Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris
Dr. Heather Norris
Chancellor

Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris became chancellor of Appalachian State University on March 1, 2025, after having served as interim chancellor of App State since April 19, 2024. With more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise at App State, Chancellor Norris’ career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community. Prior to her appointments as chancellor and interim chancellor, Norris served as provost and executive vice chancellor of App State — on an interim basis in 2020 and fully in 2021.

Learn more about Chancellor Norris

Watch the Feb. 27 livestreamed remarks from Appalachian State University’s next chancellor.

Watch the Feb. 27 meeting of the UNC Board of Governors here.



Chancellor's messages

  • Message from Dr. Heather Norris on becoming App State’s next chancellor
    Friday, February 28, 2025

    Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris shares her first message after being elected chancellor by the UNC Board of Governors.

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  • Remarks from welcome event celebrating Dr. Heather Norris’ appointment as App State Chancellor
    Thursday, February 27, 2025

    Watch the Feb. 27 livestreamed remarks from the welcome event celebrating Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris' appointment as chancellor of Appalachian State University. University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans announced Norris' appointment upon election by the Board of Governors of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System on Feb. 27.

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  • A Tribute to Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski
    Wednesday, January 22, 2025

    It is with great sadness that I share that Dr. Francis Thomas Borkowski, Appalachian State University’s fifth leader, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19.

    Frank led our university for 10 years from 1993 to 2003, and during this time, he strengthened the university’s academic reputation, expanding our global education programs, supporting programs designed for first-year students’ success, and helping extend the reach of the university’s arts programs through An Appalachian Summer Festival and the Hayes School of Music, which was named under his tenure in honor of Mariam Cannon Hayes, who had contributed the university’s largest gift to date in support of the arts at the university.

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