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
Ep. 23 - Gina Sheurman, University of Illinois - Springfield
"I’m a middle-aged mom, and here I was back in college. But I would tell anyone—if you’ve got a goal, go for it. Don’t let the barriers of being a rural student stop you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way."
On this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Gina Sheurman, a first-generation college graduate and rural advocate from West-Central Illinois. Gina recently earned her MBA from the University of Illinois–Springfield—more than 20 years after completing her undergraduate degree—and graduated on the same day as her son.
Gina shares her incredible journey through higher education as a non-traditional student, working professional, and parent. From switching majors and returning home to help her family’s business, to balancing work, school, and family responsibilities, Gina offers an honest and inspiring look at what it means to pursue education later in life. She also kept a blog about her experiences in graduate school: "Surviving and Thriving - A Journey of Change." I highly encourage you to check it out.
Finally, Gina talks about the systemic barriers that rural students face—including limited access to advanced high school courses, transfer student financial aid gaps, and unreliable internet—and calls on institutions to rethink how they support adult learners.
This is a great episode with a lot of practical, real-world advice for current and future rural students. Enjoy!