Dear Editor,

Below is a letter I wrote to Radford University President Penelope Kyle and Provost Wil Stanton.

With great concern, I read of Radford University’s proposed elimination of the Appalachian Studies Department. Realizing this is a difficult time and tough decisions must be made, I would ask that you reconsider this decision. The Appalachian Studies Department at Radford is one of the jewels in the University’s crown.

As a nationally acclaimed novelist who writes about Appalachia, its culture, and its people, this decision impacts scholarship far beyond the University walls. Artistically, the loss would be enormous. Historical novels such as the ones I write could never be done without the diligent scholarship taking place every day in universities such as yours. Indeed, I credit the beginning of my writing life to Radford University, when I attended the Appalachian Writers Conference, which was held with the support of the Appalachian Studies Department.

The subsequent support I have received from your faculty and staff cannot be expressed in a mere letter, but I would not be the writer I am today without your university and that department in particular.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Moran Laskas
Author of The Midwife’s Tale and The Miner’s Daughter
Fairfax, Va.

Dear Editor,

Prior to the 2008-2009 school year, I was a devout advocate for Radford University and its programs. I had the opportunity to be taught by some of the best faculty in not only the Commonwealth of Virginia, but nationwide as well. I encouraged high school students to attend Radford University and to let the faculty expand their minds and offer them a first-class education. I truly fear that after this week of deliberations and justifications, I, as an alumna may no longer be able to make the recommendation of Radford University with confidence.

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to lend my support to Dr. Grace Edwards and the Appalachian Studies program at Radford University.

I am a nationally published author, and two of my novels, Storming Heaven (WW Norton, 1987) and The Unquiet Earth (WW Norton, 1992) are set in the Appalachian region. I have long appreciated the profound impact programs like the one at Radford have had on our knowledge about the Appalachian region, the way it is perceived by those outside the region, and the self-perception of our own residents (especially our young people). (more…)

Dear Editor,

My name is Allison Tillett and I am in my final semester at Radford University. I have been a Religious Studies major for six semesters and have completed my class requirements. I enrolled at Radford in the Fall of 2004 under the previous administration. I was supportive of the Kyle administration because she brought a new light to Radford’s development. I also trusted that she would do a great job and was pleased to find out she was a good friend and former colleague of my uncle in Richmond, Virginia, when she was in the lottery chair. (more…)

Dear Editor,

Penny Kyle - the President of Radford University - is absolutely correct that a University can grow academically by improving its athletic programs. Most locals know that Virginia Tech played in the College Football National Championship in 1999. Fewer realize that the next fall, applications quadrupled. The increase in applications allowed Virginia Tech to be far more selective in admissions, and the University has since become even more competitive. (more…)

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Rick Boucher
9th District, Virginia

NINTHNET@mail.house.gov
HTTP://www.house.gov/boucher/

July 9, 2008

Mr. Tim W. Jackson
Editor & Publisher, New River Voice
Post Office Box 1411
Radford, Virginia 24143

Dear Tim:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for legislation to provide health care for those who cannot purchase health insurance. I appreciate your taking the time to write, and I assure you that I share your views.

You and I agree that all Americans should have access to health care and that the government should play a larger role in ensuring that our nation’s health needs are met. Almost daily, I receive calls and letters from constituents who have found their health care expenses beyond their abilities to afford. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation which does not assure that all citizens have affordable access to health care. It is time for the U.S. to do so. (more…)