In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Gladys G Davis Theatre
1 Fine Arts Dr.
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505
United States

Autumn Tooms Cypres

Founding Dean of the College of Appied Human Sciences at West Virignia University

I’m a curious and fired-up learner that has spent 25 years studying the difference between how leadership is understood and how leadership is practiced in everyday life. I’ve traveled many country roads from a childhood in the Arizona desert to a happy-ever-after home in West Virginia. The journey has included service to five universities that serve various Appalachian communities across the United States. I have served communities as a McDonalds cashier, baker, emergency room clerk, bill collector, chemistry teacher, school principal, professor, author, change agent, university administrator, and now Founding Dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, discounted, and ignored. I also know what it feels like to be heard, inspired, and nurtured. In truth, places of learning can be empowering or soul-crushing.

Charlie Long

WVU Student

Charlie Long is a sophomore Political Science major and Philosophy minor at West Virginia University hailing from Charleston, West Virginia. The environments in which he thrives most are those where he can give people hope and help them reach their full potential. This passion has arisen from his personal experiences with self-doubt and emotional turmoil. In his talk, Charlie explores these experiences in-depth, revealing how he conquered them and grew to be comfortable in his own skin, no matter where he is in life. Following his undergraduate studies, Charlie aspires to obtain a law degree in order to channel his passion for assisting others into a legal career. He has already accrued legal experience through working at WV Public Defender Services as a summer intern and becoming involved in undergraduate legal research. Additionally, he has tried to make his mark on the WVU campus in various capacities, such as serving as the Attorney General of the WVU Student Government Association

Joshua Meadows

Data Driven WV, Director; WV Internet for All, BEAD Program Data Subject Mater Expert; WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics Management Information Systems Department, Service Assistant Professor

Joshua Meadows is a service assistant professor in the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics and serves as the director of Data Driven WV. This outreach center connects organizations with WVU students and faculty to provide data-driven, technical insights and solutions. As a West Virginia native, Joshua is dedicated to his home state's economic development and prosperity. In his role, Joshua utilizes his unique combination of experience in technology and community outreach to bridge the skills gap in West Virginia communities through service-oriented outreach, community projects, and subject matter expertise in data analytics. He has hosted presentations on relevant industry topics, such as AI in government and technology consulting; mentored student groups as they worked through experiential learning projects; and advised economic development groups on topics such as digital equity.

Ryan McCarthy

WVU Medicine, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

McCarthy MD is a faculty member of the WVU School of Medicine and practices internal medicine in Martinsburg, WV. In spring 2020, he created Healthcare is Human, a project to chronicle his pandemic experience. Since then, this project—photography, podcast, museum exhibit, forthcoming book, art installation, and poetry workshop—has grown exponentially, telling dozens of stories. A partnership of talented artists, Healthcare is Human digs deep, finding beauty in the midst of a global pandemic. Dr. McCarthy collaborates with the WVU Humanities Center to create a new model of narrative medicine, one steeped in Appalachian values. He loves a great story, and—even better—a good joke.

Timothy Shaw

WVU Student

My name is Timothy Shaw, and I’m a current WVU Senior majoring in Marketing, with an A.O.E. in Digital Marketing Promotions and a minor in Sports Communication. Throughout my time at WVU, I’m grateful to have made lifelong memories that have shaped me into who I am today. From participating in Apple’s WVU College Support Program, serving as VP of Student Outreach for WVU’s Chapter of American Marketing Association, and President of WVU’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, MountaineerTHON, I’m extremely grateful for these amazing opportunities WVU has provided. I’ve been wanting to participate in TEDxWVU since my freshman year, but I have never had an “idea worth spreading” until this year. I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my ideas and leave an impact on other individuals besides myself. This year's “Dig Deeper” theme has provided the perfect opportunity to become involved, as this theme is something I have resonated with my entire life.