The Rural College Student Experience

Special Series: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Rural Student Success - Part 2

This episode of The Rural College Student Experience is the second conversation in a special two-part series in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin [https://www.mattnewlinconsulting.com/] is joined by two students - Amber and Abigail - who share their journeys from different rural communities in Missouri to college. Their stories highlight the many paths rural students take to higher education and the resilience it often requires to get there. * Amber, who moved frequently growing up but most recently called Holcomb, Missouri home, is now a junior studying Interior Design at Southeast Missouri State University.  * Abigail (Abi), from Warrensburg, Missouri, is pursuing a degree in Social Work at Evangel University, with plans to continue on to earn her Master of Social Work. Throughout the conversation, Amber and Abi talk about growing up in small towns, navigating college as first-generation and non-traditional students, and adjusting to life in larger communities while pursuing their academic goals. They also discuss the financial realities of college, the importance of finding the right institutional fit, and the unique challenges rural students can face: from transportation barriers and financial pressures to feeling like they don’t always belong in academic spaces. The episode also highlights the critical role that scholarships, advising, and student support programs can play in helping rural students succeed. Both students share how the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, including programs like the Ava Grace Scholarship and the Flourish mental health program, has supported them not only financially but personally throughout their college journeys. Founded in 1920, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is based on the conviction that an educated society is essential to a democracy. The Foundation provides access to postsecondary education to members of our community who otherwise would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. In 2025, more than 540 students were awarded over $6 million in direct financial support in the form of grants and interest-free loans. Learn more at www.sfstl.org [http://www.sfstl.org]. This episode offers an honest look at the realities rural students face—and the impact that the right support systems can have in helping them persist, succeed, and build the futures they envision.

Special Series: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Rural Student Success - Part 1

This episode of The Rural College Student Experience is part one of a special two-part series in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis [https://sfstl.org/]. In this conversation, Dr. Matt Newlin [https://www.mattnewlinconsulting.com/] is joined by three current college students from rural Missouri communities - Jillian Rogers, Xavier Mason, and Sophie Davis - to talk about what it means to navigate higher education while coming from places that are often overlooked in larger conversations about college access and student success. * Jillian Rogers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-rogers-550b522a7/], from Lone Jack, Missouri just outside Kansas City, is now a first-year law student at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. * Xavier Mason [https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-mason-b250922aa/], from Clinton, Missouri, is a first-year fashion design and marketing major at Washington University in St. Louis. * Sophie Davis [https://www.instagram.com/sophiiedavisss/?__d=11], who grew up in Steelville, Missouri, is a senior nursing major at Truman State University. Together, they reflect on the strengths rural students bring with them, the barriers they often face on the way to and through college, and the importance of finding the right institutional fit, supportive people, and resources that make persistence possible. The episode also highlights the role of scholarships, advising, and wraparound support in helping students not only enroll in college, but succeed once they get there. Throughout the conversation, the students speak candidly about the challenges of access, the complexities of applying to college and graduate school, and the ways that financial support and mentorship can change a student’s trajectory. Founded in 1920, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is based on the conviction that an educated society is essential to a democracy. The Foundation provides access to postsecondary education to members of our community who otherwise would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. In 2025, over 540 students were awarded more than $6 million in direct financial support in the form of grants and interest-free loans from The Scholarship Foundation. For more information, visit www.sfstl.org [http://www.sfstl.org]. This episode is a powerful reminder that when rural students are supported with the right combination of financial resources, personal encouragement, and institutional care, they are more than capable of thriving.

North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University

In this episode, we travel to Northern California to hear from three incredible rural college students - Isa O’Brion, Kierra Alford, and Simran Wraich - who are blazing trails at California State University, Chico. All three are members of the North State Student Ambassadors [https://www.csuchico.edu/civic/ambassadors.shtml] program, a powerful peer-led initiative that connects rural high school and community college students with current Chico State students who come from similar rural communities. Isa, Kierra, and Simran share their personal journeys growing up in Siskiyou County and how their rural identities have shaped their college experiences, their leadership on campus, and their dedication to outreach and mentorship. From presentations at rural high schools to statewide conferences, these ambassadors are helping others see what’s possible—while staying grounded in their roots. We talk about what it means to belong in college when you come from a tight-knit rural town, the digital and social barriers rural students still face, and the hope that comes with giving back to your home community. You’ll hear stories about career dreams, mentorship moments, and how rural identity shows up on campus in powerful, everyday ways. Whether you’re an educator, policy leader, or student affairs professional, this episode is a reminder that rural isn’t just where you’re from, but a foundational part of learners' identities.  Follow the North State Student Ambassadors on social media:  NSSA.chico.state (TikTok) Chicostatestudentambassadors (Instagram)

Ep. 26 - Rural Admissions Interns, University of Notre Dame

In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin [https://www.mattnewlinconsulting.com/] sits down with three incredible students — Bjorn Mauritsen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjorn-mauritsen-3681a02a8/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app], Ella Bussell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-bussell-34760531a/], and Herjok Panther Deng Agot [https://www.linkedin.com/in/herjok-panther-deng-agot-483b84209/] — who share their journeys from rural communities to the University of Notre Dame, where they now serve as Rural Admissions Interns [https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-joins-stars-college-network-to-support-small-town-and-rural-prospective-students/]. We explore the unique challenges rural students face when navigating the college admissions process, from limited access to test preparation and guidance counseling to financial barriers and cultural differences on campus. The conversation digs deep into how growing up in rural areas shapes students’ perspectives on community, connection, and success — and why intentional, equity-focused outreach matters. Bjorn, Ella, and Panther also share their work as Rural Admissions Interns, where they’re helping Notre Dame better understand and support prospective students from rural backgrounds [https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-joins-stars-college-network-to-support-small-town-and-rural-prospective-students/]. Through outreach, campus programming, and sharing their lived experiences, they’re working to make the path to college clearer and more accessible for students from small towns and remote areas. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or higher ed practitioner, this episode offers insights into how rural student voices can shape more inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.

Ep. 25 - Josh Farris, University of Virginia

“When you grow up in a rural area, you’re taught that communication is a form of expression and a way of connection, not just to talk to people when you want something from them. People like to be talked to. People love to just be known on a very personal level.” — Josh Farris In this episode of The Rural College Student Experience, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Josh Farris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-f-600b99332/], a first-generation college graduate [https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2022/02/08/research-based-advice-how-support-first-gen-students-opinion] of the University of Virginia. Josh's journey from a small town to UVA — and now to advocacy and research at Leadership Brainery — highlights the power of persistence, resourcefulness, and human connection. Josh opens up about navigating cultural mismatches, financial aid challenges, and the complexities of transitioning from an intimate rural community into larger, more competitive academic spaces. He also shares how rural students’ communication styles, resilience, and interconnectedness can be powerful assets on college campuses. We also dive into Josh’s current work at Leadership Brainery [https://www.leadershipbrainery.org/], where he focuses on expanding access to graduate education for underrepresented students and empowering future change-makers. Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate, Josh’s story is a reminder of the strengths rural learners bring with them — and how institutions can better support their success.