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The Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College Announces Their Fall Program Schedule

Aug. 23, 2013. The Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College is excited to announce their fall program schedule. Music, history, environmental stewardship and an introduction to the natural attractions in the area provide a varied menu of presentations on Appalachia. These programs will be offered at Lees-McRae and are free and open to the public.

imgresOn Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center, Dr. Michael Joslin will present a slide show, Waterfalls, Woods Walks and Other Natural Wonder for You to Enjoy. Joslin, who has written and illustrated with his photographs six books on the area, will take you on a tour of several of his favorite natural sites: waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic overlooks and natural heritage locations. Director of the Stephenson Center, Joslin is an award-winning photographer and writer. 

On Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Stafford Room of the Carson Library, Dr. Bob Hutton will present a lecture based on his recently published book, Bloody Breathitt: Politics and Violence in the Appalachian South. Hutton, who did his undergraduate work at Appalachian State University and received his Ph.D from Vanderbilt, teaches at the University of Tennessee. His work illuminates an important aspect of Southern Appalachian history.

Bloody Breathitt is a fascinating and important contribution to the historiography of modern Kentucky, the Civil War era, and regional identity and memory. Hutton understands the significance of his project and tackles it with brio,” writes W. Fitzhugh Brundage, editor of Beyond Blackface: African Americans and the Creation of American Popular Culture, 1890-1930.

On Oct. 28 in Evans Auditorium from 7-9 p.m., Barton Carroll will entertain the audience with his soon-t0-be-released album Avery County, I’m Bound to You. Carroll, who grew up in Banner Elk, attended Avery County High School and graduated from Warren Wilson College, has a loyal following in this area for his storytelling songs.

“His music is very folksy and a bit country and bluesy, even though his roots are in rock. I have always enjoyed his songs,” said Melissa Ball, professor of art at Lees-McRae.

On Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Stafford Room of the Carson Library, Jesse Pope will present his lecture, Explorations of a Changing Environment at a Southern Appalachian Jewel: Grandfather Mountain.  Pope started the naturalist program at Grandfather Mountain, and last year was selected as a member of “Forty for the Future,” travel’s leading talent project by the Southeast Tourism Society.  As Director of Education and Natural Resources for Grandfather Mountain, Pope has elevated the education and environmental profile of the mountain significantly.

The Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College invites the public to join the college community for these exciting programs. Named in honor of scholar, teacher, humanist and caretaker of Southern Appalachia, John B. Stephenson, who began his career at Lees-McRae College and rose to be the president of Berea College, this series of programs carries forward his devotion to educating people about our Southern mountains.

For information contact Megan Hall, director of communications, at 828-898-8729.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 850 students hailing from 40 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis in leadership and service. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 828-898-5241.