Inside AASCU’s Rural Symposium

AASCU's Transforming Local Communities Symposium brought together rural presidents and chancellors, campus leaders, researchers, and partners for two days of focused conversation on the future of rural-serving institutions (RSIs). Hosted by Western Carolina University (WCU) in Asheville, NC, the event combined campus immersion, policy discussion, and peer exchange to examine how institutions can strengthen student success, support regional economies, and respond to shifting public policy.

From the campus tour to the final strategy session, one message remained consistent throughout the symposium: RSIs are central to the vitality of their communities, and their role is only growing more important.