Rural Leader Magazine
Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy from Georgia is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Rural Leader Magazine that celebrates its 3rd anniversary. We talked with her about the last 3 years of the Magazine.
What inspired you to create the Rural Leader Magazine?
Great question! I was inspired to create Rural Leader Magazine as a result of a dissertation study. The idea was foremost a God-inspired idea that was given to me in the spring of 2013. At the time, I was pursing my doctorate at the University of Phoenix. My topic was a “Phenomenological Study on Leadership in Rural Communities. The study involved six counties in southwest Georgia. The findings confirmed the need for a specific platform designed to showcase, to share, and to exchange ideas and best practices for leaders in small towns.
The idea developed a life of its own and grown tremendously, since its launch in March 2014. During the first two weeks, the publication received thousands of views in 18 countries including, the United States, Brazil, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Netherlands, China, Columbia, Germany, Algeria, South Africa, France, Boliva, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Israel, and the Philippines.
Why did you choose to highlight phenomenal things occurring to everyday people?
Rural Leader Magazine’s niche is small communities and the great things occurring there. I believe that it is important to showcase the rich talent and unique successes that can be found across the United States and the world.
Which are some of the most unique extraordinary things people do which you've covered so far? Wow, there have been many extraordinary things that I’ve covered. Several come to mind, however. One is the Rural Leader Magazine 40 under 40 feature that showcases young leaders in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It is extraordinary to showcase the rich and diverse talent of young leaders from small communities. In addition to 40 under 40, we have other features, such as 20 under 20, 50 under 50, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, the Eagle Elite Club, and Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People.
Throughout the month of June, we will be Celebrating the Women of Small Town America in various fields, such as business, civic, law enforcement, social work, health, government, education, and faith-based organizations. in participation with the 2016 United State of Women Summit. Convened by the White House, The United State of Women Summit will rally women together to celebrate, to educate, to empower, and to take action moving forward. The Summit will be held June 14, 2016 at the White House in Washington, D.C.
How do you plan to celebrate the 3rd year of Rural Leader Magazine?
We plan to commemorate the third anniversary by continuing to feature the wonderful people and their success all year long!
What other genres do you wish to add other than business, ministry, education, government, healthy, technology?
In the future, we like to add a travel section to highlight unique destinations in small towns across the globe.
What kind of challenges do you foresee?
Though, Rural Leader Magazine is in its third year, little people know about us yet. Thus, the challenge remains for us to market the publication more effectively.
