University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences

Stacie and Michael interview Pharmacist, assistant professor, musician, and all-around talented Appalachian Woman Kris Preston on her journey as a bluegrass musician and how she incorporates her talents into teaching. Kris also talks about the culture of the local music scene in Eastern Kentucky and Western Virginia and how it has evolved throughout time.

Michael and Stacie interview Mr. Shane Barton, the Downtown Revitalization Coordinator for the Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky, and the wonderful work he is doing in and around Appalachia. Living in Berea, Shane talks with us about some of his past projects/presentations and gives tips for anyone aspiring to be a downtown coordinator!

Michael and Stacie interview Montgomery County High School senior Larah Helayne. They talk to her about her upcoming music projects, but most importantly her activism for LGBTQ Youth as well as Appalachia in general.

Michael and Stacie discuss with Luke and Stephanie about their thoughts on education in Appalachia both before arriving in the mountains vs after. Stephanie is the Executive Director of Teach for America in the Appalachian Region and Luke is a TFA Alum who has stayed in his original placement area for 7 years.

In episode 3, we interview the Journal of Appalachian Health Editor-in-Chief Dr. Douglas Scutchfield about Appalachian Health and Wellness. We cover topics ranging from how the COVID-19 Pandemic will affect rural communities and their economies to general health and wellness in Appalachia.

In Episode 2 of Holler Back, Michael and Stacie introduced their guest host, Madison Mooney, and discussed in depth Madison’s journey to UK as well as her work both on and off campus. The specific focus of this episode is the Martin County water crisis and how water issues span all across Eastern Kentucky due to many things including faulty infrastructure, the coal industry, etc.

In Episode 2 of Holler Back, Michael and Stacie introduced their guest host, Madison Mooney, and discussed in depth Madison’s journey to UK as well as her work both on and off campus. The specific focus of this episode is the Martin County water crisis and how water issues span all across Eastern Kentucky due to many things including faulty infrastructure, the coal industry, etc.

Now in his 11th year at the helm of the University of Kentucky's largest college, Mark Kornbluh is currently the longest-serving of UK’s 19 deans. The College of Arts and Sciences spans the liberal arts and hard sciences, social science fields and new and emerging areas, such as dual degree programs that focus on world languages and so-called STEM areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Dean Kornbluh is an innovator in thinking about — and acting on — new approaches to teaching, learning, research and discovery. In this edition of "Behind the Blue," he talks with Kody Kiser and Jay Blanton about trends in teaching, the importance of diversity, and the special points of distinction that make UK stand out in the 21st century. "Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university. For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue.

Episode 1 of Holler Back! introduced our hosts, and our guest host, Cameron French. We talked in depth about our experience at the University of Kentucky as Appalachians, first generation students, and Robinson Scholars. Cameron French, a Wolfe County native, gave us an in-depth outline of the Robinson Scholars Program and Michael talked about what UK is doing now in lieu of the entire program.

“Behind the Blue” Richard “Dick” Jefferies - Anthropology by A&S faculty, staff, students, and guests