Appalachian Perspective

Bob White, executive director of International Education and Development, talks about his experience while leading a group in Chengdu, China when the earthquake hit the region. He reflects on the collective good of the Chinese people, the unprecedented live reporting, the emergency management and the self-reflection of the students upon their return home.

Senator Joe Sam Queen has a love for square dancing and mountain living. An architect and farmer before turning to politics, Queen represents McDowell, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties. He discusses his region's musical heritage and economic growth, as well as educational funding and other issues facing the N.C. General Assembly.

Because of his expertise in American studies, Longin Pastusiak became a leading political figure in Poland as his homeland transitioned from communism to a democratic form of government in the 1990s. The college professor even served as president of the Polish Senate from 2001-05. Now a visiting professor of international politics at Appalachian, he talks about Poland's growing economy and U.S.-Eastern European relations.

Athletics Director Charlie Cobb talks about the success of Appalachian's 470 student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. The university offers 20 intercollegiate sports for men and women. While a few student-athletes pursue their chosen sport professionally, the majority come to Appalachian seeking a quality education for life and career success.

Gloria Steinem has been a leader in the women's liberation movement for 40 years. She discusses the progress of equality for American men and women, ways to improve our educational system, and the significance of Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

U.S. Sen. Sam Ervin grew up in Morganton, N.C., and became an active figure in American politics during McCarthyism, the civil rights era and the Watergate hearings of 1973. Historian Karl Campbell shares how Ervin's fierce defense of the U.S. Constitution relates to today's political climate. The complete 30-minute program is available on itunes.appstate.edu.

After leading the Mountaineers to back-to-back NCAA national championships and a win against Michigan, Jerry Moore is a model for coaching success. The award-winning head football coach talks about what makes a championship team, the importance of education, the values he strives to instill in student-athletes, and his outlook on the 2007 football season. The complete 30-minute program is available on itunes.appstate.edu.

Moses H. Cone was a 19th-century textile king who fancied growing heirloom apples at his majestic summer home. After his death, his wife, Bertha, ran their estate for nearly 40 years, while his sisters amassed a collection of art by then-unknown painters such as Picasso and Matisse. These and other intriguing details of Blowing Rock's Flat Top Manor are shared by Phil Noblitt, author of A Mansion in the Mountains, and Appalachian history professor Neva Specht. The complete 30-minute program is available on itunes.appstate.edu.

Journalist Paul Cuadros became personally involved in Siler City's race relations when he coached the local high school's mostly Hispanic soccer team to a state championship. He shares how the team's success helped transform Siler City from a town of anger to one of acceptance in regard to Hispanic immigration - and what lessons it can teach the rest of America. The complete 30-minute program is available on itunes.appstate.edu.

On a leap of faith, John and Faye Cooper moved from Florida to buy the 100-year-old and recently closed Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. They reopened it in 1980 and created a thriving business, which now has seven Mast General Store locations in three states. The Coopers also are passionately involved in the local community and with Appalachian.