Education Committee

Photographer: Sabrina L. Greene

Chair, Ted Olson

The committee will explore educational opportunities for the association, both in the community and in the academy, including planning and executing an ASA conference session focusing on education. The committee will likewise manage the annual award for Excellent in Teaching Appalachian Studies, including putting out a call for nominations each fall in Appalink.

The education committee shall consist of the chairperson and at least five appointed ASA members who express interest in serving.

The education committee oversees the annual Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award was established in 2013 by the ASA Education Committee chaired by Carol Baugh. In 2015, the award was named in honor of Stephen L. Fisher, professor of political science from 1971 to 2006 at Emory & Henry College, where he helped create an Appalachian studies minor, the Appalachian Center for Community Service, and an interdisciplinary service-learning major in Public Policy & Community Service. Professor Fisher was the 1999 Carnegie Foundation Outstanding Baccalaureate College U.S. Professor of the Year and won numerous additional teaching awards.

Education Committee Membership:

Ted Olson, chair
Kathryn Engle
Zachary Greene
Joy Gritton
Carly Pugh
Sylvia Shurbutt
Tim Thomas
Leah Vance-Berg