May 2025

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 30, 2025

  Friday, May 30, 2025

  Summer, like every season, is special at Appalachian State University.

  This week we began the first session of summer classes, and it’s great to have students and faculty back on the Boone and Hickory campuses to brighten up some rainy weather! Students who take summer courses, whether online or face-to-face, gain significant advantages — adding flexibility to their fall and spring semesters and staying on track for a shorter time to graduation. Many also find they can balance jobs or internships with a summer class schedule, and those who take courses in Boone and Hickory have the benefit of experiencing the beauty of the High Country and Catawba Valley.

  We are working to increase financial assistance for students taking summer courses, and with the recent generosity of the Bedford Falls Foundation, nursing students with financial need will soon have more financial support available to them.

  The Bedford Falls Foundation recently made a $1 million commitment to App State to support students in the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

  The funds will provide significant scholarship support for more than 40 nursing students from North Carolina who demonstrate financial need, as well as other nursing program components focused on improving student success, including mental health first aid training, peer mentor programs, conference travel and professional development.

  App State is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for practicing and prospective nurses, and we express our sincere thanks to the foundation’s founder and trustee, Bill Conway Jr., who, along with his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway, has committed millions of dollars to addressing the critical shortage of qualified nurses nationwide.

  This generous gift to App State will help remove financial barriers for aspiring nurses and strengthen the health care workforce across our state and region, and we are proud to help carry their legacy forward. Learn more about this new Conway Scholars program here.

  The Reich College of Education celebrated two especially meaningful accomplishments this month:

  • The 2025 fifth grade class of the Appalachian State Academy at Middle Fork graduated in Walkertown last Thursday. Family, friends and the Middle Fork community celebrated 46 mini-Mountaineers as they crossed the stage to receive their first App State diplomas. I’ll be keeping a lookout for these students in a few years, and hope to congratulate them again when they earn another App State diploma!
  • We also celebrated a nine-year streak of success for having the highest number of alumni in the nation who are National Board Certified Teachers. We are incredibly proud of this top national ranking, but even more proud of the 2,215 alumni who have achieved this significant career milestone, which represents countless hours of work and endless dedication to their students. Congratulations to our NBCT-certified alumni, and thank you to Dean Melba Spooner and the Reich College of Education faculty, staff and alumni who developed and continue to champion App State's National Board Candidate Support program.

  This achievement is among the many points of pride I share with leaders and supporters across the region, state and nation. I’ve spent several days this month visiting with members of our state legislature, as well as our congressional representatives. During my conversations with these senior leaders, I was able to share the work we are doing to support the success of all of our students, significant research accomplishments of our faculty and staff, and information about our continued hurricane recovery efforts, while conveying our heartfelt thanks for their continued support of our students and their dreams for educational attainment.

  This week, we welcomed the university’s new General Counsel and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Integrity Kristen Bonatz, who began in the role on Tuesday. The general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity reports to the chancellor and is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the university’s legal and institutional risk and compliance portfolio, including the Office of General Counsel, Internal Audits, the Office of Access and Opportunity and the Office of Compliance and Ethics.

  Kristen is a seasoned attorney with nearly two decades working in the UNC System. She comes to us from UNC Greensboro, where she has served in the Office of General Counsel since 2016, most recently as deputy general counsel. Prior to UNC Greensboro, Kristen was assistant university attorney, then associate university attorney at East Carolina University.

  Her background includes a vast array of higher education experience, including First Amendment, employment law, policy development, financial aid, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX compliance, internal investigations and external responses to the Office of Civil Rights, and significant background in experience in policy development, compliance and risk management.

  Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts from UNC Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She served as a law clerk for Chief Judge John C. Martin of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. You can read more about Kristen’s background and experience here.

  I am so pleased to have Kristen join my leadership team, and I’m confident she will lead her division with integrity and vision.

  As Kristen steps into this role, we thank Brad Trahan for serving as interim general counsel and director of institutional integrity since September 2024. Brad’s guidance has been crucial to the continuity of operations and success of the university over the last 8 months, and I can’t thank him enough for serving App State through his role in the UNC System’s General Counsel office. While I know he is looking forward to returning to the Raleigh area, he’s always welcome back to the High Country as a Mountaineer.

  As we prepare for a new academic year ahead, I know many are looking forward to the upcoming Mountaineer Football season. Early season football kickoff times and TV designations were announced yesterday, which you can see here. In preparation for exciting upcoming seasons for all of our athletics teams, I’ll represent App State at Sun Belt CEO and NCAA meetings next week, and share my pride for our student-athletes, who are outstanding representatives of the university. For the 26th consecutive semester these students have maintained a 3.0 grade point average across all sports — proving once again that they work just as hard in the classroom as they do in their athletic endeavors.

  Finally, I’d like to express congratulations on behalf of the university to App State alumnus Daniel Duckworth ’03, on his appointment as the Town of Boone’s Chief of Police. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with the Boone Police Department, and are proud to see one of our alumni in such an important leadership role in our community.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 23, 2025

  Friday, May 23, 2025

  On Monday, the university will be closed in recognition of Memorial Day and the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our freedoms.

  Throughout the year, we recognize our military members on different designated occasions and for distinctly different reasons. Memorial Day is a particularly meaningful day — set aside to pay tribute to and recognize, as President Lincoln noted in the Gettysburg Address, those who “gave the last full measure of devotion” to their country.

  Today, we laid a wreath at our university’s Veterans Memorial honoring those students, faculty, staff and alumni who have given their lives while in service to their country — their names forever etched in our Mountaineer hearts.

  Mountaineers near and far, I ask that as you enjoy this long weekend, you take a moment and pause to remember these valiant friends and classmates, as well as the countless individuals around the world who sacrificed so much for our nation.

  • Joel Bacon
  • Hal Bingham ’42
  • Carl T. Bumgarner ’37
  • Henry C. Cline
  • Ben H. Colvard ’36
  • Rennie M. Cory Jr. ’80
  • John B. Crisp ’40
  • James T. Cunningham
  • Robert B. Davis
  • Heath Lee Duncan
  • Morris Eggers ’37
  • Billy Kennedy Evans Jr.
  • Paul D. Hagaman
  • Albert Reed Harmon
  • Roderick John
  • Eugene W. Knott
  • Edward H. Ledbetter
  • George Rufus Lippard
  • Fred Jamison Lowrance
  • John Marshall McClure ’40
  • George Martin Jr. ’41
  • George Almond Parrish ’40
  • Matt Anthony Pasky
  • Herbert L. Poole
  • Jeb Franklin Seagle ’76
  • Gatewood Shipman
  • Lindell Smith
  • Bill Sparks
  • Merl B. Steimer
  • Harold Jasper Stone
  • Richard D. Tyndall ’83
  • Harold Winecoff ’37
  • Joseph Paul Yatsko
  • Horace Yount
  • Larry J. Bauguess Jr. ’93
  • Richard G. Cliff Jr. ’02
  • Terry Lee Varnadore ’03
  • Shawn Patrick-Thomas Charles ’06
  • Susan Marie Giesemann-Babich
  • Dale Taylor ’98
  • Kevin Herrmann ’02

  As we look ahead to a three-day weekend, I hope you will spend some time reflecting on the sacrifices that our fallen service members and their loved ones have made for us, and the significance of this nationwide commemoration.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 16, 2025

  Friday, May 16, 2025

  As we celebrate more than 4,200 new Appalachian State University graduates who can now proudly claim alumni status, I invite you to watch this wonderful video that captures the joy and excitement of their accomplishments. We wish all of our graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors, hope our returning students have begun to find ways to revitalize and rejuvenate over the summer, and are looking forward to seeing our newest students at Orientation sessions beginning in June!

  Yesterday, Gov. Josh Stein signed House Budget Technical Corrections (HB 74) into law. Separate and apart from the biennial budget, the bill’s provisions include $9 million earmarked for key capital projects taking place on our campus:

  • $5 million for the renovation of Edwin Duncan Hall. Built in 1965, the nearly 98,000-square-foot facility is being completely gutted as part of the renovation, which is well underway. On track for completion in fall 2025, the newly adapted space will serve current and future programming needs — including more technologically advanced classrooms and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) laboratories.
  
  
  • $2.5 million for the addition and renovation project at Peacock Hall. Built in 1990, Peacock Hall houses App State’s Walker College of Business, which has the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment of any business school in the UNC System. The addition to the building will allow for new classrooms, common areas, special use areas for campus events and a learning lab, providing students with leading-edge academic experiences. The addition is anticipated to open for the fall 2026 semester.
  
  
  • $1.5 million to complete the full renovation of Wey Hall. Built in 1976, Wey Hall has, until now, never been renovated. Wey Hall is home to the Department of Art, which offers more than 100 course sections to approximately 1,400 students. The building’s classrooms are also used by University College for General Education and First Year Seminar courses. The project will be completed this summer, and the facility will be ready for occupation for the upcoming fall semester.

  In times of rising construction costs and new challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene, we cannot thank our champions in the legislature and Gov. Stein enough for ensuring these projects can stay on track thanks to the provisions in this bill.

  On Monday, I welcomed the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery as they convened on our Boone campus for their May meeting. We were pleased to host this group, which advises the Governor and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) on strategies to address the needs of communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The committee is co-chaired by App State alumnus Sen. Kevin Corbin and also includes North Carolina Sen. and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Ralph Hise. We are proud of and thankful to our many alumni — especially those in the state legislature — who have taken leadership roles in these crucial recovery efforts throughout our region. Their tireless work and commitment to the recovery, revitalization and resilience of Western North Carolina, the High Country and Appalachian State University is admirable, and we remain committed to bringing expertise, research and resources to assist and support their efforts.

  That afternoon, we hosted the UNC System’s eighth annual Behavioral Health Convening, which included professionals of various disciplines — from research and education, to service providers. Mental health and wellness — along with cross-campus support during serious incidents — are long-standing, critical issues for higher education. The combined knowledge and expertise of those in attendance at the conference was evidence of the devotion the state and the UNC System continues to dedicate to the well-being of the people we serve. The work they engage in every day, and the work they commenced at this conference, is immeasurably significant. I appreciate this group of state and System leaders for engaging with App State during this convening. The evening’s keynote speaker was App State alumnus and Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer David Jackson, an outstanding partner and valued friend of Appalachian State University, who shared an important message on remaining resilient through even the toughest of times.

  At this week’s UNC Board of Governors meeting, the board voted to approve three new members and reappoint one member to Appalachian State University’s Board of Trustees. The board reappointed Joseph Jeffries “Jeff” Chesson and appointed Jamie Schaefer, Wayne Sumner and William Warren to four-year terms, beginning July 1.

  App State’s incoming student body president, Nicole Tran, a senior political science major from Charlotte, assumed a one-year term on the board in May.

  • Jeff Chesson, a 2024 recipient of App State’s Distinguished Alumni Award, earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in real estate from App State 1977. In the same year, he earned his North Carolina real estate and insurance licenses and began working in his family’s real estate business. In addition to his service on the Board of Trustees as chair of the Athletics committee, Jeff’s community involvement includes serving as a member of the charter committee of the Rotary Club of Greater Wilson and the Greenfield School board of directors, and volunteering for 35 years at Sugar Mountain Ski Patrol.
  
  
  • Jamie Schaefer, a recipient of App State’s 2013 Honorary Alumni Award for her service to the university, is a retired co-owner and operator of Westglow Resort and Spa in Blowing Rock. Prior to Westglow, Jamie was a successful real estate broker, property manager and interior designer in Florida. For more than a decade, she and her wife, Bonnie, have been key supporters and members of the Founders Society of An Appalachian Summer, and her involvement with our arts community also includes collaborating with the design committee of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, serving on the advisory board of An Appalachian Summer and her continued involvement in programming for the Schaefer Spotlight Series.
  
  
  • Wayne Sumner, a 1975 App State graduate, is the founder and chairman of the board of Jackson Sumner & Associates. Wayne entered the insurance industry in 1975, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He served as president of the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association three times, earning him a lifetime achievement award from the association in 2015. In 2013, App State opened the Wayne L. Sumner Broadcast Studio, the new home of the WASU radio station, named in his honor. Wayne has served on the App State Yosef Advisory Board, as well as on the advisory council for App State’s Department of Communications.
  
  
  • William Warren, a 1987 graduate with a degree in communications, is senior mental health account specialist in psychiatry and neuroscience at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he covers major mental health centers and hospitals in North and South Carolina. William serves on the board of the Downtown Church, the Columbia Humane Society, and the Columbia Fitness, Fellowship and Faith organization. He and his wife, Dr. Nori Warren, created the first endowed scholarship for App State’s recently formed veterinary technology program. The Warrens’ generosity toward App State has included gifts to the App State Sustainability and Energy Management’s Mountaineer Food Hub, the Department of Geography and Planning, a memorial endowment, Laps for Apps and The Appalachian Fund. They are also members of the Yosef Club.

  I look forward to continuing to work with Jeff and to Jamie, Wayne and William joining the board in July.

  If you’re in the Boone area this weekend, join us for some App State Baseball, as our team concludes its regular season with the final two games in a three-game series against Georgia State tonight at 6 p.m. and with tomorrow’s season finale at 1 p.m. at Smith Stadium. Today is Youth Day, and all children ages 12 and under will receive free admission. One win from this series will take us to next week's Sun Belt Tournament in Montgomery, Alabama, so let’s support the Mountaineers this weekend in the most beautiful stadium in college baseball!

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 9, 2025

  Friday, May 9, 2025

  This weekend is an exciting time for the university and more than 4,200 graduates of the Class of 2025, and we will celebrate with students and their loved ones, faculty and staff during Spring 2025 Commencement!

  Today and tomorrow, we will hold six ceremonies to honor our most recent graduates and their outstanding accomplishments. This class finished high school during a global pandemic, and the completion of their college degrees was marked by the most devastating storm to hit our area in generations. They are nothing if not persistent and resilient! Congratulations to this class — and all who helped them reach this triumphant moment.

  During these ceremonies, our graduates will hear words from North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, University of North Carolina Board of Governors representative and distinguished alumnus C. Philip Byers ’85 and Appalachian State University Board of Trustees Chair and distinguished alumnus Mark E. Ricks ’89. I appreciate these prominent leaders taking the time to join our graduates and share words of wisdom and inspiration for this milestone in their educational journeys and lives. If you are unable to attend, the ceremonies will be livestreamed on our Commencement website.

  As part of the many commencement celebrations taking place this week, our decorated Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the Mountaineer Battalion, commissioned 20 of the United States Army’s newest second lieutenants. These amazing students have committed themselves to excellence in academics and to serving our country at the same time. Several served our community and region in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene last fall. I am so proud of their academic success and their service, and I wish them all the best as they move forward into their roles as military leaders.

  Seven standout students who will cross the commencement stage today and tomorrow represent what it means to be a Mountaineer — each in their own way.

  • Scout Green, an Asheville native, is earning her Bachelor of Science in public health from the Beaver College of Health Sciences, along with double minors in exercise science and chemistry. An Honors College student, Scout’s undergraduate experience included an opportunity to learn in the radiology department at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and volunteering with Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit providing free health care services in rural underserved areas. Hurricane Helene’s dramatic impact on her hometown strengthened her resolve to serve; her next steps include an internship focused on emergency response and disaster preparedness, and pursuing a medical degree.
    
    
  • Matthew Rhodes, of Mooresville, is earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the Reich College of Education, with a concentration in psychology. Matthew finished his student teaching at East Mooresville Intermediate School this spring, where he taught general curriculum to fourth grade students. Matthew made the most of the Reich College’s professional development opportunities, joining the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars, which connects students with a well-established network of education professionals across the state of North Carolina and beyond. He was also an NC Teaching Fellow, North Carolina’s premier scholarship program for aspiring teachers. Matthew already has job offers for teaching positions, and he has his sights set on graduate school for counseling and then a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Perhaps he will become a three-time graduate of App State!
    
    
  • Eleora Dunham, of Charlotte, is earning a Bachelor of Science in anthropology from the College of Arts and Sciences, minoring in chemistry and medical humanities. An App State Football fan, Eleora enjoyed the community of the Mountaineers fan base while also combining her love of science with humanities, and along the way, she discovered a passion for public health. She plans to use her degree to explore how lifestyle, habits and behavior patterns influence overall health. Her next step is a Public Health AmeriCorps fellowship, working with regional first responders, after which she will attend the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to pursue a master’s degree in medical anthropology, focusing on community health work.
    
    
  • Spencer Hicks, from Concord, is receiving a Bachelor of Science in music industry studies with a concentration in manufacturing and merchandising from the Hayes School of Music, with a minor in general business. A trumpet player and member of the Marching Mountaineers, Spencer embraced the many opportunities offered in the Hayes School of Music, playing in several ensembles, joining two music fraternities, earning academic achievement awards and performing the trumpet solo for “House of the Rising Sun” in a downpour during the 2023 Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl in Orlando, which was won by the Mountaineers. This summer, Spencer will begin a second internship at the alumnus-owned Greg Black Mouthpieces in Mount Holly, a custom mouthpiece manufacturer for brass instruments, where he will utilize his arts and business expertise honed at App State.
    
    
  • Gemma Cullen, of Hickory, is an entrepreneur graduating from the College of Fine and Applied Arts, earning a Bachelor of Science in interior design — adding to her passion for creating visionary and functional spaces, and her drive to start a high-end, residential design business, Form and Function Co., in 2023. While earning her App State degree, she also earned international awards and gained national recognition for her designs, along with leadership in industry organizations. Gemma plans to move to Charlotte and expand her business to include hospitality and commercial design.
    
