“Understanding Appalachia: Undergraduate Students and Attrition,” an academic forum hosted by Professor Jessica Sykes, engaged Bluefield University students, faculty, and staff in conversations about graduation and poverty rates in the region. The forum was held on Wednesday, November 6 in the Science Center Lyceum.
Sykes, an assistant professor of Psychology & Human Services at Bluefield University, is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education & Supervision from Lindsey Wilson College. For her doctoral dissertation, she studied central Appalachia’s connection between low college retention rates and relatively high financial distress.
“Central Appalachia and those who have the honor of residing there hold a special place in my heart,” she said. “This culture is often overlooked or misrepresented. My hope is that those who attended the forum see the beauty of central Appalachia and all it has to offer, as well as its complexities.”
In her review of current literature, Sykes analyzed Appalachian trends in poverty and degree completion. Prior studies suggest that Appalachian college freshmen drop out after their first year because of issues like lack of community and financial concerns. These studies recommend reinforcing a community around freshmen and motivating them to stay enrolled and participate in activities. Additionally, more need-based scholarship opportunities would alleviate pressure on students and improve the retention rate. Sykes is conducting additional research to determine further concerns and solutions.
“My hope for my data is to identify the barriers to undergraduate completion rates in central Appalachia and develop a strategic intervention to increase completion rates,” she explained.
“Higher education institutions must identify and meet the needs of their students and communities. Bluefield University has launched several tuition assistance, student support, and extracurricular programs over the years, and we will continue to evolve as necessary to best serve our region,” University President Dr. Steve Peterson said. “Professor Sykes’ research emphasizes the importance of our mission to make education enriching, accessible, and community-driven.”