Michelle Adkins

SALEM — Dr. David Dees, dean and chief administrative officer for the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, announces that Michelle Adkins is the newly appointed outreach program coordinator for the Rural Scholars Program on the Salem and East Liverpool campuses.

Most recently, Adkins served as the outreach program coordinator with Workforce Development on the Kent State Trumbull Campus, a role she held for three years.

Prior to that, Adkins was the outreach program manager with the Ohio State University Extension Program from 2004 to 2013, working with 4-H programs in the Cortland area. From 1999 to 2004, she served as the outreach program manager for the Michigan State University’s Extension Program and its 4-H youth development program.

Adkins graduated from the Ohio State University in 1995 with a bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture and in 2001 with a master’s of science degree in human and community resource development.

Adkins lives in Leetonia and is a certified test proctor with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council. She received her certification as a global career development facilitator in 2016 from the National Career Development Association.

The Kent State Rural Scholars Program is designed to offer local first-generation college-bound students and their families the knowledge and social support needed to succeed at a university. The ultimate goal is for each student in the program to complete a post-secondary education with credentials necessary to succeed in his or her career.

Middle school and high school students are selected by their respective schools to participate based their academic and leadership potential. Participating schools include Crestview Local, East Liverpool City Schools, Leetonia Exempted Village, Lisbon Village Exempted, Salem City Schools, Southern Local Schools, United Local Schools and Wellsville Local Schools.

The scholars participate in year-round activities that help them better understand the resources and opportunities that are available in nearby communities. Hands-on workshops and programming help them learn about careers in business, industry, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and technology, while other sessions provide intensive lessons in environmental sciences, health and physical science, leadership, communication and study skills.

The program also includes Kent State students who serve as mentors to the rural scholars. Each is also a first-generation college student from Columbiana County with a strong record of academic success and a desire to serve the community.