FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – David Branscum, state director for the USDA Office of Rural Development, recently visited with a class on campus in U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science's School of Human Environmental Sciences.

Branscum was a guest of instructor Shari Moxley, speaking to her Rural Families and Communities class.

The Office of Rural Development is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and runs programs intended to improve the economy and quality of life in rural parts of the country. Branscum discussed current issues facing rural communities, and programs and grants available to assist them. 

A major priority he covered is the expansion of reliable and affordable broadband connectivity in all rural areas. It is believed e-Connectivity is a catalyst for rural prosperity and unlocks economic development, innovation, advancements in technology, workforce readiness and improved quality of life. Economic benefits are significant for productivity along with education, healthcare and public safety. 

Branscum also talked about single and multi-family housing loans, rural business development grants, community facility grants, and water and waste disposal monies.

He also said the USDA is working to combat the opioid crisis in rural America. The USDA is partnering with local leaders to take action to address prevention, treatment and recovery. Telemedicine and community facilities programs are one way the USDA is making a critical investment in rural infrastructure to combat the opioid crisis. They have also developed a number of tools and resources to equip local leaders in rural communities. 

"It was a privilege to be invited to speak to the class and share with them that if there is to continue to be a rural America, that they need to play a major part in it," he said.

Branscum, his wife and five sons all attended the U of A. Branscum was raised in a rural town in North Arkansas. After earning a degree in agricultural business, he returned to Marshall to take over the family farm and lumber business. He has served in the Arkansas House of Representatives as state representative, serving on the agriculture and health committees, and as chairman of the Legislative Counsel. He has more than 40 years of experience in matters related to rural Arkansas and rural America. His position with USDA Rural Development is a presidential appointment he received in November 2017. 

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2.7 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.