Two Buena Vista University (BVU) graduate education faculty members shared their expertise on artificial intelligence, educator recruitment, and sustainable rural school leadership at the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education (NFARE). Dr. Trent Grundmeyer ‘03 and Dr. PJ Caposey brought their experience as educational leaders to national conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing rural school districts.

Dr. Grundmeyer, Director of BVU’s Master of Education in Educational Administration program, delivered an invited presentation titled Using AI to Recruit and Hire: Strategic Marketing, Screening, and Selection. His session explored how school leaders can use artificial intelligence to expand applicant pools, streamline hiring processes, improve consistency in candidate evaluation, and strengthen long-term employee retention.

Drawing on his work with school boards and district leaders nationwide, Dr. Grundmeyer emphasized that rural districts must move beyond traditional recruitment strategies and find innovative ways to attract and retain qualified educators.

"Rural districts face unique recruitment hurdles, including smaller applicant pools, geographic limitations, and limited administrative bandwidth," said Grundmeyer. "AI offers rural administrators an opportunity to accomplish more with limited time, from developing recruitment materials to organizing candidate information and interview feedback. But technology should support, not replace, professional judgment and the personal connections that make rural schools special. "

Also representing BVU was Dr. Caposey, a district superintendent, former Illinois State Superintendent of the Year, author of 10 education books, and BVU graduate instructor. As a featured keynote speaker, Dr. Caposey addressed the importance of intentional, self-aware leadership in building sustainable rural schools.

Both faculty members bring their professional experience and perspectives on emerging educational challenges into BVU's online graduate curriculum, connecting aspiring school leaders with practical strategies they can apply in their own districts.

"Through my work with school boards and district leaders nationwide, I bring emerging trends and real-world challenges directly into our graduate courses," Dr. Grundmeyer said. "BVU students engage in applied AI assignments, realistic leadership simulations, and school improvement projects so they enter administrative positions prepared for day-one challenges, rather than just knowledgeable about theory."

Through its online Master of Education in Educational Administration program, BVU prepares educators for leadership roles by connecting graduate coursework with the experiences and insights of faculty actively engaged in the field. The program emphasizes practical leadership skills, emerging educational practices, and the challenges facing today's schools.

Learn more at bvu.edu/master-ed-admin