Celebrating the University of Denver Rural Summit 2025 Conference!

We had a very successful DU Rural Summit 2025 conference on June 26-27 in Pueblo, Colorado and wanted to share some highlights with the Colorado gifted community. The DU Rural Summit brought together rural educators, researchers, and leaders from across the country to address the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education. The event revealed a genuine sense of community and hunger for connection and collaboration among participants. Feedback from the event highlighted the power of networking with others who share similar challenges and a passion for rural education, and many participants noted how the conference energized them and provided valuable resources they could implement in their work.

Our Signature Speakers: Dean Michelle Knight-Manuel, Amy Price Azano, Allen Pratt, Loni Crumb, Norma Hafenstein, Jerry Johnson, Kristina Hesbol, & Lindsey Reinert 

Our Policy Panel focused on Rural Education Policy Challenges & Opportunities  

Kristina Hesbol (moderator), Rebecca McKinney, Frank Reeves, Janice Marchman, Floyd Cobb 

Our rural education award recipients- Learn more via the digital program

Ann Robinson and Deb Nielsen 

Some quotes from attendees:  

"I loved connecting with rural educators, researchers, and leaders from all over the country and especially my Colorado peers. The balance of academic knowledge, lived experiences, and stories that were shared."

"The networking opportunities, keynote speakers, and the content being geared to gifted and rural are the real gems of this event."

"I appreciated the 'academic' approach to the event. It's always great to hear from researchers and those who study trends in rural dynamics when it comes to education. Smaller venue, felt intimate.

"The Summit was energizing and the positivity spread throughout the sessions which made the sessions impactful."

Click here to access the digital program with embedded links to pre-recorded presentations and post conference materials.