    
  • Rashell Fuentes-Paredes, of Yadkinville, is earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in digital marketing, from the Walker College of Business. Rashell is a first-generation college graduate who set her sights on App State while a junior in high school, and upon arriving in Boone, she found ways to stay connected to her roots while also giving back to her new community. Through an internship with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, she worked on community outreach events, offering bilingual support to low-income families and those in need. As a Walker Fellow, Rashell gained leadership skills and alumni connections, while serving as an ambassador for the college — she also gained a community she will remain a part of for life. Rashell plans to leverage her App State degree to provide marketing services for Hispanic businesses.
    
    
  • Cheyanne Dameron, of Granite Falls, is an inaugural student of App State’s Hickory campus who’s earning her Bachelor of Science in health care management from the Beaver College of Health Sciences. A first-generation college graduate, Cheyanne transferred to App State from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, an Aspire Appalachian partner. Cheyanne maximized her two years at App State, serving as president of App State’s Future Heath Care Executives club, completing an internship at Abernethy Laurels — a continuing care retirement community in Newton — and working as a peer tutor coordinator. She is the 2025 recipient of the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Student Health Care Management Leadership Award and an inspiration to her husband and four children — as well as to her Mountaineer community!

  At App State, we work to ensure every student has the opportunity to find their own path and make discoveries: in the classroom and the laboratory, during late-night discussions, in academic competitions and study sessions, while gaining career experience and developing a wealth of skills and abilities that will serve them for a lifetime.

  As I shared with the Class of 2025 on Wednesday, our graduates have enriched the Appalachian State University Community since the day they became Mountaineers. Graduates, no matter where or how far your next journey takes you, your alma mater will always welcome you back home.

  Cheers to the Class of 2025!

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 2, 2025

  Friday, May 2, 2025

  With spring semester classes finishing this week, students have turned their attention and studies toward final exams. Walking across campus, I’ve come across many soon-to-be graduates dressed in their regalia, taking photos at iconic locations on campus. I can’t help but smile at their excitement about the future and the promise I know they are bringing to their communities across the state and beyond.

  Last month, the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced our Institutional Classification and Student Access and Earnings Classification. These designations, under the redesigned Carnegie Classification system, recognize our focus on providing access to a high-quality App State education, as well as our professions-focused undergraduate and graduate academic programs, which help students achieve economic success postgraduation.

  In addition to our Research Activity Designation of Research 2, announced in February, these new classifications are continued recognition of the work that has been undertaken by our faculty and staff, and I thank you for your enduring commitment to expanding pathways of success for our students. These dedicated leaders work diligently to grow and strengthen programs that reflect the needs of our communities and the region, providing boundless opportunities for our students — both inside and beyond the classroom — that challenge them, broaden their perspectives and support them in becoming versatile individuals who are positioned for success across a variety of career and civic positions.

  To one of our key partners in this honorable work, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, we offer our congratulations as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of their Watauga Campus. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and an exemplary partner in providing educational opportunities in the High Country. Here’s to many, many more anniversaries!

  The research expertise of our faculty and staff is recognized statewide for critical efforts related to our regional recovery from Hurricane Helene, and on Tuesday, I welcomed representatives from FEMA, North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality and the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, along with many educational, civic, philanthropic and research leaders, for a Western North Carolina Research for Recovery and Resilience workshop, hosted by App State. This is a powerful group of leaders working on disaster recovery while also combining expertise and innovation to build back better, more resilient systems throughout our region. We are not only at this table, we are leaders in these efforts, exactly as we should be, serving our communities with resources and expertise that are invaluable.

  On Monday, I joined Faculty Senate for their final meeting of the semester. It was an opportunity to thank outgoing Senate Chair Jacqui Bergman and all the senators for their leadership and unparalleled dedication to the success of our students during a year filled with challenges and changes. I look forward to working with incoming Chair Jim Westerman, Vice Chair Jennifer Swetzloot, Secretary Jennifer Luetkemeyer and Parliamentarian Randy Reed, as well as the rest of the senate, in the year ahead.

  This morning, I joined the quarterly meeting of the Appalachian State University Foundation Board of Directors, which supports our faculty, staff and students through stewardship of our university’s philanthropic vision and assets. At this meeting I was pleased to announce that, with support and very positive input from the Board of Trustees Executive Committee and Foundation Board Chair Cantey Alexander, I have appointed Will Sears to the position of Vice Chancellor of University Advancement, effective July 1 of this year.

  In the last 11 months, during which Will has served as Interim Vice Chancellor, he has provided strategic leadership, achieving record fundraising growth for the university. In the last year, App State experienced its best fundraising year in school history, $46 million, and is on pace to exceed that record by an additional 30%, with $60 million expected as the total for the current fiscal year.

  In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Will’s leadership was instrumental in mounting an extraordinary fundraising effort that resulted in over $4 million in disaster relief funds for App State’s students, faculty and staff — for which he credits his exceptional Advancement team.

  In the years I’ve worked with Will, I’ve seen his keen ability to build relationships and translate donor vision into institutional impact in action. A proud App State alumnus, he’s earned a strong reputation as a highly collaborative fundraiser, and I’m confident he’s the leader we all need in this role to take the university’s fundraising to the next level. I hope you will join me in congratulating Will on being named to the role in a permanent capacity. You can read a news release about Will’s appointment here.

  In the last few weeks, I’ve also enjoyed visiting alumni and friends of App State Athletics during the 2025 Mountaineer Spring Tour, a partnership of the Mountaineers Athletic Fund and App State’s Alumni Association. I joined their event in Winston-Salem this week and will join the Charlotte event next week. These opportunities to celebrate our university have been fun and rewarding, especially when we can showcase our amazing student-athletes.

  • App State’s Women’s Tennis Team has earned 17 victories — a program-best. This was achieved by closing out the regular season with a 10 match overall winning streak and eight consecutive conference wins — both also program records. The team earned a postseason bid to the 2025 National Invitational Tennis Championship for the third year running. Congratulations to the team and Head Coach Hannah Fetters and Associate Head Coach Cedric Rupa for an outstanding season, and good luck in the quarterfinals match against North Texas next week!

  • Our Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Team broke three school records and earned 16 first-place finishes at both the Penn Relays and the Lenoir-Rhyne Open last weekend. I wish Head Coach Damion McLean and the team good luck as they get ready for the Sun Belt Championship next weekend.

  Yesterday, we shared an end-of-semester operations update that includes key university operations, health and safety resources and other important campus information for students and employees as we transition to summer. If you’ll be on the Boone or Hickory campus during the summer months, I encourage you to read this update, which shares a wealth of helpful information.

  To all of our students wrapping up classes, taking finals and graduating in the next week, congratulations on getting to this next step! To our faculty and staff, thank you for your daily work to ensure our students’ ongoing success.

  We have had a challenging and eventful academic year together, and I wish you all well as we close out the semester.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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April 2025

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  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: April 25, 2025

  Friday, April 25, 2025

  As students prepare for final exams, summer plans and upcoming graduation, the energy on both the Boone and Hickory campuses is high. The last day of classes for the spring semester is this coming Wednesday, and graduating seniors are only two weeks away from Commencement.

  This is the time of year that is full of celebrations and transitions.

  • Yesterday, we held our annual Awards of Distinction ceremony, during which we recognized the winners of the university’s most distinguished and prestigious awards to students, faculty and staff — who were joined by their friends and colleagues for their special celebration.
    
    Throughout the program, we heard stories that reflect the wide range of contributions across our App State Community — from transformative teaching and groundbreaking research to dedicated service and student achievement. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize faculty, staff and students whose work and commitment make a lasting impact on our university and beyond.
    
    You can learn more about them and the awards on this website, and watch for a news release coming out featuring the recipients next week. Please join me in congratulating this amazing group of individuals! You make me proud to be a part of this wonderful university community.
    
    
  • Last week and this week, we held Staff Appreciation events on the Boone and Hickory campuses. These are such fun events and a terrific opportunity to recognize the incredible work of our staff, who ensure the university’s operational success and maintain a beautiful and welcoming environment for our university community and visitors. Thank you for your unwavering service to our institution.
    
    
  • This week I also attended the Student Government Association transition dinner, during which outgoing Student Body President Kathryn Long and Vice President Amarah Din — who will both graduate next month — turned their responsibilities over to incoming President Nicole Tran, a senior political science major from Charlotte, and Vice President Courtney Castellow, a senior majoring in public relations from Winterville. I have greatly appreciated working with Kathryn and Amarah, during a year filled with unforeseen and immense challenges, and I look forward to working with Nicole and Courtney in the coming year.
    
    
  • This afternoon, I’ll join members of the Chancellor’s Appalachian Leadership Development Program as they celebrate the completion of this yearlong professional development opportunity. During the last year, they have developed a support network of fellow administrators, fostered skills in conducting crucial conversations and explored a breadth of topics — gaining insight into the organizational structures, financing, operations, strategic planning, and legal issues of App State and the UNC System. Congratulations to this latest ALDP class on this next step in your exploration of leadership pathways.

  This week we also held our annual budget presentations for faculty and staff. In 2016, App State began holding annual budget briefings for faculty and staff, to ensure our university’s budgeting process is transparent and accessible, and I’m pleased we are continuing that practice. This year, we heard from:

  • Interim Chief Financial Officer John Adams, who shared a broad overview of App State’s budget and resource allocation process;
    
    
  • The deans in Academic Affairs, about the accomplishments, goals and strategic priorities of our academic colleges and schools;
    
    
  • Chief Information Officer Keith Werner, about key, institution-wide priorities related to technology use, including artificial intelligence, to help inform us as we navigate an ever-changing digital landscape; and
    
    
  • Interim Vice Provost of Programs and Planning Mark Bradbury, about the online Flight Path programs we have underway with Project Kitty Hawk.

  This process also opens opportunities for all of us to hold informed discussions — today and throughout the year. I’d like to thank everyone who developed and shared presentations, and everyone who joined us in person and via livestream. We appreciate that you are taking the time to become more invested in — and informed about — the university’s budgeting and strategic resource allocation process. For faculty and staff who may have missed these presentations, you can log in to view them on the Budget Briefings and Strategic Initiatives page of the Finance and Operations website.

  Yesterday, I shared with faculty, staff and students that I have appointed Dr. Neva J. Specht to the role of Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, effective May 1. Neva has held the position of Acting Provost since April of 2024.

  In this role, Neva will continue her responsibilities as provost, advancing the academic mission of the university in collaboration with faculty, chairs and deans, and, as I shared in my message to campus on March 21, she will also oversee all aspects of Enrollment Management, the Student Affairs departments that support students and student success, and Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources. This combined division will allow all student success efforts, which have been housed across the three divisions of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, to provide continuity of support for our students. From the first interactions as prospective students, to academic programs and advising, clubs and organizations, health and well-being, commencement and career services and support, students will be supported within a single division, under Neva’s leadership.

  In the last month, I have met with all of the academic deans, members of the Chancellor’s and Provost’s Councils, Council of Chairs leadership, Faculty Senate leadership, senior leaders in Student Affairs, and members of the Provost’s Office staff. In each of these meetings, I have heard broad-based support for Neva. Her colleagues describe her as an honest, entrepreneurial, solution-oriented and visionary thinker who understands the challenges before us and the metrics we use every day to measure our success. I couldn’t agree more.

  Neva is currently working on building a team that will allow her to develop a strong, collaborative division, one that cultivates a supportive university community and is focused on advancing student success and faculty and staff excellence — two key elements of our university’s strategic plan. This will include conducting a national search to hire a Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

  Please join me in congratulating Neva, as we look forward to continuing the great work ahead!

  You can read a press release sharing the full announcement here.

  As I said at the outset of my interim chancellor role, bolstering relationships and trust are — and will remain — high priority for my leadership team and me. We are committed to continuous improvement, collaboration, meaningful communication and good-faith relationships. In the last few days, I’ve met with leaders from the Town of Boone and the City of Hickory, and yesterday, I met with leaders and representatives from the Faculty Senate Advisory Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to continue building these and other important partnerships as I move forward in leading this institution.

  Heading into the final days of the semester, I wish our students well as they prepare for upcoming final exams — you are close to the finish line!

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: April 11, 2025

  Friday, April 11, 2025

  This week I joined UNC System President Peter Hans, Chancellor Kimberly van Noort from UNC Asheville and Chancellor Kelli Brown from Western North Carolina, along with North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall ’09 and North Carolina Senate Deputy Pro Tempore Ralph Hise ’00, at an event in Raleigh. At this event, hosted for state legislators and officials from the Office of the Governor, we shared our experiences responding to and recovering from Hurricane Helene. We are grateful for the funding directed to our region for hurricane recovery, and as we look ahead, we will remain committed to being the best partners we can be as our state and System leaders work to secure additional resources for our continued recovery efforts. I thank these leaders for their incredible, continued support of App State and the communities of Western North Carolina.

  On Wednesday and Thursday, Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown and I attended the UNC System Board of Governors’ April meeting. The Committee on Budget and Finance reviewed our proposal for a new student housing project at the Appalachian 105 site, which was then approved by the full board on Thursday. This is the final step in the approval process for us to move forward with a public-private partnership model, working with a developer who will build and lease student housing, which will increase inventory on university property by approximately 850 beds in apartment-style units. This will provide much-needed housing for upper division (sophomore, junior and senior) students on university property, a short bus ride from the main campus and within walking distance to sporting events, including track and field, tennis and softball. We will update the App State’s Future website with more details in the coming days.

  This morning, J.J. Brown and I are traveling to North Carolina Central University to represent App State at the installation of Chancellor Karrie Dixon. Chancellor Dixon is the Eagles’ 13th chancellor in NCCU’s 115-year history, and a well-respected, senior leader within the UNC System. I wish her all the best in this new role guiding North Carolina Central University.

  Yesterday, we welcomed the fifth grade class of App State’s Academy at Middle Fork to our Boone campus. These mini-Mountaineers met with author–illustrator Katherine Roy as part of the Children’s Literature Symposium, presented by the Reich College of Education and App State's University Libraries. During lunch, each child received a book, and the class joined members of the App State football team, who shared their experiences and what it means to them to be a student-athlete. Our mini-Mountaineers inspire us, and we want to inspire each one of them to become App State college students in the coming years!

  Our landscaping crew has been working to showcase our beautiful campus as signs of spring are finally arriving in the High Country, and this weekend we will welcome more than 3,300 students and their families to the Boone campus for Spring Open House. We will also host a Mountaineer Spring Tour stop and an alumni football gathering. Tomorrow afternoon, the Mountaineers football team will take part in their “Battle at The Rock” Spring game, and we’re expecting more than 10,000 fans to pack Kidd Brewer Stadium to cheer on our 2025 team as we get a peek for what to expect this fall season. Other in-season, home Athletics events will include App State Tennis vs. Georgia State at 10 a.m., and Softball vs. ULM at 3 p.m. tomorrow, both at their new facilities at the Appalachian 105 Sports Complex.

  I am looking forward to an outstanding and exciting weekend!

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, April 4, 2025

  In April, with the end of the academic year on the horizon, we celebrate many accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students.

  I am honored to congratulate Dr. Charlie Chen, professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems, who is Appalachian State University’s 2025 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. The award is given annually to one outstanding faculty member from each of the UNC System’s 17 institutions, with awardees having demonstrated excellent or exceptional teaching ability over a sustained period of time.

  Charlie has spent over two decades as a faculty member in the Walker College of Business, where he has designed and taught nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate courses, leading his classroom with cutting-edge technology. Charlie has dedicated his career to ensuring students have engaging and thoughtful learning experiences, sharing that, “Seeing your students succeed makes being a teacher truly worthwhile.”

  Among his many accomplishments, Charlie is the author of four books and more than 100 additional publications; he holds a Dean’s Club professorship; and he is a past recipient of the Walker College of Business’ Sywassink Award for Excellence in Research and App State’s Faculty Global Leadership Award. One of his current projects is related to the effectiveness of AI kiosks, and he is developing research opportunities through the Walker College of Business’ Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship.

  I encourage you to read this Q&A with Charlie, in which he reflects on his remarkable 22-year career here at App State, his passion for cutting-edge technology and his hopes for the future of App State students and faculty. 

  In addition to the Excellence in Teaching Award, the UNC Board of Governors also selected six App State faculty to receive campus-based awards for their innovative teaching methods:

  • Dr. Shannon Cline, senior lecturer in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, who earned the 2025 Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award.

  • Appalachian State University’s 2025 School/College Awards were earned by:
    

  • Alana Baird, senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • Dr. Clare Scott Chialvo, assistant professor in the Department of Biology
  • Dr. Brandy Hadley, associate professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance
  • Dr. Jamie Levine, professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Katie Mawhinney, professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences

  This year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards winners exemplify the quality of App State’s faculty — scholars who devote their time, energy and expertise toward building academic environments, inside and outside the classroom, where students thrive. This well-deserved honor highlights their dedication to and passion for student success. Congratulations to all of our 2025 Board of Governors awards recipients!

  It is an honor to lead an institution where faculty and staff are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and professionals. This afternoon, I look forward to joining our faculty at Faculty Club. It’s always energizing to hear the many ideas, experiences and conversations that help keep our teaching, research and service dynamic and forward-thinking.

  Last week, Acting Provost Neva Specht and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown met with the newly formed Academic and Student Affairs Advisory Council, which includes leaders from the Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Government Association, as well as student leaders from each academic college. This collaborative group will be an important advisory body as we continue to sharply focus our resources on student success initiatives.

