Installation Ceremony

Installation of Dr. Sheri N. Everts
April 17, 2015 / 10:00 a.m.
George M. Holmes Convocation Center

Appalachian's seventh chancellor, Dr. Sheri N. Everts, will be installed by President Tom Ross during a formal ceremony.

In order that faculty, staff and students may attend the installation ceremony of Dr. Sheri N. Everts, all morning classes scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2015 are cancelled. Classes will begin that day at 1pm.

For those who are unable to attend the Installation Ceremony, it will be available via live streaming. The stream will become available approximately 10 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

Ceremonial Guide

The University Mace

The Appalachian State University mace is carried by a senior faculty member in all academic processions. Traditionally, the mace bearer precedes the chancellor of an institution, both upon entering and leaving a ceremony. The mace serves as a symbol of authority just as it did during the Middle Ages when a mace bearer accompanied an official taking office or opening court. The Appalachian Mace symbolizes the University’s mountain heritage, the rustic location and the sophistication of an emerging, national leader in higher education. Its design, as a walking stick with a base constructed of roughhewn log and finished molding, is appropriate to the natural environment of the area. At the top of the mace is a soaring, red-tailed hawk, native to the area. The hawk symbolizes power, authority as well as the empowerment of education. The talons are grasping a sphere containing two quartz crystals. The first crystal represents the global nature of the University, its educational programs, alumni, and students. The second quartz crystal within the sphere is a reproduction of Grandfather Mountain.

The letters “ASU” reliefed within the pine cone are gold-plated black enamel. The various bands represent the flora and fauna native to the area. The black walnut, one of the strongest of woods, was used to symbolize the staying power of the university.

The mace was constructed by Carolina Bronze of Asheville. Fittingly, two Appalachian students and an Appalachian graduate were involved in the production. It was commissioned by the Appalachian Alumni Association in 1994.

The University Medallion

As symbols of events and affiliation, medallions date back to antiquity. In academic regalia the use of medallions is traced to religious orders of the Middle Ages when a number of orders had as a badge an oval medallion. Since many orders, societies, and universities utilized in their medallion designs the circle, star, oval, or cross, detailed artwork in the center of the medallion was adopted to differentiate the medallions. Colleges and universities have traditionally used both ceremonial and commemorative medallions. As part of the 95th anniversary of Appalachian State University, a commemorative medallion was commissioned in 1994 and is worn by the chancellor on ceremonial occasions.

Academic Banners

Academic banners, which originated in the medieval republics of Italy as a sign of state or office, are used to represent the academic disciplines. Appalachian displays banners representing the university, the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Walker College of Business, the Reich College of Education, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, The Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music, the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the University Libraries and each academic department.

Academic Regalia

The tradition of academic costumes probably originated in the traditions and necessities of the Middle Ages, when people dressed in keeping with their class and for their needs. Warm cloaks and hoods were needed because many of the buildings where scholars taught were cold. From the various traditions that grew up surrounding academic costumes, a code was established and subscribed to in 1894 by most universities and colleges in the United States. Now that academic costumes are prescribed, audiences can identify the institutions awarding degrees, the nature of the degrees and the faculties awarding them.

The bachelor of arts gown is black, closed in front with long pointed sleeves. The square Oxford cap and tassel are black. The bachelor’s hood is rarely worn.

The master of arts gown is black with long closed sleeves and a short slit near the elbow to free the hand and forearm. The gown is frequently worn open but may be worn closed. Both cap and tassel are black.

The doctor’s gown, usually also black, is worn open or closed, and has velvet panels five inches wide extending down the front edge to the bottom and three horizontal bars on each sleeve. Panels and bars are often black but may be a color indicating the faculty granting the degree. The doctor’s costume also includes the square Oxford cap with a gold tassel worn on the left side. Hoods show the greatest degree of symbolism.

Hoods are black with velvet borders in the color of the faculty in which the degree is granted. Thus for the B.A. the border is white; for the B. S. it is golden yellow; for the B.D., purple; and so on for all faculties. The lining of the hood is silk in the colors of the institution granting the degree. The bachelor’s hood is three feet long, with a two-inch velvet border; the master’s is three and one-half feet long, with a three-inch velvet border. The doctor’s hood is four feet long, with a five-inch velvet border.

Colors Indicating Fields of Learning

  • Arts, Letters, Humanities ... White
  • Commerce, Accounting, Business ... Drab
  • Dentistry ... Lilac
  • Economics ... Copper
  • Education ... Light Blue
  • Fine Arts, including Architecture ... Brown
  • Home Economics ... Maroon
  • Journalism ... Crimson
  • Law ... Purple
  • Library Science ... Lemon
  • Medicine ... Green
  • Music ... Pink
  • Nursing ... Apricot
  • Oratory (speech) ... Silver Grey
  • Pharmacy ... Olive Green
  • Philosophy ... Dark Blue
  • Physical Education ... Sage Green
  • Public Administration including Foreign Service ... Peacock Blue
  • Public Health ... Salmon Pink
  • Science ... Golden Yellow
  • Social Work ... Citron
  • Theology ... Scarlet
  • Veterinary Medicine ... Gray

University Artifacts

Appalachian State University has a 116-year history of academic excellence and service. The pioneering spirit necessary to overcome the mountains’ hardships quickly characterized the institution, giving Appalachian a special niche in higher education that continues today. After more than a century, students still feel the pull of this unique place to transform their lives, and Appalachian has remained focused on providing students with educational experiences that are not only life-changing but world-changing. The roots of this rich academic tradition can be traced back to the insitution’s founder, B.B. Dougherty. Appalachian’s heritage is represented by several artifacts displayed on the stage. These artifacts will also be on display at the campus and community reception in honor of Chancellor Everts.

The University Shield is on loan from the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, and served as the university’s first official mace.

The Artifacts Table is on loan from the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection. In January 1903, a bill to the North Carolina General Assembly, written by Captain Edward F. Lovill and B.B. Dougherty to gain public support for Watauga Academy and change the name to Appalachian Training School, was signed on this table in the Lovill house in West Boone.

The Dougherty Family Bible is on loan from descendants of D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty. This bible contains the genealogy of the founding family of Appalachian.

Information for faculty members participating in the procession

Faculty members should enter the Holmes Center via the Northwest Entrance (located to the left of the ramp leading up to the concourse level) and will assemble in Room 15 A&B. Please plan to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. to allow time for robing and line-up. Coats and personal belongings may be left in these rooms during the ceremony, as they will remain locked throughout. Light refreshments will also be available.

Prior to the ceremony, an event staff person will assist you with line-up. Faculty will line up in the hallway just outside rooms 15 A&B and will process into the arena with their respective Colleges (behind the College banner being carried by the Dean of the College). Members of the academic community who are walking in the processional should be dressed in academic regalia. Staff personnel will be in the hallways to guide you into the arena and student ambassadors will assist with seating once inside the door.