Elexiana Oliva, a criminal justice student at Muscatine Community College, participated in a simulation involving an armed confrontation. Although the exercise was not real, it provided valuable learning. Oliva, 18, aims to become a police detective and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing her associate degree, likely at a university in Texas.
Oliva is part of an estimated 13 million adults across the country who live at a significant distance from the nearest four-year university, according to the American Council on Education. This issue is becoming more prevalent as private colleges in rural areas close, public university campuses merge or shut down, and rural universities reduce programs due to declining enrollment and budget cuts.
Oliva stated that limited access to higher education institutions in rural areas should not be a barrier for those who wish to continue their studies.
