Dakota Wesleyan University Partners with Credo to Put On Inaugural Rural Higher Education Institute

On behalf of Dr. Amy Novak, President of Dakota Wesleyan University (SD) and Dr. Mark LaBranche, President of Martin Methodist College (TN), Credo is pleased to extend an invitation to the presidents and cabinets of all rural and rural-serving higher educational institutions to the inaugural Rural Higher Education Institute. This event will focus on the value of, and challenge to, rural colleges and universities across the country. Campus leaders will come together to examine issues such as:

• Redefining the narrative of rural education
• Strategic finance and rural philanthropy
• Leveraging community and municipal partnerships
• Recruitment and retention in rural areas
• Rural higher education's role in regional workforce development 
• Diversity in rural areas

Registration, currently planned sessions, and a schedule for the event can be found here.

Additionally, Credo is pleased to share that Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) has committed funding in support of the Institute, which will be used to cover the cost of all registrations for current and new attendees. We are grateful to RPA for their support, and are so glad that their partnership will eliminate the cost of registration for your institution.

Developed by Credo and hosted by Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, this unique event for higher education leaders will focus on the value of, and challenge to, rural and rural-serving independent colleges and universities across the country, creating the first cohort of its kind where presidents and cabinet members of these institutions can come together around critical issues.

Two leaders served as catalysts in the formation of the institute. Dr. Mark LaBranche, President of Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee and Dr. Amy Novak, President of Dakota Wesleyan University, worked with Credo to bring together a group of presidents from rural and rural-serving colleges and universities in early 2018. During this gathering, they confirmed a high level of interest in and energy around coming together as a group to explore how they could form intentional connections to best serve their students, institutions, communities, and regions. 

With any questions or to find out more about this event, please contact Emma Jones, Chief Brand Officer, at ejones@credohighered.com. We hope to see you there!