ARRC | About

ARRC is a research collaborative and resource hub with the mission of increasing appreciation for and understanding of regional colleges and their contributions to opportunity and community wellbeing. As a center at Appalachian State University, the
multi-year initiative aims to build research infrastructure, produce data-driven analysis,
and disseminate accessible knowledge for a range of audiences.

ARRC’s Five Areas of Strategic Focus

Building

capacity to generate research and greater understanding of the sector

Documenting

contributions of regional colleges to individuals and communities

Defining

what it means to be a regional or rural-serving college

Advocating

for regional colleges and the communities they serve

Analyzing

policies, practices, and pressing issues in the public interest

ARRC projects have been supported by the following organizations:

ARRC is co-directed by five leading researchers on regional colleges and postsecondary education in rural contexts: Dr. Alisa Hicklin Fryar (professor at the University of Oklahoma), Dr. Andrew Koricich (associate professor at Appalachian State University), Dr. Kevin McClure (associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington), Dr. Cecilia Orphan (associate professor at the University of Denver), and Dr. Vanessa Sansone (assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio).