Rural Education National Site Visit: Eastern Kentucky
- kamryn biliter
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Morehead State University and Morgan County Middle Schools welcome visitors to eastern Kentucky for a national site visit.
October 30, 2025
On October 15, representatives from Rural Schools Collaborative and the Bezos Family Foundation teamed up for a rural education site visit to eastern Kentucky.
Morehead State University is the leading educator preparation institution for the surrounding 22 counties, and anchors Rural Schools Collaborative’s Appalachian Regional Hub.
“At Morehead State, we believe that preparing educators for rural
schools is not just a mission—it's a responsibility. Our partnership with Rural Schools Collaborative is a point of pride for the college.”
- Dr. Nicola Mason, Dean of the Volgenau College of Education, Morehead State University
MSU’s Appalachian Future Educators launched in 2021 with support from RSC’s Rural Teacher Corps Catalyst Grant, and continues as part of the Community of Learners Rural Teacher Corps Network. The AFE program, led by Dr. Kimberlee Sharp, intentionally recruits and prepares excellent rural teachers through scholarships, professional development, and mentoring.
The site visit began with a student-led tour of Morgan County Middle School in West Liberty, KY. Morgan County Middle School is a partner site for MSU students to complete their teaching field experience. This Title 1 school serves approximately 375 students, and is led by Principal Amber Adams, Deputy Superintendent Katlin Haney, and Superintendent of Schools Ralph Hamilton. All three leaders are alumni of the district, and Mrs. Adams and Dr. Hamilton both attended Morehead State University.
Ms. Stevi Salyers, a 2025 Appalachian Future Educator alumna, welcomed visitors into her 6th grade math classroom during the visit.
On the tour, visitors also learned about wrap-around supports provided by the school, including counseling, free hygiene supplies and clothing, snacks and prizes, and beyond. All adults at Morgan County Middle School are unified in a strong commitment to do anything in their power to support their students, families, and community.
The day concluded with a visit to Morehead State University's campus and a roundtable discussion with eight current members of the Appalachian Future Educators who are preparing to enter the teaching profession. Each student shared a strong sense of place and love for their home communities of rural Appalachia.
“This visit is a powerful affirmation of the work our students and faculty are doing every day to uplift rural schools. We're honored to showcase our commitment to preparing educators who understand and embrace the unique strengths of Appalachian communities.”
- Dr. Kimberlee Sharp, AFE Director, Morehead State University
RSC extends a thank you to Daniel Meekins and Chris Plutte of the Bezos Family Foundation team for their visit, and a special thank you to the Morehead State University and Morgan County Schools team for hosting. To learn more about Bezos Family Foundation’s work with Rural Schools Collaborative, visit this story on the Grants in Place program.
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