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WVU Tech's Otis K. Rice Lecture Series to Feature Dr. Pamela Edwards

West Virginia University Institute of Technology’s fourth annual Otis K. Rice Lecture Series will feature Dr. Pamela Edwards, part-time professor of history at Shepherd University, on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by the West Virginia Humanities Council, City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Historical Committee is free and open to the public. Edward’s lecture, entitled “Regional Rosies: Appalachian Women in World War II,” will be held in the Upper Kanawha Valley Technology Center in Montgomery, West Virginia.

“While many historians have examined the role of the ‘Great Generation,’” explained Dr. Stephen Brown, dean of the College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, “Dr. Edward’s lecture calls attention to a population sometimes overlooked but whose role in World War II was crucial to the nation in one of its most difficult periods.”

Edwards’ presentation focuses on women in the Appalachian region during World War II, specifically, their professional, technical and voluntary contributions to the country’s military and civil defense initiatives. At the time, women from the area joined the military as nurses, pilots, administrators, mechanics, drivers and more. College professors, teachers and librarians used their professional networks to organize civil defense, conservation, relief and USO activities on a local, state and national level.

“We are pleased to partner with our local and state supporters to bring this enlightening presentation to our alumni, faculty and staff, students and Greater Montgomery community during Homecoming weekend,” explained WVU Tech CEO Carolyn Long.

The Rice Lecture Series began in 2009 in honor of noted historian Otis K. Rice, who served at WVU Institute of Technology from 1957 to 1987 and was the state’s first Historian Laureate.