Why Study Appalachia?

The minor in Appalachian Studies is designed for students with a serious interest in the Appalachian Region. Through the program, students are enabled to more fully comprehend the history, social structure, and culture of the region.

Our Mission>> The UK Appalachian Center is an advocate, partner, and resource for The University, the Commonwealth, and the region.

Engaging College Students>> The Appalachian IDEAS Network is an initiative designed to equip Appalachian students with knowledge, skills and resources to develop entrepreneurial ventures...

Herbert Reid: A Celebration of his Career

The Appalachian Studies Program will be celebrating the career of Herbert Reid on March 25, with the day’s events consisting of an afternoon panel discussion with Reid’s colleagues and an evening celebration of Reid’s accomplishments, including the publishing of his newest book, Recovering the Commons: Democracy, Peace, and Global Justice, co-authored by Betsy Taylor.

First Appalachian Research Symposium Successful

The first UK Appalachian Research Symposium had a successful first run, according to members of the UK Appalachian Research Community. The student-led event, which took place Feb. 20 at the UK Student Center, brought in approximately 50 attendees and offered presentations from 17 presenters.  Julie Shepherd-Powell received the best paper award for her work entitled, Natural Resource Corruption in the fight Against a Coal-Fired Power Plant in Southwest Virginia.

“Appalachia” screening and reception

The UK Appalachian Center hosted a three-day event featuring a screening of the PBS series Appalachia: A History of Land and People on Oct. 21. Appalachia chronicles the riveting history of one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth.

Features

“[Just] because things is legal, it don’t make them right”

"When I asked 80 year-old, former United Mine Workers of America underground coal miner Pete Ramey about the struggle to stop construction of a Dominion Resources 585 mega-watt coal fired power plant in Wise County, Virginia, he responded with the story of how he first became involved in environmental activism in the mountains of southwest Virginia."

Engaged Scholarship

In 2007 the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching awarded the University of Kentucky the designation of “Engaged University” for its outreach and partnership activities.