The Rural College Student Experience Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:30:30 -0400 https://rcse.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 The Rural College Student Experience yes 8d49f7dc-9e80-5b81-98ab-9a6b052c19ee Matt Newlin episodic false The Rural College Student Experience is the first and only podcast dedicated exclusively to centering rural college student voices in conversations about higher education access and equity. This podcast is a space for rural students to share their stories, inspire others, and challenge the misconceptions about rural college students.


Hosted by Dr. Matt Newlin (mattnewlin.com), RCSE features student guests —a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student from a rural background—who shares their experiences navigating college. Together, we discuss the barriers and challenges rural students face, as well as the resilience, strengths, and successes that define our journeys.


Find us on Bluesky: @rcsepod.bsky.social

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Matt Newlin https://storage.buzzsprout.com/jmwp61lo67365yn9w1i0t8qn0q42?.jpg The Rural College Student Experience North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University In this episode, we travel to Northern California to hear from three incredible rural college students - Isa O’Brion, Kierra Alford, and Simran Wraich - who are blazing trails at California State University, Chico. All three are members of the North State Student Ambassadors program, a powerful peer-led initiative that connects rural high school and community college students with current Chico State students who come from similar rural communities.

Isa, Kierra, and Simran share their personal journeys growing up in Siskiyou County and how their rural identities have shaped their college experiences, their leadership on campus, and their dedication to outreach and mentorship. From presentations at rural high schools to statewide conferences, these ambassadors are helping others see what’s possible—while staying grounded in their roots.

We talk about what it means to belong in college when you come from a tight-knit rural town, the digital and social barriers rural students still face, and the hope that comes with giving back to your home community. You’ll hear stories about career dreams, mentorship moments, and how rural identity shows up on campus in powerful, everyday ways.

Whether you’re an educator, policy leader, or student affairs professional, this episode is a reminder that rural isn’t just where you’re from, but a foundational part of learners' identities. 

Follow the North State Student Ambassadors on social media: 

NSSA.chico.state (TikTok)
Chicostatestudentambassadors (Instagram)

]]> In this episode, we travel to Northern California to hear from three incredible rural college students - Isa O’Brion, Kierra Alford, and Simran Wraich - who are blazing trails at California State University, Chico. All three are members of the North State Student Ambassadors program, a powerful peer-led initiative that connects rural high school and community college students with current Chico State students who come from similar rural communities.

Isa, Kierra, and Simran share their personal journeys growing up in Siskiyou County and how their rural identities have shaped their college experiences, their leadership on campus, and their dedication to outreach and mentorship. From presentations at rural high schools to statewide conferences, these ambassadors are helping others see what’s possible—while staying grounded in their roots.

We talk about what it means to belong in college when you come from a tight-knit rural town, the digital and social barriers rural students still face, and the hope that comes with giving back to your home community. You’ll hear stories about career dreams, mentorship moments, and how rural identity shows up on campus in powerful, everyday ways.

Whether you’re an educator, policy leader, or student affairs professional, this episode is a reminder that rural isn’t just where you’re from, but a foundational part of learners' identities. 

Follow the North State Student Ambassadors on social media: 

NSSA.chico.state (TikTok)
Chicostatestudentambassadors (Instagram)

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-18073039 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2640 3 27 full false Ep. 26 - Rural Admissions Interns, University of Notre Dame Ep. 26 - Rural Admissions Interns, University of Notre Dame In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin sits down with three incredible students — Bjorn Mauritsen, Ella Bussell, and Herjok Panther Deng Agot — who share their journeys from rural communities to the University of Notre Dame, where they now serve as Rural Admissions Interns.

We explore the unique challenges rural students face when navigating the college admissions process, from limited access to test preparation and guidance counseling to financial barriers and cultural differences on campus. The conversation digs deep into how growing up in rural areas shapes students’ perspectives on community, connection, and success — and why intentional, equity-focused outreach matters.

Bjorn, Ella, and Panther also share their work as Rural Admissions Interns, where they’re helping Notre Dame better understand and support prospective students from rural backgrounds. Through outreach, campus programming, and sharing their lived experiences, they’re working to make the path to college clearer and more accessible for students from small towns and remote areas.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or higher ed practitioner, this episode offers insights into how rural student voices can shape more inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin sits down with three incredible students — Bjorn Mauritsen, Ella Bussell, and Herjok Panther Deng Agot — who share their journeys from rural communities to the University of Notre Dame, where they now serve as Rural Admissions Interns.

We explore the unique challenges rural students face when navigating the college admissions process, from limited access to test preparation and guidance counseling to financial barriers and cultural differences on campus. The conversation digs deep into how growing up in rural areas shapes students’ perspectives on community, connection, and success — and why intentional, equity-focused outreach matters.

Bjorn, Ella, and Panther also share their work as Rural Admissions Interns, where they’re helping Notre Dame better understand and support prospective students from rural backgrounds. Through outreach, campus programming, and sharing their lived experiences, they’re working to make the path to college clearer and more accessible for students from small towns and remote areas.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or higher ed practitioner, this episode offers insights into how rural student voices can shape more inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.

]]> Buzzsprout-17743955 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500 3093 3 26 full false Ep. 25 - Josh Farris, University of Virginia Ep. 25 - Josh Farris, University of Virginia “When you grow up in a rural area, you’re taught that communication is a form of expression and a way of connection, not just to talk to people when you want something from them. People like to be talked to. People love to just be known on a very personal level.” — Josh Farris

In this episode of The Rural College Student Experience, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Josh Farris, a first-generation college graduate of the University of Virginia. Josh's journey from a small town to UVA — and now to advocacy and research at Leadership Brainery — highlights the power of persistence, resourcefulness, and human connection.

Josh opens up about navigating cultural mismatches, financial aid challenges, and the complexities of transitioning from an intimate rural community into larger, more competitive academic spaces. He also shares how rural students’ communication styles, resilience, and interconnectedness can be powerful assets on college campuses.

We also dive into Josh’s current work at Leadership Brainery, where he focuses on expanding access to graduate education for underrepresented students and empowering future change-makers.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate, Josh’s story is a reminder of the strengths rural learners bring with them — and how institutions can better support their success.

]]> “When you grow up in a rural area, you’re taught that communication is a form of expression and a way of connection, not just to talk to people when you want something from them. People like to be talked to. People love to just be known on a very personal level.” — Josh Farris

In this episode of The Rural College Student Experience, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Josh Farris, a first-generation college graduate of the University of Virginia. Josh's journey from a small town to UVA — and now to advocacy and research at Leadership Brainery — highlights the power of persistence, resourcefulness, and human connection.

Josh opens up about navigating cultural mismatches, financial aid challenges, and the complexities of transitioning from an intimate rural community into larger, more competitive academic spaces. He also shares how rural students’ communication styles, resilience, and interconnectedness can be powerful assets on college campuses.

We also dive into Josh’s current work at Leadership Brainery, where he focuses on expanding access to graduate education for underrepresented students and empowering future change-makers.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate, Josh’s story is a reminder of the strengths rural learners bring with them — and how institutions can better support their success.

]]> Buzzsprout-17743682 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1754 3 25 full false Ep. 24 - Laken Chapin, Grand Valley State University Ep. 24 - Laken Chapin, Grand Valley State University  “Shoot your shot. I applied to countless internships. I ended up in Iceland. I ended up at Princeton. Never think you're not good enough.” 

In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Laken Chapin, a first-generation graduate from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Accounting. Laken grew up in rural Bad Axe, Michigan, where she learned the values of hard work, community, and perseverance—lessons that carried her through college and beyond.

Laken shares her inspiring journey from a small-town high school class of 52 students to a large university with more than 20,000 peers. She talks about the culture shock of navigating campus life, the hidden curriculum of college expectations, and the very real gaps rural students face when it comes to public transportation, digital literacy, and access to resources.

Laken also opens up about her study abroad experience in Iceland, being selected for a public policy fellowship at Princeton University, and how she’s now applying all she’s learned in her current role as a Community Economic Development Fellow in Cass City, Michigan. From helping write grants to deciding which Main Street trees to remove, Laken is doing work that directly impacts her hometown and the people in it.

