UA Names Jon Chalmers Rural Services Director

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Jon Chalmers has been named director of the Program for Rural Services and Research at The University of Alabama, according to Dr. Nancy Barrett, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Chalmers has been serving as interim director of PRSR since January, after the retirement of the program’s director, Dr. Jack Shelton.

“We are so pleased that Jon will continue to lead the PRSR program and build upon the excellent foundation laid by Dr. Shelton,” Barrett said. “Jon’s years of service with PRSR, both as a student and staff member, provides him with the skills necessary to lead the University’s efforts in service to rural Alabamians.”

PRSR works collaboratively with rural communities in Alabama to identify and address their local, regional, and statewide issues of concern related to community/economic development, education, health, and cultural documentation. PRSR programs include the Student Coalition for Community Health, the Alabama Online High School, and the nationally recognized PACERS Small Schools cooperative.

Chalmers has been with PRSR since 1992 when, as a UA student, he served as a worker in one of the Program’s community health fairs. Prior to being named interim director, he served for two years as PRSR assistant director where he directed such projects as the Alabama Online High School. Chalmers’ previous responsibilities have included PACERS program manager and PACERS program coordinator.

“Beyond the trust of the Provost, I am honored to work with the remarkable staff of the program who are, simultaneously, the most intellectual and the most grounded people I know,” said Chalmers. “Beyond advocacy, Rural Services has crafted programs that address fundamental equity issues in rural communities. Our focus will be to continue to use our strengths of local organizing and information technology to address fundamental questions of economic development, education, and community health,” he added.

Chalmers received his bachelor’s degree from UA and his master’s degree from Harvard University.