Division of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives

The External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives division’s mission is to provide support, leadership and direction for institutional initiatives, special projects, critical, time-sensitive decisions, and protocol and policy development. Areas within the division collaborate enterprise-wide to support and further Appalachian's greater mission.



Hank Foreman
Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives
Chief of Staff
Secretary of the University
828-262-2880
foremanht@appstate.edu

David Cook
Director, Constituency Relations and Scheduling
828-262-3159
cookdh@appstate.edu

Matthew Dockham
Director, External Affairs & Community Relations
828-262-2040
dockhammt@appstate.edu

Denise Ringler
Director, Office of Arts and Engagement
828-262-6084 ext. 103
weissbergerdr@appstate.edu

Jason Parker
Director, Holmes Convocation Center
828-262-7890
parkerjc@appstate.edu

Lee Ball
Chief Sustainability Officer
828-262-2665
balllf@appstate.edu

Margaret McCoy
Executive Director of Donor Engagement & University Events
828-262-8485
mccoymm@appstate.edu

Megan Hayes
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Communications Officer
828-262-7983
hayesme@appstate.edu

Brooklyn Dellinger
Regional Director, Small Business Technology Development Center
336-345-1110
dellingerbw@appstate.edu

George Baldwin
Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations
828-262-2040
baldwingm@appstate.edu