The Rural College Student Experience
The Rural College Student Experience is the first and only podcast dedicated exclusively to centering rural college student voices in conversations about higher education access and equity. This podcast is a space for rural students to share their stories, inspire others, and challenge the misconceptions about rural college students.
Hosted by Dr. Matt Newlin (mattnewlin.com), RCSE features student guests —a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student from a rural background—who shares their experiences navigating college. Together, we discuss the barriers and challenges rural students face, as well as the resilience, strengths, and successes that define our journeys.
Find us on Bluesky: @rcsepod.bsky.social
The Rural College Student Experience
Washington University Heartland Initiative
On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by co-host Mallorie Goodwin to discuss the Heartland Initiative at Washington University in St. Louis. Mallorie is a sophomore at Wash U and grew up in Waynesville, Missouri, about two hours west of St. Louis. She is also a Rural Peer Ambassador working to increase enrollment and belonging for other rural students.
Joining Matt and Mallorie is Dacoda Scarlett, Associate Director for Rural Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. Dacoda shares how WashU is trying to attract and retain more rural students. He also talks about the university's participation in the larger STARS College Network.
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