ARC officials visit Cumberland campus; meet with college, community, student leaders

Earl F. Gohl, federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission and Guy Land, ARC chief of staff, recently visited the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

While in Cumberland, the men toured the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center and held a meeting with SKCTC President Dr. F. Lynn Moore and other college officials along with community leaders, primarily those from the Tri-City area of Harlan County of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch. Mr. Gohl discussed the mission of ARC and how the body is eager to work with those in Harlan County. Gohl stressed the importance of communities working together to improve the area as it struggles with substantial unemployment brought about largely by the downturn of the coal industry. Additionally, representatives of the local chamber of commerce urged the ARC to become even more diligent in its effort to serve Harlan County. Later in the day, the visitors met with Robert Gipe, head of the college s Appalachian Program, Dr. Moore and an assembly of Southeast students involved with the program.

Gohl praised the program and its task of preserving the traditions of the area through education, community-produced festivals, events and plays, namely the successful and acclaimed Higher Ground productions.