Dr. Ron Roach
Director of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Community Engagement
(706) 379-5139
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Ph.D., Regent University
Dr. Roach joined the Young Harris College faculty in 2002. In 2007, he was named the Maxwell Chair of Speech. His scholarly interests include eighteenth-century Scottish rhetoric, Appalachian rhetoric, and the history of media (particularly radio, comic art, and pulp magazines). He has published articles in The Christian Standard, Popular Culture Review and Review of Communication and has made numerous scholarly presentations.
Dr. Joseph Pate
Director of Academic Service Learning and the Bonner Leaders Program
(706) 379-5104
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Dr. Joseph Pate joined the Young Harris College community in the summer of 2012 as the director of academic service learning and the Bonner Leaders Program. Housed within the Center for Appalachian Studies and Community Engagement, these programs serve as the direct extension of a variety of campus initiatives that seek to serve and address vital community needs, as well as explore personal and collective responsibilities that empower each one of us to be engaged citizens committed to the creation of a sustainable, just and caring society. Joseph also serves as a lecturer in outdoor leadership and service learning which marries his love for teaching, service and learning.
Joseph received his bachelor of science degree in psychology and a minor in philosophy from Presbyterian College. Upon completion of this degree, he worked for two years at a therapeutic camp for at-risk youth in Blue Ridge, Ga. Joseph then completed his masters of education degree from Georgia College & State University in outdoor education administration. Joseph followed his passion to work at a small liberal arts, church affiliated institution by taking a position at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. Joseph served at Pfeiffer for six years in a variety of capacities including director of the Beth Haltiwanger Retreat Center, director of the Center for Outdoor Leadership, coordinator of the leadership education minor and assistant professor for outdoor leadership and leadership education. Recently, Joseph completed his Ph. D. in recreation and leisure studies from the University of Georgia where he also received a certificate in qualitative research.
Joseph is excited to be back at a small, private, church-affiliated, liberal arts institution serving the students, staff, faculty and community in his new role. He is married to his wonderful wife Jenny and adores his two children, Abby and Wes. He loves music, wood turning, gardening, reading, volunteering and exploring the significant and meaningful connections that surround all of us daily.