We are excited to welcome and highlight Robert Gipe, an award-winning writer, educator, and community arts leader with deep roots in Appalachian storytelling, to the Hindman Settlement School Board of Directors.
Robert is the author of Trampoline (2015), which won the Weatherford Award for outstanding Appalachian novel, as well as Weedeater (2018) and Pop (2021). His trilogy, all published by Ohio University Press, received the Judy Gaines Young Book Award in 2021. Beyond his published work, Robert has made significant contributions to the arts through his role as founding producer of the Higher Ground community performance series. He also served as a script consultant for the Hulu series Dopesick and was a producer on the feature film The Evening Hour.
From 1997 to 2018, Robert directed the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Appalachian Program in Harlan. He continues to reside in Harlan County, Kentucky, where he has long been a champion for the region’s creative voices. Originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, Robert’s life and work reflect his commitment to Appalachian people, culture, and storytelling.
His connection to Hindman Settlement School stretches back more than three decades. “I have been involved with Hindman Settlement School since 1990, first through the Eastern Kentucky Teachers Network and then as a participant in and faculty member of the Appalachian Writers’ Workshop,” Robert shared. “I’m honored to represent Hindman’s writing community on the board, and look forward to serving the School and its communities.”
We are grateful for Robert’s leadership and the wealth of experience he brings to our mission of celebrating Appalachian culture and strengthening community through education, the arts, and service.
