One of the first questions I asked when I interviewed for this job was: How are we defining rural? Because I know many people have strong feelings about how journalists put parameters on words like “rural,” “remote” and “small town.” So as I take on a role that focuses on colleges and universities across rural America, I wanted to share a glimpse of what I’ve been thinking about. 

Specifically, I’ve been thinking about my grandparents.

When I consider whether my grandparents’ lives qualified as rural, I don’t fixate on the number of people living in their Pennsylvania townships, about 600 in one and nearly 6,000 in another. Instead, I think about my Pop Pop, who worked second shift at the Chrysler plant so he could farm during the day. And my Mom Mom who took over some of his egg routes, delivering throughout southeastern PA and Delaware. And how they would later greet generations of locals who came to pick strawberries or pumpkins on their farm. I think about my grandmother on my mom’s side who marveled each morning at the deer in her front yard and the sun peeking through the mountains of north central Pennsylvania. And how she spent countless hours serving in her church and the volunteer fire company.

Often people may think of rural life as sparse or lacking something essential. But I’d challenge that. Rural folks have something people in more populated regions would envy.

For generations, rural communities have been coming together to solve problems: from industries or local economies collapsing to neighbors facing illness or poverty. In fact, few things will irritate rural folks more than telling them they need outside help — as a ride-share driver in a small New Hampshire town once reminded me: They’ve been doing just fine. 

That’s the thing, though. So many small towns and rural communities are finding and implementing innovative solutions, including in higher ed and job training. I want to be a part of telling those stories and connecting those people with each other. And as an engagement reporter, I want the people of these communities to be centered in this process. 

What I’ve learned most from my grandparents, and my incredible parents who have continued their legacies while raising triplets, is that the story of small towns in America is actually quite vast. And I’m truly looking forward to helping tell that span of stories through the lens of higher education.

This is why I need you! I want to hear what kinds of stories you want to see us cover at Open Campus. 

What should I be covering? Tell me here.

Proudly Made: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds

If you want to read a story about the tenacity and beauty of rural communities coming together to lift up a region, this is your book. I’ve been so inspired by Tataboline Enos’ memoir, which tracks her life from Alaska reporter to founder of the PA Wilds nonprofit.

Here’s what the data center boom means for Wisconsin’s workforce

I feel like everywhere I look there’s a story about data center regulation or farmers resisting development, but Miranda Dunlap’s look at job growth for Wisconsin Watch and Open Campus was a fresh take I hadn’t seen yet.

What are you reading? Any recommendations for me? I’m excited to get started on April 15.

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