Rachael Meads, adjunct Appalachian studies professor at Shepherd University, was nominated by a former student for her contributions to education on music, culture, and social justice in Appalachia.
Shepherd University graduate Caitlyn Sheets recently nominated her former professor, Rachael Meads, for the Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Appalachian Studies Association, which awards the honor, announced that Meads is one of two finalists being recognized for contributions to providing intellectually rigorous education about the region of Appalachia and its people. If selected as the winner, Meads will receive the award, along with a $250 prize, at the Appalachian Studies Association's annual conference, which will take place virtually in March.
In a news release from Shepherd University, Sheets, who graduated in 2020 and is now pursuing a master's degree in folk studies, explains why she chose to nominate her former instructor, "She encouraged me to find what I love to study and showed me that I was capable of more than I would have ever imagined. Since Appalachians are so diverse not only ethnically, but also in every other way imaginable, it is important to hear the experiences of as many people as possible to create a fuller and richer picture of Appalachia. I think her openness to differences really speaks to who Rachael is as a person. Her ability to truly hear and celebrate her students' voices is an important part of what makes her such a fantastic professor." Meads' nomination was supported by her colleague, Adam Booth. Booth is an adjunct professor in Appalachian studies and was a student of Meads 19 years ago. Booth credited Meads with helping him find his path to traditional storytelling, "Rachael's nurturing opened my awareness to the value of my family traditions and started me on a lifelong journey of research, collection, mentorship, and practice of Appalachian storytelling, of which I am now a nationally recognized practitioner and educator. My vocation of preserving, creating, and sharing Appalachian stories and storytelling traditions across the United States and beyond is a direct result of having had Rachael as a professor."
Meads teaches courses that explore the culture and music of Appalachia. Meads' interest in Appalachian studies is rooted in her upbringing in West Virginia. She expressed her gratitude for the nomination, saying, "Being nominated in a field that I absolutely am passionate about and by people whom I respect is just a huge honor. It's humbling because I know all the good work that people in the field are doing to try to work toward a sustainable Appalachia and social justice in Appalachia. This is a really big honor for me, so I'm very excited."