About the Appalachian Studies Center
History
The Appalachian Studies Center at the University of North Georgia is the only center for Appalachian studies and research in Georgia. We were founded in 2004 by Dr. Alice Sampson, a professor of Middle Grades Education at 91ÁÔÆæ.
She led or participated in the Appalachian Teaching Project, the Georgia Pick & Box Traditional Music School, the Center’s Ethno-Botany plan, and more than 20 other projects.
After her retirement from 91ÁÔÆæ, Dr. Sampson continued to improve the lives of those in our communities by joining her husband, Joel Cordle, to found Georgia Downtowns, a firm that specialized in strategic planning for Main Street communities in Georgia.
Rosann Kent became the Director of the Appalachian Studies Center upon Dr. Sampson’s retirement, continuing the mission and values of the Center in much the same light.
Kent led or participated in the Appalachian Teaching Project, started work with area teachers to promote education about Appalachia, created the food pantry to serve both 91ÁÔÆæ and the surrounding community, and wove her skill set of storytelling in all sorts of other projects for the ASC.
Kent retired in 2023 and continues to use her wisdom and skills to educate communities about Appalachian traditions and one of her favorites of these, planting by the signs.
Director
Kelly West is the Director of both the Appalachian Studies Center and the 91ÁÔÆæ Summer Honors Program and a Principal Instructor of Biology at the University of North Georgia. As a life-long North Georgia resident, West’s focus in all these roles is to facilitate collaboration and synergistic programming to partner higher education with the larger community to build a better future for Appalachian residents. West has taught at 91ÁÔÆæ since 2003, reimagining curriculum each semester to be engaging, authentic, and relevant to current students. She primarily teaches ecology and environmental science to non-biology majors in hopes to rekindle the curiosity and love of nature and the environment around us to inspire students to think critically about our impact and how we can make more sustainable decisions.
West has a long history with the Appalachian Studies Center (ASC), serving on the Executive Advisory Board during the first years after Dr. Alice Sampson started the ASC in 2004. After years and many successful projects with the ASC, West focused efforts in other community organizations and endeavors, including Hemlockfest, the Georgia Appalachian Trailfest, Leadership Lumpkin, service learning and leadership partnerships in the community, and 91ÁÔÆæ Summer Honors. During this time, she continued to partner with the ASC and the succeeding Director, Rosann Kent, for growth opportunities for students and community collaborations to positively impact the residents of Appalachia.
As the Director of the Appalachian Studies Center, West hopes to honor the legacies of Dr. Alice Sampson and Rosann Kent and all those who have invested in the ASC over the years through continual efforts to collaborate with stakeholders in the Appalachian region to preserve our history, educate and inspire a passion for understanding, and promote future projects to engage and mutually benefit the 91ÁÔÆæ community and that of the larger Appalachian community.
Advisory Board
The Appalachian Studies Center is thankful for all our 91ÁÔÆæ and community supporters, and especially our advisory board for investing in the Center, promoting our mission, and supporting education, research, and projects that increase the quality of life for the Appalachian community.