Faculty Profile: Loni Crumb

Name: Loni Crumb

Title: Assistant Director of the Rural Education Institute

What does your new role as Assistant Director of REI involve, and what are you most looking forward to in the position?

As Assistant Director of the College of Education’s Rural Education Institute, I will help expand the Institute’s work with rural schools, industries, community leaders and organizations. I’m looking forward to learning from rural communities and helping connect their priorities with the expertise, resources and opportunities available through ECU and our partners. I’m especially interested in creating spaces where education and community needs inform one another and where our work can lead to tangible benefits for rural communities.

What are some of your goals for your first year in this role?

During my first year, I want to better understand the landscape of rural education across the state and identify areas where the REI can make a meaningful contribution. I hope to broaden the REI’s visibility, develop new partnerships, and help create opportunities that bring together ECU faculty, students and rural communities.

What are you hoping to bring to the role based on your experience at ECU?

I hope to bring my experience as a counselor educator and my focus on holistic well-being. My work at ECU has reinforced for me that meaningful change begins with understanding people, listening to their experiences and building relationships grounded in trust. I bring that perspective to the Rural Education Institute, along with a commitment to collaboration and to supporting the well-being and success of students, educators and communities locally and globally.

What excites you most about the opportunity to serve in this new capacity?

I’m excited about the opportunity to connect my work in counselor education with a broader vision for rural education and community development. Rural communities have tremendous assets, and I value the opportunity to help bring attention to those assets while working alongside the people who live and work there. This role also gives me the opportunity to think beyond traditional university boundaries and contribute to work that can open doors and create meaningful pathways for young people.

What’s something fun or unique you’d like people to know about you?

I love being in nature! Spending time outdoors is one of my favorite ways to slow down, recharge and appreciate the beauty around me.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy bike riding and attending sporting events. Both give me a chance to be active, get outside and enjoy time with family and friends.