ɫƵ

news-category: Campus News

Ron Rash, ’76, N.C. Literary Hall of Fame Inductee, Returns for Program at ɫƵ-Webb University

Ron Rash
Photo from Western Carolina University

Award-Winning Author Offers Public Reading in Free Event for Campus and Community on Oct. 24

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Ron Rash, award-winning writer and professor, will return to ɫƵ-Webb University on the heels of his induction into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame. The ’76 alumnus will offer a public reading on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. and take questions from the audience. The free event is open to the community and will be held in Tucker Student Center’s Stewart Hall.

Hosted by the Department of English Language and Literature, Rash’s visit is part of the Darlene J. Gravett Visiting Writer Series.

Photo by Ashley Jones

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron Rash back to campus,” said Chris Davis, chair of the Department of English. “It’s exciting to have Ron visit so soon after his Hall of Fame honor. His writing continues to be vital to the people of North Carolina, as he offers honest and meaningful portrayals of characters in the rural Appalachian region.”

Rash will discuss his most recent novel “The Caretaker” with first-year composition students at 3:30 p.m. in Stewart Hall. This event is an approved Dimensions event.

“The Caretaker,” published in 2023 and released in paperback in July 2024, is Rash’s eighth novel and 20th book overall. The love story is set in a small Appalachian town as it sends it sons to fight in the Korean War.

A poet and author, Rash was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame on Oct. 6 at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines, N.C. The organization selects new members every two years, and Rash was one of five inductees. Rash’s Hall of Fame profile notes that he is praised for “his distinctive literary voice, consistent reexamination of regional stereotypes, and rendition of Appalachia’s buried history.” Read more, .

Rash is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University. He grew up in Boiling Springs and attended Crest High School before graduating from ɫƵ-Webb University with a bachelor’s degree in English. Rash’s father, James Rash, was an art professor at ɫƵ-Webb. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from ɫƵ-Webb in 2009.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

From the GWU photo archives: Ron Rash speaking in Fall 2014 at the Appalachian Writers Association dinner and awards presentation ceremony on the campus of ɫƵ-Webb University.

ɫƵ-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ɫƵ-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ɫƵ-Webb.edu.

Previous News Article

ɫƵ-Webb University Hosts National Advocate for Faith Freedom on Oct. 22

Next News Article

Bands Unite for Hurricane Relief at ɫƵ-Webb University

Related News

  • News Article

    ɫƵ-Webb University Invites Community to Webbstock 2026 on Aug. 22

    Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift, Y2K Kids and Rising Artist Sam Donald Headline Outdoor Festival BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Webbstock 2026 will bring live music, food, artisans and family-friendly fun to ɫƵ-Webb University on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Brinkley Amphitheater. With free admission, residents from Cleveland County and neighboring communities […]

    webbstock
  • News Article

    One Question at a Time: ɫƵ-Webb 2026 Alumna Turns Internship into Career

    Curiosity and Initiative Helped Mollie Fuller Secure a Full-Time Position with Metrolina Greenhouses BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Mollie Fuller has a piece of advice for ɫƵ-Webb University students completing an internship. She shares two simple words that can make a lasting difference: “Ask questions.” Fuller explained, “Employers truly want to see effort and initiative from interns to […]

    Mollie Fuller poses at Metrolina Greenhouses
  • News Article

    ɫƵ-Webb Student-Athlete Pursues ‘Everlasting Goals’ Through Global Learning and Healthcare Leadership

    Lydia Robinson’s Journey Includes Division I Soccer, Study Abroad in England and a Competitive Novant Health Internship While Completing Bachelor’s and MBA Degrees in Four years Looking at Lydia Robinson’s résumé, it would be easy to assume luck played a role in her success. The ɫƵ-Webb University student-athlete from Charlotte, N.C., plays Division I soccer […]

    Lydia Robinson two collage featuring photos of Lydia playing soccer, scenes in Liverpool and her internship