ABSTRACT. In spite of wide-spread interest in learning analytics, many instructors are still uncertain about what data are available to them, whether these data are relevant to their specific contexts, and how to put available data to work in the classroom in a way that is aligned with their values as teachers. This panel brings together inspirational thought leaders with experience in business, research, administration, teaching, and instructional design to discuss complexities involved in the use of learning analytics, explore the challenges associated with rethinking student success in the 21st century, and share some of the innovative ways they are using data to improve the lives of students today. LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Identify complexities and contemporary challenges facing the use of educational data to inform instructional design decisions 2. Describe ways in which learning analytics provide an opportunity for instructors to gain a richer understanding of the needs of their students 3. Share stories about how data has been used to inform instructional design, improve student outcomes, and stimulate thinking about student success SPEAKERS David Lindrum Founder & Instructional Designer, Soomo Learning Phillip Long Associate Vice Provost for Learning Sciences, UT Austin Laura Malcolm Vice President of Product Management, Civitas Learning Mike Sharkey Vice President of Analytics, Blackboard