  Today, Provost Specht is joining students, faculty and staff at the Reich College of Education’s Scholarship Luncheon. This annual event is an opportunity for scholarship recipients at both the undergraduate and graduate level to connect with the donors who are helping fund their educations. Scholarship events like these offer opportunities for students to share the significance that scholarships are making in their lives. At App State, 70% of our students rely on financial assistance to complete their degrees, and I thank all of those who give to the many scholarship programs across our university. Your generosity has a profound impact on the students who receive them.

  Last Friday, renowned Italian Baroque ensemble Interpreti Veneziani performed Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” in the Solarium of the Plemmons Student Union, delighting and enchanting the audience — me included! This event, part of The Schaefer Center Presents series, was made possible with generous support from longtime arts supporters Barbara Freiman and Nancy and Neil Schaffel, and we thank them for continuing a legacy of outstanding arts programming at our university. For those in attendance, it will be a lasting memory that exemplifies the power and excitement of live arts performances.

  With spring well underway on our Hickory campus, signs of spring are also becoming evident on the Boone campus. Andrew Jenkins ’12, senior lecturer in the Department of Biology, led members of App State’s Native Gardening Society on an educational ethnobotany walk-and-talk in Appalachian State’s Nature Preserve earlier this week. With its 67 acres of protected woodlands, the nature preserve is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals native to Southern Appalachia, and it also offers a wealth of resources for the biology research underway at App State.

  Warmer days are in the forecast for the weekend. I hope everyone can take a moment to enjoy the beautiful mountains and foothills, which we are fortunate to call home.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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March 2025

• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, March 14, 2025

  This week, the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees met on the Boone campus for its scheduled quarterly meeting.

  Among its actions, the board approved tenure and promotion for recommended faculty and moved forward several construction items, including a new student housing complex at the Appalachian 105 site, which will utilize a public-private partnership project delivery method. This housing project, identified to meet demand for on-campus housing from sophomores, juniors and seniors, will include up to 850 new, apartment-style beds as well as additional student support services. Construction is proposed to begin in May and to be completed by fall 2027.

  In my remarks to the board, I highlighted App State’s steady advancements in research, innovation and creative activities. 

  Innovation is as central to our founding identity as access, and we continue to build our research and innovation enterprise on areas in which App State has demonstrated excellence and is poised to lead in making real-world impact. The work of our faculty, staff and students yields real-world solutions and technologies that answer the needs of our communities and strengthen economies. Our students benefit from hands-on experience with impactful projects — deepening their learning experiences and preparing them to excel in their further studies and future careers.

  This innovative Mountaineer spirit permeates throughout the App State Experience, whether our students are solving medical problems in a laboratory, building a championship solar race car or documenting the stories and challenges of regional communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

  At the college level, our research enterprise emphasizes applied problem-solving, designed to meet the needs of our communities and enhance economic development:

  • In the Walker College of Business, we have expanded our cybersecurity offerings to include a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity at both the Boone and Hickory campuses to address the need for trained experts to secure and safeguard information, infrastructure and digital assets for public, private and nonprofit organizations.
    
    
  • The Beaver College of Health Sciences is helping address critical health care shortages, particularly in rural areas of our state, with our Doctor of Nursing Practice program, set to begin in August 2026. The hybrid degree will combine online learning with in-person intensive clinical training so that we can meet the needs of our students while helping address critical health care shortages — and help answer the call to alleviate an expected statewide shortage of more than 18,000 registered nurses over the next decade.
    
    
  • The Lab for Innovative Design at Appalachian, in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, provides students in the Department of Applied Design with access to state-of-the-art resources and equipment that facilitate the integration of technology into furniture, interior and product design projects. The accomplishments in these learning environments have led to national and international student awards and increased corporate funding to support continued educational opportunities for our students.
    
    
  • Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, our Lowe’s Distinguished Professor of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, earned a grant in excess of $640,000 from NCInnovation for his team’s honeybee hive monitoring system — with the potential to preserve our agriculture and food supply. Now, App State is a hub for NCInnovation, supporting other researchers in bringing their ideas to the commercial world.
    
    
  • In the Reich College of Education, we are changing lives and communities — through our laboratory schools, in particular — with robust, exploration-based academic programs focused on literacy and STEM. The innovative and flexible learning models and support for teachers at our lab schools foster opportunities for lifelong learning and forward-looking community impact.

  As we begin a new chapter — empowered by a commitment to advance and drive innovation in our communities and industries that has been more than a century in the making — I am deeply honored to be Appalachian State University’s Chancellor, and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you. I hope you will read my full remarks to the board here.

  As we look ahead to the second half of the spring semester, please join me in congratulating Coach JohnMark Bentley and the App State Wrestling program for winning their third straight Southern Conference Tournament Championship last weekend in Asheville. It was a hard-fought victory that came down to the wire. We’re so proud of these student-athletes, and their coaches and staff, for this outstanding achievement, and we wish them the best of luck moving forward into the national championship tournament.

  At App State, we relish a challenge. Together, we’re developing practical solutions to complex problems and teaching others to employ them — working together to advance a brighter future for all.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, March 28, 2025

  This week, we’re celebrating a grant in excess of $7.2 million awarded to the App State-based Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC), led by Dr. Andrew Koricich, professor in the Reich College of Education. The funding, from the nonprofit organization Ascendium Education Group, will support the establishment of a Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab in five partner states, helping advance higher education and workforce development in rural communities over the next four years.

  Housed in the Reich College of Education, ARRC brings together five leading researchers on regional colleges and postsecondary education in rural contexts to examine the role and impacts of regional and rural-serving colleges and universities. The Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab will partner with five state higher education executive agencies to develop at least four individual credential pathways. Beginning in 2027, it will provide opportunities for learners to earn associate degrees and undergraduate certificates that support the rural workforce needs of each state. All of these plans will be designed with input from rural communities, with the goal of creating opportunities that are accessible, connected to local employment and low-cost.

  This is an exciting development for our state and region, and a testament to our continuing commitment to provide access to education — particularly for learners in rural areas. You can read more about the grant and the work of Dr. Koricich here.

  Last week:

  • App State’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Mountaineer Battalion received the U.S. Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Award, which recognizes the top eight ROTC programs in the country. The award highlights the success of the program in displaying General MacArthur's ideals — "Duty, Honor, Country" — and accomplishing their mission of training and commissioning second lieutenants for the U.S. Army. The Mountaineer Battalion has a long-earned reputation as a strong program built over decades and furthered by their Cadet Summer Training, solid performances in competitions and the contributions of their alumni in the Army. We congratulate the Mountaineer Battalion leadership and cadets for continuing this record of exemplary performance.
    
    
  • The Walker College of Business presented the 66th Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series. We were honored to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Todd Campbell, president and chief executive officer of Builders Insurance Group, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from App State in 1987. In a powerful and dynamic speech, Todd shared his perspective on the choices we make in life and in business. A two-term student body president, he was appointed an ex officio member of the Boone Town Council and was recognized as an outstanding citizen of Boone for his work as a student leader on campus and in Boone.
    
    App State takes great pride in the many accomplished and inspirational leaders among our alumni — especially those who exemplify innovation, resilience and a commitment to excellence. Todd is a standout example. We are committed to preparing students and graduates to navigate complex challenges and to make meaningful impacts in their industries and communities. A special thank-you to Todd for an inspirational presentation — and to all of our faculty and staff for your dedication to guiding, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of community leaders.
    
    
  • Our App State Softball team celebrated its 25th season with an official opening of their new stadium at the Appalachian 105 Sports Complex on a beautiful spring day. It was a full circle moment, as the App 105 complex sits on the old Watauga High School grounds — where the program played home softball games from 2003 to 2007. We wish Coach Whitney Jones and her team all the best through the rest of the season.
    
    
  • Between winning two matches, our App State’s Women’s Tennis team dedicated a court and their scoreboard, respectively, to two remarkable alumni: Keith Richardson ’75 and UNC Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers ’85. The team beat Marshall University on Saturday and on Sunday, after dedicating the court and scoreboard, beat in-state rival East Carolina University. Here’s wishing the team and Head Coach Hannah Fetters and her staff continued success.

  Spring momentum carries us forward! I hope everyone can enjoy some sunshine as the mountains and foothills show signs of renewal.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, March 21, 2025

  Dear Members of the App State Community,

  As we move into the next chapter for the university, I have made some changes to the organizational structure of our university. This will mean some units will change divisions, while others will remain the same. We believe these changes will streamline our operations and maximize our ability to support student success.

  An overview of my direct reports and the areas reporting to them under the reorganization is below:

  • The division of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, currently led by Acting Provost Neva Specht, will include:
    
    
    • Academic Affairs
    • Enrollment Management
    • The Student Affairs departments that support students and student success
    • Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources
      
      
  • The division of the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor, under the leadership of J.J. Brown, will include:
    
    
    • App State Police
    • Emergency Management
    • Facilities Management
    • Human Resources
    • Operations (Campus Dining, Campus Store, Parking and Transportation, Student Housing, University Post Office)
    • University Communications

  • Departments in the Division of Institutional Integrity and General Counsel, which is currently led by Interim Director Brad Trahan, will remain in their current area.
    
    
  • The division of Information Technology, under the leadership of Chief Information Officer Keith Werner, will remain as is with no changes.
    
    
  • The division of Advancement, currently under the leadership of Interim Vice Chancellor Will Sears, will remain as is with no changes.
    
    
  • The division of Athletics, under the leadership of Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, will remain as is with no changes.
    
    
  • The departments currently led by Interim Chief Financial Officer John Adams will remain in their current area.
    
    
  • The Chancellor’s Office staff, including Chancellor Communications, Chancellor Events, and External Affairs and Community Relations, will be led by the Chief of Staff, Dawn Antonucci.

  I thank the leaders who came before and those who are continuing to serve for their love of App State and their support of the well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community.

  I recognize that for many, this shift will require some significant adjustments, and your leadership team will be working side-by-side with you to ensure these changes are as smooth as possible as we work to create a structure that will provide the best services and support for our university community. If you have questions related to work, I encourage you to reach out to your supervisor, and please know that we appreciate your patience as we move through all of the details of implementing the changes.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, March 7, 2025

  Greetings from Pensacola, Florida!

  I’m joining our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, as well as their families and Mountaineers from all over, for this year’s Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament. Both teams play today — our Women’s Basketball team plays at 3 p.m. EST and the Men’s Basketball team at 8:30 p.m. EST. Whether you’re watching in person or via ESPN+, I’ll be cheering right along with you, loud and proud, for these outstanding student-athletes and the coaching staff who support them.

  During a busy last week:

  • I had the opportunity to speak with the UNC Board of Governors’ Committee on Strategic Initiatives about the success we have seen through our partnership with Project Kitty Hawk. App State was among the first institutions to form a partnership with Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit affiliate of the UNC System. We currently offer five streamlined App State Online degree programs, all designed for nontraditional learners — as part of a statewide effort to expand higher education access to millions of working adults in North Carolina. Enrollment in programs powered by Project Kitty Hawk represents about 33% of our online growth from 2023 to 2024 and comprises nearly 7% of our total enrollment of online students. These increases are significant for a partnership that is less than a year old. Our ability to create and deliver these programs reflects the commitment of PKH to fostering and supporting students in finding their paths to success. I thank the UNC System and Board of Governors for their vision and guidance, the NC General Assembly for their investment, and our faculty and staff for creating innovative solutions to meet our students’ — and our state's — educational needs.

    We also shared information with the Committee on Budget and Finance about the housing market in the High Country and the need to provide more student housing opportunities as we work to address the needs and challenges of our Boone campus students — especially sophomores, juniors and seniors who would like to remain in App State housing beyond their first year.

  • Also, last Friday, we established the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub at our Hickory campus. In North Carolina, more than 11% of our state’s population experiences food insecurity. App State’s food hubs help our university community rise above the challenges of food insecurity and thrive. Last semester, we welcomed over 3,000 visitors to our food hubs, and we distributed more than 28,000 pounds of food on our campuses in 2024. We extend our thanks to David Mofford, a 2009 alumnus of App State and a Hickory native, who served as Student Government Association president during his time at the Boone campus, and his spouse, Zac Giffin, for their support, which is helping us extend these services to the Hickory campus.

  This week:

  • We hosted a Staff Connect social on the Boone campus on Tuesday afternoon. It was a fun event with terrific food and music, and it offered an opportunity for our staff to build friendships, network and yes — hold several impromptu meetings — for the benefit of our students, faculty and university.
    
    
  • On Wednesday, Acting Provost Neva Specht and I joined UNC System Board of Governors member Philip Byers ’85 on a visit to our young Mountaineers at App State’s Academy at Middle Fork lab school. These young students work very hard on their studies and I am proud of what they have accomplished so far this year. Thank you to Reich College of Education Dean Melba Spooner, Dr. Hannah Reeder, Dr. Amie Snow and the exceptional educators at Middle Fork for hosting us. We applaud your dedication to these students and their success.
    
    
  • Yesterday, more than 2,400 Mountaineers joined together to share their support of our university during our 12th Annual iBackAPP day — the university’s annual one-day giving event. Thank you to everyone who participated! It’s wonderful to see supporters from across the country and around the world share their love and support for our university and the work we do to enrich lives throughout the state and beyond. 

  It’s hard to believe we are at the midpoint of the spring semester, but here we are! Next week is spring break, and most academic activities will pause as our students and faculty take a break from the classroom. I wish you all an enjoyable break from the regular routine, and I look forward to seeing everyone back again when we resume classes on March 17.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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February 2025

• 

  Message from Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, February 28, 2025

  I’m both proud and humbled that yesterday, I was elected Chancellor of Appalachian State University by the UNC System Board of Governors, after being nominated for the position by UNC System President Peter Hans, and tomorrow, my position will no longer be interim. You can watch the remarks that Search Advisory Chair Sen. Deanna Ballard, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tommy Sofield and I shared immediately upon the vote of the Board of Governors.

  I’m proud to represent this incredible university and I’m humbled by its 125-year legacy. I’m also excited and energized to take on the work before us.

  Yesterday afternoon, I recorded a short video message sharing a vision I hope we can accomplish together. You can view it by clicking the image below:

  
  

  

  
  

  I want to take this moment to say thank you:

  • To my family — especially my husband, Rob, my daughter, Emma, and my Dad, David Hulburt, who share with me a strong sense of faith and purpose to serve others;
  • To UNC System President Peter Hans, Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy and the full Board of Governors. Please know I am so grateful for your trust in me. I recognize the responsibility you have placed in me, and I will work every day to be the leader this great institution and our communities deserve;
  • To our government leaders, from the High Country and Catawba Valley, to Raleigh, to Washington, D.C., who recognize the importance of App State to our region and who recognize the potential App State has to bolster the economic prosperity and vibrancy of the communities across our region;
  • To App State Board of Trustees Chair Mark Ricks, Vice Chair Sofield and the Board of Trustees, who have supported me — and my leadership team — allowing us to focus our efforts on serving our students, faculty and staff and communities during our time of this transition;
  • To the members of my leadership team, who have provided incredible support and counsel during the last 10 months, and who helped ensure our institution was literally a beacon in the storm when Hurricane Helene devastated our area in September;
  • To the community leaders in the High Country and the Catawba Valley, who are helping shape the vision for App State’s future;
  • To the more than 150,000 App State alumni who are living, working and contributing in communities across the state, nation and world with Mountaineer pride;
  • To our faculty, who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and advancing purposeful research and creative endeavors, while teaching and mentoring our students; and our staff, whose contributions each day and at every level ensure a positive, meaningful community in which our students can succeed;
  • And of course, to our students. You represent our future, and we remain dedicated to ensuring the experiences you have and the degrees you earn here will hold a lifetime of value for you.

  It is my great honor to continue to serve, building upon the excellence that was established by our founders 125 years ago.

  
  Heather Norris
  Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, February 21, 2025

  This week, in recognition of our outstanding commitment to expanding educational access and degree attainment for adult learners across North Carolina, myFutureNC recognized Appalachian State University as a Champion for Attainment. An educational attainment program of the state of North Carolina, myFutureNC supports our state’s goal of having 2 million North Carolinians aged 25–44 hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030.

  Through our Aspire Appalachian program, a dedicated team provides a streamlined pathway for transfer students to attend App State after completing an associate degree at a partner community college. We currently have 27 community college partners across the state we collaborate with to help students earning an associate degree transition seamlessly to App State and earn their bachelor’s degrees. By fostering a supportive environment and establishing clear pathways for academic achievement, the Aspire Appalachian program exemplifies App State's commitment to empowering transfer students while also helping them manage college costs and graduate with less debt. There is a strong and passionate team — led by our Enrollment Management staff — that works across many units at the university to support our transfer students, and we thank them and congratulate them for this recognition!

  At App State, we are intentional about our support for our transfer students, dedicating resources and support to these students each step of the way as they work to obtain their degrees, and our efforts show significant results. North Carolina community college students who transfer to App State complete their degrees at a rate of more than 22% higher than the national average.

  Our transfer students are actively engaged in our university community, and they support one another to ensure a successful transition to App State — from the moment they arrive at App State through graduation. Our Transfer Student Mentors assist incoming transfer students by providing accurate information and helping them make meaningful connections within the App State Community. These dedicated students work to ensure our transfer students feel welcomed and supported from the time they are admitted to the time they cross the commencement stage, and we thank them, as well as the many faculty and staff who work with our transfer students, for their dedication to our students' success.

