East Tennessee State University has launched the Center for Rural Education and Development, a bold new initiative focused on confronting unique educational challenges and seizing opportunities in rural communities.
Rooted in Southern Appalachia, the center is designed to drive innovative solutions in education and workforce development – ensuring long-term growth and expanding opportunities for students, educators and families across the region.
“Too often, rural communities are viewed through a lens of deficiency – what they lack, rather than what they offer,” said Dr. Dawn Rowe, a professor in the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development and the James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “We are shifting that narrative by leveraging the existing strengths and cultural capital of these communities to drive meaningful, long-term impact in education.”
A hub for action
The center will serve as a bridge between research and practice, working hand-in-hand with local partners to implement community-centered and context-driven solutions that support students from early childhood through postsecondary education and into the workforce.
The Rural Initiative for Talented Educators, for instance, offers internship opportunities in the Hawkins County and Carter County School Systems, giving ETSU teacher candidates valuable hands-on experience in rural classrooms.
Another example is the Resilient Schools Project, an innovative partnership between the Unicoi County School District, ETSU’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and the Strong BRAIN Institute. Since its launch, the initiative has expanded into Washington County, Johnson County and other rural districts across the region, equipping educators with the tools and strategies to help students navigate and respond to life’s challenges effectively.
EdWorks Northeast Tennessee is another dynamic collaborative initiative that brings together leaders from all eight rural-serving postsecondary institutions, PreK-12 superintendents and local business leaders. This united effort is dedicated to promoting educational attainment and driving workforce development across the region, forging innovative partnerships that empower communities and foster long-term economic growth.
“Our goal is not just to study rural education but to co-create actionable strategies that directly benefit students, educators and local economies,” said Dr. Janna Scarborough, dean of Clemmer. “By partnering with schools, policymakers and community organizations, we can provide research-backed, community-driven solutions that address key issues such as teacher shortages, economic development and access to postsecondary education.”
Key Initiatives and Priorities
Early on, the center will prioritize:
- Expanding rural teacher pipelines to address educator shortages in Appalachian schools.
- Creating dual-enrollment and workforce development programs that provide seamless transitions from high school to college and careers.
- Collaborating with local organizations and policymakers to develop evidence-based education policies tailored to rural needs.
- Supporting community-engaged scholarship that highlights and uplifts the strengths of rural Appalachia.
A Commitment to the Future
Such an initiative is one of the many reasons why ETSU is the flagship institution of Appalachia.
“By focusing on collaboration and community-centered solutions, we are building a foundation for long-term success. That success is not just for students, but for entire communities,” Rowe said.
For more information about the center and its initiatives, visit etsu.edu/coe/rural-education-development/default.php/.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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