History
The establishment of the Center for Rural Education and Development marks a significant milestone in addressing the distinct educational challenges faced by rural communities through the lens of cultural rural wealth. This Center is dedicated to enhancing rural education by leveraging local strengths, fostering collaboration, and advocating for community-driven solutions. The Center will transform research into actionable strategies that resonate with the unique contexts of rural communities.
The idea for the Center for Rural Education and Development began in 2023 with discussions
across various disciplines and input from local schools. This effort was guided by
current research literature related to the impact of university Centers of excellence,
rural education, and community engagement; conversations with established rural education
centers nationwide; insights from the National Rural Education Association conference;
and findings from the latest "Why Rural Matters" report.
The Strategic Plan was approved by the ETSU Board in 2024, and the official launch
of the Center is scheduled for March, 2025.
Key Initiatives
-
Elevating Rural Student Leadership
Empowering students to be advocates for their communities through leadership development, civic engagement, and policy influence -
Strengthening Rural Teacher Pipelines
Building and sustaining a high-quality rural educator workforce through recruitment, preparation, and retention strategies -
Expanding Dual Enrollment and Workforce Pathways
Enhancing access to career-connected learning, dual enrollment, and work-based experiences that prepare rural students for success -
Advancing Community-Driven Education
Implementing and evaluating education models that are rooted in rural values, community needs, and local context -
Shaping Policy and Advocacy for Rural Education
Translating research into action by informing policies, fostering partnerships, and amplifying rural voices in education decision-making