This study utilized a contemporary approach to qualitative research, the descriptive survey design, to discover whether a diverse workforce was a major influence in producing a rural Blue Ribbon School. The population represented the school systems of a county located in the West South Central region of the United States. In this study, the terms "diverse," "integrated," and "multicultural" synonymously imply gender, age, race, and educational level differences. The theoretical framework consists of diverse faculties, sociocultural aspects, historical perspective, and environmental influences. Research questions inquire how a diverse workforce facilitated elevated student achievement allowing the acquisition of the Blue Ribbon Schools award in 2010. Uncovered in this study are characteristics and strengths of an integrated workforce, recruitment strategies employed, and factors distinguishing the sample from the population. Data was collected from the superintendent, the Blue Ribbon School principal, the high school principal, and three teachers; using the tools, a Likert Scale, the Schools and Staffing Surveys, and an interview protocol. Triangulation through the utilization of qualitative strategies filled gaps the instruments left. Findings indicated that workforce diversity helped to facilitate attainment of the prestigious award. Professional development enabled the diverse workforce to teach effectively "to the test." Several administrators who facilitated excellence in 2010 left. This included the Blue Ribbon School principal, taking with her the only doctorate degree in Preschool through 12th grade public education in the population. Implications indicated that more effective recruitment strategies and measures of maintaining diverse workforces in the population should justify an additional focus. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]