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Transcript of Rural Community Colleges and Economic Development: Leaders’ Perspectives on Collaboration Kevin...
Rural Community Colleges and Economic Development: Leaders’ Perspectives on
Collaboration
Kevin PenningtonMitchell Williams
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Challenges Facing Rural Areas
Low population density Low per capita income Low levels of educational
achievement Fewer employment opportunities Limited educational opportunities High rates of poverty and illiteracy
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Economic development & the mission of the rural community
college
Part of the mission of the rural community college is to improve the economic climate in its service region through the development of the educational skills of its students.
“Economic development” concerns programs, policies, and activities that seek to improve the economic well-being (including job creation and retention) and quality of life in a region or community.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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A community college’s influence on economic development
Just the presence of a community college can have a positive impact on the economic climate in a rural county.
A 2001 study indicated that establishing a community college can contribute 8% to 11% toward a county’s economic development.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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The role of the rural community college in economic
development
Serving as a catalyst for cooperation Allocating resources Evaluating training needs Focus on workforce development Upgrading the skills of current workers Offering a politically “neutral” location
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Collaboration in economic development
Economic development in rural areas is a complex challenge that often requires collaboration with other stakeholders:
State & County economic develop. agencies, Chambers of commerce, Major employers, Local governments & county commissioners, Other institutions of higher education
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Partnerships Can Be Useful
Enhance grant funding opportunities Meet the public’s expectation of
cooperation Over-come fiscal constraints Meet increased demands for services Maximize potential benefits Reduce duplication
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Recent study on collaboration in economic development
The purpose was to better understand rural community college presidents’ perceptions of the partnerships their institutions enter into for economic development purposes and to determine if other institutions of higher education are - - or can be - - important partners in rural economic development.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Recent study on collaboration in economic development
Rural community college leaders were asked:
(1) their perceptions of the importance of collaboration or partnering in economic development activities,
(2) their perceptions of what organizations or entities make ideal partners for economic development,
(3) how important it is to collaborate with other institutions of higher education to meet their economic development mission.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Findings: Economic development and rural community colleges
A large majority of respondents indicated: economic development was an important part of
the mission of the rural community college (98%)
their institution was currently involved in economic development activities (96%)
A smaller majority indicated: their institution always collaborates or partners
with other organizations in economic development projects or activities (55%)
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Partnering with Other Institutions
of Higher Education
Importance of partnering with other institutions of higher education on economic development
Response # %Very important 58 48Important 34 28Somewhat important 26 22Not important 2 2
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Most Valuable Higher Education Partners
Most valuable potential higher education partner by institutional type
# ranked 1st or 2nd
Public University 115Other Community College 98Private 4-year 23Private 2-year 4
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Most Important Potential Partners
Most important potential partner for rural community colleges in meeting their economic development mission.
Response # %Private sector entities 61 51Public agencies 52 43Institution of higher educ. 7 6
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Discussion
Economic development is an important part of the mission of the rural community college.
Rural community college leaders want to collaborate more with both community-based organizations and institutions of higher education to fulfill that mission.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Discussion
More collaboration with institutions of higher education is seen as desirable, but public and private (non-education) entities are seen as the best (most valuable) partners.
Institutions from different sectors of higher education have the most difficulty in forming partnerships for economic development because of differing missions and goals.
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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Questions for Discussion
Can institutions from different sectors of higher education collaborate on economic development activities?
Why wouldn’t universities want to collaborate with community colleges on rural economic development activities?
Why wouldn’t rural community colleges want to collaborate?
RCCA Annual Meeting October 4, 2004
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For more information
Please refer to:Pennington, K., & Williams, M.R. (2004).
“Rural community colleges and economic development: Leaders’ perceptions on collaboration”. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College, 11(2), 33-43.