  Earlier this week, members of my leadership team and I met with the Faculty Senate Advisory Committee. Throughout the academic year, we hold these meetings to make sure faculty leaders have access and opportunities to discuss matters raised by the faculty, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to consult with them on university initiatives. We had a productive discussion, and we appreciate the opportunity to exchange information and ideas in an informal, discussion-based setting.

  This weekend brings many opportunities to support our student-athletes, beginning this afternoon, with our Mountaineers Baseball team taking on UMass Lowell at the L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory during a special student appreciation day game. The mild temperatures and sunshine are welcome contributions to a great game day atmosphere!

  Tomorrow, App State’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams will play their final regular season home games against Marshall and James Madison University, respectively. At these games, we’ll be celebrating alumni of both teams, with many former players and coaches in attendance.

  The Men’s team will also be honoring Darryl Robinson, who graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education (K–12) and an undergraduate teaching certificate, by retiring his jersey. This will be the first jersey retirement in our Men’s Basketball history, celebrating Darryl’s impressive school record that led to him being drafted by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. As a guard for the Mountaineers from 1975 to 1979, he led the team to back-to-back Southern Conference championships in 1977–78 and 1978–79 and was the 1979 Southern Conference Tournament MVP, as well as App State’s leading scorer in our first NCAA Tournament in 1979.

  On Sunday, the App State Wrestling team will take on Campbell University for the Southern Conference Regular Season Wrestling Championship. I’m looking forward to cheering on the team and Coach JohnMark Bentley as they go for their seventh straight win and the championship to close out the regular season.

  Whether you’re enjoying the winter weather, studying, working or all of those activities, there’s a full slate of events taking place in the coming days, and I hope you’ll have a chance to work some of them into your schedule. I wish you a great weekend and a productive week ahead.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, February 14, 2025

  Following our annual Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting last week, Provost Specht met with the Faculty Senate on Monday, reiterating key points shared during the Feb. 7 meeting, including updates on the university’s Innovation District, our performance metrics, Hickory campus academic offerings and our partnership with NCInnovation. As Provost Specht shared in both meetings, we’re aware of and actively monitoring federal policy changes that may impact higher education institutions, including our university. Currently, there is nothing requiring us to make any changes at App State. That said, changes in federal policies are not new for us, and should any changes require action at our university, my leadership team and I will communicate and provide the necessary guidance and support.

  University leadership and I met with Project Kitty Hawk leadership this week to track the progress of our programs. Appalachian State University was founded with a mission of increasing access to education, and we are proud of our partnership with Project Kitty Hawk. To ensure North Carolina’s bright future, it is essential to create clear pathways for all students — those beginning and those continuing their educational journeys — to succeed in their professional and personal endeavors.

  Our agreement with Project Kitty Hawk — under a year old — is already helping us deliver on that promise, and we’re now offering five online programs — in health care management, supply chain management, accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning. These programs, designated as Flight Path programs, are geared toward working adults who need flexible start dates and coaching and advising services tailored specifically toward their needs. Our current enrollment of 154 students in our five PKH programs already demonstrates that we are responding to demand from nontraditional students.

  Our recent partnership with Hugh Chatham Health, based in Elkin, is helping to provide the health care network’s registered nurses a tuition-free pathway to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The Hugh Chatham Health Foundation is covering the entire cost of tuition for employed nurses who apply, meet health system criteria and are accepted into App State’s RN to BSN online program.

  Many Western North Carolina counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas and our nursing graduates are stepping into these regions to provide critical care. As a rural-serving institution, we are proud to respond to the needs of our state’s rural and underserved communities. 

  App State’s nursing degree offerings include two undergraduate programs — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an online RN to BSN program, an online Master of Science in Nursing to train nurse educators and health care leaders, and, beginning in fall 2026, a Doctor of Nursing Practice to educate family practice nurse practitioners. The nursing department is on track to increase the number of Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates by 60% from 2022 to 2026.

  Our efforts to grow our nursing programs, as well as the program’s excellent graduation and first-time national licensure exam pass rates, were lauded at the UNC System Board of Governors meeting last month, and our nursing programs have received national recognition, including our Master of Science in Nursing, which was named among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs” for 2025.

  As we work to increase access for more students, we’re pleased to participate in Financial Aid Awareness Month, an effort of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, to help students plan, apply and pay for college. Free seminars are offered throughout this month, assisting students and their families in learning ways to bridge the gap between family funds, financial aid and paying for college. Members of App State’s Financial Aid team have also been offering workshops at Watauga High School and other regional locations to help students and their families understand their options as they plan for their futures.

  Thanks to the innovative efforts of our faculty and staff, our students have had increasingly more opportunities to work on real-world solutions and technologies that support our communities and strengthen economies. Expanding our research and creative endeavors while maintaining a strong emphasis on teaching enriches the student experience and increases the value App State brings to our region, state and world.

  These increased levels of research activity, along with our production of awarded doctoral degrees, have been recognized by the American Council on Education, which has assigned App State a new Research Activity Designation of Research 2 through the Carnegie Classification system. This designation is one of three Carnegie Classifications App State will receive this year, as part of the system’s new, modernized framework for categorizing colleges and universities across the country. We expect to receive our 2025 Institutional Classification and Student Access and Earnings Classification in April.

  It’s an exciting time to be at App State, and it’s so rewarding to see the efforts and investments of teaching, research and service by our faculty and staff benefitting our students today — and the promise they hold for the future.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, February 7, 2025

  Twice each year, we convene a meeting of faculty and staff to share important university updates. In the fall semester, this meeting is presided over by the Chancellor and is an opportunity to share a State of the University Address, along with reports from universitywide divisional leaders. The spring meeting, which we held today, is presided over by the Provost. Acting Provost Specht and members of the Academic Affairs team provided important updates focused primarily on student success, and we also heard updates from Staff Senate and our Student Government Association.

  Our collective success in key areas of performance, combined with our enrollment growth for online and Hickory campus programs, demonstrates our commitment to increase access to a high-quality, cost-effective App State education. We heard more about each of these topics during today’s meeting — read the reports from Academic Affairs here.

  For 125 years, our institution has proudly increased access to a high-quality education, improving the quality of life and adding value to communities across our state and region. In the process, we’ve gained more widespread recognition for our innovative approaches to solving complex problems.

  A huge thank-you to our faculty and staff for the tremendous efforts you put forth in your daily work to advance the greater good, answering the needs of our students and our communities — right here in Western North Carolina as it faces the greatest recovery challenges in generations, and across the state and nation.

  Provost Specht, along with Assistant Vice Provost of Student Success Shernita Lee, Assistant Vice Provost of General and Experiential Education Ted Zerucha and Director of Career Development Jennifer Shaffer, provided updates on specific initiatives focused on student success, including:

  • the Innovation District, including the STEM Academic Building, zero-carbon district energy system and faculty/staff housing development;
  • the university’s performance metrics;
  • our expected research designation through the Carnegie Classification system;
  • planning for academic offerings at the Hickory campus;
  • collaborations with Project Kitty Hawk; and
  • our collaboration with NCInnovation.

  Staff Senate Chair Samantha Williams and Student Body President Kathryn Long also joined the meeting to share remarks on behalf of their constituents. The meeting was informative and shared many impressive undertakings and accomplishments — thank you to all of today’s presenters.

  Yesterday, Appalachian State University and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College celebrated the signing of an Aspire Appalachian agreement, which provides a streamlined path for students enrolled at partner community colleges to complete their bachelor's degrees at App State. Students involved in the Aspire Appalachian program gain access to numerous benefits, including dedicated counseling services and career development guidance. Rowan-Cabarrus is one of the 27 community colleges partnered with App State in the program. Since last spring, we have concentrated our efforts on renewing and expanding Aspire partnerships. In doing so, App State and North Carolina community colleges are clearing pathways for transfer student success — providing greater accessibility to a high-quality App State education and supporting these students each step of the way as they work to obtain their associate and bachelor’s degrees.

  We celebrated the university’s sixth annual Research and Creative Activity Event on Wednesday afternoon. This event — hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation, the Hayes School of Music and University Libraries — featured 25 presentations and more than 46 presenters, representing 18 departments from six of App State’s degree-granting colleges. The innovative and meaningful research of our expert faculty and staff advances the greater good and answers the needs of our communities, while providing incredible opportunities for student scholarship.

  On Monday, members of my leadership team and I joined the men’s and women’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams, along with Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Damion McLean, Men’s Distance Coach Brad Herbster and Women’s Distance Coach Annie Richards, as they received their Sun Belt Conference Championship rings. In November, the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams swept the Sun Belt Championships for the first time in school history. The men’s team won their second consecutive championship and the women won their first since 2018. Congratulations to these impressive student-athletes and their coaching staff!

  For 125 years, Mountaineers have called upon their App State educations and experiences to make positive and lasting contributions to their communities — across the state, nation and world. Our commitment to our founding mission is stronger than ever, and our focus on student success now is laying the groundwork for the next 125 years.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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January 2025

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, January 31, 2025

  This week, the UNC System Board of Governors met in Raleigh. This group of North Carolina leaders is responsible, under North Carolina law, for the planning, development and overall governance of the UNC System institutions. During the meetings, which took place Wednesday and Thursday, discussions included a variety of topics: student housing needs, health care initiatives and the importance of research across the UNC System, an update to proposed modifications to the performance funding model, and capital projects and tuition and fee rates for the coming year. Notably, App State was recognized for our early efforts to grow our nursing program, which will help address rural health care needs, as well as for the program’s excellent graduation and first-time national licensure exam pass rates. Specific actions related to our university included:

  • The board discussed a proposal to maintain undergraduate tuition rates for in-state students of UNC System institutions — for the ninth consecutive year — and to keep student fee increases low, with a statutory cap of 3% for total mandatory fees. App State fees are proposed to increase by just $51 (1.6%) annually to support health services, non-athletics student activities and education technology. We are a highly efficient institution that works to keep our attendance costs low. The cost to attend App State remains among the lowest of our peer institutions and our students continue to graduate with some of the lowest student loan debt loads in the nation.
    
    Systemwide, the percentage of graduates who carry student loan debt has, in the last five years, decreased from 61% to 50%. UNC System President Peter Hans spoke powerfully about the importance of keeping “a life-changing education within easy reach of North Carolina’s families.” President Hans noted that “disciplined control of tuition costs in recent years has helped rebuild trust” in our state’s public educational institutions, and he joined Board of Governors Chair Murphy and the full board in thanking our legislators for the funding support that is supporting this goal, noting that state funding for the UNC System has increased 32%, a rate twice that of the rate of inflation, during his tenure as president.
    
    
  • The board approved the demolition of the Legends student lounge. Legends holds special and long-standing memories for many of our current students, alumni and staff, but after being condemned for use, it suffered significant damage during Hurricane Helene, when a sinkhole opened underneath the building. Our Student Affairs team continues to utilize existing space and is committed to honoring the building’s legacy for alumni and building new memories for current and future students.
    
    
  • The board also approved increased spending authorizations for ongoing capital projects to ensure they will stay on track despite the impacts of Hurricane Helene and inflationary increases.
    
    
  • The board voted to appoint me to the Board of Directors for Project Kitty Hawk — a nonprofit ed-tech startup funded by the General Assembly that partners with UNC System institutions to provide online student support services tailored to nontraditional learners and to align education and workforce development systems. Our university officially began a partnership with PKH in April of 2024, and we have already seen enrollment growth and have bolstered our nationwide recognition for excellence in online program offerings. I am honored to become a member of this board and look forward to helping make a strong partnership even stronger.

  In addition to these action items, Appalachian State University was recognized, along with UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University, for our record enrollment for the spring semester. We thank our legislature, the UNC System, and our incredibly generous donors for providing funds to support our students’ and employees’ most urgent needs and their immediate steps toward recovery. Our first-year student retention rate from the fall to spring semester is at a five-year high of 94.4%. This is particularly significant because it demonstrates that the substantial efforts our faculty and staff put into ensuring our students could succeed through an incredibly challenging semester were successful. It’s also a key predictor of first- to second-year retention rates, which, at App State, remain among the highest in the UNC System, and are another important indicator of student success. And, while the data are important, we know these numbers represent individual stories of students who faced immense challenges and continue to triumph over adversity. From the smallest actions to significant engagements, you are truly changing lives for the better, and I thank you.

  Last Friday, 13 App State graduate students came together to showcase their research in a competition testing their academic, research and communication skills. In just three minutes, each of these students shared a synopsis of their research goals, methods and results, representing a variety of disciplines ranging from cellular and molecular biology and exercise science to organizational psychology and supply chain management, and I applaud all of our competitors for taking on this challenge and completing it!

  Congratulations to Jonathan Culpepper, of Chapel Hill, for earning the top prize and advancing to the Council of Southern Graduate Schools 3MT Competition. Jonathan earned his undergraduate degree in building sciences from App State in 2023 and is pursuing a master’s degree in technology with a concentration in sustainable building design and construction. His research project explores how a type of locally produced biochar (a nearly pure organic carbon substance) and fly ash (a fine powder formed from the mineral matter in coal) can be used to improve strength, durability and other properties of hydraulic cement mortar, a commonly used construction material. Jonathan was supported by his faculty mentor, Dr. Sharareh Shirzad, assistant professor in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment.

  The second-place winner was Sean Doherty, of Jacksonville, Florida, who is earning a Master of Science in exercise science focusing on research in biomechanics. He was mentored by Dr. Herman van Werkhoven, associate professor in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science. Sean’s research explores the use of open-source video technology for studying a runner’s fatigue over the course of a run.

  The People’s Choice Award went to Steven Vogel, of Durham. Steven is a second-year graduate student in the industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management program, whose research explores stereotypes in the workplace and their effects on overall business performance. His faculty mentor is Dr. Tiberiu Ungureanu, assistant professor in the Department of Management.

  The work of our students and their faculty mentors is incredibly impressive, with meaningful and productive outcomes that will improve lives. Thank you to the students who are taking on these extraordinary academic endeavors. Thanks also to Dr. Ashley Colquitt, dean of the Williams School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren, vice provost of research and innovation, the faculty judges and the many faculty and staff who managed the logistics of the competition. And a huge thanks to the faculty who mentor our incredible graduate students. The significance of your influence on our students and your support for their academic endeavors cannot be overstated.

  This week the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards announced that, for the ninth consecutive year, Appalachian State University leads the nation for having the most graduates who have earned this rigorous certification. Earning this certification takes one to three years of documenting and demonstrating dedication to teaching excellence. Reich College of Education faculty remain engaged with our graduates working in the classroom, continuing to mentor and guide our alumni with professional development opportunities, especially in their early careers. Achieving National Board Certified Teacher certification speaks to the collective dedication, drive and professionalism of our alumni, faculty and staff, and we admire and celebrate your passion — congratulations!

  Congratulations and gratitude are also in order for four Appalachian Police Department officers who earned awards of distinction for their bravery.

  • Sgt. Petey Hausley earned an Award for Valor from the UNC System, as well as the App State Police Medal of Valor, for exceptional action taken through outstanding bravery, decisiveness and swift action to protect others, irrespective of his own safety.
    
    
  • Officer Tylor Greene earned an App State Police Lifesaving Award — for the second time — for assisting a cardiac arrest victim with CPR and basic life support measures.
    
    
  • Lt. Kevin Wilson and Officer Cameron Masin also each earned App State Police Lifesaving Awards for their role in assisting an individual who was experiencing a mental health crisis, placing themselves directly in harm's way during the incident to protect the individual.

  We are so fortunate to have caring, compassionate and highly skilled police protecting our university community. Thank you for your selfless dedication to keeping our campuses and our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors safe every day.

  As we close out the first month of the new year, we have much to celebrate. I encourage each of us to take a moment to reflect upon our accomplishments. From the smallest to the greatest, each holds significance and is worth appreciation.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, January 24, 2025

  The Mountaineer community mourns the loss of Dr. Francis “Frank” Thomas Borkowski, who served as Appalachian State University’s chancellor from 1993 to 2003. He passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19. We honor him and the incredible contributions he made to the university in the decade he was chancellor and the decades afterward, and our hearts are with his wife of 65 years, Kay, their children and the entire Borkowski family. Please take a moment to read this story about Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski, our university’s fifth leader.

  Chancellor Borkowski’s legacy of strengthening the university’s academic reputation has endured, as App State has expanded opportunities for students to earn an App State degree. We learned this week that App State is again ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs.” Our online bachelor’s programs are among the top 16% of U.S. colleges and universities — advancing 24 positions above our 2024 ranking. U.S. News also recognized our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in nursing programs, as well as our online master’s programs in education. You can learn more about these rankings here.

  The many faculty and staff who have developed and continue to set the bar for excellence for our academic program offerings, and the students who benefit from these programs, are supported by public and private funding, and we are grateful to those who recognize the value of a college education and understand the importance of ensuring access for anyone who is willing to work hard to earn a college degree.

  We are fortunate to have tremendous support from UNC System President Peter Hans and the Board of Governors, who have ensured that tuition for North Carolina students has remained consistent for nearly a decade; from the state legislature, which has prioritized funding for higher education; and from private funding sources, who support the innovative research and creative endeavors of our faculty, staff and students and provide critical scholarship support to our students. These cooperative efforts have helped ensure that App State students graduate with less college debt than most of their national peers.

