A Source of Empowerment

Katie Ray '24

North Carolina native Katherine Sohn, Ph.D., devoted more than two decades of her life to educating and inspiring students at then Pikeville College, where she served as associate professor of English from 1988 to 2009. Her admiration for the people of Appalachia is evident not only in her teaching but also in her ongoing contributions to the university and its students.

Beyond the classroom, Sohn was instrumental in establishing and advancing the Writing Center, having served as its coordinator from 1999 until her retirement in 2009. Her leadership included securing funding, collaborating with peer institutions and hiring and training tutors to support students in their academic writing. She also directed the Center for Continuing Education earlier in her career, developing programs that ranged from GED classes to vocation development opportunities for women.

Sohn’s scholarly work has been widely recognized. Her book, Whistlin’ and Crowin’ Women of Appalachia: Literacy Practices Since College, shines a national spotlight on the talents of mountain people. Based on her award-winning dissertation, the book presents case studies of three nontraditional women from Eastern Kentucky, exploring how education reshaped their literacy practices and transformed their lives, careers and communities.

I was always in awe of the nontraditional students in my classes. Their life experiences added so much to their journey and what stood out to me most was how proud they were to succeed,” said Sohn. “It was a source of empowerment. It gave them the confidence that they could accomplish something just for themselves beyond the roles of mother or wife.

Having earned her doctorate at age 54, Sohn understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of balancing academic pursuits with other responsibilities later in life. Every year, she contributes to the Teresa Kelleher Scholarship, a fund she established in 2001 to honor her own mother and ensure that more nontraditional students have the opportunity to attend the University of Pikeville without financial burdens. Raising eight children, Kelleher embodied resilience and determination, characteristics that Sohn deeply admired.

“My mother was a nontraditional student, always eager to take different courses and immerse herself in learning. She often shared stories about her teachers and assignments, and her love of education deeply influenced me. She was my role model,” said Sohn.

“Pikeville College has given so much to me, and establishing this scholarship is a small way for me to give back. I hope to inspire others to create more scholarship funds, whether in honor of a professor or someone meaningful in the community. Most importantly, these funds can provide crucial financial support to students who need it.”

Sohn continues to make a lasting impact at UPIKE in numerous ways. Her deep passion for literacy led to her generous donation of 105 carefully curated books about Appalachia to the Allara Library, a contribution valued at more than $2,000. This gift enriches the university’s literary collection and provides students with invaluable resources that foster learning, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the region’s rich culture.