This episode is a powerful look at rural resilience, advocacy, and the importance of believing in your worth—even when the world hasn’t shown you what’s possible yet. If you work in higher ed or care about student success, Laken’s story is one you need to hear.

]]>  “Shoot your shot. I applied to countless internships. I ended up in Iceland. I ended up at Princeton. Never think you're not good enough.” 

In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Laken Chapin, a first-generation graduate from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Accounting. Laken grew up in rural Bad Axe, Michigan, where she learned the values of hard work, community, and perseverance—lessons that carried her through college and beyond.

Laken shares her inspiring journey from a small-town high school class of 52 students to a large university with more than 20,000 peers. She talks about the culture shock of navigating campus life, the hidden curriculum of college expectations, and the very real gaps rural students face when it comes to public transportation, digital literacy, and access to resources.

Laken also opens up about her study abroad experience in Iceland, being selected for a public policy fellowship at Princeton University, and how she’s now applying all she’s learned in her current role as a Community Economic Development Fellow in Cass City, Michigan. From helping write grants to deciding which Main Street trees to remove, Laken is doing work that directly impacts her hometown and the people in it.

This episode is a powerful look at rural resilience, advocacy, and the importance of believing in your worth—even when the world hasn’t shown you what’s possible yet. If you work in higher ed or care about student success, Laken’s story is one you need to hear.

]]> Buzzsprout-17417713 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0500 1373 3 24 full false Ep. 23 - Gina Sheurman, University of Illinois - Springfield Ep. 23 - Gina Sheurman, University of Illinois - Springfield  "I’m a middle-aged mom, and here I was back in college. But I would tell anyone—if you’ve got a goal, go for it. Don’t let the barriers of being a rural student stop you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." 

On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Gina Sheurman, a first-generation college graduate and rural advocate from West-Central Illinois. Gina recently earned her MBA from the University of Illinois–Springfield—more than 20 years after completing her undergraduate degree—and graduated on the same day as her son.

Gina shares her incredible journey through higher education as a non-traditional student, working professional, and parent. From switching majors and returning home to help her family’s business, to balancing work, school, and family responsibilities, Gina offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to pursue education later in life. She also kept a blog about her experiences in graduate school: "Surviving and Thriving - A Journey of Change." I highly encourage you to check it out. 

Finally, Gina talks about the systemic barriers that rural students face—including limited access to advanced high school courses, transfer student financial aid gaps, and unreliable internet—and calls on institutions to rethink how they support adult learners.

This is a great episode with a lot of practical, real-world advice for current and future rural students. Enjoy!

]]>  "I’m a middle-aged mom, and here I was back in college. But I would tell anyone—if you’ve got a goal, go for it. Don’t let the barriers of being a rural student stop you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." 

On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Gina Sheurman, a first-generation college graduate and rural advocate from West-Central Illinois. Gina recently earned her MBA from the University of Illinois–Springfield—more than 20 years after completing her undergraduate degree—and graduated on the same day as her son.

Gina shares her incredible journey through higher education as a non-traditional student, working professional, and parent. From switching majors and returning home to help her family’s business, to balancing work, school, and family responsibilities, Gina offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to pursue education later in life. She also kept a blog about her experiences in graduate school: "Surviving and Thriving - A Journey of Change." I highly encourage you to check it out. 

Finally, Gina talks about the systemic barriers that rural students face—including limited access to advanced high school courses, transfer student financial aid gaps, and unreliable internet—and calls on institutions to rethink how they support adult learners.

This is a great episode with a lot of practical, real-world advice for current and future rural students. Enjoy!

]]> Buzzsprout-17417642 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0500 1746 3 23 full false Ep. 22 - Rin Baker, Georgetown University Ep. 22 - Rin Baker, Georgetown University "I didn’t have the same number of hours in the day as my peers. I was commuting, working, trying to figure out public transportation for the first time. And I was still expected to compete on the same level. We don’t lack drive or talent — we just don’t have the same time." 

That quote comes from Rin Baker, a rural student from upstate New York who joins Dr. Matt Newlin for the latest episode of the Rural College Student Experience. Rin is a first-generation student from Hartford, New York, a small rural town nestled in farmland. Rin is currently completing her M.A. in English at Georgetown University, where her thesis explores working-class autoethnography — a powerful form of memoir that captures the lived realities of working-class individuals in academic spaces. 

Rin shares her incredible journey through the SUNY system, navigating community college, multiple transfers, and the unique challenges of transitioning from rural life to a major city. She opens up about the institutional barriers she faced — from inaccessible public transportation to unfamiliar campus systems — and the resilience it took to succeed in elite academic environments. 

This episode touches on: 

  • What it means to grow up with limited access but unlimited creativity
  • How SUNY’s transfer system supported her educational path
  • The loss and reclamation of her small-town accent
  • The invisible costs of higher education for rural and working-class students
  • Why rural students are some of the most resourceful, determined learners in the country

Whether you're a rural student, a first-gen scholar, or someone committed to educational equity, this episode will leave you inspired and informed. Rin’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and the quiet power of showing up — even when the odds are long.

]]> "I didn’t have the same number of hours in the day as my peers. I was commuting, working, trying to figure out public transportation for the first time. And I was still expected to compete on the same level. We don’t lack drive or talent — we just don’t have the same time." 

That quote comes from Rin Baker, a rural student from upstate New York who joins Dr. Matt Newlin for the latest episode of the Rural College Student Experience. Rin is a first-generation student from Hartford, New York, a small rural town nestled in farmland. Rin is currently completing her M.A. in English at Georgetown University, where her thesis explores working-class autoethnography — a powerful form of memoir that captures the lived realities of working-class individuals in academic spaces. 

Rin shares her incredible journey through the SUNY system, navigating community college, multiple transfers, and the unique challenges of transitioning from rural life to a major city. She opens up about the institutional barriers she faced — from inaccessible public transportation to unfamiliar campus systems — and the resilience it took to succeed in elite academic environments. 

This episode touches on: 

  • What it means to grow up with limited access but unlimited creativity
  • How SUNY’s transfer system supported her educational path
  • The loss and reclamation of her small-town accent
  • The invisible costs of higher education for rural and working-class students
  • Why rural students are some of the most resourceful, determined learners in the country

Whether you're a rural student, a first-gen scholar, or someone committed to educational equity, this episode will leave you inspired and informed. Rin’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and the quiet power of showing up — even when the odds are long.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-17261212 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1755 3 22 full false Ep. 21 - Stephanie Zackery, New Mexico State University Ep. 21 - Stephanie Zackery, New Mexico State University “I have a Walmart Index of Rurality. One Walmart? You’re a decent-sized town. More than one? Okay, you’re big.”

In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Stephanie Zackery, a third-year, award-winning Counseling Psychology PhD student at New Mexico State University. Stephanie grew up in a no-stoplight town in rural Oklahoma and is now researching how mentorship shapes the college experience, especially for Black and Native American students from rural communities.

Stephanie shares her journey from a high school class of 24 to pursuing her doctorate, and how early leadership roles in 4-H and public speaking helped her build the confidence and skills to thrive. She opens up about the importance of natural mentors, the unique barriers rural students face, and the need for institutions to stop overlooking rural backgrounds on college applications.

Whether she’s talking about her “Walmart Index of Rurality” or patching up jeans with her grandmother, Stephanie brings humor, honesty, and deep insight to this conversation.

Stephanie is currently recruiting participants for her current research study on Black rural college students. Be sure to check out her work on LinkedIn and her website.

]]> “I have a Walmart Index of Rurality. One Walmart? You’re a decent-sized town. More than one? Okay, you’re big.”

In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Stephanie Zackery, a third-year, award-winning Counseling Psychology PhD student at New Mexico State University. Stephanie grew up in a no-stoplight town in rural Oklahoma and is now researching how mentorship shapes the college experience, especially for Black and Native American students from rural communities.

