Over 30% of people who start a PhD don’t graduate within ten years. This can be a grand disappointment and a real setback—and it can hold learners back from contributing to their full ability. But today, degree completion programs are helping some of these students to return to the academy, finish their studies, complete their research, and claim their diplomas. So what goes into designing a degree completion program? In this conversation with Diane Richard-Allerdyce, the founding director of the Completion Pathway in Antioch’s PhD in Leadership and Change, we ask her about all of these questions—and learn how taking into account educational trauma and structural barriers is key to helping students finally complete their dreams.

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Visit Antioch’s website to learn more about the PhD in Leadership and Change, and the Completion Pathway that Diane directs. You can also read the announcement of the creation of the Completion Pathway.

This episode was recorded November 21, 2025 and released December 17, 2025.

The Seed Field Podcast is produced by Antioch University

Host: Jasper Nighthawk

Editor: Nastasia Green

Producer: Karen Hamilton

Social Media Manager: Selina Starling

Work-Study Assistants: Dani LaPoint.

Additional Production Help: Jen Mont, Amelia Bryan, and Laurien Alexandre.

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To access a full transcript and find more information about this and other episodes, visit theseedfield.org. To get updates and be notified about future episodes, follow Antioch University on Facebook.