Milligan University Hosts Prestigious 30th Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference

In a groundbreaking turn of events, Milligan University is set to host the momentous 30th annual Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference (BRURC) on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The all-day conference, starting from 9 a.m. till 5:30 p.m., invites undergraduate students from various educational institutions spread throughout the southern Appalachian region to present and showcase their research projects. Over 80 research projects will be presented through posters, oral arguments, and technical presentations.

Unprecedented Inclusion of Graduate Students

This year, a significant inclusion has been made to the BRURC line-up by allowing graduate students from Milligan and other participating universities to partake in the conference. This coincides with Milligan’s annual RISE Above Research Conference, paving the way for fostering further academic collaboration and contribution from both undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Regional Institutions Taking Part

The conference is expected to see representation from a variety of schools, many of which are affiliated with the Appalachian College Association. The list includes esteemed institutions such as East Tennessee State University, King University, Tusculum University, Emory & Henry College, Lincoln Memorial University, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and Mars Hill University, amongst others.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The director of undergraduate research and professor of psychology at Milligan, Dr. Joy Drinnon, expresses her enthusiasm at welcoming students from across the region to their campus. Echoing over two decades of history, Drinnon fondly recalls when Milligan last hosted the BRURC back in 2004 and 2003.

Reminiscing her early career moments, Drinnon recollects taking “students to the Blue Ridge Conference as a brand-new faculty member and research mentor in 2000.” She emphasizes the valuable experience it affords students to present their discipline-specific work in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Drinnon wishes for each presenter to exit the conference feeling excited and validated about their work.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Keynote Lecture for All

Providing a holistic edge to the conference, there will be a keynote lecture titled, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Importance and Struggle of Self-Awareness.” The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Ron Kastens, academic dean of Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan and associate professor of Christian ministry.

The lecture aims at underlining how self-awareness can significantly affect personal advancement and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Kastens, who comes from a background of over 30 years in local church ministry, desires to aid attendees in understanding the challenges of self-awareness, thereby encouraging them to approach self-evaluation with greater purpose and clarity.