University of Central Missouri Joins RSC Regional Hub Network

Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) is excited to announce that the University of Central Missouri (UCM) has officially joined our Regional Hub Network. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural education and creating new opportunities for rural educators, school leaders, and students. The University of Central Missouri (UCM) joins the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Missouri State University in RSC’s Missouri Hub. Dr. Charlene Atkins will lead RSC’s partnership with UCM.

Through its Rural Schools Initiative, UCM has long been dedicated to supporting rural districts by strengthening partnerships, promoting innovation, and addressing critical challenges in teacher recruitment and retention. By joining RSC’s network, UCM will expand its efforts to foster collaboration, share resources, and engage with like-minded organizations working to build stronger, more sustainable rural schools.

“We chose to join the Rural Schools Collaborative Regional Hub Network because we believe in the power of collaboration to support and uplift rural education,” said Dr. Charlene Atkins, professor of Mathematics Education and Rural Schools Initiative Coordinator at UCM. “We know firsthand both the strengths and challenges of rural education. Partnering with RSC provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of rural educators, share resources, and engage in meaningful initiatives that make a real impact. We also appreciate RSC’s commitment to fostering innovation while honoring the unique strengths of rural schools.”

UCM’s College of Education has a rich history of preparing educators to work in rural schools and has consistently worked to provide professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of rural educators. By joining the RSC network, UCM will further its efforts to connect rural educators with the resources and support they need to thrive in their schools and communities. “Our Rural Schools Initiative aligns closely with RSC’s mission, focusing on teacher recruitment, retention, and ongoing professional learning for rural educators,” Dr. Atkins continued. “Through this partnership, we’re excited to expand our outreach, share our expertise, and collaborate on initiatives that will have a lasting impact on rural education.”

Partnerships like the one between UCM and RSC are essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural schools. Many rural districts face limited resources, and the ability to collaborate with other organizations is key to developing innovative solutions that can meet the needs of rural educators and students.

UCM’s approach to rural education is grounded in the belief that rural communities are strong, resilient, and full of potential. Through its outreach efforts, including its work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, UCM is helping to integrate computer science into rural classrooms and offering professional development events that expand the expertise of rural educators. Moreover, UCM provides flexible pathways for para-professionals in rural districts to earn teaching credentials, helping schools grow their own educators and address teacher shortages.

Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, RSC Executive Director, noted that the University of Central Missouri joins a thriving regional hub of innovators and experts in supporting rural schools: “RSC’s Missouri partners– The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Missouri State University– have long been drivers of excellence in rural education through collaborative programs like the Ozarks Teacher Corps. We are delighted for the University of Central Missouri to join the hub network, which will only deepen our shared work and regional impact.”

At UCM, much of their work boils down to forging strong connections between the university and districts within their service area. “We’re incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with rural school administrators and educators,” shared Dr. Atkins. “Seeing teachers gain confidence in their instructional practices, successfully implement new technologies, and take on leadership roles within their communities is incredibly rewarding. Through programs like our Rural Schools Summit, we bring rural educators together to share ideas, build networks, and continue strengthening rural education.”

Rural Schools Collaborative is proud to have the University of Central Missouri as a new member of our Regional Hub Network and looks forward to the meaningful work ahead. To learn more about all of our work in Missouri, visit our Regional Hub page.