  College affordability and challenges related to recovery from Hurricane Helene will be key topics during the Hunt Institute’s 22nd Annual Holshouser Legislators Retreat this weekend. Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County Superintendent of Public Schools, and I will be representing Watauga County, serving as resource experts alongside other education leaders from Western North Carolina regarding the response and ongoing needs related to Hurricane Helene. The timing of this discussion is particularly important as new legislators take office prior to the state legislature’s long session, which convened earlier this month, and our elected leaders will prepare a new two-year budget for July 2025–June 2027.

  We are proud to have several alumni in the North Carolina General Assembly:

  • Representative Destin Hall ’09, Speaker of the House
  • Senator Ralph Hise ’00, Senate Deputy President Pro Tempore
  • Senator Danny Britt ’00
  • Senator Kevin Corbin ’83, Chair of the Education/Higher Education Committee
  • Senator Buck Newton ’91
  • Senator Joyce Waddell ’79
  • Representative Julia Greenfield ’82
  • Representative Kelly Hastings ’86, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, along with our local Representative, Chair Ray Pickett 
  • Representative Reece Pyrtle Jr. ’89
  • Representative David Willis ’96

  These legislators are proud champions for our university and we appreciate all they do for Appalachian State University and the people of our state.

  Before heading to the Raleigh area, I’ll have the privilege of joining the quarterly meeting of our university’s Foundation Board of Directors. This board exists to help create the best possible learning environment for Appalachian State University students — from teaching and learning, to research and service, to health and wellness, to success in academics and athletics. Their efforts help support scholarships, enhance education and research opportunities, and attract and retain outstanding faculty and staff. We thank these board members for their dedication and contributions to the success of our institution.

  App State Athletics teams have been shining bright during these recent chilly days. Women’s Tennis opened its spring 2025 season with wins over Virginia Commonwealth and Temple, while Wrestling defeated Atlantic Coast Conference challenger Duke. Lilly Nichols, a first-year student and pole vaulter from Broomfield, Colorado, set program, Sun Belt regular-season and U20 Polish women’s indoor pole vault records, clearing 13 feet, 11.75 inches at the Virginia Tech Invitational, earning her a ranking of 16th in the nation. I’m proud of our student-athletes for excelling in both competition and the classroom, and with home games coming up for Men’s and Women’s Basketball and our Wrestling team, I encourage everyone to support, as you are able, our student-athletes with your attendance.

  With 2025 underway, faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters from across the state and beyond are continuing the momentum of a legacy gifted to us by those who built what we are carrying forward. Thank you for your part in making our university even better, every day.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, January 17, 2025

  App State’s first week of spring semester classes is a time of renewal and forward momentum, full of refreshed aspirations, eagerness to engage in learning, collaboration and relationship-building, and, for those graduating in May, anticipation mixed with a twinge of pre-nostalgia. I hope you’ll take a few moments to watch this video that captures the spirit of this first week.

  Yesterday, I welcomed area business leaders to the ninth annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, held on our Boone campus by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Economic Development Commission. As he has done for many years at this event, Dr. Harry Davis — professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance in the Walker College of Business and a renowned expert on economics and banking who is highly sought after for his expertise — delivered a regional economic forecast to those in attendance.

  At App State, we take seriously our role in contributing to the local, regional and state economies, and we’re committed to collaborating with the Town of Boone, Watauga County, chamber organizations and others to ensure the university continues to support and help sustain our community in meaningful and lasting ways. Our collaborations have contributed to economic development: from elevating the arts and support of cultural tourism, to building proud championship athletic programs that represent our region around the world, to developing and implementing innovative research that is having significant, meaningful impacts in our communities.

  This afternoon, I will join Walker College of Business faculty and staff at their spring semester meeting. As I began this academic year in my new role as interim chancellor, I wanted to make sure I was visiting with units across the Boone and Hickory campuses, including each of our academic colleges, to express my appreciation for all that you do each and every day to uphold our mission. I recognize the incredible impact of your teaching, research and service and your significant efforts supporting the success of our students, which contribute incredible benefits to the communities, state and region we serve.

  With basketball season in full swing, we continue to cheer on the men’s and women’s teams, both of which are on the road, playing against Sun Belt East Conference rivals. It’s been an exciting season, with both teams currently in the top five in the Sun Belt standings, and we’re looking forward to home games next week. We’ll also be rooting for the wrestling team as they host matches Sunday against No. 11 Virginia Tech and Monday against Duke, after a big win over The Citadel this past Sunday.

  On Monday, the university will be closed in observance of the state MLK Day holiday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy inspires us to collaborate in service to our community, and students will honor that tradition through dedicated efforts planned in January and February, including on Saturday, Feb. 15, when the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership will hold its third annual Mobilize the Mountains Day of Service. During this event, student volunteers will work alongside local nonprofit organizations to honor Dr. King Jr.’s legacy of service. The Days of Service, held throughout the academic year, are an outgrowth of the university’s former MLK Challenge, which began in 1999 and was held for many years on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, becoming a model for campuses nationwide.

  I wish you all a great holiday weekend and look forward to continuing the momentum of the semester on Tuesday!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, January 10, 2025

  Happy New Year, App State!

  As we kick off a new year and the spring semester on Monday, I extend a warm (and snowy!) welcome to our returning faculty, staff and students, as well as to those joining the Mountaineer community for the first time. I hope your winter break allowed you some respite and time with loved ones, and that you’re energized for the exciting opportunities ahead in 2025. 

  Later today, we will send an operations update with key information to help navigate the coming semester, including important resources, what to expect when winter weather — as staff and faculty navigated this week — impacts campus operations, and health and safety information. We’ll also post this information on the Appalachian Cares website.

  This week’s bitter temperatures, wind, sleet and snow didn’t deter our dedicated staff, who ensured the university remained on track for the start of spring semester classes. Across our Boone and Hickory campuses, and at our Academy at Middle Fork, staff have worked tirelessly to ensure our infrastructure withstands the prolonged cold temperatures, our sidewalks, steps and buildings are free of hazards and our parking lots are cleared. Over the winter break, staff have also been upfitting our IT systems, preparing orientation and welcome week activities, conducting maintenance on our classrooms and preparing our residence halls, along with managing many other activities in preparation for the new year. To the many teams across our university who have been readying our facilities and systems for our return to classes, thank you! I deeply appreciate your hard work and commitment to our campus communities.

  As we look forward, our Boone and Hickory campuses will see several capital improvement projects advance toward completion:

  • Construction of the first development phase at the Innovation District on the Boone campus is well underway. Phase 1 components include the zero-carbon district energy system, which will power the district’s facilities and begin to transition the Boone campus away from steam power, and faculty and staff housing units that will help meet App State employees’ housing needs in Boone. The next phase will be to build the STEM Academic Building, which will include a new greenhouse facility, as well as laboratories, classroom spaces and a large event space.
    
    
  • Renovations to Wey Hall — home to the Department of Art and more than 100 course sections offered to approximately 1,400 students — are more than 70% complete.
    
    
  • Renovations to Edwin Duncan Hall, which faced a 30-day setback due to Hurricane Helene, have resumed and include upfitting classrooms and laboratories to be more technologically advanced, as well as adding and refurbishing elevators, making repairs to the building’s exterior, installing a new sprinkler system and completely revamping the facility’s HVAC system.
    
    
  • Phase 3 development at the university’s Appalachian 105 property in Boone, which includes the construction of an indoor tennis courts facility, is scheduled to begin later this spring. Phase 2 construction for the project concluded in November 2024, with the development of outdoor tennis courts, a team support building and a new softball facility.
    
    
  • Phase 2 renovations at the Hickory campus are underway, with current work primarily taking place on the second floor. As enrollment on that campus grows, we are creating more classrooms, as well as offices for faculty and staff, to meet the campus’s growing needs and bolster student success. In fall 2024, a new computer lab, cybersecurity lab and sciences lab were completed and opened in September as part of the Phase 2 renovations, and a coffee kiosk was installed for the campus’s student lounge in November.

  These projects are essential to our university’s academic mission, to a high-quality App State Experience for students and employees and to serving our region and the state of North Carolina. You can find full information about these projects and more on our App State’s Future website.

  Whether you are new to the university community or are returning after the winter break, I’m pleased to welcome you to a new year, and I look forward to a great year ahead!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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December 2024

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  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, December 13, 2024

  As we conclude the semester, we celebrate a significant milestone for our students and our graduates. Today, Appalachian State University proudly welcomes more than 1,500 graduates to a network of more than 150,000 Mountaineer alumni. These graduates have enriched our academic community, and they now continue a legacy of 125 years of academic excellence, service and innovation.

  I offer you, your families, loved ones and all who helped you along this journey a special congratulations for displaying such dedicated persistence during a time with so many unknowns — from a worldwide pandemic to a natural disaster. As all of you look back on your journeys, I hope you will take pride in the challenges you’ve overcome, treasure the friendships you’ve forged and cultivate the knowledge you’ve acquired from this fine institution. As you move forward into your next chapter, you can be confident your App State education has prepared you to meet the challenges and opportunities that await you with compassion, integrity and determination. 

  On occasion, Appalachian State University honors individuals who have made significant contributions to our university by conferring upon them honorary degrees. Today was such an occasion, as I had the honor of conferring an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters upon John Blackburn, who has served the state of North Carolina, the High Country and Appalachian State University extensively and with distinction. 

  John’s contributions have ensured quality medical care, recreation, education and overall quality of life have been vastly improved, particularly for those who live in the rural areas of Avery and Watauga counties. His service to our university includes volunteering for Appalachian State University’s Foundation Board, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees (for which he served as Chair from 2008 to 2009), the UNC System Board of Governors and the North Carolina State Board of Education. His generosity has also extended to several areas of Appalachian State, including the Appalachian Fund, Walker College of Business, App State Athletics and arts education. The John M. Blackburn Distinguished Professorship in Theatre was named in honor of his leadership and support for the university.

  John’s dedication to improving quality of life and educational systems are extraordinary, and he has been a cherished member of the Appalachian State University Family for many years, dedicating himself and his efforts to the success of our students. On a personal note, it has been my honor to call John my friend. He is indeed a friend to so many, and those of us who can say that are so very fortunate. Thank you, John, for being a valued friend to all of us here at Appalachian State University, and congratulations on your honorary doctorate.

  Every path to a degree and graduation is different. As we celebrate this Commencement, we’re sharing the stories of six graduates, each of whom has a different story, background and degree:

  • Sophie Baine, of Charlotte, graduated from the College of Fine and Applied Arts with a Bachelor of Science in public relations.
  • Vee Bui, of Hickory, graduated from the Beaver College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders.
  • Jackson Payne, of Dallas, graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in history/social studies education.
  • Tim Scapin ’20, of Clyde, earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the Reich College of Education. Tim earned his second degree from App State today — he also earned a Master of Arts in media, technology and learning design from App State in 2020.
  • Jackie Siverly, of Hickory, graduated from the Hayes School of Music with a Bachelor of Arts in instrumental music education.
  • Cody Zimmerman, of Hickory, graduated from the Walker College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in both general management and sales.

  This week was also filled with other outstanding opportunities and news for Appalachian State. 

  On Monday, Coach Dowell Loggains joined our football program as our new head football coach — the 23rd in the program’s history — as the valuable offseason begins. On behalf of the university, I welcome Coach Loggains and his family to the High Country, The Rock and the greatest fans in college football.

  On Tuesday morning, university leaders joined several community leaders from Boone, Blowing Rock and Watauga County for an informal gathering. We appreciate our civic, government and community leaders, and these opportunities to come together are extremely valuable as we continue to move forward in recovery from the recent storm and prepare for a shared future of continued growth and success within the High Country. 

  On Tuesday night, Armanti Edwards, 2009 graduate and record-setting and title-winning quarterback for the Mountaineers from 2006 to 2009, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Armanti was the first player to win the Walter Payton Award — given to the most outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision — twice. He joins Dexter Coakley as only the second player in App State history to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. His memorable victories include two FCS national titles and the historic 34–32 upset of No. 5 Michigan to open the 2007 season in Ann Arbor. He is a Mountaineer legend, and we congratulate him on this honor.

  On Wednesday, our Alumni Affairs team hosted a lovely "Cheers for 'Neers" reception, and I was honored to toast the graduating Class of 2024. To our newest alumni, we welcome you to the Alumni Association, and please know this team is a teriffic resource to all of our alumni.

  As we close out 2024 and the fall semester, I offer a special thanks to our faculty, staff, students and newest graduates for your diligence and for the selfless sacrifices you have made throughout this semester in particular. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season and a very happy new year.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, December 6, 2024

  We’ve reached the end of the fall semester, with final exams underway since yesterday. With just one week remaining until Fall Commencement, I’m looking forward to next Friday’s ceremonies, when we’ll celebrate the achievements of our newest graduates. This semester brought many challenges, but many accomplishments as well, and I’m excited to honor the hard work and dedication that have led to this moment.

  Earlier this week, university leaders, along with faculty and staff at both the Boone and Hickory campuses, gathered for our annual holiday receptions. I enjoyed these opportunities to celebrate and share fellowship with our dedicated faculty and staff.

  Monday night, my leadership team and I attended the Hayes School of Music’s 32nd annual Holiday Scholarship Concert. It was a lovely showcase of the incredible talent of our School of Music students and faculty, and it was wonderful to see so many people from the university and community supporting the School of Music’s largest fundraising event. Thank you to everyone who helps support this scholarship concert, and thank you to the students, faculty and staff of the Hayes School of Music for adding to the High Country’s holiday cheer.

  Yesterday and today, we hosted the university’s Board of Trustees on the Boone campus. My report to the Board focused on App State’s enduring resilience, as evidenced by our Mountain Strong recovery from Hurricane Helene, as well as our successes in teaching, research, fundraising and Athletics. You can read my full remarks here. Highlights are below:

  • We’re still supporting our students, faculty and staff, some of whom may be feeling impacts for quite some time, and I continue to be inspired by the amazing acts of kindness and humanity we are witnessing every day.

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the university community has seen outstanding acts of kindness and generosity from the community, our alumni, the UNC System, other universities within the System and Sun Belt Conference institutions. More than 5,100 people across the state, nation and world contributed to App State Disaster Relief Fund, representing 48 states and seven countries. App State alumni across the region, as well as faculty, staff and fans at universities across the nation, and many other individuals — including 1,700 who had no prior affiliation with the university — were among the fund’s supporters.

    We express our sincere thanks to our sister institutions in the Sun Belt Conference for their kind and generous outpouring of support, and to the James Madison University community in particular, which raised more than $64,000 to support the App State Disaster Relief Fund.

    On behalf of all Mountaineers — near and far — we want to say thank you. I shared this video with the Board, which exemplifies our Mountain Strong theme, and our appreciation to everyone who has been, and continues to be, so generous to our university and community.

  • As we continue to assess the financial impacts of Hurricane Helene, we will have more information to share in the coming months and at the end of the fiscal year. At this time, we estimate that approximately 75% of our incurred and anticipated expenses are eligible for FEMA and/or insurance reimbursement. We also anticipate receiving additional relief funding from the state in the upcoming fiscal year, which would be allocated to any expenses for which federal or insurance reimbursement is not received.

    Through its recent passage of Part II of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024, the North Carolina General Assembly will provide $800,000 to App State for emergency grants for postsecondary students, intended to cover needs such as tuition, fees, living expenses and other disaster-related expenses. Universities receiving these benefits have been provided guidelines for eligibility criteria and the application process, as well as awarding and reporting requirements. We also expect Next NC funding through a legislative provision, as well as through UNC System-secured funding, for additional need-based scholarships — again, with specific criteria for eligibility, awarding and reporting.

    We are so grateful for the support from our state and federal leaders, including the General Assembly and UNC System, who authorized relief funding to support our students and university with the recovery.

  • Fundraising is more important now than ever, especially for students in need, and I was pleased to report a promising outlook. Since July 1, new pledges and outright gifts total more than $38 million, nearly one and a half times where we were at this time last year. And, outright gifts and pledge payments are up 35% from this time last year, totaling more than $14 million. This level of successful fundraising requires a high level of support and collaboration, and I would like to especially thank the Trustees and my leadership team, including Will Sears and Doug Gillin and their teams, for the strategic and proactive work that has brought us this important momentum.

  • Private funding, as well as grant funding, is critical to support and sustain the research and creative endeavors of our faculty as well. As we selectively expand our research and creative endeavors enterprise, informed by our academic strategic plan and our research strategic plan, we are bringing in research dollars and engaging in innovative academic work that has long set us apart from other institutions similar to our size and classification.

    Last fiscal year, the university brought in a record $25.8 million in awards in support of the innovative research our faculty are conducting, in many cases with our students directly participating. Over the last five years, App State’s funded research has increased by nearly 75%.

    We've been steadily increasing our research dollars because of the dedication, involvement and success of faculty in innovative and meaningful research. As a long-standing teaching institution, our research provides critical opportunities for learning, and the applied nature of much of this research serves as a conduit for innovative solutions and economic development.

    The great ideas being developed by our faculty and staff span a range of strengths and areas of expertise, including educational and training innovations, laboratory devices, and clean energy, economics and agricultural technology concepts, just to name a few. Moving forward, our research strengths will help the university, our community and the region with recovery and preparedness.

    The Office of Research and Innovation team, led by Vice Provost of Research and Innovation Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren, is also focusing on the work of connecting and coaching faculty on their paths to protecting and commercializing intellectual property that has the potential to generate value and financial impact for the state of North Carolina. Additionally, to further support innovative work beyond the startup phase, the Chancellor's Innovation Scholars Program is increasing funding for big ideas that will have a lasting impact and become part of the fabric of the institution, with an emphasis on ensuring faculty can develop self-sustaining funding models so their work and the associated funding will last beyond the startup phase.

