“It’s a Long Way from Here”: Mapping Rural-Serving Community College Educators’ Work Across Landscapes of Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rural-serving community colleges (RSCCs) play vital roles in their communities yet often struggle to facilitate student transfer to further education, especially in STEM fields. This mixed methods study explored how rural STEM educators leverage relationships to support transfer. Social network analysis of focus groups with 36 educators at five rural colleges revealed interconnected webs of statewide ties. Network maps illuminated diverse connections bridged to expand possibilities, though each college manifested unique relational patterns. The structural analysis identified dynamics like strained administration ties and program silos contributing to isolation. Highly networked “systems conveners” modeled boundary-crossing, forming expansive links to resources. These findings align with social learning and ecological systems frameworks situating learning within complex environments. Fostering inclusive educator networks through targeted funding, communication, consortiums, and spotlighting systems thinkers may strengthen ties and mitigate barriers. This study directs nurturing networked ecosystems to empower equity in rural STEM education.