‘Behind the Blue’: Shaunna Scott and Kathryn Engle discuss just transitions for Central Appalachia
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2026) — Central Appalachia has powered the nation for generations — fueling industry, building cities and supporting economic growth far beyond the region itself. But as coal and other extractive industries decline, communities across Appalachia are once again facing transition. The question, as many have learned through hard experience, isn’t whether change is coming — it’s whether that change will be just.
On this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Shaunna Scott, Ph.D., a recently retired associate professor of sociology in the UK Department of Sociology, and Kathryn Engle, Ph.D., an adjunct assistant professor of sociology and director of the UK Appalachian Center, discuss a new book they co-edited, “Toward Just Transitions: Visions for Regenerative Communities in Appalachia.” The book is published by University Press of Kentucky.
Drawing on decades of scholarship, community-based research and on-the-ground activism, the conversation explore issues including food, health, race and philanthropy in a series of essays.
Scott stresses the fact that Appalachia has changed a great deal in the past, and its people can change again according to their contemporary needs — this time in fairer ways beneficial to residents and the environment.
“Appalachia is not a place that’s frozen in time, but it has a history,” Scott said. “People didn't just land there and stay the same forever. We’ve had a lot of transitions unfold in this geographic space, and most of them have not been handled in a way that resulted in justice. Now we can see this one coming, so let’s try to work together to think about what kinds of policies and practices that are healthier for the environment and healthier for the people.”
Overall, the book presents positive proposals in the face of hardship; the authors hope implementing these ideas will help the people of Appalachia embrace a bright and more just future.
In addition to Engle and Scott, UK contributors are:
- Dwight Billings, Ph.D., professor emeritus of sociology.
- Frances Henderson, Ph.D., associate professor of gender and women’s studies.
- Lora Smith-Tovar, an MFA Student.
- Julie Shepherd-Powell, UK alum.
- Martin Richards UK alum.
- Douglas Scutchfield, M.D., a former UK faculty member who died in 2022.
- Ivy Brashear, a doctoral student.
Read more about “Just Transitions” at the Appalachian Center website.
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This interview has been edited for time and clarity.
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