Appalachian Connections
June 2019

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Message from Chancellor Sheri Everts

The mountains of the High Country are especially lovely throughout the summer season. The natural beauty and tranquility are complemented by cool temperatures and endless activities — like An Appalachian Summer Festival. It’s no wonder so many students and faculty continue their academic work throughout the summer months.

Mountaineers who take advantage of our summer academic offerings are in good company! About 65% of our students take at least one summer class during their time at Appalachian. This valuable strategy saves both time and money, as four- and five-year graduation rates are much higher for students who attend Appalachian’s Summer Sessions.

Throughout the year, the hard work of our students, faculty and staff reaps dividends for our university and our state, and this pays off for our students. The value of an Appalachian education can be measured in many tangible ways:

• Appalachian’s retention and graduation rates are well above national and state averages. Of our first-year class, 87.2% achieve second-year status — nearly 20% above the national average.
• Our students are also in high demand in the workplace after graduation. Nearly 70% report employment within one year of graduation. One-third report enrolling in a program of advanced study.
• Appalachian students and alumni pay down their college loan debt at a rate that is 25% higher than the national average.

These statistics exemplify some of the more measurable aspects of the Appalachian Experience. They are evidence of the diligence and efforts of our faculty, staff and students, and underscore what makes Appalachian the premier, public undergraduate university in the state.

No matter what your students are engaged with this summer, their work now will yield important results for years to come.