As a rural-located, rural-serving institution, 91ֱ�� has built a strong portfolio of programs and partnerships addressing rural challenges and opportunities. By leading in rural higher education, Culver-Stockton prepares students with skills and perspectives relevant in any community, region, or professional environment. The Center for Rural Opportunity formalizes that work by serving as an umbrella structure for key rural-focused initiatives, including Tri-State Development, while preserving academic ownership within the College’s divisions and classrooms.

“The Center for Rural Opportunity reflects who we are and how we lead,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, President of 91ֱ��. “It brings focus and visibility to important programs like Tri-State Development while positioning the College to expand its impact through coordinated strategy and national engagement.”

Programs, curriculum, and academic leadership will remain within the academic divisions. The Center for Rural Opportunity functions as the institutional platform that defines and communicates 91ֱ��’s expertise in rural higher education, providing a clear identity for external partners, funders, and collaborators.

Through the Center for Rural Opportunity, 91ֱ�� will:

• Serve as an umbrella for signature rural-focused programs, including Tri-State Development
• Align rural initiatives across academic, co-curricular, and applied learning environments
• Expand high-impact student experiences focused on leadership and rural challenges
• Strengthen regional and national partnerships
• Increase competitiveness for state, federal, and private funding opportunities

Tri-State Development, a multi-county regional economic and community development initiative administered by 91ֱ��, exemplifies the type of work the Center is designed to support and elevate.

Learn more about Tri-State Development at /tsd/.