Bauer Completes Term as Chair of National Rural College Alliance
For two years, 91ԭƬ 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’s annual conference, held Sept. 16-18 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, where he received an award recognizing his service.
“It has been an honor to serve as national chair,” Bauer said. “I’ll continue serving on the RCCA board of directors and remain fully engaged in the work of this important organization.”
RCCA’s mission reflects the work colleges like 91ԭƬ 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.
“Rural community colleges are often the most accessible path to higher education for the people we serve,” Bauer said. “Students can prepare for a career or begin a bachelor’s degree without leaving their community. RCCA helps ensure those students and the colleges serving them have a voice in decisions about higher education.”
Bauer was elected chair in September 2024. During his term, 91ԭƬ hosted the organization’s 2025 national conference, bringing college leaders from across the country to Union.
At this year’s conference, colleagues continued to compliment 91ԭƬ’s work as host, Bauer said, recognizing the programming, logistics and hospitality provided by college employees.
“Our team did an outstanding job hosting last year’s conference,” he said. “Colleagues from other states went out of their way to compliment 91ԭƬ again this year. That speaks to the care and effort our employees put into making it a great experience.”
His continued board service will keep 91ԭƬ involved in RCCA’s efforts to strengthen rural colleges and the opportunities they provide for students.