Stephanie shares her journey from a high school class of 24 to pursuing her doctorate, and how early leadership roles in 4-H and public speaking helped her build the confidence and skills to thrive. She opens up about the importance of natural mentors, the unique barriers rural students face, and the need for institutions to stop overlooking rural backgrounds on college applications.

Whether she’s talking about her “Walmart Index of Rurality” or patching up jeans with her grandmother, Stephanie brings humor, honesty, and deep insight to this conversation.

Stephanie is currently recruiting participants for her current research study on Black rural college students. Be sure to check out her work on LinkedIn and her website.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-17139395 Sun, 11 May 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1715 3 21 full false Ep. 20 - Avery Bass, North Carolina State University Ep. 20 - Avery Bass, North Carolina State University In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Avery Bass, a first-year student at North Carolina State University majoring in Genetics, with minors in Biotechnology and Microbiology. Avery is originally from Pikeville, North Carolina, a small rural town in the eastern part of the state, and graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School.

Avery shares what it was like growing up in a tight-knit rural community and how her early exposure to science camps—and the support of her family—helped her discover a passion for genetics. She talks about the academic and institutional barriers rural students still face, including lack of access to opportunities, college prep resources, and information about scholarships. Avery also reflects on the critical role of mentorship and representation in her journey toward a career in biotechnology, where she hopes to research new treatment approaches for rare genetic diseases.

We also discuss the importance of belonging on large college campuses and how programs like NC State’s Life Sciences First Year Program can help rural students transition and thrive.

Connect with Avery and follow her journey: Avery E. Bass on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Rural College Student Experience and don’t forget to rate and share to elevate more rural student voices.

Know a rural student who would make a great guest? Apply at bit.ly/4jNqmS5. 

]]> In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Avery Bass, a first-year student at North Carolina State University majoring in Genetics, with minors in Biotechnology and Microbiology. Avery is originally from Pikeville, North Carolina, a small rural town in the eastern part of the state, and graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School.

Avery shares what it was like growing up in a tight-knit rural community and how her early exposure to science camps—and the support of her family—helped her discover a passion for genetics. She talks about the academic and institutional barriers rural students still face, including lack of access to opportunities, college prep resources, and information about scholarships. Avery also reflects on the critical role of mentorship and representation in her journey toward a career in biotechnology, where she hopes to research new treatment approaches for rare genetic diseases.

We also discuss the importance of belonging on large college campuses and how programs like NC State’s Life Sciences First Year Program can help rural students transition and thrive.

Connect with Avery and follow her journey: Avery E. Bass on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Rural College Student Experience and don’t forget to rate and share to elevate more rural student voices.

Know a rural student who would make a great guest? Apply at bit.ly/4jNqmS5. 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-17043976 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0500 1473 3 20 full false Ep. 19 - Season 3 trailer Ep. 19 - Season 3 trailer We’re back! Season 3 of The Rural College Student Experience is here and it's our most powerful season yet. 

Join host Dr. Matt Newlin as we continue to center the voices of rural college students—sharing their stories, their challenges, and the incredible strengths they bring to higher education. 

This season, we’re bringing you: 

  • More graduate students than ever before—trailblazing their way through higher ed, social work, law, and more.
  • A special mini-series with the North State Student Ambassadors at Chico State, a group of students working to strengthen the bridge between their rural hometowns and the university.
  • A thoughtful panel of Rural Admissions Interns from Notre Dame, offering insight into access, outreach, and the future of rural student recruitment at highly selective institutions.

Whether you're tuning in from a dorm, your commute, or your hometown, Season 3 has something for you. If you're passionate about educational equity, rural student success, or just love honest, student-centered conversations—this is your show. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

]]> We’re back! Season 3 of The Rural College Student Experience is here and it's our most powerful season yet. 

Join host Dr. Matt Newlin as we continue to center the voices of rural college students—sharing their stories, their challenges, and the incredible strengths they bring to higher education. 

This season, we’re bringing you: 

  • More graduate students than ever before—trailblazing their way through higher ed, social work, law, and more.
  • A special mini-series with the North State Student Ambassadors at Chico State, a group of students working to strengthen the bridge between their rural hometowns and the university.
  • A thoughtful panel of Rural Admissions Interns from Notre Dame, offering insight into access, outreach, and the future of rural student recruitment at highly selective institutions.

Whether you're tuning in from a dorm, your commute, or your hometown, Season 3 has something for you. If you're passionate about educational equity, rural student success, or just love honest, student-centered conversations—this is your show. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-17043937 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0500 169 3 19 full false Ep. 18 - Washington University Heartland Initiative Ep. 18 - Washington University Heartland Initiative On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Mallorie Goodwin to discuss the Heartland Initiative at Washington University in St. Louis. Mallorie is a sophomore at Wash U and grew up in Waynesville, Missouri, about two hours west of St. Louis. She is also a Rural Peer Ambassador working to increase enrollment and belonging for other rural students.

Joining Matt and Mallorie is Dacoda Scarlett, Associate Director for Rural Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. Dacoda shares how WashU is trying to attract and retain more rural students. He also talks about the university's participation in the larger STARS College Network.

Be sure to follow us on X (@rcsepod) and subscribe wherever you get your podcast so you will be notified when a new episode is available. 

]]> On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Mallorie Goodwin to discuss the Heartland Initiative at Washington University in St. Louis. Mallorie is a sophomore at Wash U and grew up in Waynesville, Missouri, about two hours west of St. Louis. She is also a Rural Peer Ambassador working to increase enrollment and belonging for other rural students.

Joining Matt and Mallorie is Dacoda Scarlett, Associate Director for Rural Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. Dacoda shares how WashU is trying to attract and retain more rural students. He also talks about the university's participation in the larger STARS College Network.

Be sure to follow us on X (@rcsepod) and subscribe wherever you get your podcast so you will be notified when a new episode is available. 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-14696587 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3120 3 18 full false Ep. 17 - Mental Health in Rural Spaces Ep. 17 - Mental Health in Rural Spaces On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Andrew Wichert to discuss mental health in rural spaces. Andrew comes from Northeastern Ohio and is attending Kent State University. He is currently working on his Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology. After completing his degrees, Andrew plans on continuing with his Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies with a concentration in Nonprofit Studies. He has had various types of jobs including managing amusement parks, working in the construction industry, and being a student employee at Kent State. He plans to continue his career in higher education upon the competition of his Bachelor’s degree.

Joining Andrew and Matt is Dr. Loni Crumb, an Assistant Professor in the Counselor Education Program in the Department of Interdisciplinary Professions at East Carolina University and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Crumb has authored over 80 scholarly publications and professional presentations related to student affairs in higher education, counseling and wellness, and holistic college student development. Her research interests include counseling in rural areas, rural education, promoting retention and persistence of underserved students in higher education, college student mental health, and social justice and multicultural training.

]]> On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Andrew Wichert to discuss mental health in rural spaces. Andrew comes from Northeastern Ohio and is attending Kent State University. He is currently working on his Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology. After completing his degrees, Andrew plans on continuing with his Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies with a concentration in Nonprofit Studies. He has had various types of jobs including managing amusement parks, working in the construction industry, and being a student employee at Kent State. He plans to continue his career in higher education upon the competition of his Bachelor’s degree.

Joining Andrew and Matt is Dr. Loni Crumb, an Assistant Professor in the Counselor Education Program in the Department of Interdisciplinary Professions at East Carolina University and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Crumb has authored over 80 scholarly publications and professional presentations related to student affairs in higher education, counseling and wellness, and holistic college student development. Her research interests include counseling in rural areas, rural education, promoting retention and persistence of underserved students in higher education, college student mental health, and social justice and multicultural training.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-14547616 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0600 2742 3 17 full false Ep. 16 - The Rural Working-Class Identity Ep. 16 - The Rural Working-Class Identity On this episode, creator/host Dr. Matt Newlin discusses the rural working-class identity with co-host Samuel Locklear. Samuel was born and raised in Pembroke, North Carolina and is a first-generation working-class college student. He is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke pursuing a degree in Nursing. 

