Appalachian Connections
October 2019

Message from Chancellor Sheri Everts

This fall, Appalachian welcomed our largest and most diverse class in university history and saw an increase in our retention rates, which continue to be well above the national average. These figures attest to the strong interest in an Appalachian education and the high-quality degree programs provided to your students by our dedicated faculty and staff.

Recognition in national publications also underscores the value of an Appalachian degree. Of note, U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian second in the Best Undergraduate Teaching category among Southern regional universities. Appalachian specializes in providing a stellar undergraduate education — 91% of our students are undergraduates and they are taught primarily by tenured faculty who are engaged and invested in their success.

Another exciting accolade, U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian second in the Most Innovative Schools category among Southern regional universities. Appalachian students often participate in leading-edge initiatives, including the Impact Clinic, through which students collaborate with businesses to assess environmental and societal impacts. These real-world experiences contribute to the exceptional post-graduation employment and post-secondary education enrollment rates. Of our 2017-18 alumni, 98% of undergraduate alumni and 96% of graduate alumni are employed and/or enrolled in continuing higher education programs within one year of graduation.

The support of parents and families is critical to student success. Thank you for your involvement. It was wonderful to see so many of you during Family Weekend. We hope to see you all back on campus next week for Appalachian’s homecoming festivities.