An African American young woman in a gray suit with her black hair pulled back in a ponytail and glasses discusses the research poster in front of her with a man with gray hair. He is wearing glasses and a blue jacket. The woman stands on the left and the man is on the right. They are both facing the research poster on an easel and the photograph was captured behind them. — 2023 Rural Scholar Karen Kotey explains her summer research project during last year's Rural Renewal Symposium. The 2024 Rural Scholars will also present their research at this year's symposium in Ardmore. (Photo provided by Linnea Harvey, Rural Renewal Initiative)

Community leaders and researchers encouraged to attend Rural Renewal Symposium

Monday, September 16, 2024

Media Contact: Gail Ellis | Editorial Communications Coordinator | 405-744-9152 | gail.ellis@okstate.edu

Registration is open for the 2024 Rural Renewal Symposium at Lake Murray Lodge Oct. 8-10, 2024 in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Hosted by Oklahoma State University’s Rural Renewal Initiative, the annual event raises awareness and promotes research to solve the challenges of today’s rural communities.

Students, faculty, community members, nonprofit organizations, corporations, government leaders and tribal leaders nationwide are invited to learn about the latest trends and strategies for rural renewal.

The symposium will feature guest speakers, research presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. University faculty and rural community leaders nationwide will address the following topics:

The impacts of drought on rural communities
Educational needs in rural areas
Revitalizing rural capitals
Rural resilience to extreme weather events
Mapping health care access in rural Oklahoma
Rural Oklahoma’s experience with the production and sales of medical marijuana
Strategies of resilience from the American Indian Culture
Youth perspectives on rural communities
Overview of the 2024 Rural Scholars program
Recognition of the 2024 Rural Renewal Research Prize, Rural Renewal Citizenship and Weckler Prize winners

The symposium will also highlight the final research results of the 16 2024 Rural Scholars. These students lived and worked in rural Oklahoma communities for 10 weeks over the summer, conducting research and community service projects. Conclusions from their summer research will be presented at the poster session, and one outstanding scholar will be awarded the Weckler Prize.

Following the symposium’s program on Wednesday, Oct. 9, OSU’s Rural Renewal Initiative will offer industry tours in the neighboring community of Madill. The tour will include three options: Landgraf Pecan Farm, Oklahoma Steel and Wire, and a new state-of-the-art agriculture education facility at Madill High School.

Attendees will reconvene at the high school for dinner, a panel discussion with community leaders, and the Rural Renewal Citizenship Prize winner presentation.

Rural Renewal Research Prize

Alex Red Corn, associate professor and director of the University of Kansas Indigenous Studies program and associate vice chancellor of Tribal Relations

Originally from Oklahoma and a member of the Osage Nation, Alex Red Corn received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas in science and education and a doctorate from Kansas State University in educational leadership. He participates in advocacy work for indigenous education.

This award is distributed to a global leader in rural renewal research, education and engagement. Honorees are employed by colleges, universities or research institutions worldwide and nominated by their colleagues. The prize includes a plaque and cash award.

Rural Renewal Citizenship Prize

Suzanne Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Vian Community Charitable Trust

Suzanne Sullivan is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in English education and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. She has served as the community and economic development advisor for the Vian community and is the town’s grant writer. Sullivan also established the Vian Junior Miss Scholarship Program and was director for 30 years.

This award recognizes a leader who has made important contributions to the renewal of one or more rural communities. The recipient is an exceptional role model, promotes community welfare and advocates for community needs. The prize includes a plaque and cash award.

Registration details and more information about the Rural Renewal Symposium are available online. To learn more, contact Linnea Harvey, Rural Renewal Initiative coordinator, at ruralrenewal@okstate.edu.