We proudly announce Professor Susan M. Roberts has taken over the reins of U.K. Geography as Chair of the Department. Under her guidance and creativity, we foresee a productive and invigorating future. It's also the end of a great era as Professor Karl Raitz steps down as departmental chair, and enters into a well deserved break and sabbatical.

New Publication: Kentucky's Frontier Trails
During America's colonial period, the trans-Appalachian west, though largely terra incognita to people living on the eastern seaboard and occupied by significant numbers of native peoples, lay open to initial forays by hunters, explorers, surveyors, and settlers. The earliest overland travel routes to traverse western Virginia lands, country that eventually became the Commonwealth of Kentucky, were established between the 1750s and 1780.

Recent Departmental Awards Following the March 2009 AAG, our very own Dr. Paul Karan received a Special Award from the Association of Japanese Geographers. The award recognizes his research accomplishments, and his contribution to the many connections he has built with Japanese geographers.