Martin receives Master’s from Fort Hays State

HAYS, Kansas — Fort Hays State University recognized approximately 1,732 graduates during its spring commencement ceremonies May 15-16 at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Carley Martin, of Bulls Gap, received her Master’s in Social Work at the ceremony.

Winkler Family Reunion Saturday

The Winkler Family Reunion

will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 284 Barbara Drive in Talbott.

For more information, please call 423-258-9646. All family members welcomed and are encouraged to bring refreshments.

ETSU leader earns one of Appalachia’s highest honors

Dr. Ron Roach grew up in a tobacco and textile town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, a first-generation college student from a region the world has too often misread. Today, he chairs East Tennessee State University’s Department of Appalachian Studies, directs the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services and has now received one of the most meaningful honors his field can bestow.

At this year’s Appalachian Studies Association conference, Roach earned the Cratis D. Williams and James S. Brown Service Award, given to an individual who has made exemplary contributions to Appalachia, Appalachian studies and the Appalachian Studies Association.

The award, established in 1993, is named for two giants: Cratis Williams, whose 1961 dissertation helped pioneer the entire field, and James S. Brown, whose symposium upon Williams’ retirement from Appalachian State University catalyzed the formation of the ASA itself.

For Roach, the recognition landed with particular weight.

“It is a great honor to receive this recognition from one’s peers, and also quite humbling,” he said, “as it is named for two legends in the field and has been won by many men and women who have been such inspirations and mentors to me, such as Helen Lewis and Roberta Herrin.”

LMU-DCOM expands nutrition education efforts

Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) is joining a national effort led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand nutrition education in medical school training and better prepare physicians to address chronic disease.

The HHS “Advancing Nutrition Education Across the Medical Continuum” initiative brings together leading medical schools committed to strengthening nutrition as a core component of physician education. The initiative is designed to address a critical gap in training, as many physicians report limited preparation in nutrition despite its central role in preventing and managing disease.

Participating institutions are encouraged to provide at least 40 hours of nutrition education, or an equivalent level of competency, across all four years of medical school beginning in fall 2026.