University of Kentucky program using stories to explore school's connection to Appalachia

The University of Kentucky is taking a look at the school's relationship with Central Appalachia through a project called “Rooted in Our Communities: The University of Kentucky in Appalachia."

Through a continuing series of stories on health, agriculture, food, workforce and economy, environment, arts and culture, education and energy, UK students, faculty and staff "will bring to life the significant challenges and even more promising opportunities that exist not only in Eastern Kentucky but throughout our commonwealth," writes UK president Eli Capilouto. (University of Kentucky photo: UK grad Kesley Sebastian returned to her rural Appalachian hometown to open a restaurant)

One story looks at an Eastern Kentucky women who studied business management at UK then returned home to open a downtown restaurant in Jackson, a town with a population of 2,100 and few downtown eateries.

Another story is a feature about Eastern Kentucky native Jasmine Newman, who studied cultural anthropology at UK and has used her skills in South Africa and Berea, Ky., where she did an internship with the New Opportunity School for Women, which works to improve the financial, educational and personal circumstances of low-income, middle-aged women in the Appalachian region. Newman said, "Doing these things in your own community gives you a greater appreciation of where you came from, what you're made of and what the people in your community are made of." (Read more)