Learning from the Past for a Sustainable Future in Appalachia: Celebrating the Career of Ron Eller

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Remaining bios for roundtable presenters:

Thomas Kiffmeyer is Associate Professor of History at Morehead State University, and author of Reformers to Radicals: The Appalachian Volunteers and the War on Poverty.

Tom Riley received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Kentucky, and teaches history at Baylor University in Waco, TX. He is originally from West Virginia.

Ron Eller is Professor Emeritus of History, University of Kentucky. He grew up in West Virginia, and has dedicated his entire career to Appalachian Studies as an historian. His books include Miners, Millhands and Mountaineers: The Industrialization of the Appalachian South, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and Uneven Ground: Appalachia since 1945.

Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary

This roundtable will honor the career contributions of historian Ron Eller to Appalachian Studies. Ron Eller has mentored several generations of Appalachian historians, and has retired recently from the University of Kentucky. The roundtable will provide perspectives on his contributions to Appalachian Studies as an historian, environmentalist, and avid supporter of sustainable and just futures for Appalachian communities. He and his students have followed closely the federal Appalachian Regional Commission policies and community actions in the War on Poverty, long-term land use and effects of extractive industries, and stewardship and sustainability conversations in Appalachia. Several of his former students and colleagues will make brief remarks in the roundtable, some comments will be read from those who cannot be present (including Ron Lewis, Margaret Brown, and Maryjean Wall), and there will be an opportunity to share comments from among those gathered. Roundtable speakers will include Stephanie Lang, Thomas Kiffmeyer, Jason Howard, Dwight Billings, and Tom Riley. Ann Kingsolver will moderate. Ron Eller will attend.

 
Mar 29th, 9:15 AM Mar 29th, 10:30 AM

Learning from the Past for a Sustainable Future in Appalachia: Celebrating the Career of Ron Eller

This roundtable will honor the career contributions of historian Ron Eller to Appalachian Studies. Ron Eller has mentored several generations of Appalachian historians, and has retired recently from the University of Kentucky. The roundtable will provide perspectives on his contributions to Appalachian Studies as an historian, environmentalist, and avid supporter of sustainable and just futures for Appalachian communities. He and his students have followed closely the federal Appalachian Regional Commission policies and community actions in the War on Poverty, long-term land use and effects of extractive industries, and stewardship and sustainability conversations in Appalachia. Several of his former students and colleagues will make brief remarks in the roundtable, some comments will be read from those who cannot be present (including Ron Lewis, Margaret Brown, and Maryjean Wall), and there will be an opportunity to share comments from among those gathered. Roundtable speakers will include Stephanie Lang, Thomas Kiffmeyer, Jason Howard, Dwight Billings, and Tom Riley. Ann Kingsolver will moderate. Ron Eller will attend.