  • As we end several athletics conference seasons, I want to acknowledge the success of both Cross Country teams, which won their conference championships; the Field Hockey team, which won their regular season conference championship; the App State Tennis program, represented by juniors Savannah Dada-Mascoll and Isabella Romanichen, became the women’s tennis program’s first nationally ranked doubles team; and the East-division champion App State Volleyball team, which is playing a postseason game against Northern Colorado this afternoon at 3 p.m.
    
    I’d also like to acknowledge the transitions the Mountaineer football program is experiencing, and I’d like to thank Doug Gillin for his leadership and his work underway to quickly hire a new head football coach.

  As we look to next week, I wish everyone a strong finish to the semester. For those graduating next week, Fall Commencement will be especially meaningful. For some, it will be their first formal, in-person commencement ceremony, as their high school graduations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced adversity again just before their college graduations, when our region experienced one of the most significant natural disasters in our 125-year history. This ceremony is not just a celebration of academic success but also of the resilience and perseverance we’ve collectively shown in the face of unprecedented challenges. We look forward to seeing our graduates cross the stage on Friday, and to the wonderful futures they have before them.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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November 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, November 22, 2024

  With snow blanketing the Boone campus this morning, it’s a picturesque, if cold, day. Earlier this week, students were on Sanford Mall in short sleeves engaging in Homecoming activities, and today, our Sanford Mall webcam shows them enjoying the first real snow of the season.

  This last week has been full of fun activities, many of which were rescheduled from October. The energy around them has been one of fun and a sense of added appreciation for the ability to hold them.

  • On Saturday, more than 400 participants joined the 14th annual Spooky Duke 5K/10K race to support local families who have children with special needs. This fun, annual event is presented by the university’s Parent to Parent outreach program through the Beaver College of Health Sciences. This year’s event raised $30,000, which will directly benefit our local community. Thank you to everyone who participated in the race, and to the 92 student, faculty, staff and community volunteers, including App State Police and cadets, who staffed the race and made it a fun day for everyone.
  • On Tuesday, we hosted more than 6,100 community members in our Central Dining Hall for a community meal — a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to continue making meaningful connections over a seasonal meal, and for the university to give back to our community.
  • On Wednesday, I had the opportunity, along with Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs J.J. Brown and Student Body President Kathryn Long, to thank the many individuals who staffed App State’s Disaster Relief Hub during the initial days in which we were responding to the effects of Hurricane Helene. Those who were on-site staffing the resource hub, and those who were behind the scenes ensuring the support services were able to meet demand, helped establish an immediate lifeline that assisted many App State students, university friends and colleagues with getting started on the road to recovery — even as many hub staff members were facing their own significant challenges. Thank you to this great team! You recognized the tremendous amount of need in our community, and the work of our dedicated staff and volunteers allowed more than 5,000 members of the App State Community to receive a broad range of care and support.
  • Last night, we enjoyed a Gold Room “pop-up” event, hosted by Campus Dining. This brief reappearance of the popular dining facility provided a fun evening for alumni to reminisce about the steaks, french fries with gravy, and hot fudge cakes they shared with friends and dates on special occasions. The evening and its many extraordinary details were brought to life by the Alumni Affairs team, and the event was made even more special because 1966 graduate Lynda Spencer Stanbery, who opened the original Gold Room and ran it for many years, joined the festivities.
  • Tonight, App State Wrestling hosts 19th ranked West Virginia in Varsity Gym, where they will unveil a new look for Varsity Gym with new seating, a new competition mat and a new video board.
  • We are excited to host the James Madison Dukes at Kidd Brewer Stadium tomorrow afternoon, in one of our biggest games of the season. James Madison, along with other Sun Belt Conference schools — including Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, Marshall and South Alabama — showed App State and this area of the state tremendous support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. These schools and their students and alumni organized fundraisers and donations in support of the App State Disaster Relief Fund and helped raise awareness of the impacts to our region. We are so appreciative of their support and their camaraderie — on and off the field. 

    During halftime of tomorrow’s football game, we will crown the Top of the Rock from the Homecoming Court finalists. App State’s Top of the Rock recipients are nominated by their peers and are recognized for their outstanding achievements, as well as their contributions to the success of others.

    We will also recognize UNC System Board of Governors member and 1985 App State graduate C. Philip Byers, who will be joined on the field by the dean of App State's Reich College of Education, Dr. Melba Spooner. We appreciate Governor Byers’ establishment and continued support of a tutoring program for students at App State's laboratory school, the Academy at Middle Fork — just one example of his long-standing dedication to student success initiatives at App State and beyond.

  • The Hayes School of Music’s 32nd annual Holiday Scholarship Concert — a hugely popular event that also serves as a signature fundraising event — has been rescheduled from tonight to Monday, Dec. 2. Thanks to a generous donation, we are able to invite campus and community members to attend this event — at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts or via livestream — free of charge. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and support scholarships for our Hayes School of Music students and we hope you can join us.

  Yesterday, we also celebrated Founders Day with a rescheduled Bell Ringers ceremony, followed by a pizza party for students. During our Bell Ringers ceremony, we commemorated our 125th year as an institution, remembering our founders and recognizing those who have contributed to our campus and community’s shared history and accomplishments. I was honored to receive a copy of the proclamation U.S. Sen. Ted Budd ’94 read in the Senate Chamber earlier this fall to mark the university’s anniversary.

  We also inducted nine new members into the Bell Ringers Society:

  • Dr. Bettie Bond, retired professor emerita of history, representing past, present and future faculty whose teaching, research and service spark the imagination and creativity of our student body.
  • Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Hank Foreman ’95, representing Appalachian State University’s arts programs and the significance of the university’s continuing arts legacy within the community and region.
  • Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman ’78, ’82, representing the significance of the 125-year partnership between the university and the remarkable Boone community that has been our home.
  • Kaaren Hayes ’96, retired program director of Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country, representing all staff — past, present and future — and the strong bond of community outreach at App State.
  • Student Body President Kathryn Long, representing App State students and the promise they have to make our university — and our world — better for each incoming generation.
  • Ellen Otterbourg, granddaughter of App State founders D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty, representing our Founding Family. Her niece and Dougherty family historian Doris Stam rang the bell on her behalf.
  • Rosanne Peacock, App State’s First Lady from 2004 to 2014, representing the influential women who have held the significant role of partner, hostess, liaison and prominent citizen; honoring the memory of her husband, Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock; and representing the Office of the Chancellor.
  • Dr. Melba Spooner, Dean of the Reich College of Education, representing the university’s legacy of providing educational access across the region.
  • Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tommy Sofield ’76, representing the university’s Board of Trustees and Mountaineer athletics.

  We also launched a new university history website, which provides a comprehensive historical timeline and photos tracing the progression of Watauga Academy to Appalachian State University in the present day.

  Faculty may recall that, this summer, I shared we would work to provide merit raises to faculty this academic year. This fall, we were able to establish a pool of funds for faculty market and merit increases. Provost Specht has asked the deans in each college to work with department chairs to implement the raise process. Academic Affairs anticipates raises to be complete by the March payroll.

  I hope everyone can enjoy a safe and refreshing Thanksgiving Break later next week. When we return from the break, Tuesday, Dec. 3, will be the last day of classes for the fall semester — with exams beginning at the end of the week. I am confident that our students will come back ready to finish the semester strong!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, November 15, 2024

  At this week’s UNC System Board of Governors meeting, the Board took several actions related to App State, including:

  • Approving the university to add a Doctor of Nursing Practice to our academic programs. This program will educate family practice nurse practitioners, helping meet the need for additional health care providers, particularly in rural areas of our state. This will make the third doctoral program for our university — adding to our education and psychology doctoral programs, but more importantly, it will allow us to help meet the incredible demand for rural health care professionals in North Carolina. Through the Beaver College of Health Sciences, we already offer a number of clinical services for children and adults, and this new program will help us provide even more high-quality health care for our community at large. I congratulate the Beaver College of Health Sciences on this new program and look forward to welcoming these students to App State in fall 2026.

  • Approving the university to move forward with a new, 85,000-square-foot indoor athletics practice facility. The new facility will increase the size of the current practice field to 100 yards, allowing for more frequent and comprehensive practice sessions for most of our athletic programs. The larger facility will also increase its scope, to serve more areas across campus and allow for public–private health care collaborations, including new physical therapy facilities. I want to thank our alumni — in particular 1976 alumnus and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tommy Sofield and his family, who made a lead gift in 2023 — for providing a solid financial foundation for this project.

  • Allocating funds from the General Assembly’s Hurricane Relief Fund. The Board allocated funds to App State and other UNC System institutions that have students enrolled who are from the declared disaster areas. This is additional emergency aid funding to assist students with significant ongoing needs related to Hurricane Helene, and it will provide much-needed support to students who are struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane so that they can stay on track for graduation. The system is also working on our behalf with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority for additional funding to assist in covering the cost of recovery.

  • Recognizing App State Police Sergeant Petey Hausley ’12 for valor. The 2024 UNC System Campus Law Enforcement Award winners included Sgt. Hausley, who earned an award for valor for his leadership and courage in 2023, when he thwarted a criminal who was intent on doing serious harm. With more than a decade in law enforcement, Sgt. Hausley joined App State Police in 2022 and is an incredible asset to the team. We congratulate him for this award, and thank him for his continued service to App State.

  This week we held our annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all veterans, and particularly those at App State who have served in the Armed Forces. It was an honor to stand with veterans (honored in this beautiful tribute) who have sacrificed so much for our country and our freedoms. App State Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadet Anna Hoffman, a senior management major from Statesville and a member of the North Carolina National Guard, emceed the event, and our guest speaker, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. George Sankey, spoke about the value of our veterans to our society and the inspirations we can take from those who have served. As he spoke about resilience and managing critical situations, as well as the emotions that come with them, I was reminded of how, as a community and a campus, we chose to come together for the greater good while facing the incredible challenges of Hurricane Helene.

  Also this week, members of my leadership team and I joined the Chancellor’s Scholars Friendsgiving event. It was a lovely evening celebrating friendship and fellowship, and we enjoyed the stories students shared about their academic endeavors, their activities and their plans for the short and long term.

  Our student-athletes continue to see success this season. Men’s and Women’s Basketball have shown a strong start to their seasons; both Cross-Country teams won their conference championships; and Field Hockey won their regular season conference championship. Representing the App State Tennis program, digital journalism major Savannah Dada-Mascoll and exercise science major Isabella Romanichen, both juniors, have earned a spot in the NCAA Doubles Championship, which begins next week. Our Wrestling team will host nationally ranked West Virginia next Friday, and East-division champion App State Volleyball team begins Sun Belt Conference Tournament play next weekend. We’ll be cheering them on as we also cheer on the Mountaineer Football team when they take on JMU during Homecoming weekend.

  Today, Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff Hank Foreman represented the university with the members of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce as part of their State of the Community luncheon. For 125 years, the university and community’s shared history has been one of building lasting institutions and lasting relationships, partnerships and friendships. It has been these partnerships that have helped our university and our community to grow and be successful, and it is these partnerships that will carry us forward. Our respect for our fellow community members, business and government leaders and education partners remains steadfast, and it heartens us to know that we are all in it together when a challenge is before us. 

  Also this morning, Acting Provost Specht addressed the Walker College of Business Advisory Council, and this afternoon, she represented university leadership at Walker College’s scholarship reception. Nearly 70% of our students rely on some form of financial assistance to fund their App State educations. In recent years, we have been able to award academic scholarships and aid to nearly 40% of our students, based on scholarly abilities, academic achievements and financial need. That is money they don’t have to pay back, and it makes a tremendous difference.

  We are working to engage with students, faculty, staff and the tremendous community of Mountaineers who support our university, to hear and share their stories. So many people believe in this university and the potential it represents to innovate for the future, build meaningful relationships, open doors and expand horizons for our students, faculty and staff — and the communities we serve. On behalf of the entire App State Community, thank you to everyone who supports the success of our students as they work to achieve their dreams.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, November 8, 2024

  The month of November is already bustling with activity, with a number of events coming up, including our rescheduled Founders Day and Homecoming events and our annual commemoration of Veterans Day.

  Since 1954, Nov. 11 has been set aside nationally each year as the day to recognize veterans and their families, and on Monday, Appalachian State University will join the nation in honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

  At our university, 261 student veterans, 113 active-duty service members and nearly 127 active-duty and veteran staff and faculty enrich our campus community. More than 1,000 of our students are military spouses or dependents. We work to support them every day.

  For the last 15 years, we’ve been nationally recognized for the support we provide to our military-affiliated students, faculty and staff — and their families. 

  • The VIQTORY organization, which is dedicated to helping military personnel transition to civilian life, has, for the 15th consecutive year, placed App State among the top 15% of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. For four years, VIQTORY has also honored App State with a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation.

  • For the seventh consecutive year, Military Times named App State to its “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list — in recognition of our services and programs specific to military students.

  • U.S. News & World Report ranks App State as the No. 2 Best College for Veterans among Southern universities — a distinction we’ve held for four consecutive years.

  These recognitions reaffirm our steadfast dedication across the university to support veterans, service members and their families in their academic pursuits. We are grateful for the chance to serve those who have served our country and we are honored to continue supporting you. 

  Last week, the UNC System announced that App State will join six other University of North Carolina System institutions as a headquarters for NCInnovation’s applied research support. NCInnovation is a nonprofit organization that provides grant funding, mentorship and partnership development to university researchers to support innovative, real-world research at North Carolina’s public universities. NCInnovation hubs assist researchers on their respective campuses and at nearby universities in connecting NCInnovation grant recipients with industry and business services to advance their research toward commercialization.

  You may recall that in May I shared that Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, the Lowe’s Distinguished Professor of Computer Science in App State’s Department of Computer Science, was awarded an NCInnovation grant in excess of $640,000 to support commercializing parts of the Beemon Hive Monitoring System. Through this grant, Dr. Tashakkori and his team will continue their development of hive monitoring tools with an aim to decrease honeybee die-off and increase hive production.

  At Appalachian State University, we are committed to fostering applied research that advances and drives innovation in our communities and industries. Our collaboration with NCInnovation not only enhances opportunities for our faculty, staff and students but also supports the vital mission of translating university research into solutions that benefit the people and economies of our state and region.

  Support from the UNC System has also helped us successfully launch new App State Online offerings this year through our partnership with Project Kitty Hawk (PKH). With the Bachelor of Science degree programs in health care management and business administration in supply chain management underway this fall, we have also been working with PKH to add three additional programs in accounting, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and learning. I am appreciative of the UNC System’s vision and guidance, the PKH team’s support and the efforts of our faculty and staff to make our PKH partnerships successful for our students.

  This week, our Career Development Center partnered with the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Career Center, NC Works, to offer a career fair for our App State Hickory students and other job seekers from the surrounding community. The event gave students the opportunity to practice their career readiness skills, research the industries in which they're interested in working, and network. I appreciate the 29 employers who participated in this event — it was a great way for us to partner with the community in the Hickory area.

  I’m looking forward to joining the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Community event next week, as well as our rescheduled Founders Day bell ringing and celebration events, during which we will induct the newest members of the Bell Ringers Society. These are great opportunities to work together with our Boone community and honor our 125-year history.

  The end of the semester and December Commencement are nearly upon us! Please continue to rely on your resources and support systems at the university as we look to a busy season ahead.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, November 1, 2024

  This fall, we witnessed firsthand the impacts of many first responders and military service members who answered the call in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Tomorrow, at App State’s home football game versus Old Dominion, we will celebrate them, as well as our nation’s veterans, at our annual Heroes Day game.

  The brave men and women who volunteer for active duty, reserve and the National Guard service do so knowing the sacrifices required of them and their families. They have willingly stood in harm's way for our nation’s freedoms, and thousands of service members from North Carolina and many other states responded to the needs of our area this fall.

  The courage and commitment of first responders — firefighters, medics, rescue squads and law enforcement officers — was evident most recently to all of us in Western North Carolina as they rushed to our aid amid dangerous conditions, even as the status of their own homes and families was unknown. We are so grateful for their dedication and selfless service.

  These rescue efforts included App State’s own Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members, many of whom were activated for the state response, and many of whom also worked on cleanup efforts on our Boone campus. They will be recognized on the field tomorrow for the many services they provide to the university and to our nation.

  We are also proud to recognize two alumni at tomorrow's game: Staff Sergeant Tim McHugh and Retired Colonel Edna W. Cummings.

  • Staff Sgt. McHugh, a former Airborne Infantry Squad Leader, is a 2011 graduate who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and served as a paratrooper and noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, where he led an airborne infantry squad in combat, earning a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal for Valor. An attorney in Richmond, Virginia, he now actively supports veterans through his pro bono legal practice, which is focused on systemic educational benefits issues.
    
    
  • Col. Cummings, who was inducted into the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame in 2020, is the first African American female graduate of App State’s ROTC program, graduating in 1978. Tonight, she will be recognized by our ROTC program as a distinguished alumna for her significant accomplishments and contributions and service to the university and the nation.

  Just before Helene disrupted operations on our campus, six national publications, including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine, published rankings that placed Appalachian State University among the best schools in the Southeast — and the nation — for the 2024–25 academic year. We earned placement on these lists for excellence in several areas, including academics, innovation, value, benefits for student veterans and programs to enhance the first-year experience.

