The Country Roads Scholar Tour is a faculty development program that is designed to help faculty learn about WVU’s role in the state; the history, culture, and economy of West Virginia; and educational and health care systems.

Country Roads Scholar Tour participants gain an appreciation of West Virginia, its needs, and its people, with an emphasis on tourism, agriculture/forestry healthcare, and industry; see how WVU serves the state; consider state needs in individual faculty teaching, research, and service activities; and meet other faculty, administrators, and regional leaders.

The 2010 Country Roads Scholar Tour will be held May 11-13, information about the tour location and site visits will be posted when available, and web-based registration will be available during the spring semester.

Participation

The Country Roads Scholars Tour is open to a maximum of 25 full-time WVU faculty. Preference is given to newer faculty (within the first three years of employment) and first-time participants who register by April 3rd. Additional participants are accepted when space is available. There is no charge to participate in the tour, and all transportation, meal, and lodging expenses are covered by WVU Extension Service and the Office of the Provost.

For more information, contact Jessika Thomas (293-4813).

> Comments from Tour Participants

> Country Roads Scholars Tour Photo Gallery (2007-Present)

Country Roads Scholar Tour (2009)

May 12-14, 2009

Tourism in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia

Grant, Pendleton, and Pocahontas Counties

Faculty are invited to participate in the 2009 West Virginia Country Roads Scholars Tour, May 12-14, 2009. As in past years (2008 description), fine dining, lively conversation, and unique insights into West Virginia’s people and communities are on this year’s agenda. Dr. E. Jane Martin, interim Provost, and Dave Miller, Associate Provost for Extension and Public Service, invite faculty to attend this year’s Country Roads Scholars Tour, May 12-14, 2009. This year we will explore Grant, Pendleton, and Pocahontas counties with an emphasis on sustainable tourism in this wild and wonderful part of the state. 

During our three days and two nights exploring West Virginia’s country roads, we will visit with high school students at Petersburg High School; tour one of the state’s fabulous caves, Seneca Caverns; and learn about health care in rural areas at Pendleton Community Care, which is located near the famous Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Our tour will also include the Greenbank National Radio Astronomy Observatory and an antique steam locomotive that now offers trips along the Greenbrier River, the Durbin Rocket Train. (Agenda subject to change. Itineraries will be sent to particpants.)

"We had a terrific tour last spring in Lewis, Gilmer, Braxton, and Calhoun counties. Thanks so much to all of our hosts, extension agents, and coordinators who helped make last year’s tour a success!" (left) Photo of Country Roads Scholars Tour participants in front of Mount Vernon Dining Hall, Jackson’s Mill in Lewis County, West Virginia.