STILLWATER, Okla. – Registration is now open for the 2025 Rural Renewal Symposium in Woodward, Oklahoma, from Nov. 3-5.
The three-day event will combine guest speakers, oral and poster presentations by researchers, discussions for community leaders, networking opportunities and award presentations.
The symposium, designed to raise awareness, attract resources and stimulate research toward solving rural community challenges, is open to faculty, students and rural community members.
Corporate partners, non-profit organizations and government and tribal leaders are invited to participate, too.
A variety of topics will be highlighted through research presentations, panel discussions and guest speakers. Some key areas this year include:
• Resilience and “hometown pride” across rural communities
• Rural health transformation
• Rural climate impacts
• Education and youth development • Community resources
• Community health and design
• Community resilience among American Indians The full agenda, as well as registration details, can be found online here. For more information, contact Dr. Audrey Kingat ruralrenewal@ okstate.edu On Nov. 4, the symposium will host tours around the Woodward area, including the High Plains Tech Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services and a downtown walk of Woodward, starting at 2 p.m.
Attendees are responsible for their own accommodations, but hotel rooms are available at the Candlewood Suites in Woodward.
2025 RURAL RENEWAL RESEARCH PRIZE Dr. John Green, director of the Southern Rural Development Center and professor at Mississippi State University A leader in rural demographic and community development research, Dr. John Green received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University and a doctorate from the University of Missouri in rural sociology.
Green’s work has championed rural communities and highlighted rural challenges and opportunities. As director of the Southern Rural Development Center, Green has been vital in establishing networks between universities and community, state and national organizations.
This prize is distributed to a global leader in rural renewal research, education and engagement. Honorees are employed by colleges, universities or research institutions worldwide and nominated by their colleagues. The prize includes a plaque and cash award.
2025 RURAL RENEWAL CITIZENSHIP PRIZE
Jamey Mitchell, Mayor of the City of Texhoma Born and raised in Texhoma, Jamey Mitchell has overseen several multimillion-dollar community improvement projects as mayor, including renovations to the public library and downtown beautification. Mitchell also helped form a cooperative EMS service with Guymon, enhancing emergency medical response for the surrounding rural area.
An Oklahoma State graduate, Mitchell also serves as the executive vice president and CFO at Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma.
This prize recognizes a leader who has made important contributions to the renewal of one or more rural communities. The recipient is an exceptional role model, promotes community welfare and advocates for community needs. The prize includes a plaque and cash award.
OSU Extension uses research- based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
