University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies today announced the publication of a new research white paper, "The Rural Digital Divide and Organizational Wellness," by Stella Smith, Ed.D. The paper analyzes how persistent disparities in digital access affect employee well-being, career development and organizational resilience in rural communities, and explores opportunities presented by the integration of AI technologies into rural economies.
Smith's research connects with broader workforce trends identified in the University of Phoenix Career Institute® G.R.O.W. Generating Rural Opportunities in the Workforce™ report, a national study conducted in partnership with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). That study surveyed workers in rural and nonrural America to assess barriers related to technological infrastructure, career advancement and access to modern workforce opportunities — including disparities in broadband quality and digital tools that are critical to organizational performance and career mobility.
Smith's white paper shows how these digital limitations contribute to stress, limit remote work opportunities, restrict access to modern upskilling and reduce organizational agility. The research underscores that the digital divide is not only a technology gap but a workforce and wellness issue with measurable impacts on productivity and economic participation.
"When individuals lack reliable connectivity and accessible digital tools, it creates cascading effects for organizational health, from employee engagement and retention to access to training and long-term career resilience," said Smith. "Closing the rural digital divide supports workforce stability and stronger organizational wellness."
White paper highlights:
- Evidence linking rural broadband limitations to reduced access to remote work and professional education;
- Analysis of how digital access barriers affect organizational wellness indicators, including staff engagement and career progression;
- Opportunities presented by AI integration and digital skill-building; and
- Strategic recommendations for employers, community partners and policymakers to bridge gaps in digital access and support healthier work environments.
The white paper builds on findings from the G.R.O.W. report, which revealed significant outcomes such as rural workers reporting poorer quality internet and technology — and identifying these gaps as obstacles to career advancement and economic opportunity.
The full white paper is available on the University of Phoenix on the Career Institute® webpage and the Research Hub .
About the author
Smith is the associate university research chair for CEITR and an associate faculty member in the College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Phoenix whose work focuses on organizational wellness, access to opportunity and the implications of technological infrastructure on workforce outcomes. Her research integrates applied data with strategic insights to help leaders implement initiatives that strengthen employee well-being and organizational performance. Smith earned her doctorate in educational administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
About University of Phoenix
