The class of 2008

The National Endowment for the Humanities sponsored this institute on Appalachian history and culture ("Regional Study and the Liberal Arts: Appalachia Up Close"). The institute ran from June 8, 2008, to July 4, 2008, with three weeks spent on the campus of Ferrum College in Franklin County, Virginia, a weekend at Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, and a week in Caretta, West Virginia. The institute included a mix of seminars, field trips, and service learning projects. Eighteen academics, representing a wide variety of disciplines from across the country, participated in the program.

Newly retired Ferrum College English professor Peter Crow coordinated the institute. It would be hard to overstate Crow’s good sense and his uncommon insight into people and culture. He’s a man of great wisdom and humanity.

Ferrum sociology professor Susan Mead and history professor Dan Woods assisted Crow. Mead is a woman of enormous good spirit and enthusiasm. All Mead wants is to make the world a better place, and she does, one day at a time. Woods is a man of integrity and faith. He leads by good example. Under the capable leadership of Crow, Mead, and Woods, the institute was a great success.

Please forward any comments or concerns to mgormley@centralstate.edu or talkinghead2004@yahoo.com