  These latest accolades reflect the commitment and dedicated efforts of our faculty and staff in fostering student success through comprehensive support, including helping students graduate on time. Our reputation for educational excellence, which has endured for 125 years, is a testament to the transformative power of an App State education — to improve the lives and communities of our state, nation, and world. You can read more about our recent accolades, including being named among the top three Southern regional universities for our excellent and innovative educational experience, in this news story.

  Additionally, last week, App State Athletics was recognized with the Student-Athlete Graduation Success Rate Award by the Sun Belt Conference at its Fall Meeting. App State was one of four schools to exceed a 90% graduation success rate during the 2023–24 academic year.

  Congratulations are also in order for the App State men’s and women’s cross country teams, both of which won Sun Belt championships earlier today! The men’s team clinched the title for the second consecutive year and the fourth time since joining the Sun Belt. The women are Sun Belt champions for the first time since 2018 and the third time since joining the conference. Congrats to all of the champion student-athletes, Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Damion McLean, men’s distance coach Brad Herbster and women’s distance coach Annie Richards.

  We recognize all of our student-athletes, their coaches, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin and the App State Athletics staff for their hard work and dedication to student success.

  I’d also like to encourage our App State Community to come out next Friday, Nov. 8, for a free concert by Black Violin at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. This event offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate our unity and the strength of our Western North Carolina communities.

  Our resilience as a university community — coming together from near and far — continues to inspire me. Thank you.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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October 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, October 25, 2024

  Today, Appalachian State University lifted remaining nonemergency limited condition operations and returned to normal operations. Our return to classes on Oct. 16 has been instrumental in restoring a sense of routine for students, faculty and staff. The beautiful weather the High Country has experienced recently is aiding in recovery efforts for many of our neighbors, and yet, we all understand that there is still more to be done, and for many, the months ahead — especially as the days grow colder — will hold significant, continued challenges.

  Prior to the storm, tomorrow’s Mountaineers vs. Georgia State football game would have been our Homecoming game. We are looking forward to celebrating Homecoming next month, and tomorrow we will focus on Home Giving.

  • We are encouraging those visiting the area for the football game to support local businesses, and two local nonprofit organizations in particular that are working to support the continued recovery of the High Country.
  • At tomorrow’s Home Giving game, there will be opportunities to donate to:
  • Quiet Givers — a local nonprofit organization serving Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties that operates as a hub to connect individuals with appropriate agencies, funds or grants; and
  • the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation — a nonprofit organization that manages and distributes funds and resources to further the development and welfare of Boone and Watauga County.

  This afternoon, App State’s leadership, including members of our Board of Trustees, were joined by UNC System President Peter Hans, members of the UNC Board of Governors and community leaders to recognize and celebrate the countless workers who have been at the forefront of the Helene recovery efforts. Many of you continued to serve our campus and community through the height of the storm and recovery efforts, then returned to regular duties, while also facing your own personal hardships and journeys to recovery.

  • You restored power to the university and our town, pushed water and mud out of buildings as it was rushing back in, provided critical information as events unfolded, kept our infrastructure intact, provided nearly 80,000 meals to anyone who needed them, kept our students safe and secure in their residence halls, provided space and support for an emergency Red Cross shelter, provided vital internet and phone connections, opened laundry and shower facilities to campus and community members and raised and distributed more than $3.8 million, which provided critical bridge funding to more than 5,000 students, faculty and staff.
  • You also developed ways to help our students and faculty return to classrooms as quickly as possible, adjusting coursework and developing broad guidance as well as individualized plans so they could regain some sense of normalcy — and still meet the learning outcomes for their courses, keeping our students on track for graduation.
  • Our partners at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Boone and Watauga County have been true partners, working with us to make sure we responded together to the needs of our community. The incredible search and rescue acts you performed saved countless lives in our community, and the thousands and thousands of donated items you took in and distributed ensured people could take care of their families in times of incredible need.

  Many of you did this under extreme circumstances, not seeing your families for days. Some didn’t have homes to return to. 

  While the university was deep in response mode, our Trustees, members of our Board of Governors and President Hans were just a few of the many who checked in with us constantly, bringing incredible support and substantial resources. President Hans and the UNC System Office brought the power of the entire UNC System to help us in our time of need:

  • supporting our request to move our operational status to Condition 3, allowing us the flexibility to bring in employees and students as needed to provide critical services to our university and community;
  • ensuring no employees — including hourly and student employees — would have to worry about lost wages while they were managing the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene;
  • ensuring our students who were not in the Boone area would have access to student health and counseling services, libraries and recreation centers at our sister institutions across the state; and
  • providing a lifeline to the vast resources powered by the UNC System as we needed it.

  So many of our students volunteered in the community during the immediate days after the storm and have been contributing their time in countless ways since. Last Saturday, in one day, our students worked with 15 local agencies, contributing more than 500 service hours toward local recovery efforts. I’ve been inspired by our students, who began helping one another, our university and our greater community immediately during the storm and have continued to do so.

  At tonight’s App State vs. Coastal Carolina volleyball game, we will premiere a thank-you video in the Holmes Center, which we’ll share in many ways in the coming days and weeks, celebrating the efforts of those who responded to the needs of our university and community. You can watch a sneak preview here.

  We are Mountaineers. Together, we navigate the peaks and valleys, supporting one another all along the way. And for that, I thank you most of all.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, October 18, 2024

  When we began this week, we took a big step forward on our long and varied road to recovery. I commend our many students, who were unsure of what it would be like to return to the classroom and to campus, and our faculty and staff, who were uncertain of what needs would arise that they would be called on to meet and who, together, bravely took that important step forward.

  At the end of the week, we have a few more certainties. We know our classes are up and running with the adjustments needed for student success. We know our students, faculty and staff are finding and reestablishing their vital connections with one another. And we know we are working to take care of each and every need as it arises. We also know our K–12 public schools will resume next week. We know we will return to normal operations next Friday and will begin holding larger events again that support the well-being and livelihoods of our community. We know our community, while still suffering, has made incredible strides toward recovery.

  I’ve shared a lot of operational and tactical information with you this week, but the stories of our faculty, staff and students really show who we are as a community. When Hurricane Helene hit, we knew we needed to amass the many resources we offer for our students and employees and put them in one location. With many unable to get to work, we identified the critical resources people needed and reached out to see who was available to help set up and staff a central resource hub. Since Oct. 1, staff, faculty and students have been on site to help friends, peers and colleagues.

  For some, this is not the work they do every day, but they knew there was a need, so they stepped up. One staff member shared a few stories from this perspective:

  • One person had lost their car, their food, and had some mild flooding in their apartment and had hand tabulated everything as close to the penny as they could. They were, in typical “mountain strong” fashion, only requesting what they absolutely needed and had tiered everything out in order of importance in case others needed more.

  • Another had calculated their missed wages to the penny based off of their prior two weeks of work, since the business they work at was still closed. I was also able to connect with them about our student employment opportunities so they can get back to work this week.

  • Yet another had lost their housing and had not checked the financial assistance box. They just wanted to see what off-campus housing was available and made the comment that other people “need the money more than I do.”
    

  • Another was just trying to process everything. They didn't even know where to start or what to ask for, but were so grateful to be back on campus and said they felt so taken care of.

  To those who have helped our community members in crisis in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and those who have donated to our relief fund to make that bridge possible, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  I also want to take this opportunity to thank my leadership team, who, like many of our staff from the very beginning of the storm, set aside their personal lives and worked together from the Emergency Operations Center to ensure timely, coordinated emergency services and communications. Some had holes in their roofs and ceilings from downed trees, as well as mudslides and floodwaters that broke through their basements; some had no communication lines back to their families; and some traveled hours to get just a few miles to campus. Thank you to these selfless, servant leaders for their commitment to our community.

  Now that we have moved from immediate crisis and response to recovery mode with normal operations forthcoming, we are returning the many resources we offer for our students and employees to their original locations.

  • We encourage students who need help to remember the Dean of Students Office is always a good place to begin if you need support and resources. Year-round, the Dean of Students team serves as a hub for resources and support for our students.

  • For faculty and staff, we encourage reaching out to Academic Affairs and/or Human Resources.

  We know our community still has a long road to recovery and there are many who will need longer term support as they work to recover from tremendous loss. Our case managers will continue to connect members of our university community to all the services available. We must not, and will not, forget what was lost, but also, that we can be uplifted by what was gained.

  I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve heard members of our university and greater community, even those who have faced significant losses, describe themselves as fortunate, blessed, lucky, better off than most. I believe this exemplifies who we are as a community — compassionate, resilient and mountain strong.

  I’m proud to stand with you.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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September 2024

• Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Saturday, September 28, 2024

  My heart is with the entire Western North Carolina community and beyond as we begin to assess and respond to the devastating flooding and storm damage that have impacted our region, including our sister institutions in the mountains.

  Since early in the week, App State staff have been working around the clock to prepare for, and then respond to, Hurricane Helene. The level of devastation it has brought to our region is massive. Some of our staff members have significant damage to their homes, and some haven’t seen their families since the storm began — yet, they are focused on serving others. We are operating with a smaller than usual essential staffing team, because some — despite wanting to be here — cannot get here to help.

  Assessment of the damage and recovery from it will take time. We appreciate the close collaboration with the Town of Boone, Watauga County, American Red Cross, the UNC System, and local, state and federal agencies.

  As we move from emergency response to impact assessment and recovery, we are focused on the safety and well-being of our campus community.

  I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate App State’s selfless, dedicated team of staff:

  • The Landscape Services crew, who began around-the-clock shifts in advance of the storm to clear drains for stormwater runoff and continued with removal of trees and debris that have fallen,
  • The Campus Dining team, who has prepared and served more than 25,000 meals to campus and community members,
  • App State Police officers and staff, who have been keeping our campus safe and assisting local law enforcement,
  • Our emergency management team, who has been coordinating an incredible effort to support thousands in need on campus and in our community,
  • The Facilities Management teams, who have been working to assess and respond to the damages impacting campus,
  • Holmes Convocation Center staff and the many others from areas across campus, who helped the Red Cross open a community shelter and distribute 82 cases of bottled water at the College Street Circle, 
  • Our campus medics, who have been responding to campus medical calls and providing support to the county, helping free up resources for broader community response,
  • The Student Affairs teams, who have kept the Student Union open, opened the Student Recreation Center and provided health care to students,
  • Our University Communications team, who has been working with limited infrastructure to get critical information to our campus community and document the disaster for relief aid,
  • App State's New River Light & Power crews, and those from across the state who have traveled to assist them, who have kept the power on for our on-campus students, and have been working to restore power to multiple service areas with downed trees and power lines, and
    
  • The student volunteers who have helped distribute food and water, staffed the Student Union and Community Shelter, and helped wherever needed.

  Thank you all so much for your dedication to our community.

  I’d like to thank everyone for their understanding as we focused initial communications on providing critical information to our students, faculty and staff. Please note we will continue to post updates on our emergency website: appstatealert.com.

  The Hickory campus has no significant issues. On the Boone campus, we have been able to maintain continuity of power, water and internet, with only short interruptions. Our residence halls are safe and largely unaffected. Our classroom buildings have not fared as well. We are still assessing the magnitude of the damage. Crews are roping off dangerous areas on the Boone campus and restricting them to emergency personnel only.

  We have canceled all classes and have limited operations to only essential personnel through 5 p.m. Friday, October 4.

  Road conditions in the Boone and Watauga County area are treacherous in many places, and mobile communications and internet service are extremely limited throughout the region. Many roads, parking lots and sidewalks in the Boone area have unstable sections, washed-out areas or are structurally compromised. There are a number of trees and tree limbs down on campus and in the community. For those students who are leaving the area to be with their families and those families who are traveling to pick up your students, please proceed with extreme caution.

  Many of you have generously asked how you can support our students, faculty and staff. We’ve established a Disaster Relief Fund for those who wish to help, and will share information with our campus community on how to request relief funds as soon as possible.

  In the meantime, those in immediate need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767). The Red Cross is also accepting donations at this same phone number. We thank the many Red Cross volunteers who are supporting our community.

  I would like to appeal to those of you who have received this message to please help share this information with those who have less ability to connect and communicate. If you know of students, faculty and staff who are not receiving their campus emails, please reach out and share what we’ve posted on appstatealert.com.

  My heart is full of gratitude for this incredible Mountaineer community. We have a long way to go to fully recover. In tough times, Mountaineers lean on one another. I thank you all for your commitment to caring for one another — and please remember to take care of yourselves.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, September 20, 2024

  We began the week with our annual observation of Constitution Day, with students joined by faculty and staff for our reading of the United States Constitution. It’s always a privilege to spend time reflecting on this incredible, visionary document, which serves as the supreme law for our country, and I appreciate those who joined and attended as we read excerpts from the world’s longest surviving written charter of government.

  The Appalachian State University Board of Trustees met today for what is considered their annual meeting. During this meeting, the board heard information from the divisions of Academic Affairs, Athletics, Finance and Operations and Student Affairs, and they considered a number of items. Of particular note:

  • The Board approved an update to the university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027, to bring it into alignment with the new Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, adopted on May 23 of this year.

    As I shared last week, after the UNC System shared guidance with its constituent institutions on June 28, I convened a working group to help assess the areas specifically referenced in the guidance and to ensure we are complying with the new policy as expected. This group, which has met regularly for many weeks, includes representation from Academic Affairs; Athletics; Enrollment Management; External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives (including Human Resources and University Communications); General Counsel; and Student Affairs.

    We’ve worked to ensure the revised plan reflects the university’s enduring commitment to the success of all of our students and conveys respect for the work of faculty, staff and students, as well as an institutional commitment to academic freedom, both of which are stronger than ever. You can view the revised strategic plan on the university’s strategic plan website.

  • The Board heard a presentation during the Student Affairs Committee meeting about the university’s Civic Literacy initiative.

    This initiative, information about which was shared at the State of the University Address in August, is a collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to help build a culture of civic literacy and respect for differences in thought, belief and opinions within our campus community. It includes three pillars: building constructive dialogue and dialogue across differences; App Votes, a nonpartisan effort that emphasizes the critical role that voting plays in civic engagement in shaping leadership and policy; and freedom of speech.

    Through this important cross-divisional collaboration, we aim to help our students examine complex questions and learn to discuss them with confidence and respect for differences in thought, belief, opinion and background.

    Our approach relies upon evidence-based research, which shows significant changes in the way students who take part in the constructive dialogue educational program engage with others:

    • 73% of students indicated decreased hostility toward those in political parties with which they don’t identify.
    
    
    • 59% showed improvement in their skills and abilities to manage conflict constructively.
    
    
  • The Board was presented with an impact report from the Division of Student Affairs, which shares both metrics and stories demonstrating the significance of student activities, recreation, and engagement with mental health resources

    My leadership team is reviewing our current unmet student success needs and considering the most effective ways we can allocate funds to further support mental health initiatives and academic success measures to support students, so that undergraduate students can complete their degrees in four years and students earning their master’s degrees can do so in two years or less. We will work with campus leaders to ensure we are thoughtfully allocating funds toward measurable objectives for student success.

  I also provided remarks to the Board, which you can read here.

  The Appalachian State University Foundation Board and Board of Visitors also held meetings this week. In my discussions with these boards, members have expressed a strong desire to be more actively engaged. I appreciate these volunteers and the added energy — in concert with the work of the Board of Trustees — they are bringing in support of our university’s mission. The members of these two boards contribute significant time in support of our university’s success, and we appreciate their leadership and dedication to the Mountaineer community.

  This week the North Carolina Law Enforcement Women’s Association held their annual conference at App State. More than 45 law enforcement professionals from across the state came to our Boone campus for professional development, with a packed schedule of classroom sessions, events and activities, including some Mountaineer football! We were pleased to host this group and appreciate that they chose our campus as their conference location.

  Yesterday, we hosted our partners from area community colleges for a reception. We recognized them on the field at Kidd Brewer Stadium for their continued collaboration, as we work together to further our shared mission of increasing access to higher education for more North Carolinians. We are proud to highlight the contributions of the Aspire Appalachian program — our partnership with 27 community colleges across the state — to provide a smooth transition for transfer students to leverage their associate degrees into App State bachelor’s degrees.

  On Monday, members of my leadership team and I were welcomed to a preseason practice session of the Mountaineers women’s basketball team, and we enjoyed visiting with these dedicated student-athletes. Thank you to Coach Alaura Sharp, the coaching staff and the team for letting us be a part of this early practice — and we’re looking forward to the upcoming season!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, September 13, 2024

  Fall weather is here, and we’re noticing it at both the Boone and Hickory campuses. When members of my leadership team and I visited the App State cross-country teams on Monday morning it was a brisk 50 degrees! We wish Coaches Brad Herbster and Annie Richards, along with the teams, the best of luck in their meet today and for the rest of their season.

  This week the UNC Board of Governors, the body responsible by North Carolina law for oversight and governance of the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina, held its September meeting. During this meeting:

  • The Board voted to hold in-state undergraduate tuition flat for the ninth consecutive year. Fee increase requests will be capped at 3% and limited to those critical to maintaining core activities, or offset by commensurate decreases to another fee.
    
    
  • The Board also considered performance funding, and while no action was taken, we’ll continue to stay attentive to these conversations.
    
    
  • App State was found to be among the institutions whose educator preparation programs were fully aligned to the UNC System’s Literacy Framework and utilize high-quality materials and resources across the programs’ literacy courses. Because our program was ascertained to be fully responsive to feedback from the Board in 2023, reviewers of our program did not suggest additional revisions. Thank you to the many faculty and staff in the Reich College of Education for their work to bring this program into full alignment.
    
