Dr. Ron Roach grew up in a tobacco and textile town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, a first-generation college student from a region the world has too often misread. Today, he chairs East Tennessee State University’s Department of Appalachian Studies, directs the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services and has now received one of the most meaningful honors his field can bestow.
At this year's Appalachian Studies Association conference, Roach earned the Cratis D. Williams and James S. Brown Service Award, given to an individual who has made exemplary contributions to Appalachia, Appalachian studies and the Appalachian Studies Association.
The award, established in 1993, is named for two giants: Cratis Williams, whose 1961 dissertation helped pioneer the entire field, and James S. Brown, whose symposium upon Williams' retirement from Appalachian State University catalyzed the formation of the ASA itself.
For Roach, the recognition landed with particular weight.
"It is a great honor to receive this recognition from one's peers, and also quite humbling," he said, "as it is named for two legends in the field and has been won by many men and women who have been such inspirations and mentors to me, such as Helen Lewis and Roberta Herrin."
The flagship of Appalachian scholarship
ETSU is a clear leader in service to the Appalachian region.
The university is the only state institution in the country to house a full department of Appalachian Studies. It includes the world's largest program in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies and a Center of Excellence that reaches across disciplines. In addition, ETSU leads in service to the region through its many programs in public health, medicine, education, business and beyond.
Roach has been at the center of that work for more than a decade, building partnerships, leading study abroad experiences in Scotland and Ireland, directing the “Encyclopedia of Appalachia” project through National Endowment for the Humanities funding, leading the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative for the Appalachian Regional Commission, and co-editing Appalachian Places magazine. Gov. Bill Lee recently appointed him to the Tennessee Music Advisory Council to help shape the state's music-based economy.
Changing the story
That work matters because the story still needs changing.
"Appalachia has borne the brunt of more negative stereotypes than perhaps any other region in the country," Roach said. "We want to continue helping the world to realize what a remarkable place the Appalachian Mountains are — one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with a rich history and culture, and home to talented, resourceful and hard-working people. Appalachia has so much to offer the world."
He sees momentum.
"I think more and more people are discovering this."
Explore the many ways that ETSU serves as the flagship institution of Appalachia.
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