معرفی
Beth Davison serves as Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of AppDocs in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Appalachian State University, where she merges academic rigor with documentary filmmaking to explore Appalachian communities, social justice, and historical narratives through an empathetic lens.
Education:
- PhD and MS in Sociology, North Carolina State University
- BA in Religion and Social Philosophies, St. Andrews Presbyterian College
- Certificate in Documentary Studies, Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University
Her research interrogates community resilience, cultural identity, and social equity through participatory documentary methods, amplifying marginalized voices while examining intersections of place, history, and power in the Appalachian South. She emphasizes ethical storytelling as both scholarly practice and community engagement tool.
Recent works demonstrate evolving focus from environmental conservation (2019 bat preservation documentary) to disaster recovery (2025 Hurricane Helene film) and food justice initiatives, reflecting deepening community partnerships. These projects—screened at festivals and on PBS—showcase interdisciplinary approaches blending sociology, visual anthropology, and public humanities.
Scientific Awards:
- Best Overall Animation at Longleaf Film Festival (2024) for The Nature of Art
Davison mentors emerging filmmakers through AppDocs and advanced production courses, guiding student teams in documentary projects with local organizations. Her grant-funded initiatives include National Park Service collaborations and community-based storytelling programs addressing regional challenges.
As AppDocs co-director, she cultivates a creative laboratory where students, faculty, and community partners co-produce documentaries that serve as educational resources and catalysts for social dialogue across the High Country region.
