Do you live in or did you grow up in “sparse country”? Has anyone ever declared that they live in sparse country? Yet this is exactly how Harvard describes the 20 states it looks to for student geographic diversity. Harvard really doesn’t need to worry about recruiting students; it’s a powerful magnet that attracts applicants from all parts of the U.S. and the world.
Most other institutions need effective strategies for widening the student pool. Indeed, we’re missing too many students from rural parts of the country and we’re especially missing students of color from rural areas. Diversity, of course, enriches all our campuses. My own college journey started at Tuskegee University in rural Alabama. After growing up in Chicago, finding myself in the Deep South was an adjustment and one I’m thankful I made; it broadened my views of the world and of people.
Dr. Ronald S. Rochon
Various studies report that roughly 21% of rural Americans identify as people of color or nonwhite, and in some areas this percentage is growing. Researchers also have found that rural communities with the highest unemployment rates are below the rural America average for people attaining some college education.
Part of growing up rural in this country involves internalizing messages about living in sparse country, living in the middle of nowhere or being a “from the sticks.” Although the research regarding how these cultural messages affect college attendance and persistence is thin, it is reasonable to assume the messages have a negative effect.
Our institution, the University of Southern Indiana, is committed to helping everyone achieve. While that achievement extends to students in rural communities, we recognize we need to do more. We believe enrolling students in a summer bridge program before their freshman semester will aid first generation attendees and students of color, including those from rural communities.
