Greta Heintzelman Slone named Interim Director of Strategic Communications at Big Sandy
Big Sandy Community and Technical College is pleased to announce the new Interim Director
of Strategic Communications—Greta Heintzelman Slone, A.B.D.
A native daughter of Appalachia, of coal miners and immigrant theologians, Greta Heintzelman Slone is rooted in eastern Kentucky—by birth and by choice. The love of her own culture, her heart’s focus upon people, was nurtured through an extended family of servant-leaders who provoked her to learn deeply, teach tirelessly, and work vigorously for self-fulfillment.
Education, travel, and sturdy family have graduated her from the best schools in the world and made her fearless. She has had careers firmly planted in the humanities, most notably at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Jewish Historical Society, and as an archivist for Broadway theatre productions. “All of my accomplishments are BECAUSE I am Appalachian” Greta stated. In fact, she built an ecommerce company just last summer called the Free State of Appalachia (FSOA) whose focus is on empowering Appalachian artists through the reproduction of their original artwork on the most common canvas—the tee shirt. “FSOA sells merchandise throughout the world. It is inspiring how beautifully we are received and contribute to a global ecommerce economy – proudly from Arkansas Creek!”
The culmination of all her experiences has brought Greta to this remarkable point as the Director of Strategic Communications for BSCTC. “Creativity and collaboration is at the heart of all we do at the College, and I am delighted to contribute in this way at this exact time when BSCTC is doing so many amazing things! Sharing the stellar work of the College is an honor” (Slone).
Greta is also writing her dissertation in fulfillment of a Doctorate in Education with the specialization of higher education and leadership in diversity and inter-culturalism. Her focus remains centered upon the multicultural history of the coal fields of eastern Kentucky to improve and expound upon Appalachian culture in all its uniqueness.
