Howard Dorgan Photograph Collection, Undated | Archives of Appalachia

Claude Howard Dorgan was born on July 5, 1932 in Ruston, Louisiana, the son of John C. and Ester Mae Cheetwood Dorgan. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-El Paso, an M. F. A. degree in theater from the University of Texas-Austin, and a Ph.D. in speech communication from Louisiana State University. After teaching at the high school and college level for several years, he joined the faculty at Appalachian State University in 1971, where he developed an interest in Appalachian religious studies. He retired from ASU in 2000.

Dorgan’s research led to extensive involvement in Appalachian and regional studies. He served as president of the Appalachian Studies Association and the Southern States Communication Association. He was editor of the Southern Communication Journal. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Laurel Leaves Award from the Appalachian Consortium. Among his book publications are Airwaves of Zion (1993), Giving Glory to God In Appalachia (1987), and Hands of a Happy God: The “No Hellers” of Central Appalachia (1989).

Dorgan and his wife Kathleen have two children: Shawn Dorgan and Kelly Dorgan.