Joining Samuel and Matt in this discussion is Dr. Michele Fazio. Dr. Fazio is Professor of English, director of the Pembroke Mellon REACH Program, and co-coordinator of the Gender Studies Minor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she teaches courses on 20th century American literature, contemporary U.S. ethnic literature, and working-class studies. She has served as president of the Working-Class Studies Association and co-edited the Routledge International Handbook of Working-Class Studies (2021). 

]]> On this episode, creator/host Dr. Matt Newlin discusses the rural working-class identity with co-host Samuel Locklear. Samuel was born and raised in Pembroke, North Carolina and is a first-generation working-class college student. He is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Pembroke pursuing a degree in Nursing. 

Joining Samuel and Matt in this discussion is Dr. Michele Fazio. Dr. Fazio is Professor of English, director of the Pembroke Mellon REACH Program, and co-coordinator of the Gender Studies Minor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she teaches courses on 20th century American literature, contemporary U.S. ethnic literature, and working-class studies. She has served as president of the Working-Class Studies Association and co-edited the Routledge International Handbook of Working-Class Studies (2021). 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-14442844 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600 3222 3 16 full false Ep. 15 - SPOTLIGHT: Small Town to Campus Conference Ep. 15 - SPOTLIGHT: Small Town to Campus Conference Thank you for listening to this special SPOTLIGHT episode of the Rural College Student Experience. On today’s episode, we have a very special guest, Madison Mellinger. Madison is a senior at Princeton University and is from Chambersburg, PA. She is studying in the School of Public and International Affairs with a focus on education and environmental policy, particularly as such policy relates to rural communities. In 2021, she founded Princeton's first rural student affinity group. 

In this episode, we’re focusing on Small Town to Campus, a student-led conference for rural students which Madison spearheaded. The conference took place virtually in February 2023. I spoke with Madison soon after the conference about how the event became a reality and her future plans. 

As always, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Twitter at @rcsepod. Thank you and enjoy this special SPOTLIGHT episode.  

]]> Thank you for listening to this special SPOTLIGHT episode of the Rural College Student Experience. On today’s episode, we have a very special guest, Madison Mellinger. Madison is a senior at Princeton University and is from Chambersburg, PA. She is studying in the School of Public and International Affairs with a focus on education and environmental policy, particularly as such policy relates to rural communities. In 2021, she founded Princeton's first rural student affinity group. 

In this episode, we’re focusing on Small Town to Campus, a student-led conference for rural students which Madison spearheaded. The conference took place virtually in February 2023. I spoke with Madison soon after the conference about how the event became a reality and her future plans. 

As always, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Twitter at @rcsepod. Thank you and enjoy this special SPOTLIGHT episode.  

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-12909898 Wed, 24 May 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1619 2 15 full false Ep. 14 - Admissions Essays for Rural Students Ep. 14 - Admissions Essays for Rural Students Welcome to Episode 14 of the Rural College Student Experience. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you'll know when a new episode is available. Also, please follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and share ideas for future episodes.

This episode we’re talking about admissions applications and essays for rural students. Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host is Jay Kauffin. Jay attended McMinn County High School in Athens, Tennessee and is now a junior at Yale University studying Political and Computer Science. We talk about his transition to college and how the application process can be improved for rural students. 

Our guest is Corinne Smith. Corrine is an undergraduate admissions officer at Yale University where she oversees all rural outreach and recruitment. She also grew up in a small town an hour outside of Chicago. In April 2022, Corinne Smith and Ann Merrell published the College Essay Journal: A Mindful Manual for College Applications. We discuss the book in-depth during our conversation. Corinne is currently pursuing her doctorate in Diversity and Equity in Education through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on the intersectional identities of rural students and the college access barriers they face. 

]]> Welcome to Episode 14 of the Rural College Student Experience. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you'll know when a new episode is available. Also, please follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and share ideas for future episodes.

This episode we’re talking about admissions applications and essays for rural students. Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host is Jay Kauffin. Jay attended McMinn County High School in Athens, Tennessee and is now a junior at Yale University studying Political and Computer Science. We talk about his transition to college and how the application process can be improved for rural students. 

Our guest is Corinne Smith. Corrine is an undergraduate admissions officer at Yale University where she oversees all rural outreach and recruitment. She also grew up in a small town an hour outside of Chicago. In April 2022, Corinne Smith and Ann Merrell published the College Essay Journal: A Mindful Manual for College Applications. We discuss the book in-depth during our conversation. Corinne is currently pursuing her doctorate in Diversity and Equity in Education through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on the intersectional identities of rural students and the college access barriers they face. 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-12720403 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0500 3512 2 14 full false Ep. 13 - Rural College Access & Retention Ep. 13 - Rural College Access & Retention We're back with a new, exciting episode talking about a critical topic in rural education: college access and retention. The intention of this podcast is elevating and amplifying rural student voices in conversations about higher education. Students from rural high schools are significantly less likely to enroll in postsecondary education compared to their non-rural peers. Roughly 30 percent of students enrolled in college come from rural or small town communities, and yet their needs are rarely taken into consideration in decision- and policy-making discussions.

In this episode,  host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Giulia Episcopo, a sophomore at Purdue University who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After college, Giulia is interested in using chemical engineering concepts to leave a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those in local and global communities.

Our guest is Dr. Lori Pence, the Associate Director of Student Success at Purdue University’s College of Engineering. Dr. Pence was raised in a small rural community in Northwest Indiana and is, first and foremost, a champion for rural and first-generation students. She completed both her master’s and PhD at Purdue University. Her doctoral research focused on rural student success, which we discuss during this episode. Dr. Pence is an advocate of college access and success because postsecondary education is a formidable lever in allowing students the ability to overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams.

Please be sure to follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod). You can also follow Dr. Newlin at @DrMattNewlin. Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> We're back with a new, exciting episode talking about a critical topic in rural education: college access and retention. The intention of this podcast is elevating and amplifying rural student voices in conversations about higher education. Students from rural high schools are significantly less likely to enroll in postsecondary education compared to their non-rural peers. Roughly 30 percent of students enrolled in college come from rural or small town communities, and yet their needs are rarely taken into consideration in decision- and policy-making discussions.

In this episode,  host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Giulia Episcopo, a sophomore at Purdue University who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After college, Giulia is interested in using chemical engineering concepts to leave a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those in local and global communities.

Our guest is Dr. Lori Pence, the Associate Director of Student Success at Purdue University’s College of Engineering. Dr. Pence was raised in a small rural community in Northwest Indiana and is, first and foremost, a champion for rural and first-generation students. She completed both her master’s and PhD at Purdue University. Her doctoral research focused on rural student success, which we discuss during this episode. Dr. Pence is an advocate of college access and success because postsecondary education is a formidable lever in allowing students the ability to overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams.

Please be sure to follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod). You can also follow Dr. Newlin at @DrMattNewlin. Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-12585458 Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0500 3022 2 13 full false Ep. 12 - The Rural Identity in K-12 Education Ep. 12 - The Rural Identity in K-12 Education Welcome to Episode 12 of the Rural College Student Experience. Today, co-host Sara Wiggington joins host Dr. Matt Newlin to talk about the rural identity in K-12 spaces and how that can impact rural students' postsecondary experiences. Sara is a Master’s degree student at Purdue University who also teaches 4th grade at Green Meadows Intermediate in Frankfort, Indiana. Sara attended Ball State University as an undergraduate and just completed her 21st year of teaching in both rural and urban districts. During our conversation she shares wonderful insight and knowledge about the rural identity in K-12 spaces and the transition to college for rural learners. 

Sara and Matt are joined by guest Dr. Chea Parton, a farm girl and a former rural student and English teacher. She is currently a visiting assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at Purdue University where she advocates for rural representation in her teacher education classes. Dr. Parton created her website, Literacy In Place, and her YouTube series/podcast Reading Rural YAL to help disrupt stereotypical notions of rurality and to help rural teachers get rural books in the hands of rural readers. You can follow Dr. Parton on Twitter (@readingrural) and Instagram (@dr_chea_parton). 

Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Welcome to Episode 12 of the Rural College Student Experience. Today, co-host Sara Wiggington joins host Dr. Matt Newlin to talk about the rural identity in K-12 spaces and how that can impact rural students' postsecondary experiences. Sara is a Master’s degree student at Purdue University who also teaches 4th grade at Green Meadows Intermediate in Frankfort, Indiana. Sara attended Ball State University as an undergraduate and just completed her 21st year of teaching in both rural and urban districts. During our conversation she shares wonderful insight and knowledge about the rural identity in K-12 spaces and the transition to college for rural learners. 

Sara and Matt are joined by guest Dr. Chea Parton, a farm girl and a former rural student and English teacher. She is currently a visiting assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at Purdue University where she advocates for rural representation in her teacher education classes. Dr. Parton created her website, Literacy In Place, and her YouTube series/podcast Reading Rural YAL to help disrupt stereotypical notions of rurality and to help rural teachers get rural books in the hands of rural readers. You can follow Dr. Parton on Twitter (@readingrural) and Instagram (@dr_chea_parton). 

Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-11721473 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600 3144 2 12 full false Ep. 11 - Rural Broadband Access: A Panel Discussion with Lead for America Fellows Ep. 11 - Rural Broadband Access: A Panel Discussion with Lead for America Fellows The Rural College Student Experience is back with another special episode. In Episode 11, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by an incredible panel of Lead for America fellows who are serving in rural Kentucky and Appalachia. Lead for America fellows are dedicated to tackling the critical challenges facing the places they call home. All three of our panelists are doing wonderful things to increase postsecondary and economic success for students in communities that have, historically, not received the support or attention they need and deserve. In this episode, we specifically address the broadband internet gap that exists in many rural communities and how this negatively affects students’ postsecondary choices or opportunities.  

These three fellows are amazing individuals who are clearly passionate about serving in rural spaces. Conner Thomas grew up in Morehead, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky where he double majored in Finance and Economics, graduating Magna cum Laude in 2021. Sierra Marling grew up in Clay, West Virginia. She attended Berea College and studied Communication as a first generation student and a single mom, then took it a step further and received her Master’s degree from Syracuse University in 2018. Rhea Carter is from Knox County, Kentucky and is a first-generation graduate of Berea College. She majored in Communication with a double minor in Appalachian Studies and Peace and Social Justice Studies.

 Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> The Rural College Student Experience is back with another special episode. In Episode 11, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by an incredible panel of Lead for America fellows who are serving in rural Kentucky and Appalachia. Lead for America fellows are dedicated to tackling the critical challenges facing the places they call home. All three of our panelists are doing wonderful things to increase postsecondary and economic success for students in communities that have, historically, not received the support or attention they need and deserve. In this episode, we specifically address the broadband internet gap that exists in many rural communities and how this negatively affects students’ postsecondary choices or opportunities.  

These three fellows are amazing individuals who are clearly passionate about serving in rural spaces. Conner Thomas grew up in Morehead, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky where he double majored in Finance and Economics, graduating Magna cum Laude in 2021. Sierra Marling grew up in Clay, West Virginia. She attended Berea College and studied Communication as a first generation student and a single mom, then took it a step further and received her Master’s degree from Syracuse University in 2018. Rhea Carter is from Knox County, Kentucky and is a first-generation graduate of Berea College. She majored in Communication with a double minor in Appalachian Studies and Peace and Social Justice Studies.

 Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Buzzsprout-11223283 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0500 2623 2 11 full false Ep. 10 - College Access Programs for Rural Students Ep. 10 - College Access Programs for Rural Students We’re back after a brief hiatus with a brand new episode! In the latest episode, we discuss college access programs serving rural and small town communities. College access organizations are integral to increasing postsecondary enrollment for historically underrepresented students, including low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Unfortunately, there are few college access programs operating in rural spaces due to geographic barriers and lack of funding for the organizations that are doing everything they can to reach these underserved populations.

 One organization that has been effectively serving rural populations for the last couple of decades is CFES Brilliant Pathways. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Drew Malone, a former rural student who participated in Brilliant Pathways programs while in high school in Crown Point, New York. Drew, who was very involved in music, theater, and film while in high school, graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2016 and now works at a museum not far from his hometown dedicated to the original Star Trek series TV series. Drew discusses his path to college, how Brilliant Pathways improved his postsecondary planning, and how rural students can explore non-traditional careers while living in rural places. 

 Drew and Matt are joined by guest Rick Dalton, CEO of CFES Brilliant Pathways and a passionate supporter of postsecondary success for rural students. He is also the author of the book, Rural America's Pathways to College and Career. Rick discusses Brilliant Pathway’s beginnings, the ways they continue to serve rural students, and what colleges need to know about their rural populations. You can learn more about Brilliant Pathways on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> We’re back after a brief hiatus with a brand new episode! In the latest episode, we discuss college access programs serving rural and small town communities. College access organizations are integral to increasing postsecondary enrollment for historically underrepresented students, including low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Unfortunately, there are few college access programs operating in rural spaces due to geographic barriers and lack of funding for the organizations that are doing everything they can to reach these underserved populations.

 One organization that has been effectively serving rural populations for the last couple of decades is CFES Brilliant Pathways. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Drew Malone, a former rural student who participated in Brilliant Pathways programs while in high school in Crown Point, New York. Drew, who was very involved in music, theater, and film while in high school, graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2016 and now works at a museum not far from his hometown dedicated to the original Star Trek series TV series. Drew discusses his path to college, how Brilliant Pathways improved his postsecondary planning, and how rural students can explore non-traditional careers while living in rural places. 

 Drew and Matt are joined by guest Rick Dalton, CEO of CFES Brilliant Pathways and a passionate supporter of postsecondary success for rural students. He is also the author of the book, Rural America's Pathways to College and Career. Rick discusses Brilliant Pathway’s beginnings, the ways they continue to serve rural students, and what colleges need to know about their rural populations. You can learn more about Brilliant Pathways on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Buzzsprout-10798355 Tue, 06 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0500 2965 2 10 full false Ep. 9 - Catalyzing Change in Rural Spaces Ep. 9 - Catalyzing Change in Rural Spaces Welcome to Episode 9 of the Rural College Student Experience. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin and his guests talk about how to create and foster change at rural serving institutions. In our culture, rural communities are often seen as being “backward,” “conservative,” and “slow to change,” but those myths – along with the idea that all rural communities are the same – couldn’t be further from the truth. As we saw during COVID, rural communities – and rural schools in particular – pivoted immediately to virtual learning and came up with all sorts of innovative and unique ways to continue serving and supporting their students. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how institutions serving rural students are working to drive change to create more equitable pathways for students. However, as we’ll hear, there is a long way to go to ensure rural students are able to have the same college experience as non-rural students. 

 My co-host on this episode is Liz Soellner. Liz is a rising junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Sociology. She’s from Chester, Illinois, a small town in Southern Illinois situated on the Mississippi River. Additionally, she is also the president and co-founder of the Rural Area Student Initiative, or RASI, which is a student organization focused on making higher education more accessible for all kinds of rural students.  You can follow and learn more about RASI on Twitter and Instagram. 

 Liz and I are joined by our guest Dr. Leslie Daughtry, a senior education designer at Education Design Lab. Leslie is currently leading the Lab's BRIDGES Rural Design challenge. Throughout this multi-year initiative, the Lab will lead a cohort of rural community colleges in designing, testing, and scaling postsecondary approaches that support the economic agility of rural learners.

Please be sure to subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen so you can be notified when new episodes are available. Please connect with us on Twitter and feel free to contact us at rcsepod@gmail.com. 

]]> Welcome to Episode 9 of the Rural College Student Experience. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin and his guests talk about how to create and foster change at rural serving institutions. In our culture, rural communities are often seen as being “backward,” “conservative,” and “slow to change,” but those myths – along with the idea that all rural communities are the same – couldn’t be further from the truth. As we saw during COVID, rural communities – and rural schools in particular – pivoted immediately to virtual learning and came up with all sorts of innovative and unique ways to continue serving and supporting their students. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how institutions serving rural students are working to drive change to create more equitable pathways for students. However, as we’ll hear, there is a long way to go to ensure rural students are able to have the same college experience as non-rural students. 

