Culver-Stockton College’s leadership in rural economic development to be recognized on global stage

CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College’s approach to rural economic development will be spotlighted at the University-Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from June 10–12. Leslie Sieck, vice president for economic and workforce development and executive director of Tri-State Development, will present her work, “How Small Colleges Power Rural Revitalization.”

This selection follows a double-blind review process, highlighting Culver-Stockton College’s influence as a leader in rural economic development. Sieck will demonstrate how small colleges serve as powerful catalysts for economic transformation, showcasing the college’s data-driven collaboration, workforce initiatives and community partnerships.

“Being selected to present at UIIN is a testament to the groundbreaking work happening at Culver-Stockton College,” Sieck said in a press release. “We are proving that small colleges are not just educational institutions. They are engines of economic and community transformation. Through collaboration, data-driven innovation and a commitment to engagement, we are reshaping the role of higher education in rural revitalization. Sharing our model on an international stage is not only an opportunity, it’s a call to action for small, rural institutions everywhere to recognize their power to drive real change.”

UIIN is a globally recognized network that fosters collaboration between universities and industry to drive innovation and economic impact.

For more information about Culver-Stockton College’s economic development initiatives, visit culver.edu/tsd.