Jan 28, 2024 10:46 PM EST By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

In the quiet village of Fayetteville, Ohio, the once-thriving campus of Chatfield College sits eerily silent, echoing the closure of another rural educational institution. Founded in 1845, Chatfield had been a beacon of hope for southwest Ohio communities. Still, its recent closure in 2022 amid a growing trend of shuttered rural colleges underscores the challenges faced by small institutions in America's heartland.

The Ghosts of Chatfield's Past

Gone are the days when the halls of Chatfield College buzzed with activity. Now, only fading photographs on library walls bear witness to the 177-year legacy of students, Ursuline nuns, and the institution itself. The closure of Chatfield reflects a broader narrative affecting rural colleges nationwide.

Once thriving due to its proximity to U.S. Route 50 and strong community support, Chatfield faced challenges as the landscape shifted. The dissolution of nearby St. Martin in 2011 marked a turning point, with the college's absorption into Fayetteville symbolizing the changing dynamics of rural America.

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Struggles of Small Rural Colleges

Chatfield's struggles parallel those of other small, tuition-dependent, and religiously affiliated colleges grappling with shifting perceptions of the cost and value of higher education. With only around 80 two-year private, nonprofit colleges remaining, rural institutions face heightened vulnerability. The decline in high school graduates and their interest in college exacerbates these challenges, with Ohio witnessing a 7 percent decline in public high school students from 2012 to 2022.

A Quiet Dissolution

Amidst the quiet dissolution of Chatfield, 70 jobs were lost, and the once-vibrant campus seemed frozen in anticipation of students who would never return. The closure, barely making headlines, blends into a disheartening trend with over a dozen rural colleges announcing closures since 2020, including Nebraska Christian College, Holy Family College, and Marlboro College.

The Chatfield Edge Initiative

Yet, amidst the somber backdrop, an unusual initiative has emerged. The assets left by Chatfield College are being repurposed to support local students in continuing their education. The Chatfield Edge, a nonprofit utilizing the college's endowment, aims to provide mentorship, career counseling, and financial aid assistance to students facing challenges in pursuing education in rural areas.

With an endowment estimated at $4 million, the Chatfield Edge has already supported 21 students, offering scholarships of approximately $1,500 per semester to 19 of them. The organization targets low-income high school students, particularly those who would be the first in their families to attend college and older students seeking non-traditional educational paths. This effort seeks to bridge the gap created by the closure of Chatfield College.

A Personal Perspective

For Anna Robertson, a 23-year-old who attended Chatfield until its closure, the college was a crucial starting point. The Chatfield Edge is now assisting her in finishing her bachelor's degree at Asbury University in Kentucky. Robertson emphasizes the importance of the college's proximity, affordability, and supportive community in her educational journey.

The Broader Narrative

Chatfield's story is not isolated; it reflects a broader narrative of rural students facing barriers to higher education. The closure of rural colleges not only deprives local youth of accessible educational opportunities but also contributes to a decline in the overall percentage of rural high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education.

The closure of Chatfield College serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural educational institutions and the subsequent impact on local communities. As the ghosts of Chatfield linger in the memories of those who once walked its halls, the efforts of the Chatfield Edge stand as a beacon of hope, striving to fill the educational void left in the wake of the college's closure. The broader conversation around the accessibility of higher education in rural America calls for innovative solutions and a renewed commitment to empowering students in these often-overlooked regions.

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