The Institute for Rural Education and Development’s postdoctoral scholar, Devan Jones, Ph.D., received the Edward W. Chance Memorial Rural Education Dissertation Award at the National Rural Education Association (NREA) conference. This national award recognizes doctoral research that significantly contributes to rural education and addresses issues of current concern. The NREA was founded in 1907 as the Department of Rural Education. It is comprised of rural school administrators, educators, board members, researchers, business and industry professionals and others interested in maintaining the vitality of the rural school systems throughout the United States.