News
Zavada begins Morton Gneiss Professorship
Dr. Michael Zavada is the first person selected for the Morton Gneiss Professorship in Environmental Sciences at UMN Morris, starting this fall.
UMN Morris Theatre announces 2023-2024 season
A drama, a comedic musical, and the annual children's theatre production are part of the upcoming UMN Morris theatre season.
Black has positive summer experimenting in physics lab
Kara Black ’23, Lakeville, spent this past summer putting the final touches a project that will benefit incoming physics students.
'Native Enough' exhibit debuts at UMN Morris
The exhibit is a combination of interview excerpts alongside the present-day portraits of Native college students, which has never been seen in a gallery before.
Keith Brugger named Fellow of the Geological Society of America
The geology professor is among 32 earth scientists worldwide to receive the honor.
UMN Morris welcomes Distinguished Visiting Professor Michelle Janning
Michelle Janning is a sociology professor and endowed chair of social sciences at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.
UMN Morris launches new bike program with community partners
UMN Morris has launched a new bike program.
University of Minnesota Driven to Discover Research returning to the Stevens County Fair
Among the various Driven to Discover research projects being conducted at the 2023 Stevens County Fair in Morris, Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Rhetoric Barbara Burke is researching health communications.
Morris Model wins Department of Energy competition to energize rural communities
The Morris Model, an award-winning group made up of partner organizations working together towards a shared vision of advancing a sustainable community in Morris, Minnesota and West-Central Minnesota, is among 67 winners in the first phase of the $6.7 million Energizing Rural Communities Prize.
Four area high school students selected to attend 2023 World Food Prize Foundation Global Youth Institute
Based on scoring by the World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF) board of reviewers and Morris Challenge Youth Institute roundtable experts, four participants in the Morris Challenge Youth Institute have been selected to attend the 2023 World Food Prize Foundation Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa.
Events
Past Symposiums
Understanding Rural Migration: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities Exposed
June 4-5, 2014
The 2014 symposium sought to broaden and change elements of the current rural narrative by listening to the stories and myths told about rural areas and small-town migration and evaluating trends in rural migration. This symposium contributed to the creation of the Midwest Rural Migration Network and Resources, and featured a variety of discussions, presentations, and speakers on topics such as newcomers and the youth voice.
Rural Arts and Culture Summit
June 2013
In 2013 the Center for Small Towns partnered with Springboard for the Arts to host the Rural Arts and Culture Summit. The event brought rural developers and artists to improve and revitalize small towns throughout the country.
Reigniting Community Leadership: Being Bold in the Face of Change
June 14, 2012
The 2012 symposium, and companion event, the Leadership Chautauqua, focused on the challenges and opportunities in rural leadership development. The symposium included a variety of presentations and panels as well as featured speaker, facilitator, and rural development expert Luther Snow. The symposium also featured a panel on positive practices in talking about rural places, and engaged participants in a series of breakout sessions and conversations surrounding small towns. The symposium encouraged attendees to think about their place in the changing landscapes of small towns, and developing their own leadership skills.
Finding Solutions and Redefining Communities
June 9-10, 2010
The 2010 symposium sought to engage the shared ingenuity and optimism of participants on issues of leadership, capacity building, and practical improvements for small communities in Minnesota. There was a diverse array of speakers and panelists, including gubernatorial candidates, the Minnesota State Director for USDA Rural Development, a featured panel of success stories, and a variety of breakout sessions to engage conversation amongst participants. The symposium attempted to strengthen rural-urban connections to create a thriving Minnesota for all.
The Power of Small: Building Solutions for Energy Self-Reliance
June 3-4, 2008
The 2008 symposium focused on learning about and exploring the social, economic, environmental, and political factors that surround small scale food, fuel, and power systems for schools and local governments. The symposium endeavored to provide solutions for colleges/universities, K-12 schools, and local governments. The symposium also created avenues for participants to network, mentor, and seek new educational opportunities.
Leveraging Resources to Improve Schools and Communities
June 5-6, 2007
The 2007 symposium focused on the relationships between rural communities and schools and identifying the resources needed during challenging times. The relationship between schools and rural communities has always been an important one, and the symposium endeavored to better understand, discuss, and analyze that relationship. Participants were encouraged to consider the ways that we learn, how the roles and structure of learning institutions are changing, and how schools can help communities while still meeting their academic missions. The symposium highlighted a number of keynote speakers and engaged a wide variety of participants.
Working Better Together for the Common Good
June 6-7, 2006
The 2006 symposium and MN Rural Summit marked the declaration of June 6, 2006 as Celebrate Small Towns Day, as announced by Governor Tim Pawlenty. The symposium brought together community leaders from across the state to learn from one another and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of small towns in Minnesota. Participants discussed and learned about the economic, cultural, and educational contributions that originate from small towns, as well as coming together to create ideas on the theme of “working better together for the common good.”
Shaping Our Future
June 7-8, 2005
The 2005 symposium featured opportunities to learn about and discuss the current political framework surrounding small towns. Participants worked to identify future trends and conditions of rural places and celebrate small towns and rural living. The symposium welcomed a group of rural residents, professionals, organizers, elected officials, and other interested members of small towns to join in the two day run of activities. The symposium included a bill of topical speakers, discussions, breakout sessions, and activities that highlighted and explored the unique issues facing small towns.
Rural Communities Adapting to the New Century
June 8-9, 2004
The 2004 symposium focused on the unique qualities of small towns and rural areas. The two day symposium featured individuals taking responsibility for creating positive change in communities. Throughout the symposium participants discussed and learned about how rural communities are adapting to current challenges and how the current political framework can be changed to better support small towns. Community projects and their leaders were showcased, creating an environment where rural living was celebrated.
Rural Minnesota and a Century of Change
June 10-11, 2003
The 2003 symposium brought together leaders from across Minnesota to examine, describe, and discuss the changes witnessed by small towns in Minnesota between 1900 and 2000. The symposium’s target audience included K-12 education personnel; economic development specialists; city and county personnel such as planners, managers and council members; Extension educators; rural development organizations; and citizen action groups. The session topics were diverse and broad, delving into everything from population to politics. The final session brought together a variety of speakers from throughout the symposium to discuss future research needs of small towns.