News & Stories - NC Rural Center

Patrick Woodie testifying at the Senate Small Business Committee Hearing on the Small Business Jobs Act on May 19, 2011.

Board of Directors, Leadership, Research Blog

From the Center of the Universe: A Conversation with Patrick Woodie

Six members of McQueen Chapel UMC stand in front of their church in Sanford. One member holds a book about the Connect Church program. The book is held open to the first page of a story about McQueen Chapel's Connect Church participation.

Faith In Rural Communities

This Book Highlights Nine Innovative Programs Created by Rural Churches

NC Rural Center visit to Pembroke during a Summer Road Trip visit in 2023.

Advocacy

We Look Forward to Hearing From You on Our 2026 Rural Listening Tour

Research

Road to Recovery: The Outdoor Economy of Western North Carolina

A look at the rural, suburban, and urban counties of North Carolina over time.

Research Blog

Research Blog – The Changing Rural Landscape

Barr Evergreens is a second-generation family farm in Ashe County

Loan Participation Program, Small Business Lending

How Barr Evergreens Helps More People Celebrate the Holidays

Research Blog

Research Blog – The Rural Roots of North Carolina

Plank Chapel UMC

Faith In Rural Communities

Scattering the Seeds of Faith in Vance County

Through the Trees' Main Street storefront in Brevard on its one-year anniversary in April 2026.

Advocacy, Broadband Innovation

How the Brevard Nonprofit Through the Trees is Helping Bridge North Carolina’s Digital Divide

Andrew in front of the Whitley Furniture Galleries building in Zebulon.

Loan Participation Program

Jernigan’s Steps in to Serve Communities of Competitors Leaving Furniture Business

Schumata Brown receives the Rural Leader of the Year Award at the 2026 Rural Summit from NC Rural Center President and CEO Patrick Woodie

Alumni Network, Engagement, Leadership

Schumata Brown: Planting Trees to Create Shade for Maysville’s Future

Schumata Brown with Olaunda Green and Patrick Woodie

Engagement, Press Release, Rural Summit

Rural Center Honors Community Leaders at Annual 2026 Rural Summit