Co Editor In Chief

Luke Godsey

Luke / Lukesself

Hello! My name is Luke and I am proud to be Co Editor-In-Chief of Appalachian Free Press!  I am from South Central Kentucky and am a proud Appalachian. It wasn’t until I left Appalachia for college that my love for the region was ignited. My areas of interest include Appalachian Linguistics and Feminism. I currently guest lecture at the University of Pennsylvania and work at the Penn Women’s Center. I hope to one day create an Appalachian Studies Department at UPenn. Besides work, I love to practice any fiber art that I can get my hands on. I currently love to quilt and crochet the most. You can find me shopping for hair accessories at the Highland Renaissance Fair every summer!

co editor in chief

Kelly Smith

Hello! I’m Kelly, and I’m very excited to be joining Luke as Co-Editor-In-Chief of The Appalachian Free Press. I have lived and worked in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia for much of my life, soaking up our rich storytelling tradition from my parents, grandparents, and so many others. I’m currently a freelance editor and proofreader with a background in public libraries, where I focused on reader engagement and community outreach. When I’m not working, I love to travel, try new foods, and listen to audiobooks.

I can’t wait to hear your stories and share your submissions with AFP readers!

Editor

Ilyse Bourque

Hello! My name is Ilyse and I’m proud to be an editor here at Appalachian Free Press! I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee but I’ve called Knoxville home for the last eight years! When I moved east to Knoxville after high school, I developed a love for the rich history and community of Appalachia and I haven’t looked back! I have my bachelor’s degree from The University of Tennessee in English literature and creative writing with a specialization in the inequalities of race, ethnicity, and gender, as well as my master’s degree in the science of education specialized in secondary English and English language learning (k-12). I’m a proud high school ELL teacher and have taught 11th grade English as well as AP Literature. Outside of education, I love to read all things fantasy, romance, and horror as well as create art when I have down time! On a good day you can catch me overspending at my local bookshop (Fable Hollow) and drinking an iced Chai with oat milk!

Lead Photographer

Simplystructural

Hello, I am simplystructural. 

I am one of the lead reporters and photographers for the Appalachian Free Press. 

As a seventh-generation Tennessean and resident of the Greater Knoxville-Morristown area, I am proud of the region I call home. 

I aspire to help my community with my passion/career opportunities in the fields of civil engineering, urban planning, research, local government, and economic/infrastructure development

Appalachian Folklore Specialist and Social Media Manager

Banjo

Manda Wallace, also known as Banjo, is a teller of tales and someone who is always looking deeply into the history of this land and of the people. 

You can contact her through our Facebook Page.

• Facebook