 My co-host on this episode is Liz Soellner. Liz is a rising junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Sociology. She’s from Chester, Illinois, a small town in Southern Illinois situated on the Mississippi River. Additionally, she is also the president and co-founder of the Rural Area Student Initiative, or RASI, which is a student organization focused on making higher education more accessible for all kinds of rural students.  You can follow and learn more about RASI on Twitter and Instagram. 

 Liz and I are joined by our guest Dr. Leslie Daughtry, a senior education designer at Education Design Lab. Leslie is currently leading the Lab's BRIDGES Rural Design challenge. Throughout this multi-year initiative, the Lab will lead a cohort of rural community colleges in designing, testing, and scaling postsecondary approaches that support the economic agility of rural learners.

Please be sure to subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen so you can be notified when new episodes are available. Please connect with us on Twitter and feel free to contact us at rcsepod@gmail.com. 

]]> Buzzsprout-10798213 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0500 2744 2 9 full false Ep. 8 - A Student's Perspective: Attending The Rural Summit Ep. 8 - A Student's Perspective: Attending The Rural Summit Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of the Rural College Student Experience podcast. After a successful first season, we are thrilled to continue featuring conversations with and about rural students in college. On this episode, creator/host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Chase Carson and guest Dreama Gentry from Partners for Rural Impact (PRI). In this roundtable-style conversation we discuss each of our experiences at The Rural Summit which was co-presented by PRI and Education Forward Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona in April 2022. Chase shares his perspective as a rural student attending the conference, as well as his thoughts on the work being done by institutions and organizations around the country. Dreama shares some background on PRI, their future goals, and the major needs of rural students.  

Chase Carson graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s of business administration in Accounting. Chase was born and raised in Laurel County, Kentucky and graduated from South Laurel High School. In addition to being a recent graduate, Chase is also the founder and CEO of Unity Allies. His goal is to educate and lead his community forward in welcoming all groups of diversity to areas across the nation. Please follow Chase and Unity Allies on Instagram (@kingcarsonn, @unity_allies) or visit the Unity Allies Facebook page.  

In the second half of the episode, Chase and Matt are joined by Dreama Gentry, president and CEO of Partners for Rural Impact. Dreama founded the organization to ensure rural students have the opportunity to fulfill their educational aspirations, and the national dialogue around educational success includes rural voices. A first-generation college graduate from Appalachia, Gentry is an Annie E. Casey Children and Family Fellow and a Prichard Committee Equity Coalition member, among other honors. To learn more about PRI’s work, follow Dreama on Twitter (@dreaminky). 

Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of the Rural College Student Experience podcast. After a successful first season, we are thrilled to continue featuring conversations with and about rural students in college. On this episode, creator/host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Chase Carson and guest Dreama Gentry from Partners for Rural Impact (PRI). In this roundtable-style conversation we discuss each of our experiences at The Rural Summit which was co-presented by PRI and Education Forward Arizona in Flagstaff, Arizona in April 2022. Chase shares his perspective as a rural student attending the conference, as well as his thoughts on the work being done by institutions and organizations around the country. Dreama shares some background on PRI, their future goals, and the major needs of rural students.  

Chase Carson graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s of business administration in Accounting. Chase was born and raised in Laurel County, Kentucky and graduated from South Laurel High School. In addition to being a recent graduate, Chase is also the founder and CEO of Unity Allies. His goal is to educate and lead his community forward in welcoming all groups of diversity to areas across the nation. Please follow Chase and Unity Allies on Instagram (@kingcarsonn, @unity_allies) or visit the Unity Allies Facebook page.  

In the second half of the episode, Chase and Matt are joined by Dreama Gentry, president and CEO of Partners for Rural Impact. Dreama founded the organization to ensure rural students have the opportunity to fulfill their educational aspirations, and the national dialogue around educational success includes rural voices. A first-generation college graduate from Appalachia, Gentry is an Annie E. Casey Children and Family Fellow and a Prichard Committee Equity Coalition member, among other honors. To learn more about PRI’s work, follow Dreama on Twitter (@dreaminky). 

Please be sure to subscribe to the Rural College Student Experience wherever you download your podcasts so you’ll be notified when a new episode is available. Also, follow us on Twitter (@rcsepod) and our partners Believe in Students (@believestudents). 

]]> Buzzsprout-10798059 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0500 2251 2 8 full false Ep. 7 - Native American Students in College Ep. 7 - Native American Students in College In the final episode of Season 1,  we are focusing on the experiences of Native American Students in College. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Native American students make up just 19 percent of total college enrollment, the lowest of all racial and ethnic groups. Native American students also have the lowest six-year college graduation rate at 39 percent. Additionally, there are 32 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities in the U.S. which enroll just under 9 percent of the Native American student population. 

While these statistics tell us WHAT is happening, they don’t get at the “WHY”. In this episode, we discuss some of those “whys” and how they affect native student enrollment. We also talk about the work that colleges and universities need to do in order to serve these students. 

In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host today is Patience Teboe, a senior at Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota. Patience grew up in Bloomfield, Nebraska, and is a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. In our conversation, she talks about “finding her people” on campus and discusses how having a “home” community helped her feel connected to the institution. She also shares her perspective about being a Native student who did NOT grow up on a reservation and how her experiences differ from Native students who did. 

Our guest on this episode is Dr. Marleigh Perez. Dr. Perez is the director of student success at Oregon State University Ecampus and coordinates the Ecampus Tribal Communities Initiative. She talks with us about how OSU is using virtual learning to expand tribal student access and enrollment, but also to strengthen the trust and relationships between OSU and the tribal communities in Oregon. 

Finally, this first season would not have been possible without our partners Believe in Students. We are so grateful for their partnership and support this season. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please follow them on Twitter at @believestudents. 

]]> In the final episode of Season 1,  we are focusing on the experiences of Native American Students in College. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Native American students make up just 19 percent of total college enrollment, the lowest of all racial and ethnic groups. Native American students also have the lowest six-year college graduation rate at 39 percent. Additionally, there are 32 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities in the U.S. which enroll just under 9 percent of the Native American student population. 

While these statistics tell us WHAT is happening, they don’t get at the “WHY”. In this episode, we discuss some of those “whys” and how they affect native student enrollment. We also talk about the work that colleges and universities need to do in order to serve these students. 

In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host today is Patience Teboe, a senior at Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota. Patience grew up in Bloomfield, Nebraska, and is a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. In our conversation, she talks about “finding her people” on campus and discusses how having a “home” community helped her feel connected to the institution. She also shares her perspective about being a Native student who did NOT grow up on a reservation and how her experiences differ from Native students who did. 

Our guest on this episode is Dr. Marleigh Perez. Dr. Perez is the director of student success at Oregon State University Ecampus and coordinates the Ecampus Tribal Communities Initiative. She talks with us about how OSU is using virtual learning to expand tribal student access and enrollment, but also to strengthen the trust and relationships between OSU and the tribal communities in Oregon. 

Finally, this first season would not have been possible without our partners Believe in Students. We are so grateful for their partnership and support this season. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please follow them on Twitter at @believestudents. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9725665 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0600 2816 1 7 full false Ep. 6 - Multiple Identities in Rural Spaces Ep. 6 - Multiple Identities in Rural Spaces The Rural College Student Experience is back with Episode 6: Multiple Identities in Rural Spaces. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin talks with co-host Aron Garcia and guest Ty McNamee about the diverse identities and experiences present in rural communities.  We discuss why it’s important to understand the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and needs of rural populations in order to break down the stereotype that rural communities are all the same. In this episode we touch on the different identities and lived experiences of rural students and how it can impact their college journey. 

Co-host Aron Garcia is from Kress, Texas and attends South Plains College, a two-year institution in Levelland, Texas. Aron also works as a student researcher in the Department of Forensic Science at Texas Tech University. He hopes to eventually earn his Ph.D. and work for the federal government. He got married in January 2021 and has an older brother and three nieces with whom he is very close. Aron talks about his experience as a Hispanic man who is navigating predominately white spaces at both a community college and a four-year institution. We also discuss how family relationships change when students pursue postsecondary education. 

