A division of Radford University's College of Arts and Sciences, the center sponsors local academic and regional service programs as well as print, audio, and visual materials exploring Appalachian Studies and Literature.
The MES will continue to grow as a regional teaching resource for all students and faculty in the earth sciences. Expansion of space will be desired.
The permanent collections include art by Dorothy Gillespie, works from the Betty Parsons Foundation and Huichol Yarn Paintings. The museum presents nearly 30 exhibitions a year in several galleries.