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Nikki Murray, center, watches her grandson, nieces and nephew play outside her home on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Vernon. Murray, who works as a cashier at McDonald’s, attended Vernon College in the early 2000s but withdrew to raise her two kids while in an abusive relationship. College is still a dream for her, but she is currently settled in her job and continues to focus on caring for her family.

These rural Texans opted out of a degree. The community college down the street wants them back.

To survive, Texas community colleges have to prove their worth. But residents of this rural north Texas town are questioning what's right for them.




Nikki Murray poses for a portrait outside her home on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Vernon. Murray, who works as a cashier at McDonald’s, attended Vernon College in the early 2000s but withdrew to raise her two kids while in an abusive relationship. College is still a dream for her, but she is currently settled in her job and continues to focus on caring for her family.
Nikki Murray feeds her granddaughter, Auriella Murray, 1, while sitting with her family members at her home on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Vernon. Murray, who works as a cashier at McDonald’s, attended Vernon College in the early 2000s but withdrew to raise her two kids while in an abusive relationship. College is still a dream for her, but she is currently settled in her job and continues to focus on caring for her family.
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Nikki Murray’s work hat hangs on her rearview mirror inside her car on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Vernon. Murray, who works as a cashier at McDonald’s, attended Vernon College in the early 2000s but withdrew to raise her two kids while in an abusive relationship. College is still a dream for her, but she is currently settled in her job and continues to focus on caring for her family.
A windmill farm outside of Vernon on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
A vehicle drives past Bolton's Crown Quality Mill on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Vernon. Fast food restaurants and industrial businesses dominate the city of Vernon and are some of the top employers.
Krystal Fancher Smith, 41, poses for a portrait outside of her family’s business, Fancher Electric, on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Vernon. Smith didn’t finish college, but plans to take over the family business in the future.
Danny Fancher, 69, owner  of Fancher Electric, left, watches as his daughter, Krystal Fancher Smith, 41, completes payroll and invoicing inside the company office on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Vernon. Smith never finished college, but instead plans to take over the family business in the future.
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Danny Fancher, 69, owner of Fancher Electric, inside his company office on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Vernon. Fancher’s daughter, Krystal Smith, 41, plans to take over the family business in the future.
Sjohonton Fanner, 46, an assistant director of enrollment management at Vernon College, center, introduces fifth grade students from Booker T. Washington elementary school to college students inside the Electra Waggoner Biggs Arts and Science Center during a campus tour on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Vernon. Fanner was the first in his family to graduate college and is currently deep in student debt from pursing a higher education.
Sjohonton Fanner, 46, an assistant director of enrollment management at Vernon College, left, gives a tour of the campus to fifth grade students from Booker T. Washington elementary school on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Vernon. Fanner was the first in his family to graduate college and is currently deep in student debt from pursing a higher education.

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