Later in the episode, we talk with our guest Ty McNamee, a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University and Instructor in the Colorado State University Student Affairs in Higher Education program. We’ll discuss Ty’s research on rural populations and his own background as a rural student.   

We are very grateful for our partners, Believe in Students, which has made RCSE possible. If you haven’t had a chance yet,  check out the #RealCollege Blog which is presented by Believe in Students and the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. The blog is intended as a space for students, presidents, educators, and more to lend their voices. Please take some time to check out the blog to read some of the student stories which are so compelling.  

]]> The Rural College Student Experience is back with Episode 6: Multiple Identities in Rural Spaces. In this episode, host Dr. Matt Newlin talks with co-host Aron Garcia and guest Ty McNamee about the diverse identities and experiences present in rural communities.  We discuss why it’s important to understand the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and needs of rural populations in order to break down the stereotype that rural communities are all the same. In this episode we touch on the different identities and lived experiences of rural students and how it can impact their college journey. 

Co-host Aron Garcia is from Kress, Texas and attends South Plains College, a two-year institution in Levelland, Texas. Aron also works as a student researcher in the Department of Forensic Science at Texas Tech University. He hopes to eventually earn his Ph.D. and work for the federal government. He got married in January 2021 and has an older brother and three nieces with whom he is very close. Aron talks about his experience as a Hispanic man who is navigating predominately white spaces at both a community college and a four-year institution. We also discuss how family relationships change when students pursue postsecondary education. 

Later in the episode, we talk with our guest Ty McNamee, a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University and Instructor in the Colorado State University Student Affairs in Higher Education program. We’ll discuss Ty’s research on rural populations and his own background as a rural student.   

We are very grateful for our partners, Believe in Students, which has made RCSE possible. If you haven’t had a chance yet,  check out the #RealCollege Blog which is presented by Believe in Students and the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. The blog is intended as a space for students, presidents, educators, and more to lend their voices. Please take some time to check out the blog to read some of the student stories which are so compelling.  

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-9671725 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0600 3067 1 6 full false Ep. 5 - Navigating the Game of College Ep. 5 - Navigating the Game of College "[Colleges] can have as much resources as [they] want, but if you're not making sure rural students know they exist then those resource are pointless."

Bryson Henriott joins Dr. Matt Newlin as co-host of Episode 5 to discuss how rural students navigate the "game" of college. For many rural students - especially those who are the first in their families to attend a postsecondary institution - college can really feel like a game where everyone knows the rules except you. Unfamiliar and burdensome policies can make college feel like a maze that is too daunting to begin. 

Co-host Bryson Henriott is a third year student at the University of Georgia. Bryson grew up in Vidalia, Georgia and is now double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations with certificates in Applied Politics and Organizational and Personal Leadership. He is also the president of a student organization called RISE, Rural Students Igniting Success in Education. He also serves in the Student Government Association and was an Orientation Leader.

Our guest today is Dr. Tricia Seifert, a professor in the Adult & Higher Education program at Montana State University who also maintains a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto. Her research broadly investigates the relationship between college student experiences and postsecondary learning and success. Dr. Seifert has begun examining how to support students in the college transition and has launched Success Prints Crash Course® for use in conjunction with college readiness curricula in high schools and first-year experience programs in colleges and universities. Dr. Siefert was named Most Valuable Professor at Montana State University in 2018 and received the Award of Honour from the Canadian Association for College and University Student Services in 2015.

We are greatly appreciative of our partners Believe in Students and their mission to elevate students' voices in order to meet the basic needs of today's college students. Please check out the #RealCollege blog for student stories and perspectives. 

]]> "[Colleges] can have as much resources as [they] want, but if you're not making sure rural students know they exist then those resource are pointless."

Bryson Henriott joins Dr. Matt Newlin as co-host of Episode 5 to discuss how rural students navigate the "game" of college. For many rural students - especially those who are the first in their families to attend a postsecondary institution - college can really feel like a game where everyone knows the rules except you. Unfamiliar and burdensome policies can make college feel like a maze that is too daunting to begin. 

Co-host Bryson Henriott is a third year student at the University of Georgia. Bryson grew up in Vidalia, Georgia and is now double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations with certificates in Applied Politics and Organizational and Personal Leadership. He is also the president of a student organization called RISE, Rural Students Igniting Success in Education. He also serves in the Student Government Association and was an Orientation Leader.

Our guest today is Dr. Tricia Seifert, a professor in the Adult & Higher Education program at Montana State University who also maintains a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto. Her research broadly investigates the relationship between college student experiences and postsecondary learning and success. Dr. Seifert has begun examining how to support students in the college transition and has launched Success Prints Crash Course® for use in conjunction with college readiness curricula in high schools and first-year experience programs in colleges and universities. Dr. Siefert was named Most Valuable Professor at Montana State University in 2018 and received the Award of Honour from the Canadian Association for College and University Student Services in 2015.

We are greatly appreciative of our partners Believe in Students and their mission to elevate students' voices in order to meet the basic needs of today's college students. Please check out the #RealCollege blog for student stories and perspectives. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9593078 Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0600 3089 1 5 full false Ep. 4 - Meeting the Basic Needs of Rural Students Ep. 4 - Meeting the Basic Needs of Rural Students "Only 57 percent of community colleges have [public ]transit stops within walking distance to campus." -  Abigail Seldin, CEO, Seldin-Haring Smith Foundation. 

On Episode 4 of the Rural College Student Experience, we're discussing the basic needs of rural students and how colleges and universities often lack resources and amenities that address the needs of this population.  Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Lily Nagengast, a graduate student and teaching assistant in the Department of English at Georgetown University. She is from Bloomfield, Nebraska, and graduated from Boston College in 2018 with a degree in English and gender studies. Lily is also the author of an excellent op-ed in the Hechinger Report called, “Why rural students like me are meant to be here in college.” We discuss the cultural and financial shocks of moving to large metropolitan areas from small towns and why finding a community on campus is so critical for rural students.

Lily and Matt are joined by guest  Abigail Seldin. Abigail is the CEO of the Seldin-Haring Smith Foundation which focuses on access to public services and accountability for abuse of authority. At the foundation, Seldin directed the creation of the SHSF Public Transit Map and co-produced the New College Majority Photo Series with Getty Images, a new images project highlighting the demographics of today’s college students. Seldin is the co-author of SHSF's July report “Sex Trafficking in State-Authorized Massage Schools: A Case Study,” which was featured on the front page of USA Today and prompted an investigation by the House Oversight Committee. Lily and Matt talk to Abigail about the foundation's work and how it intersects with the needs of rural students at both community colleges and four-year institutions.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students. Believe in Students is committed to advancing voices and policies that advocate for meeting college students' basic needs. RCSE is extremely grateful for their support and partnership. You can follow Believe in Students on Twitter: @BelieveStudents.

Please subscribe to RCSE wherever you download your podcasts and follow us on Twitter: @rcsepod. 

]]> "Only 57 percent of community colleges have [public ]transit stops within walking distance to campus." -  Abigail Seldin, CEO, Seldin-Haring Smith Foundation. 

On Episode 4 of the Rural College Student Experience, we're discussing the basic needs of rural students and how colleges and universities often lack resources and amenities that address the needs of this population.  Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Lily Nagengast, a graduate student and teaching assistant in the Department of English at Georgetown University. She is from Bloomfield, Nebraska, and graduated from Boston College in 2018 with a degree in English and gender studies. Lily is also the author of an excellent op-ed in the Hechinger Report called, “Why rural students like me are meant to be here in college.” We discuss the cultural and financial shocks of moving to large metropolitan areas from small towns and why finding a community on campus is so critical for rural students.

