The award, sponsored by the College's Appalachian Center and Hutchins Library, was announced today during a luncheon program at Boone Tavern Hotel. Dr. Gordon McKinney, Appalachian Center director, made the award presentation. The writing prize is named for the late W.D. Weatherford Sr., a pioneer in Appalachian development, youth work and race relations. Since 1997, the award also has honored the memory of his son, Willis Weatherford, Jr., who was Berea College's president from 1967-84. It recognizes a work of fiction or non-fiction published anywhere in the U.S. that illuminates the problems, personalities and unique qualities of the Appalachian South.
Most scholars speak in place of the believers.
He also has published numerous articles, poems and reviews in a variety of both popular and scholarly journals and has produced or been involved with five albums of traditional music. A 1954 Berea College graduate, Jones also holds a masters degree from the University of North Carolina. In 1997, Jones received a Special W.D. Weatherford Award in recognition of his dedication, scholarship and assistance in founding the modern Appalachian studies movement.