Appalachian Studies Center marks 20 years

One of the hidden treasures at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus is the Appalachian Studies Center , the vision of two educators who saw the importance of highlighting the history of Appalachia in Georgia.

Dr. Alice V. Sampson-Cordle, a professor of middle grades education, and Dr. Bob Michael, then dean of UNG's College of Education , were at the helm of the project to create the center, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over the decades, the center's engagement has grown to include the local community and educational opportunities. Sampson-Cordle was the founding director.

"She saw the potential and the need for it," Kelly West , current director of the Appalachian Studies Center and principal lecturer of biology, said. "And I'm honored to carry on that legacy and see the new impacts we can make."

The Hometown Harvest partnership with the Lumpkin County School System and UNG's Dahlonega Campus Food Pantry is one of the longest-running efforts of the center. Dr. David Patterson , professor of biology, is the UNG lead for Hometown Harvest. In 2024 the community collaboration was named a Lumpkin County "Partner in Education," and it was featured in a 2023 episode of "A Fork in the Road" on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Hometown Harvest encourages young people from kindergarten to college to grow, eat and share fresh produce, as well as experience Appalachia's rich legacy of gardening traditions from local elders.

Critters & Blooms offers educational opportunities centered around Georgia wildlife and gardening to people of all ages with Dr. Chris Leaphart at the helm as director.

Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis , assistant director of the Appalachian Studies Center and professor of music, hosts the Pickin' Porch Old-Time Jam for musicians at the Historic Vickery House , home of the center, every Friday. Morgan-Ellis also organizes the Dahlonega Sacred Harp singing every other week.

"We create a really special opportunity for students to feel connected to the place where they are getting an education," Morgan-Elllis said. "Everything we do brings together people from UNG and people from the community where we live and work."

Coop Sandefur is a part of the Sacred Harp and old-time jam events regularly. He is grateful to participate in a center with such rich history as he pursues a degree in music with a musical arts concentration .

"I find it really interesting and insightful to be part of a traditional music-making community," the junior from Dallas, Georgia, said.

For junior Emilyn Slemons, her paper, "Catalyst: Memories of the Life of Helen Matthews Lewis" was personal as Lewis was an inspiration and member of the church Slemons attends. It was completed for her history of Appalachia class led by Dr. Barry Whittemore. Slemons, who is from Talking Rock, Georgia, and is pursuing a degree in history , earned the Carl A. Ross Student Paper Award (Undergraduate Category) from the Appalachian Studies Association for her work. The award was presented in memory of Sampson-Cordle. Slemons is grateful for the support of the center in her research. It has further solidified her desire to work for a nonprofit when she graduates.

"By seeing how educational institutions are connected to the community through the Appalachian Studies Center and being able to have firsthand experience with public history, I am excited to apply the academic and community involvement skills I have acquired to my involvement with the center," Slemons said.

The College of Education held a celebration of the center's anniversary in the fall, which also included Sampson-Cordle's artwork being on display in the Historic Vickery House from October through December.

"We have the only Appalachian Studies Center in Georgia," Dr. Sheri Hardee , dean of the College of Education, said. "It's a tribute to this individual. This was her dream, and now it has come full circle with her art being on display in the center she created."

Dr. Kelly McFaden , College of Education associate dean for faculty affairs and community engagement and interim department head of Social Foundations & Leadership Education , said one of the Appalachian Studies Center's greatest strengths is its versatility.

"All of the community engagement pieces come from the heart and soul, passion and dedication of the faculty and staff affiliated with the center," McFaden said.