𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Regina Washington-Arthur—a nationally respected public health leader and current head of the Rural Library Network—for a powerful conversation about service, equity, and rural innovation.
Dr. Washington traces her journey from the hills of West Virginia to becoming the first African American to earn a Doctor of Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Along the way, she shares how faith, family, education, and service shaped her leadership, and how partnerships across public health, education, and community institutions can transform outcomes for rural students and families.
The conversation explores how libraries serve as trusted community anchors, how public health and education are deeply interconnected, and why rural communities have a unique advantage when it comes to collaboration, belonging, and impact. Dr. Washington also highlights the work of the Rural Library Network and Partners for Rural Impact, offering a forward-looking vision for strengthening cradle-to-career systems nationwide.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Regina Washington
01:53 Foundations of Leadership: Faith, Family, and Service
08:55 Berea College: Expanding Purpose and Possibility
17:41 Breaking Barriers at the University of Kentucky
28:51 Building Healthy Communities at Scale
39:06 Recruiting Student Pharmacists for Classroom Support
39:30 Farm to School Initiatives in Kentucky
40:33 The Role of Libraries in Community Health and Learning
44:35 Building Durable School-Library Partnerships
48:39 Introducing the Rural Library Network
56:02 Annual eSummit and Upcoming Events
01:02:13 Strategic Planning for Rural Impact
01:07:24 The Rural Advantage: Personal Connections and Community Support
01:15:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode of The Rural Scoop underscores a powerful truth: when communities align around shared purpose, rural places can lead transformative change. Dr. Regina Washington reminds us that libraries are more than buildings—they are trusted hubs of learning, health, and connection. Through intentional partnerships, data-informed strategies, and a deep respect for place, rural communities can build systems that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
From public health to education to libraries, this conversation offers a compelling roadmap for leaders committed to equity, collaboration, and the enduring strength of rural America.