Lily and Matt are joined by guest  Abigail Seldin. Abigail is the CEO of the Seldin-Haring Smith Foundation which focuses on access to public services and accountability for abuse of authority. At the foundation, Seldin directed the creation of the SHSF Public Transit Map and co-produced the New College Majority Photo Series with Getty Images, a new images project highlighting the demographics of today’s college students. Seldin is the co-author of SHSF's July report “Sex Trafficking in State-Authorized Massage Schools: A Case Study,” which was featured on the front page of USA Today and prompted an investigation by the House Oversight Committee. Lily and Matt talk to Abigail about the foundation's work and how it intersects with the needs of rural students at both community colleges and four-year institutions.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students. Believe in Students is committed to advancing voices and policies that advocate for meeting college students' basic needs. RCSE is extremely grateful for their support and partnership. You can follow Believe in Students on Twitter: @BelieveStudents.

Please subscribe to RCSE wherever you download your podcasts and follow us on Twitter: @rcsepod. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9489262 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0500 3216 1 4 full false Ep. 3 - Black Students from Rural Spaces Ep. 3 - Black Students from Rural Spaces "You can't be it if you can't see it," says Jenay Willis, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pittsburgh and co-host of Episode 3 of RCSE, "Black Students from Rural Spaces." In this episode, host Matt Newlin talks with Jenay about her identity as a Black woman who grew up in a rural community and her passion for being a role model for other Black students pursuing college or a doctoral degree. Jenay is pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education at Pitt and her research agenda highlights college access, success, persistence and transition for the respective student population in uplifting such experiences and narratives.

Jenay and Matt are joined by their guest, Dr. Darris R. Means, an Associate Professor of Higher Education and Dean’s Faculty Scholar in Equity, Justice, and Rural Education in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Means is also Jenay's doctoral adviser. Dr. Means talks about his research which focuses on how economic, educational, and social conditions shape pathways to and through postsecondary education for rural students, Black students, and students from low-income backgrounds. Matt, Jenay, and Dr. Means discuss a variety of topics, including the low percentage of Black students on most college campuses and how this may prevent many Black students from pursuing higher education.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students. Believe in Students is committed to advancing voices and policies that advocate for meeting college students' basic needs. RCSE is extremely grateful for their support and partnership. You can follow Believe in Students on Twitter: @BelieveStudents.

Please subscribe to RCSE wherever you download your podcasts and follow us on Twitter: @rcsepod. 

]]> "You can't be it if you can't see it," says Jenay Willis, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pittsburgh and co-host of Episode 3 of RCSE, "Black Students from Rural Spaces." In this episode, host Matt Newlin talks with Jenay about her identity as a Black woman who grew up in a rural community and her passion for being a role model for other Black students pursuing college or a doctoral degree. Jenay is pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education at Pitt and her research agenda highlights college access, success, persistence and transition for the respective student population in uplifting such experiences and narratives.

Jenay and Matt are joined by their guest, Dr. Darris R. Means, an Associate Professor of Higher Education and Dean’s Faculty Scholar in Equity, Justice, and Rural Education in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Means is also Jenay's doctoral adviser. Dr. Means talks about his research which focuses on how economic, educational, and social conditions shape pathways to and through postsecondary education for rural students, Black students, and students from low-income backgrounds. Matt, Jenay, and Dr. Means discuss a variety of topics, including the low percentage of Black students on most college campuses and how this may prevent many Black students from pursuing higher education.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students. Believe in Students is committed to advancing voices and policies that advocate for meeting college students' basic needs. RCSE is extremely grateful for their support and partnership. You can follow Believe in Students on Twitter: @BelieveStudents.

Please subscribe to RCSE wherever you download your podcasts and follow us on Twitter: @rcsepod. 

]]> Buzzsprout-9405035 Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0500 2986 1 3 full false Ep. 2 - Social Class Issues for Rural Students Ep. 2 - Social Class Issues for Rural Students The Rural College Student Experience is back! In Episode 2,  host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Clayton Land to discuss social class issues for rural students in college. Clayton is a senior at Yale University pursuing a double major in Global Affairs and History. Clayton is from a small town in central Kentucky called Lawrenceburg and is one of the first people from his community to attend an Ivy League institution. Being from a small town has shaped much of his involvement on campus and career aspirations which includes rural international development in Latin America. 

In the second part of the episode, Clayton and Matt are joined by Dr. Sonja Ardoin, an associate professor and the Student Affairs Administration program director at Appalachian State University.  Among her many research interests, Sonja studies social class identity and college access and success for rural and first-generation college students. Sonja discusses her roots as a first-generation college student from a working class background in rural Louisiana and how it informed her college student to Ph.D. journey. MORE

The Rural College Student Experience is proud to partner with Believe in Students to recognize and uplift rural student voices. Believe in Students is dedicated to ensuring that all students have their basic needs met so that they can learn and thrive. They also engage individuals in telling their stories and advocating for change, so that higher education can better serve today’s real college students.

]]> The Rural College Student Experience is back! In Episode 2,  host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Clayton Land to discuss social class issues for rural students in college. Clayton is a senior at Yale University pursuing a double major in Global Affairs and History. Clayton is from a small town in central Kentucky called Lawrenceburg and is one of the first people from his community to attend an Ivy League institution. Being from a small town has shaped much of his involvement on campus and career aspirations which includes rural international development in Latin America. 

In the second part of the episode, Clayton and Matt are joined by Dr. Sonja Ardoin, an associate professor and the Student Affairs Administration program director at Appalachian State University.  Among her many research interests, Sonja studies social class identity and college access and success for rural and first-generation college students. Sonja discusses her roots as a first-generation college student from a working class background in rural Louisiana and how it informed her college student to Ph.D. journey. MORE

The Rural College Student Experience is proud to partner with Believe in Students to recognize and uplift rural student voices. Believe in Students is dedicated to ensuring that all students have their basic needs met so that they can learn and thrive. They also engage individuals in telling their stories and advocating for change, so that higher education can better serve today’s real college students.

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-9284425 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 21:00:00 -0500 4089 1 2 full false Ep. 1 - Understanding the Experiences of Rural Students in College Ep. 1 - Understanding the Experiences of Rural Students in College In our first episode of the Rural College Student Experience, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Karolin Miranda, a junior at the University of South Carolina Upstate who is on the pre-med track. Karolin grew up in a rural community in Greenville, South Carolina and is the first person in her family to attend college (a "first-generation college student"). Karolin discusses her experiences as a rural student, overcoming her natural timidness, and how financial issues have affected her college journey.

Later in the episode, Karolin and Matt are joined by guest Dr. Andrew Koricich, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC) and an associate professor in the higher education program at Appalachian State University. Dr. Koricich's work is based, in part, on his experiences growing up in a rural Pennsylvania town. We discuss his research interests which focuses on postsecondary education issues facing rural communities. We also discuss the work of ARRC and how regional colleges, which serve large populations of rural students, are often perceived as less prestigious despite providing excellent education and support to students.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students, the nation’s only non-profit organization focused exclusively on helping college students to meet their basic needs.  Believe in Students engages individuals in telling their stories and advocating for change, so that higher education can better serve today’s real college students. We are extremely grateful for their partnership and support for this podcast. 

]]> In our first episode of the Rural College Student Experience, host Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Karolin Miranda, a junior at the University of South Carolina Upstate who is on the pre-med track. Karolin grew up in a rural community in Greenville, South Carolina and is the first person in her family to attend college (a "first-generation college student"). Karolin discusses her experiences as a rural student, overcoming her natural timidness, and how financial issues have affected her college journey.

Later in the episode, Karolin and Matt are joined by guest Dr. Andrew Koricich, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC) and an associate professor in the higher education program at Appalachian State University. Dr. Koricich's work is based, in part, on his experiences growing up in a rural Pennsylvania town. We discuss his research interests which focuses on postsecondary education issues facing rural communities. We also discuss the work of ARRC and how regional colleges, which serve large populations of rural students, are often perceived as less prestigious despite providing excellent education and support to students.

The Rural College Student Experience is presented in partnership with Believe in Students, the nation’s only non-profit organization focused exclusively on helping college students to meet their basic needs.  Believe in Students engages individuals in telling their stories and advocating for change, so that higher education can better serve today’s real college students. We are extremely grateful for their partnership and support for this podcast. 

]]> Matt Newlin Buzzsprout-9240760 Wed, 22 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500 3680 1 1 full false