Rural Reimagined Announces Nearly $145K in Faculty Research Grants

Tennessee Tech’s Rural Reimagined program awarding some $144,000 in grant for faculty research projects.

Administrative Chair Michael Aikens said the 10 faculty projects range from mental health projects, drug abuse projects, engineering, and food insecurity. He said working with the faculty projects will help continue to expand Rural Reimagined’s presence in the 76 rural counties in the state.

“A presence could include anything from providing technical assistance to businesses, to rural tourism projects in conjunction with the state department,” Aikens said. “And also research, activism, and so much more.”

Aikens said the funds were earmarked from the Governor’s $1 million budget investment. He said the investments into the faculty projects represent an investment into the communities themselves.

Aikens said they are excited for what these investments will mean for the future of the Upper Cumberland community.

“Whether we’re working with a person that is starting their business or working with a state or federal department, we are passionate about what we do because it impacts the residents and citizens of our great state and our rural areas,” Aikens said. “Everything we do comes at no cost to the businesses and communities we help, and we directly see the benefits.”