Rural By Choice | Jackie Mundt
Creating Impact and Connection Through Community Leadership
Jackie Mundt’s journey from corporate America to rural Kansas is a story of intentional choices, perseverance, and community impact. Growing up in central Wisconsin, Jackie was deeply immersed in agriculture through her family’s dairy operation and her involvement in FFA. From serving as a state and national FFA officer to earning a degree in agricultural communications, Jackie’s path has always been aligned with the agriculture industry. Her career in agribusiness and work as a chemical sales representative with Dow AgriSciences laid a foundation for her future in agriculture, but a significant chapter awaited her when she and her partner Mark decided to return to his family farm in Pratt, Kansas.
Making the decision to move to rural Kansas was not one made lightly, especially after experiencing the corporate world in cities like California and Indianapolis. But for Jackie and Mark, the pull of family, legacy, and the lifestyle of farming led them back to their roots. Jackie reflects on the transition: "We wanted to come home to Mark’s family farm to build a life and eventually raise children. It was a great place for us to lay down roots." The process was challenging—leaving behind the excitement of city life and embracing the quiet of rural America. Despite the hardships, Jackie found that the decision was liberating and provided new opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.
Now, living in Pratt, Jackie is fully immersed in her community, focusing on the philosophy of being "rural by choice." The decision to live in a smaller town and actively engage in community service is a conscious one. Jackie emphasizes that it’s not always easy to get involved in small-town life, especially as newcomers. "When we first moved here, it took a while to make friends. It was a slow process, but showing up made a difference." Jackie’s involvement in community boards, from Farm Bureau to the economic development committee, has helped her become a driving force for positive change in her town.
“If you’re not excited about the task, it won’t be fulfilling for anyone.”
One of Jackie’s core beliefs is that community involvement is essential for rural America’s future. She encourages others to recognize the needs in their communities and to show up to address them. "If you want your community to thrive, you have to step up," she says. This philosophy has driven Jackie to not only contribute her time and energy but also to lead efforts in improving local infrastructure, such as the expansion of internet access. "Rural America needs reliable internet. Without it, we can’t grow, and we can’t attract people here," she explains, highlighting the importance of modernization in small communities.
But community leadership doesn’t come without challenges. As Jackie points out, rural communities often face the challenge of attracting younger generations back home after they leave for education or career opportunities. "For years, we told young people to go out and make something of themselves in the big city, but now we need them to come back and bring their skills to rural America." Jackie’s perspective is crucial in shifting the narrative around returning to small towns. She emphasizes that rural areas offer a fulfilling life with high-quality living and opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.
Throughout her involvement in leadership roles, Jackie has learned that it’s essential to align personal strengths with community needs. She shares her approach to volunteering: "It’s important to know what you’re good at and what you're passionate about. If you're not excited about the task, it won’t be fulfilling for anyone." By focusing on areas like agricultural advocacy, youth development, and community vitality, Jackie has been able to bring value to the organizations she works with while maintaining a balance with her own personal and professional goals.
Ultimately, Jackie’s story is one of intentionality and impact. She and Mark chose to build a life in rural Kansas, and through their efforts, they’ve shown that living in small-town America can be both fulfilling and impactful. By taking on leadership roles, having hard conversations, and advocating for the future of their community, Jackie and Mark are contributing to the vibrant and thriving future of rural America.
About Jackie- https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2021/07/kansas-profile-jackie-mundt.html
LinkedIn- https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2021/07/kansas-profile-jackie-mundt.html
