Welcome to the 48th Annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference 2025!
Tennessee Tech University would like to welcome the 2025 ASA participants and attendees to the 48th Annual Appalachian Studies Conference located in Cookeville, Tennessee, in our state’s beautiful Upper Cumberland region from March 20 through March 22, 2025. One-fourth of the counties that comprise Appalachia are classified as rural—neither part of nor adjacent to a metropolitan area. The 48th Annual Appalachian Studies Conference will explore the theme “Rural Reimagined” by celebrating the creative uses of technology, science, and the arts with the greatest potential to transform life in and proximity to the region’s rural communities. We understand that the potential models of innovation in Appalachia are as significant and various as the area’s needs. In the spirit of a grand challenge, we will honor expertise and collaboration to meet those needs. We at Tennessee Tech University invite you to join us as we seek to document the distinctive rural experience in Appalachia and to platform the ideas, projects, and partnerships with the greatest potential to create positive change for the people living in the Appalachian region, with a special focus on country life.
The mission of the Appalachian Studies Association is to promote and engage dialogue, research, scholarship, education, creative expression, and action among a diverse and inclusive group of scholars, educators, practitioners, grassroots activists, students, individuals, groups and institutions. Our mission is driven by our commitment to foster quality of life, democratic participation and appreciation of Appalachian experiences regionally, nationally and internationally.
CONFERENCE SITE
Tennessee Tech University (Tech)
Tennessee's technological university creates, advances, and applies knowledge to expand opportunity and economic competitiveness. As a STEM-infused, comprehensive institution, Tennessee Tech enduring education, impactful research, and collaborative service. With an enrollment of around 10,000 students, Tech offers more than 200 academic programs, including longstanding programs in liberal arts, education, engineering and nursing alongside innovative and cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity, environmental studies, business and design—including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and Education Specialists degree programs. Tennessee Tech is a nationally ranked university by U.S. News & World Report and among the top public universities in the state, according to Money Magazine. This will be the University’s first time hosting the Appalachian Studies Association.
Cookeville, Tennessee
The city of Cookeville, which is home to Tennessee Tech University, has a population of more than 26,000 and is located on the eastern Highland Rim of Tennessee at an elevation of 1,140 feet. Voted the number one greatest affordable college town in the country by Great Values Colleges, Cookeville is approximately 82 miles east of Nashville, 109 miles west of Knoxville and 96 miles north of Chattanooga—putting students right in the middle of everything. The local public schools,
civic clubs, and churches have a friendly and cooperative relationship with students, faculty, and staff. The surrounding area, enhanced by three major lakes, abounds in natural beauty and is served by several state parks.