Rural Community College Alliance

Reading the Future: Strategic Foresight, Weak Signals, and Building a Future-Focused Institution
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
What Strategic Foresight Is and Why It MattersThis webinar introduces strategic foresight and how it differs from traditional planning—highlighting why it’s a powerful tool for rural community colleges navigating enrollment shifts, funding volatility, and rapid technological change. Participants will learn to recognize major drivers shaping higher education, spot “weak signals” of emerging change, and apply practical foresight tools to strengthen long-term decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
Understand how foresight helps colleges anticipate risks and opportunities.
Explore technology, demographic, workforce, and policy trends shaping rural higher ed.
Gain practical tools to embed futures thinking into everyday leadership.

Expanding Possibilities: Helping Rural and Appalachian Students and their Communities Thrive
2026-02-26 11:00 - 12:00
Join us to explore how innovative partnerships are expanding educational and career opportunities for rural and Appalachian students—empowering them to build successful futures within their own communities. Hear firsthand from a graduate who leveraged local and online education to launch a rewarding career close to home, and from a community college provost on how collaboration is increasing access and strengthening the local workforce. Learn how alliances among community colleges and education partners are opening new doors for students, and discover future innovations designed to help rural learners and their communities thrive together.
Guest Panelists:
Danny Paquette
Senior Data Analyst, Institutional Analytics and Research
Western Governors University

Giovanni Plascencia
Solutions Developer
College of Southern Idaho (Member RCCA)
WGU & CSI Graduate

Melissa Wertz, Ed.D.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Edison State Community College (Member CCA)

Facilitators:
Christy Seawall
Senior Transfer Partner Executive (RCCA)
Western Governors University

Krista Spencer
Senior Transfer Partner Executive (CCA)
Western Governors University

Mentor Collective Peer Mentoring that Drives Student Success
2026-03-18 11:00 - 12:00
Discover how Mentor Collective’s peer mentoring platform helps rural community colleges foster belonging, boost student confidence, and improve retention. This webinar will showcase how scalable, student-driven mentorship creates authentic connections, delivers actionable insights into student challenges, and directs learners to the support they need—when they need it.

Toolkit of Resources: Using Technology to Support Postsecondary Student Learning.
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00
How can colleges leverage technology to strengthen student learning outcomes?
Join us for an interactive session designed to help colleges use technology with purpose. This
session will introduce a research-based practice guide and toolkit focused on strengthening
student learning in the college classroom.
Together, we’ll highlight practical, evidence-based recommendations for using technology
effectively, consider how emerging tools like AI fit into the picture, and discuss concrete next
steps for implementation.
Participants will leave with:
● Toolkit materials to support implementation
● Actionable ideas for the classroom
● Access to optional support to help move from research to practice
Facilitators
● Patrick Moyle directs WestEd’s Digital Fluency Project and brings deep experience in
designing and facilitating remote, hybrid, and in-person professional learning.
● Irisa Charney-Sirott is a leader in WestEd’s Center for Teaching and Learning,
specializing in technology-enhanced learning, literacy, and classroom-based research.
� https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z7WK4TdLQlqqmWydjHgOfg#/registration

2026 National Conference
2026-09-16 - 2026-09-18 | Northwest Mississippi Community College, 4975 US 51, Senatobia, MS, United States
Plan to join us at Northwest Mississipi Community College in Senatobia Mississippi.

Watch this short video to learn more about NMCC and the Senatobia Community
