1. Understanding Rural Community Colleges Pamela L. Eddy, Ph.D. Central Michigan University Presented at the American Association of Community Colleges Annual Conference April 16, 2006

2. The Rural Context 60% of Community Colleges are rural 72% located in North Central and Southern accrediting regions Small (less 2500 students) 22% Medium (2500-5000 students) 54% Large (over 5000 students) 24% Residential Living 21% of rural colleges have resident halls Distance Education 52% Internet 24% Broadband

3. Students 34% all CC students attend rural colleges 49% attend large rural 44% attend medium rural 7% attend small rural Demographics 74% White (54% suburban/45% urban) 41% Full-time (32% suburban/31% urban)

4. Faculty Recruiting faculty Shortages in specialized fields Lack of culture Difficulty in recruiting diverse faculty Retaining faculty Early and mid-career turnover Familiarity with rural areas Faculty Development Led by individuals/committees Focus on teaching Support Institutional Missions

5. Leaders Pending retirements (45% of all CC presidents are 61 or older) Truth in Advertising Grow Your Own Programs MidSouth Partnership for Rural Community Colleges Focus on real problems Leadership Development

6. Outreach/Community Social Engine for the Region Four Noncredit Programs Leisure Education Cultural Enrichment Economic Development Continuing Education Rural Differential in Funding

7. Strategizing for the Future Meeting Personnel Needs Job Descriptions Job Sharing Succession Planning Institutional Collaborations Regional Partnerships—K-20 Consortium Policy Considerations Rural Conduit for Funding Economic Incubators Loan Deferments

8. Lessons for Urban/Suburban CCs Model increased efficiencies “Grow your own” programs Clarity on community roles Sharing within region

9. Future Directions Replacement of leadership/faculty Economic boost—regional efforts Policy actions Student Support Economic Development

10. Thank you