Since learning that Radford University has discontinued the graduate level certificate in Appalachian Studies and has placed the Appalachian Studies minor under review, I’ve decided to put down in writing what the Appalachian Studies department at Radford University means to me.

I’m a proud Appalachian. I’m from a small town in Southwest Virginia. A couple of years after high school, I joined the military. Four years later, I returned home to continue my education.

I started by saying where I’m from for a reason. Sadly, there was a time when I didn’t display my pride in where I’m from. I’m embarrassed to say this now, but when I was in the military and someone asked where I was from, I would simply say “Virginia.” I did this to avoid the inevitable response of “Oh … umm,” and then awkward silence. To avoid being the recipient of ridicule, I even went so far as to mimic the generic way of pronouncing words like newscasters do. I had almost forgotten where I was from.

Appalachian Studies at Radford University helped me reclaim my identity. By studying the multitude of great Appalachian Literature that highlights the positive attributes of my home and the people in it, I began to reclaim myself. I began to realize that by hiding my heritage, I was helping to perpetuate misconceptions about it.

Appalachian people are strong, quick witted, resourceful, loving, hard working, faithful, and not afraid to stare down adversity. I wear these attributes like a badge of honor. When I meet someone now, I always say I’m from Southwest Virginia (with emphases on the “Southwest”). And I always pronounce the “I” right.

The Appalachian Literature courses at Radford University are the most important classes I took. They helped me discover myself. Can a class possibly do anything more important than that?

Dr. Grace Toney Edwards’ Appalachian Literature classes pushed me in ways no other class had ever done. I even interviewed Appalachian writer, Silas House, for a research project. I would have never dreamed of interviewing a famous author prior to taking that class. Dr. Edwards encouraged me to contribute to a growing field of study. That’s something students rarely have an opportunity to do.
We must keep this wonderful program growing at Radford University. As a college located smack dab in the middle of rural Appalachia, it is our obligation to preserve and celebrate our heritage. I’ve reclaimed my identity. Don’t let Radford University forget where it’s from.

Jay Settle is an adjunct instructor in English at Radford University.