Dr. Roy Silver represents Southeast and the Board of Rural Community College Alliance in Washington D.C.

Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College Professor Dr. Roy Silver represented the college and the Board of the Rural Community College Alliance by participating recently in a series of meetings held in Washington, D.C. During the sessions, Silver met with various representatives of the White House Rural Council, Secretary Arnie Duncan of the Dept. of Education, assistant secretaries from the Dept. of Agriculture and Frank D. Lucas, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Duncan told the more than 55 representatives of rural community colleges that they are an important component of the economic engine by saying: We cannot do enough to help you! He went on to explain that rural community colleges across the nation are crucial to career agenda of the Dept. of Education. Duncan noted he has a goal that every high school graduate would have college credits in their back pockets.

Additionally, the Rural Community College Alliance presented research that documented the challenges the recent changes in Pell Grant allocations have adversely impacted colleges and students. Dr. Silver said he and other participants believe the information that was shared and the personal relations they developed can facilitate improved opportunities for all rural community colleges.