This year’s was the 23rd annual symposium from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services of East Tennessee State University.
Several students from Muskingum University presented their work at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative symposium that took place on December 1 and 2.
According to an article on Muskingum University's website, Dr. William Toombs, who serves as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, said of the event, “The research program is a tremendous opportunity for students to collaborate with community stakeholders and partners on community issues, as well as share their research and findings with peers from other institutions across the region.”
The symposium is a capstone project for students to research and present their work about needs in the Appalachian community. This year, the students discussed promoting tourism in the region to bring about economic increase in the village of New Concord. Among the plans in the students’ projects are creating maps of points of interest and landmarks, as well as revitalizing downtown.
Dr. Stephen Van Horn, who, along with Dr. Toombs accompanied the students to the symposium, said, “Muskingum University is committed to providing every student with a high-impact learning experience. The ACRI initiative is a perfect example as our students can apply what they are learning in the classroom directly to these projects. And, these projects have a direct impact on our community and region, giving our students an opportunity to see how they can make a difference with their Muskingum education.”
According to the Appalachian Regional Commission's website, the commission’s mission is to “innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.”
For more information about Muskingum University, visit the school’s website.