POTSDAM – The State University of New York at Potsdam has been selected to join the Rural Student Success Network, a new national cohort of colleges and universities working to expand opportunity and improve outcomes for rural students.

Led by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in collaboration with Ithaka S+R, the Rural Student Success Network is designed to strengthen student success and economic mobility at rural-serving institutions. 

Supported by a two-year grant from ECMC Foundation's Rural Impact Initiative, the Rural Student Success Network brings together 17 bachelor's degree-granting, rural-serving institutions committed to improving outcomes for community college transfer students and adult learners, while aligning academic programs with local and regional workforce needs. 

"SUNY Potsdam is deeply committed to expanding access and opportunity for all learners, including adult students and transfer students across our region. As an alumna and past rural student myself, I remember how transformational my own undergraduate experience was here at Potsdam," said Provost Dr. Susan L. Perkins '93. "Participation in the Rural Student Success Network will allow us to strengthen that work -- using data, collaboration, and shared best practices to ensure that all of our students can thrive and achieve their goals."

SUNY Potsdam was one of four campuses from the State University of New York system that were chosen to take part in the network. Collectively, the 17 participating universities are all public, small-to-mid-sized institutions spanning 12 states, representing the wide diversity of rurality nationwide. From Hawaii to Vermont, each institution will bring unique contexts, priorities and needs that will enrich the Network.

"Rural-serving institutions are engines of opportunity for students and communities alike," said Lisa Hunter, AASCU's associate vice president for academic innovation and transformation. "Through this network, AASCU and Ithaka S+R are creating a structured space for institutions to learn from one another, strengthen student success strategies, and build capacity to meet the evolving needs of rural learners and regional economies." 

Over the next two years, participating institutions will engage in peer learning, data-informed self-assessment, and targeted technical assistance. Each will receive a $15,000 subgrant from Ithaka S+R to support participation in convenings, data sharing, and continuous improvement activities. Institutions will also receive customized insights based on institutional, state and federal data to help guide decision-making and program alignment. 

The Rural Student Success Network will culminate in a public case study report and summative brief authored by Ithaka S+R, offering actionable lessons and a roadmap for other rural-serving institutions nationwide. 

Through this collaboration, AASCU and Ithaka S+R aim to amplify effective practices, strengthen institutional capacity, and expand postsecondary opportunities for rural learners across the country.