The Rampage Apr 2025

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The Rampage

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Communicating Bramwell by Savannah Taylor | Communication • 2028

Grapic provided by Rampage student editor and writer Savannah Taylor.

B luefield University is working with a video interviews with residents, led by Professor Allen Roberts, chair of the Department of Graphic Communication, and a team of Communications students. Guided by the motto “no story is too small,” the Bramwell Foundation is leading an effort to preserve Appalachian history with invaluable help from the Bluefield University Communications Department. The Bramwell Foundation wanted to preserve the picturesque town’s history with recorded interviews of the town’s citizens. Project facilitator Kellan Marcum spoke about the importance of preserving Bramwell’s history. “So much of Appalachia’s rich history has been lost,” Marcum said. “Bramwell is an especially bright jewel among the treasures of West Virginia that we are determined not to let slip through our fingers…The past informs the future, as they say.” Bramwell Foundation vice president and project lead, Sharon Workman, recognizing the rich oral history kept by her fellow Bramwell residents, saw the value in interviewing them. The fourth generation Bramwell citizen was selected for this important task because of her devotion to Bramwell and its legacy — made evident by her countless hours of volunteer work and involvement in the town. nearby town, Bramwell, West Virginia, to preserve its history with one-on-one

After reaching out to several different companies in hopes of starting the project, it was clear that the non-profit organization that is The Bramwell Foundation would have to explore a different route. Enter Bluefield University. Marcum made a phone call to the university, speaking eventually to Burma McChesney in Academic Affairs, asking if BU would be willing to help. The rest? History. “Sometimes God puts you in a certain place at a certain time,” Marcum said, “and Professor Roberts cruised by her (McChesney’s) office just as we were talking. She connected us, and we’ve been working together on this special project ever since.” “Special” is a sentiment also held by Roberts, who said, “I’m partial to preservation, local history, and that sort of thing, too, even more so here in recent years. I see the value in that, so it (the project) struck a chord with me.” This project not only strikes a chord with Roberts but also with the mission of Bluefield University. “It was a good fit for us (Bluefield University),” Roberts said. “When you can give back to the community, it pushes our mission statement here. Giving back and servant leadership: that’s where things seem like a perfect fit for us.” Regarding the Bramwell Foundation’s belief that Bluefield University is a good fit? Rave reviews all around.