BSCTC now offers Appalachian Studies Certificate Program
PRESTONSBURG, KY – Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) is proud to announce the launch of its Appalachian Studies Certificate. This exciting offering reflects our dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage and distinctive cultural traditions of the Appalachian region.
The Appalachian Studies Certificate is designed to provide students with a better understanding of the Appalachian region’s history, culture, and contemporary issues. Students who pursue the certificate can draw on a diverse range of disciplines, including history, literature, sociology, environmental studies, and more, to explore the region’s unique challenges, contributions, and vibrant cultural expressions.
As Appalachia continues to evolve and face both opportunities and challenges, BSCTC recognizes the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills to engage critically with the region’s complex issues. Through this certificate, students will gain valuable insights into the diverse social, economic, and environmental factors shaping the Appalachian region today.
In addition to the three core courses in Appalachian Studies, students can take courses in one of five tracks: Communication, Creative Writing, Music, Science, or Social Science. Our distinguished faculty members, including professors Brandie Davis, Jeremy Dempsey, and Matthew Smith, bring their expertise and passion for the Appalachian region to the classroom, ensuring a transformative and intellectually stimulating learning experience.
Professor Brandie Davis, who teaches Survey of Appalachian Studies I and II, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Appalachian Studies Certificate at Big Sandy offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary issues of this diverse region. Through our interdisciplinary approach, we aim to equip students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and empathy necessary to make a positive impact on the Appalachian communities.”
This certificate is open to all BSCTC students and can be included in the AA, AS, or AAS degree. By adding the Appalachian Studies Certificate to their academic journey, students will acquire a valuable credential that demonstrates their dedication to cultural understanding and regional engagement.
For more information about the Appalachian Studies Certificate at BSCTC, please contact Professor Brandie Davis at bdavis0112@kctcs.edu or (606) 889-7385.
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IT’S TIME TO NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE APPALACHIAN TALENT:
2024 APPY AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE LIVE NOW!
PRESTONSBURG, KY – Big Sandy Community and Technical College in conjunction with the Mountain Arts Center proudly states, the 2024 Appy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 16th at the Mountain Arts Center, and you have the opportunity to nominate your favorite Appalachian talent from now until October 17th.
According to Jill Hamlin, Assistant Director of Fine Arts for Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) and the creator of the ceremony, the nominations that poured in for 2023 necessitated more time for the nomination process and for nominees to be notified, thus the additional months added for the process.
“Typically, we have started the nomination process in the Fall. However, this past season we received over two hundred thousand nominations in just a few weeks. With that type of response, we wanted to add more time, for more talent from more states in the region to be included,” Hamlin said.
A fairly unknown fact about the Appalachian region is the extent of its footprint. The region runs from New York to Mississippi and encompasses multiple locations within 13 states. Those states that are considered Appalachian are: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.
“The 2023 Appy Awards saw every state in the region represented by nominations, presenters, hosts, and performers. For us to have such participation from each of these states is an amazing testament to the talent and diversity of the region and to the interest in a ceremony that highlights the best the entire region has to offer,” Hamlin said.
According to Hamlin, the 2024 nomination form will have the same categories as 2023 but will also see two new categories added.
“One of the great things about the Appy Awards is that we constantly are seeing new opportunities to highlight different talent across this great region. In addition to our existing categories, we are excited to add Best Traditional Appalachian and Best Music Video,” Hamlin said.
To nominate your favorite Appalachian talent, please visit www.theappyawards.com and click the nominate tab. The 2024 ceremony will be held at The Mountain Arts Center on Saturday, March 16th with a Red-Carpet Event at 6pm and the award ceremony beginning at 7pm. For more information about the Appy Awards visit www.theappyawards.com or follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theappyawards.
