Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of traveling thousands of miles on the beautiful backroads of Appalachia as well as Middle and West Tennessee. I have visited schools, participated in town halls, worked booths at state fairs, and met with local employers to discuss workforce needs. No matter where I go, I always tout the value of pursuing some form of higher education. I note that there are many options, ranging from trade and technical schools to certificate programs to community colleges and four-year institutions, like East Tennessee State University where I serve as president.
Johnson City Press: Opinion: Education key to reviving rural communities