Help Your Rural Teen Find a Path That Fits Their Community and Goals

Students from rural areas and small-town communities bring unique strengths, goals, and experiences to college and career planning, but they may not always see the full range of options available to them. Join BigFuture®and the STARS College Network for a conversation about how parents can help rural teens explore pathways that fit their interests, circumstances, values, and future goals. We’ll discuss how to broaden the search beyond familiar options, evaluate college options, and connect students to trusted guidance and support. Parents will leave with practical strategies to help their teens see what’s possible and make decisions that feel right for them.

Register now to attend live and engage in the real-time chat and to receive a recording afterwards.

Meet Our Speakers

Auvria Hampton Oliver
Associate Director of Admissions for Outreach & Diversity, Berkeley College

With 18 years of professional experience as an administrator and facilitator in higher education, Auvria brings a deep commitment to mission-driven leadership, serving diverse populations, and fostering student success. Prior to her arrival at UC Berkeley, she spent her career developing impactful programs and leading teams across five distinct California universities: Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Northridge, San Jose State University, UC Santa Cruz, and CSU Monterey Bay. Throughout her career, she has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams to successfully meet and exceed university and departmental enrollment goals.

Her background spans key areas of higher education, including Admissions, Outreach, Student Development, Research, Nonprofit Organizations, and Fundraising. She specializes in building, mentoring, and aligning teams designed to serve unique populations through intentional, strategic programming and equity-focused initiatives.

She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge, a Master's degree in Education Counseling from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Human Communication from California State University, Monterey Bay.

Jaclyn N. Pageau
Associate Director of Admissions, Dartmouth College

Jaclyn Pageau is an Associate Director of Admissions and the STARS College Network Program Director at Dartmouth College. She grew up in New Hampshire and attended Dartmouth herself, so she understands firsthand what the college search looks like coming from a small town. She is especially passionate about supporting students whose post-high school plans may go against the norms of their community and helping to identify true fit with a school. Jaclyn has traveled across the country visiting high schools and meeting with students. Closer to home, she runs Dartmouth's Community High School Program and partners with the Dartmouth Organization of Rural Students (DOORS) on campus.

Susan Semonite
Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University

Susan Semonite is the Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Duke University, where she directs the campus-visit program, admitted-student events, and serves as liaison to the STARS Network, ROTC and veteran programs while leading recruitment for New England. Prior to joining Duke, she was Director of College Guidance at the Ranney School in New Jersey and spent eleven years in undergraduate admissions at Elon University. She has worked in college admission and guidance for more than thirty years, dedicated to connecting students with educational opportunities that fit what they are seeking. Susan earned her bachelor’s degree from Elon University and her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.