Second in a series on rural universities
Rural higher education faces unique challenges and opportunities. In 2025, several trends will shape the landscape of colleges and universities in rural areas, and in every aspect, WT will be responsive.
Rural institutions, often constrained by geographical isolation and limited resources, are increasingly adopting online and hybrid learning models. In 2025, more rural colleges will expand their online offerings allowing students to access higher education without having to relocate or commute. WT’s Geneva Schaeffer Education Building will be the nerve center for increased online offerings and hybrid learning, combining in-person and online excellence to help us reach a wider and non-traditional student population, including working adults and those in remote areas which, according to Brookings, is important and productive. Increased access to education, flexible learning models, improved technology infrastructure and cost-effective learning solutions are issues influencing WT’s responsiveness to the people we serve.
Rural universities must forge stronger partnerships with local employers and communities to address regional workforce needs and funding challenges. Such partnerships will offer customized training programs, internships and job placements to ensure graduates meet local labor market demands. Additionally, collaboration with regional businesses can help provide funding and resources to support educational initiatives in rural areas which has great value according to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
A number of factors will impact WT in 2025. Workforce-aligned curriculum development, apprenticeship opportunities, community-driven educational initiatives, dual enrollment and early college programs, economic growth and entrepreneurial support and lifelong learning programs all strengthen the social contract between colleges and communities and are all part of WT’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
Rural contexts and workforce needs require the generation of new knowledge through applied research like agriculture, healthcare, water and environmental studies. Such focus requires the work of every college, department and research effort at WT. There will be a renewed emphasis in 2025 on programs catering specifically to sustainable farming practices, entrepreneurship, rural health, technology for increased and efficient energy production, water scarcity, educational quality at the primary and secondary level and the culture of the regions producing the food, fuel and fiber vital to our nation. A strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, integration of technology, focus on rural economic development and entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary approaches to rural challenges and emphasis on community resilience and disaster preparedness all need our constant attention. These research trends align with the need for innovation in rural economies. The quest to find innovative solutions will attract students from many regions of our state, nation and the world.
Affordability is a major concern for regional universities. Many students come from lower-income backgrounds. In 2025, WT will continue to emphasize affordable and flexible educational options to reduce financial barriers as outlined in our commitment to reduce student indebtedness. A potential approach to affordability is competency-based education (CBE) which allows students to progress based on mastery of skills rather than time spent in the classroom. Such models are more flexible and higher education more accessible. Holding costs steading while creating an economy of scale will impact every aspect of our work at WT: expansion of online and hybrid learning models, personalized learning paths, micro-credentials and digital badges, along with expanded degree offerings (WT is the first institution in the state to offer embedded associates degrees). And do not underestimate the impact on the affordability of using open and digital educational resources, such as no cost to students textbooks.
Rural areas face challenges related to mental health, including a shortage of mental health professionals. WT is addressing the challenge with new Behavioral Health programs in addition to the new state behavioral health hospital in Amarillo. WT will prioritize the integration of mental health and wellness programs, using technology and remote services to train students. Virtual counseling, peer support groups and partnerships with local healthcare providers will help ensure communities have access to essential services. Integrated holistic support models, culturally tailored mental health services, increased focus on preventative mental health initiatives, integration of mental health into the rural culture, collaboration with local health providers and community resources, focus on financial well-being and support, emphasis on physical health and wellness programs will all aid in providing first-rate rural health care through the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing at WT.
Moving toward flexibility, innovation and regional alignment in rural higher education is a priority in 2025 and essential to address the unique needs of the students, families, communities and enterprises of the Texas Panhandle. As THE Panhandle’s university, WT will continue to redefine excellence through our commitment to the region, as will be reinforced in the soon-to-be-unveiled updated long-range plan, WT125: From the Panhandle to the World.
Walter V. Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University. His weekly columns, with hyperlinks, are available at https://walterwendler.com/.
