Author name: NREA Team

Dear NREA Members, It is a true privilege to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association. My career in education spans more than three decades, rooted entirely in service to rural communities—as a classroom teacher, site principal, and rural superintendent in Arizona. I’ve had the honor of leading at multiple levels, including as the Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, where I worked to elevate rural voices, grow statewide networks, and build partnerships that supported local leadership and student success.

Through the NREA Foundation, the Chance family funds the Chance Memorial Dissertation Award in recognition of doctoral research that significantly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2025 melissa@nrea.net Tucson, AZ – The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is proud to announce the

The National Forum to Advance Rural Education isn’t just a conference—it’s a dynamic, high-energy experience where passion fuels innovation and ideas spark real change.