We are dedicated to a future in which Appalachian communities seek progress through democratic participation, social justice, and environment stewardship.
In the summer of 1970, Berea College created the Appalachian Center. Early documents state its purpose:
* To give concentrated leadership to Berea’s Appalachian activities
* To stimulate student and scholarly interest
* To bring together existing outreach programs and to guide the creation of new services
* To relate Berea College’s efforts to those of other Appalachian institutions
* To serve the nation as a source of information about the Appalachian Region….
Berea College President Willis D. Weatherford pushed for the Center’s creation at the request of a faculty committee. It was the first college or university Appalachian Center.
Now four decades into its mission, the Center teaches courses and serves as an umbrella for a group of programs that serve the campus community and the broader Appalachian region.
The Appalachian Center is also home to many programs, and you can learn more about each one by visiting www.berea.edu/ac.
