is Transforming Student Success
The Future of Education Is Already Here
What if earning a graduate degree didn’t require putting your life on hold?
What if you could:
- Learn at your own pace
- Balance work, family, and school
- Apply what you’re learning in real time
That’s exactly what Competency-Based Education (CBE) at South College delivers—and it’s why the program is experiencing explosive growth.
In this episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sits down with Dr. Persis Young, Dean of Academic and Student Services for CBE, to explore how this innovative model is reshaping higher education—and changing lives in the process.
What Is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?
Competency-Based Education is a flexible, student-centered learning model where:
- Progress is based on mastery—not time spent in class
- Students move at their own pace
- Learning is designed to fit into real life—not disrupt it
Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional programs:
- No rigid schedules
- No one-size-fits-all pacing
- No need to pause your career
Instead, CBE meets students exactly where they are.
Why CBE Is Growing So Fast
According to Dr. Young, the growth is driven by one thing:
It works for real people with real lives.
Today’s students are:
- Working professionals
- Parents
- Career changers
- Lifelong learners
And they need education that adapts to them.
Key Advantage
“We meet students where they are—with flexibility and support.”
That combination is what makes CBE so powerful.
Supporting Students—From Anywhere
One of the biggest challenges in CBE?
Students are:
- Asynchronous
- Spread across the country
- Balancing multiple responsibilities
So how does South College support them?
- Proactive communication
- Intentional relationship-building
- Technology-enabled connection
- Empathy-driven support
Even without physical classrooms, students feel fully supported.
When Students Need Support the Most
According to Dr. Young, there are critical moments when support matters most:
1. Starting the program
New environment, new expectations
2. Life disruptions
Work, family, unexpected challenges
3. Loss of motivation
When momentum slows down
So, What Helps Students Push Through?
- Reconnecting with their “why”
- Personalized guidance
- Accountability and structure
- Encouragement from mentors and faculty
The Most Rewarding Part of CBE: The Transformation
One of the most powerful themes in this episode is transformation.
Students often begin:
- Unsure
- Hesitant
- Overwhelmed
But they leave:
- Confident
- Skilled
- Ready to lead
As Dr. Young describes it:
Watching students grow into confident thought leaders is the most rewarding part.
Real Stories, Real Impact
At graduation, those transformations come full circle.
Students walk across the stage with:
- Families cheering them on
- Careers advancing
- Personal goals achieved
From working parents to full-time executives, CBE enables students to accomplish what once felt out of reach.
Advice for Students Struggling to Stay Motivated
Dr. Young offers simple but powerful advice:
1. Remember Your “Why”
Ask yourself:
- Why did I start this?
- What am I working toward?
2. Don’t Do It Alone
Reach out to:
- Faculty
- Mentors
- Program leaders
Support is built into the system—use it.
Leadership That Drives Innovation
CBE at South College didn’t happen by accident.
Dr. Young credits leaders like Dr. Michael Patrick for:
- Visionary thinking
- Student-first innovation
- Balancing big ideas with human impact
Leadership Insight
The most effective innovation happens when you combine:
- Vision + Empathy
Why CBE Works for Today’s Professionals
For graduate-level students, especially:
- Skills can be applied in real time
- Learning aligns with career growth
- Flexibility supports life balance
Here is an Example:
Programs like the Executive MBA (EMBA):
- Focus on real-world leadership skills
- Allow immediate application in the workplace
- Deliver both flexibility and relevance
A New Way to Think About Learning
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:
There is no “one right way” to learn.
South College offers:
- Traditional on-campus programs
- Structured online programs
- Flexible CBE programs
This creates multiple pathways to success.
AI in Education: Opportunity + Responsibility
The episode also explores the growing role of AI in education.
Benefits of AI for Students
- Personalized learning paths
- 24/7 academic support
- Writing and research assistance
- Study and concept reinforcement
Challenges to Watch
- Over-reliance
- Academic integrity concerns
- Bias in AI systems
- Data privacy issues
Best Practices for Students
- Use AI as a tool—not a shortcut
- Always fact-check
- Be transparent about usage
- Continue building critical thinking skills
Quick Facts on CBE:
Q: What is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?
A: A flexible learning model where students progress based on mastery, not time.
Q: Who is CBE best for?
A: Working professionals, parents, and students needing flexibility.
Q: What is the biggest benefit of CBE?
A: The ability to learn at your own pace while balancing life and career.
Q: When do students need the most support?
A: During transitions, life disruptions, and motivation dips.
Q: Is AI helpful for students?
A: Yes—but it must be used responsibly and ethically.
Final Takeaway
CBE isn’t just a different way to learn—it’s a smarter way to learn.
It’s flexible
It’s practical
It’s built for real life
And most importantly:
It empowers students to transform their future—on their terms.
About CBE
Self-Paced
The flexibility to learn and submit assignments at your own pace and to study anywhere you are on your own time.
1:1 Mentoring
A 1:1 partnership with our supportive community of faculty, advisors, staff, and you in an effort to create a collaborative environment in your pursuit of academic excellence.
A Unique Subscription-Based Approach to Higher Learning
A subscription-based tuition structure which allows for a 6-month “All You Can Master” approach. This flexible tuition allows for students to go as fast or as slow as your lifestyle dictates.
Use Your Expertise
Move quickly through the areas you know and spend more time on the ones you need deeper study.
Work towards “Mastery”
Each course requires successful completion of specific formative/summative tasks per competency that must meet or exceed Mastery level in order to progress to the next course. (Doctoral degree programs require a dissertation and successful defense of the dissertation earning a “Pass.”)