Hillman is an associate professor with the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and is an affiliate of the Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education (WISCAPE).

The article explores the breadth and impact of the pockets of the country in which it’s difficult for placebound students to get to college, otherwise known as education deserts.

“What would it take to make sure that distance doesn’t prevent students from obtaining a college degree? Making geography a bigger part of the conversation about college fit would be a start, according to Nicholas Hillman,” the article states, referencing Hillman’s work.

The Chronicle points to easier transfer requirements, rural recruitment, shuttle services and partnerships between public colleges and selective colleges as factors that could help students for whom proximity and access are the most important factors when pursuing higher education.

Read the full article here.