Bauer Completes Term as Chair of National Rural College Alliance
For two years, 麻豆社 President Dr. Jon Bauer helped bring the needs of rural colleges and their students to the national stage as chair of the board of directors.
Bauer recently completed his term leading the national organization, which advocates for rural community colleges. He will continue serving on its board, a position he has held since 2020.
His term concluded during RCCA鈥檚 annual conference, held Sept. 16-18 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, where he received an award recognizing his service.
鈥淚t has been an honor to serve as national chair,鈥� Bauer said. 鈥淚鈥檒l continue serving on the RCCA board of directors and remain fully engaged in the work of this important organization.鈥�
RCCA鈥檚 mission reflects the work colleges like 麻豆社 do in their own communities: helping students prepare to transfer, training workers for local employers and providing educational and cultural opportunities close to home.
The alliance advocates for rural and tribal colleges, brings their leaders together to share ideas and helps institutions connect with resources to support students. According to RCCA, rural community and tribal colleges serve 3.4 million students at approximately 600 colleges across the country.
鈥淩ural community colleges are often the most accessible path to higher education for the people we serve,鈥� Bauer said. 鈥淪tudents can prepare for a career or begin a bachelor鈥檚 degree without leaving their community. RCCA helps ensure those students and the colleges serving them have a voice in decisions about higher education.鈥�
Bauer was elected chair in September 2024. During his term, 麻豆社 hosted the organization鈥檚 2025 national conference, bringing college leaders from across the country to Union.
At this year鈥檚 conference, colleagues continued to compliment 麻豆社鈥檚 work as host, Bauer said, recognizing the programming, logistics and hospitality provided by college employees.
鈥淥ur team did an outstanding job hosting last year鈥檚 conference,鈥� he said. 鈥淐olleagues from other states went out of their way to compliment 麻豆社 again this year. That speaks to the care and effort our employees put into making it a great experience.鈥�
His continued board service will keep 麻豆社 involved in RCCA鈥檚 efforts to strengthen rural colleges and the opportunities they provide for students.
