Malcolm J. Wilson Receives an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Kentucky

 A longer than normal read congratulating you…

Recently, I received a call from Dr. Eli Capilouto, the President of The University of Kentucky (UK). He informed me that I would be receiving an Honorary Ph.D. (Doctorate) of Arts from the university. To put this humbling honor into perspective, the last person I could find who lived in Letcher County to receive such an honor was writer Harry Caudill in 1971. Other notable Appalachians who have received an honorary doctorate from UK include Governor Paul Patton, Jean Ritchie, Loretta Lynn, Cawood Ledford, Carl D. Perkins, James Still, and John Rosenberg.

I am both honored and humbled to be part of this incredible group of people. I am still trying to comprehend my inclusion and find it challenging to do so.

According to the university, this is the highest honor UK can bestow on an individual. However, I don’t see this as an honor for me, yet an honor for you.

This recognition is for every single Appalachian, both living here and displaced. It is an acknowledgment for every single Appalachian who has trusted me to stand before my camera, from miners to musicians. It is for every individual I have mentored and for every individual that has mentored me.

It is an honor for my late father, Malcolm (Mack) Wilson, who told me when I was six years old to “never be ashamed of where you come from.” It is recognition for my late mother, Jean Cloise Vanover Wilson, who supported whatever I did in life.

This honor is a testament to the steadfast dedication of every teacher and professor who pushed me beyond my limits, from elementary school through college. I am particularly grateful to the late John Brewer, the late Charles (Chuck) Shubert, the late Roberta Pratt, the late James B. Goode, and Barry Andersen for their relentless support.

It also extends to the individuals, institutions, businesses, museums, galleries, and archives that have embraced and showcased my work as part of their permanent collections. Your commitment to preserving and making my art accessible is truly commendable.

Furthermore, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Charles S. Duncan, a former businessman from my hometown of Cumberland, Kentucky. He recognized my potential and supported me in every way he could, even though I was a lanky, struggling teenager with a passion for documenting Appalachia.

Dr. Bruce Ayers deserves special recognition for giving me my first job as a photographer at my hometown newspaper, The Tri-City News. His mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Additionally, I am indebted to my hometown photographer, the late Vic Howard, who, after retiring, generously sold me all of his equipment at a reduced rate. He then went on to mentor me when I opened my own studio in Cumberland in the late 1970s.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the late Ken Stewart, who introduced me to my first job at a prominent daily newspaper, The Kentucky Post. Randy Dieter, the photo editor, played a pivotal role in propelling me to new heights and challenging me to think beyond my perceived limitations. Additionally, the city editor at the time, Mark Neikirk, who went on to achieve remarkable success, was the catalyst for my life’s work to be preserved in the special collections archive at the University of Kentucky. His persistent support for my work has been a constant source of inspiration for me over the decades.

This honor is also dedicated to those still living in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area who are displaced Appalachians and those who continue to fight against Appalachian denigration, including Maureen Sullivan, Pauletta Hansel, Debra Bays, Jim Talkington, and Don Corathers.

It also goes to my siblings, Kateena Wilson Haynes, Dennis Wilson, and Chris Wilson, who have been my unwavering supporters through thick and thin. Additionally, it acknowledges my children, Malandra, Seth, and Jessica, who understood my passion and drive, which often led me to be away from home for weeks or even longer to pursue my beliefs.

This honor is a tribute to my late wife, Jennifer Molley Wilson, who recognized early on in our relationship that I needed to spend my remaining years in Eastern Kentucky. This decision resulted in our move from Bristol, Tennessee, to Blackey, Kentucky. It also honors her unyielding belief in my abilities and my determination, as well as her collaboration with me as a talented writer and photographer in her own right.

This honor is a tribute to all the small-town Appalachian community newspapers that continue to publish my work, including The Troublesome Creek Times (Tim and Karen Cody), the Letcher County Community News-Press and Tri-City News (Mike and Tina Whitaker), and The Mountain Eagle (Ben Gish).

It also acknowledges my dearest friends, those I can always rely on and turn to, including Appalachian artist Larry May, community activist Gwen Johnson, national rural organizer Dee Davis (Stan Bolander), and newspaper publisher and editor Ben Gish.

Congratulations are also extended to my wife of seven years, Amy. She has been a pillar of strength, pulling me out of deep drowning grief, helping me stand on my feet, and ensuring that my health is her top priority. When I face challenges, she makes sure I keep going!

Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the tireless support of my long-time friend, a prolific photography workshop student, and University of Kentucky math professor, Dr. Peter Perry. Dr. Perry’s work in initiating and submitting my dossier for potential recognition of this honor was truly instrumental. Additionally Dr. Perry solicited a letter of nomination from Douglas Way, Dean of Libraries which became the forwarding letter of nomination.

As I mentioned earlier, this honor is for all of you. It is an honor for Central Appalachia. And as a proud Central Appalachian reading this document, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you!

While I may be the icon representing you on stage, I want to emphasize that this award is for all Appalachians, both those who reside here and those who have been displaced.

If you desire to watch the ceremony which will happen the evening of Friday, May 8th, I will be sharing a link to live stream the event once it becomes available. Again, congratulations to each and every one of you that holds Appalachia near and dear to your hearts!

Sincerely and with much gratitude, admiration and love,

Malcolm

PHOTO ABOVE COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY WEBSITE