UVA’s Initiative to Revitalize Appalachia: A Transformative Journey for Students and Communities
The University of Virginia (UVA) is making strides in rural empowerment through a unique partnership with Appalachian communities. This initiative not only aims to uplift under-resourced areas but also equips students with invaluable career skills. According to Christine Mahoney, a professor at the Batten School of Public Policy and Politics, “This partnership helps uplift rural communities in areas with struggling residents and economies, while also providing UVA students experiences that prepare them for careers and lives of service.”
Originating from a vision by UVA alumni Richard and Donna Tadler, this program has been fueled by a series of generous gifts since 2019. Their contributions have established fellowships, internships, and various collaborative projects between UVA and rural Appalachian areas, particularly through the Tadler Program on Impact Investing in Appalachia, directed by Mahoney.
Recognizing the potential of rural America, Richard Tadler emphasized, “investing in rural America pays off.” To ensure the continuity and expansion of the program, the Taddlers have pledged further funding for the next three years. This includes support for entrepreneurial ventures, the introduction of a rural planning course, and the appointment of a professional consultant to assist communities in navigating administrative challenges.
The initiative also aims to establish a new professorship focused on rural economic development, with an appointment at both the Batten School and UVA’s College at Wise. This strategic effort comes at a crucial time for Appalachia, a region spanning from New York to Alabama, known for its natural beauty yet plagued by high poverty, disability rates, and the nation’s highest opioid addiction rate, as indicated by state and federal data.
Many local governments in this region struggle with limited staffing and resources, often lacking the necessary expertise to develop comprehensive plans and apply for federal funding. Dana Cronkhite, Dickenson County Director of Economic Development, noted, “One of the biggest barriers in local government, especially in rural communities, is capacity.”
Over the past two years, Cronkhite has collaborated with UVA students and interns, leveraging their skills in grant writing, policy research, and marketing to secure crucial grants and programs for the county. These efforts have led to the creation of new business initiatives and essential emergency services grants. “Without question, it has been incredibly valuable,” Cronkhite affirmed.
UVA student Sarah King shared her transformative experience as a Tadler Fellow, where she contributed to Dickenson County’s economic and social development. Her work included drafting grant proposals, aiding in workforce development, and devising strategies for an industrial park. “This experience was transformative,” King reflected.
Since 2019, over 200 UVA students have ventured into Appalachian communities, like Dickenson and Buchanan counties, to engage with local leaders and entrepreneurs. To date, 36 Batten School Master of Public Policy students have dedicated approximately 17,000 pro bono hours to these efforts. Richard Tadler summed up the initiative’s impact, stating, “At a global-focused University, we believe it is also very important to work on nearby problems.”
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