Muskingum University Students Working to Transform New Concord

NEW CONCORD, OH – Students from Muskingum University are working on a project to make New Concord a better place to walk and remember its history.

Muskingum University received an Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative grant, giving students the opportunity to develop and execute projects that address the development needs of their community. Their goal is to make New Concord easier to walk around and show off its history.

“It means a lot to us because we’re a part of this community just as much as everybody else. We’re only here for half the year, but at the end of the day this is our home too. If we can make some positive change to make the community a better place, it’s going to benefit us and make our village a little bit better,” Student at Muskingum University, Travis Reynolds said.

The students are looking at ways create a digital story map and improve walkability and signage. In December, they will go to Washington D.C. to share their work with other students and leaders.

“As someone who is interested in this line of work, it’s really interesting to actually be able to participate and get a closer view that you wouldn’t really get from a traditional classroom setting.” Student at Muskingum University, Aiden West said.

“We are looking to share our information. Hopefully someone from the Appalachian district could provide us a grant if they enjoy what they’re seeing. If they think it’s realistic goals that we can achieve,” Student at Muskingum University, Grace Nees said.

After presenting in D.C. the students will be moving into the implementation phase for the spring semester.