    
  • The Board approved a recommendation from the Committee on Educational Planning, Policies and Programs to approve a new degree for App State — a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and learning in the Reich College. Thanks to a lot of great work in the Reich College, Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management, this online program will be available in the spring 2025 semester through our partnership with Project Kitty Hawk.
    
    
  • The Committee on University Personnel reported on voluntary turnover rates for employees. Systemwide, the report indicated that voluntary turnover rates have largely returned to pre-COVID levels and are lower than those in our College and University Professional Association for Human Resources comparison groups. In the coming weeks, we’ll examine our university’s numbers and will work with Faculty Senate and Staff Senate to share that information.
    
    
  • The Board reviewed the reports submitted by each constituent institution describing the actions taken to achieve compliance with the Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, adopted on May 23, and how any savings related to these actions have been redirected to initiatives that support student success and well-being.
    
    As I have shared in messages since May 23, each university was charged with certifying — by Sept. 1, 2024, and on or before Sept. 1 annually thereafter — full compliance with the commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination required by law and this policy.
    
    After the UNC System shared guidance with its constituent institutions on June 28, I convened a working group to help assess the areas specifically referenced in the guidance and to ensure we are complying with the new policy as expected. This group, which has met regularly for many weeks, includes representation from Academic Affairs; Athletics; Enrollment Management; External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives (including Human Resources and University Communications); General Counsel; and Student Affairs.

    We had no layoffs: Some eliminated positions were vacant and unfilled, some positions were realigned and some employees were selected for other open positions at the university based on their qualifications.

    Additionally, members of the Student Affairs leadership team spent the summer months talking with staff and student leaders to discuss the programmatic and operational changes we are implementing to be in compliance. We are still providing support for all of our students, faculty and staff, and will continue to do so.
    
    This Resources webpage provides links to numerous resources for all members of the App State Community to engage with university groups, resources and initiatives, and also to find support through offices, centers, clubs and other support systems.

    • For students, the Office of the Dean of Students is always a good place to start if you aren’t sure where to go.
      
      
    • For faculty, the Academic Affairs team is available to help answer questions and navigate any uncertainties.
      
      
    • For staff, Human Resources offers on-campus and off-campus employee assistance options, which, of course, are also available to faculty. 

    At App State, we realized just under $1.2 million in savings related to personnel, programmatic and operating expenses. Of that, about $398,000 was redirected and we have so far not reallocated the remaining amount, which is just under $800,000. I will work with campus leadership to ensure we are thoughtfully reallocating these funds toward measurable objectives for student success.

    You can find background information on the policy revision and resources by visiting App State’s Equality Within the University of North Carolina webpage, which includes a link to the UNC System’s Equality Policy website and a link to our university’s 2024 Annual Certification and Report.

    I want to reiterate a few points I have shared since May:

    • UNC System President Peter Hans and the Board have clearly and repeatedly stated the new policy reaffirms academic freedom and doesn’t touch or impact what is taught in our classrooms or researched in our labs.
      
      
    • We’re embracing the priorities put forth by UNC System President Hans of freedom of expression, academic freedom, nondiscrimination and institutional neutrality.
      
      
    • Our respect for the work of faculty, staff and students, and our commitment to academic freedom, are stronger than ever.

  The night before the Board of Governors meeting, university leadership and I hosted a reception attended by several state legislators in Raleigh. We took this opportunity to share several key accomplishments, including:

  • Our recent enrollment figures and strategic management to maximize our capacity for growth in Hickory and online.
    
    
  • Our Aspire Appalachian program, which includes partnerships with 27 North Carolina Community colleges to help their graduates with associate degrees get the opportunity to easily and seamlessly continue toward a four-year degree — or higher — at Appalachian State University. Our students have some of the lowest college debt in the nation. A quarter of our students graduate with zero college debt, and this program helps ensure those numbers stay low.
    
    
  • Programs such as GEAR UP, for which our faculty and staff just secured the largest grant in university history — $35 million. With this support, we will provide college and career services to thousands of middle and high school students across our region.
    
    
  • Our innovative teaching model for lab schools, which, along with intensive tutoring support, has led to significant gains in reading proficiency, and is becoming a model for others statewide.
    
    
  • Our work to expand and strengthen our nursing programs, which is equipping the next generation of health care professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry — and they are learning to serve the evolving health care needs of our communities with integrity and compassion.
    
    
  • A recent economic impact report showing that the university generated an additional $2.2 billion in income for the North Carolina economy in fiscal year 2021–22.

  This event was also an opportunity to say “thank you” for their enduring support and share our latest tribute to our 125-year institutional history — a then and now video that we are showing to prospective students prior to their campus tours.

  At Appalachian State University, we take the responsibility of our taxpayer support very seriously. We are proud that the investment with which our legislators have entrusted us pays dividends, and we will work to ensure it continues to do so.

  On Tuesday, Acting Provost Neva Specht and I joined Dr. Dixie Rawlins and Dr. Matthew Cannon — president and senior dean of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), respectively — in a signing ceremony to commemorate an agreement between our institutions. This agreement guarantees App State graduates who meet certain criteria will have an on-campus interview for admission to VCOM, and recognizes the rigorous education standards App State has in place for our pre-med undergraduates. We were joined by alumna Pamela Hon, who earned her Bachelor of Science in nutrition from App State in 2019 and is now a first-year student at VCOM. Thank you to the faculty and staff for making this agreement a reality, and opening more doors for success to our students.

  Last night, Provost Specht joined the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce in celebrating its 75th anniversary. We were so pleased they chose to hold this event on App State’s Boone campus, continuing a long-standing tradition that began when our university was under the leadership of Dr. William H. Plemmons. I am proud of the long history and shared heritage we have with the Boone community. Together, we have enriched the quality of life for residents, increasing prosperity, wellness and opportunity. App State is proud to be part of this community. We value our partnership with this community and hold members of our shared community in the highest respect. Happy anniversary to the Chamber!

  Looking ahead, I hope you will all plan to attend our 125th Anniversary Celebration and the induction of our newest members of the Bell Ringers Society during Founders Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10:30 a.m. on Founders Plaza. This is a celebration that would not be possible without the Chamber, the town, the county and the people of the High Country, and we hope you will all be part of this celebration.

  Tomorrow, Mountaineers everywhere will be watching as we take on the East Carolina University Pirates at ECU, beginning at 4 p.m. I look forward to seeing many of you filling the stands, and I’m sure we’ll hear the cheers from around the world in Greenville. Best of luck to Coach Clark and the team for another victory against our in-state rivals!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, September 6, 2024

  This morning, in celebration and appreciation of students in kindergarten through 8th grade across the High Country, App State’s volleyball team partnered with the Reich College of Education to host more than 1,000 K–8 students from across the region to watch the Mountaineers defeat ETSU as part of the team’s Education Day match. Thank you to Coach Sarah Rumely Noble and her team, the faculty and staff of Reich College and App State Athletics staff members for hosting this wonderful community outreach event.

  A day celebrating education is also an excellent opportunity to congratulate Reich College’s College Access Partnerships program team for securing the largest single grant ever awarded to the university: $35 million. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Education, will allow the university to expand our GEAR UP college access program, providing college and career services to thousands of middle and high school students. App State is one of only 18 institutions nationwide awarded a GEAR UP grant in 2024. I applaud College Access Partnerships Executive Director Dr. James Beeler and GEAR UP Director Corinne Smith for their continued leadership and efforts to help ensure that access to higher education is available for thousands more students in our region. I hope you’ll read this news story about this remarkable achievement.

  Access to education has been our university’s mission for 125 years. Last week, like many other UNC System schools, we reported our official enrollment numbers for the academic year and marked another year of providing access to education for students throughout the state and region. We’ll send this news release, which I hope you’ll take time to read, to media later today. A few key highlights include:

  • Total enrollment is 21,570 — a 1.5% increase since fall 2023. Strong enrollment is critical to our future success and ability to meet our founding mission of providing access to education.
  • Boone campus enrollment is 18,601. This represents intentional management to keep the population of Boone students steady and grow in areas that have more capacity: the Hickory campus and online.
  • Hickory campus enrollment is 511. This represents a 41% increase from last year.
  • Online student enrollment is 2,517— nearly a 24% increase since fall 2023 and marking an increase in this population for the fifth consecutive year. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Project Kitty Hawk (PKH) to launch two PKH-supported undergraduate programs this fall, in health care management and in supply chain management.
  • Transfer student enrollment is 5,160 — the largest transfer student population in university history. 
  • Our rural and first-generation student populations increased, with each population representing about one-third of the overall undergraduate student population.
  • Graduate student enrollment has increased by 9% since last year, to 2,010, thanks to program offerings designed to meet workforce demands, as well as actions to remove enrollment barriers.
  • App State’s student retention and graduation rates — two measurements used in higher education to measure student success — also remain strong and well above national averages. 

  These efforts represent campuswide dedication to ensuring Appalachian State University maintains its status as a thriving, vibrant and successful institution with a national reputation for excellence. Thank you!

  This week, we held our annual Safety Week. Programming included the annual Health, Wellness and Safety Festival held on Sanford Mall on Wednesday. Thank you to the App State Police Department, App State’s Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management and the Boone Fire Department for joining us to share important information with our campus community and help keep us all safe.

  Tomorrow, the Mountaineer football team will take on Clemson on the road, and we’re expecting about 5,000 App State fans to travel for the game. Thanks to everyone who will be supporting our football team in Boone, Clemson and beyond! 

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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August 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, August 30, 2024

  It’s been a busy and great beginning to the academic year! Is this really just the second week of the fall semester?

  Yesterday, at the annual opening meeting for App State faculty and staff, I shared what has become known in recent years as the annual State of the University Address.

  I would like to thank the more than 350 people who joined in person, as well as the more than 140 who joined online. I hope you found it to be informative.

  If you’d like to watch the full meeting presentation online, you can view it and read the transcript here.

  I was joined in this meeting by several members of the Chancellor’s Council, each of whom shared information from their divisions:

  • Dr. Neva Specht, Acting Provost;
  • Doug Gillin, Director of Athletics;
  • Will Sears, Interim Vice Chancellor of University Advancement;
  • Dr. Troy Johnson, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management;
  • Hank Foreman, Vice Chancellor of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives; and
  • J.J. Brown, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.
  • Neva, Hank and J.J. also shared updates prepared for them by Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Jacqui Bergman, Staff Senate Chair Samantha WIlliams and Student Body President Kathryn Long.

  A big thank you to this entire team of university leaders for helping share important information about some key initiatives that are underway or on the horizon for App State.

  • We’re committed to making sure our campus community is informed about key issues and initiatives that are having an effect on our university, our System and our industry.
  
  
  • We’re working to be present, in spaces with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, to engage in regular communication and dialogue.
  
  
  • We’re embracing the priorities put forth by UNC System President Peter Hans of freedom of expression, academic freedom, nondiscrimination and institutional neutrality. Our respect for the work of faculty, staff and students, and our commitment to academic freedom, are stronger than ever.
  
  
  • We’re working to help build a culture of civic literacy and respect for differences in thought, belief and opinions within our campus community.
  
  
  • We’ll remain focused on student recruitment and retention, and student and employee well-being and success.
  
  
  • We’ll work to ensure every dollar we spend is used prudently to advance our institution.
  
  
  • We’ll focus on quality, meaningful relationships within our university community, with our alumni, with the Boone and Hickory area communities, with our leadership boards and our leaders in Raleigh, and with our many other stakeholders.

  J.J. and Neva shared some information about our Civic Literacy Initiative, which is a Student Affairs and Academic Affairs collaboration that seeks to foster a nonpartisan, civically engaged and informed campus community. A key component of the project is a constructive dialogue program, in which people learn skills for understanding the different perspectives of others — without giving up their own beliefs — in order to live, learn and work together. This program has impressive, measurable results — more than 80% of students who engaged with it report increased confidence navigating difficult conversations and communicating across differences.

  This week, we also celebrated the launch of two academic programs through Project Kitty Hawk (PKH) — a nonprofit partnering with UNC System institutions to provide online student support services specifically tailored for nontraditional learners. This could not have taken place without the dedication and diligence of the associate deans, department chairs and faculty, along with a strong Information Technology team and the Enrollment Management office, who launched our first two PKH programs in three short months, in addition to their other roles and responsibilities. Your hard work and dedication to the success of launching these programs means we have students right now who are pursuing App State degrees in health care management and supply chain management, which they otherwise might not have been able to access. We look forward to continuing to work with PKH as our faculty develop more programs to help meet the online education needs of adult learners across North Carolina.

  On Tuesday, I attended a reception held by members of the Blowing Rock Country Club, during which they awarded scholarships to 22 App State students. Nearly 70% of our students rely on some form of financial assistance to fund their education. Over the past decade, the Blowing Rock Country Club Scholarship has supported 115 students, providing $330,000 toward their education. This commitment has made — and continues to make — a tremendous difference in the quality of our students’ lives, and in some cases, in their ability to even enroll in college. On behalf of Appalachian State University, I thank them for helping these student scholars succeed in achieving their dreams.

  The Appalachian Police Officer Development Program — a two-year program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and training to become police officers while they complete their degrees — celebrated 20 graduates during its seventh Police Academy graduation at Rosen Concert Hall on Aug. 24. The ceremony honored top-performing students with awards of distinction and included remarks from two student speakers and guest speaker Lieutenant Stephen Raby of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office. I appreciate these outstanding students, who are diligent in the classroom, work hard to keep our campus safe and are preparing to serve their communities.

  This morning, Provost Specht joined Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College President and App State alumnus Dr. John Gossett ’87 in signing an Aspire Appalachian agreement to provide a more efficient pathway for Asheville-Buncombe Tech graduates to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree — or higher — at App State. The Aspire program offers tailored support for transfer students from partnered community colleges through dedicated academic and financial aid advising and pre-transfer admission counseling. With 27 Aspire partner schools across the state, we continue to expand the avenues for North Carolina students to have access to higher education.

  It was my privilege to recognize a trailblazer for women’s athletics this afternoon, as we officially dedicated the Dr. Jan Watson Field at the Brandon and Erica M. Adcock Field Hockey Complex. Jan, for whom the field is named, established App State’s field hockey program in 1968 — the first varsity program for women in North Carolina. She was the first head coach of the team and is the all-time winningest coach in the program, with 157 victories. In addition, she started the Deep South Field Hockey Association and mentored 92 student-athletes who would go on to compete in higher athletic programs at the regional and national level. She’s not only a legendary coach, she’s also respected as an outstanding educator and treasured by many as a friend, and it was such a pleasure to be part of celebrating her legacy.

  This year marks the 56th for field hockey in the High Country, and Head Coach Emily Dinsmore and her team are continuing Jan’s incredible legacy. With their first game underway, we’re looking forward to a fantastic season on this newly dedicated field.

  App State football’s season starts tomorrow afternoon with a home game against East Tennessee State University. I’m looking forward to supporting our student-athletes from the sidelines at Kidd Brewer Stadium, which was recently named one of ESPN’s top 25 college stadiums in the country, as well as cheering on one of the best college football teams in the country — to the music of one of the best marching bands in the country! I love the home football game energy, and I look forward to seeing students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans tomorrow. Coach Clark, his staff and the team have been working really hard this offseason, and we wish them the best of luck!

  I’ll end today’s message with a fun fact — today is National Wear Your College Colors Day. It’s been fun to see Mountaineers in black and gold today, and we’re hoping this will catch on for every Friday at App State. Let’s all wear black and gold each Friday, make it our App State take on Casual Fridays, and demonstrate our pride in our history, our legacy and the future we’re building together.

  The faculty, staff, students, alumni and many others who care about this place — they see, hear and feel the need to collectively renew our commitment to one another and rebuild our community, which, at its roots, is defined by who we are and who we seek to be. I’m fortunate to be part of this community.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, August 23, 2024

  Our first week of classes for the fall semester brought new energy and excitement in Boone and Hickory, and we celebrated with ice cream socials on both campuses (watch a fun video here). The weather in Boone has a bit of a football season feel, and in Hickory, Saturday evening’s weather is looking perfect for an App State-sponsored Hickory Crawdads game — get there early to get your App State/Crawdads-themed baseball jersey!

  If you missed my welcome video, I hope you’ll take a moment to watch it here.

  If you're new to either campus or haven't been on campus regularly throughout the summer, you will notice there's quite a bit of construction underway!

  • Yesterday, we cut the ribbon on the new Holmes Drive Parking Deck. This long-envisioned project has been included in App State’s master planning since 2016, and we’re so glad to open the 600-space parking deck! A lot of work went into the creation of this deck by university staff as well as our contractors. The partnership with the project builder, New Atlantic Contracting, has also meant internship opportunities for students.
    
    
  • For those of you new or returning to campus after the summer, I've been providing periodic updates on projects under construction, and this is one of several projects you can learn about that are underway or recently completed. We have a lot of information about major campus construction projects, including status updates, funding sources, and more, on our App State’s Future website.
    
    
  • We also regularly publish a Campus Construction Update podcast. The latest one, which you can listen to here, covers renovations to Wey, Edwin Duncan and Peacock halls, the Hickory campus, the University Post Office upgrade and the App 105 sports complex, among other projects.
    
    
  • Two new cybersecurity labs — one on each campus — will support the new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity program. The Boone campus lab opened Monday and the Hickory campus lab is nearing completion. Both of these labs will offer students hands-on training opportunities in safeguarding digital assets and information.

  As we move forward into the new academic year, I want to make you aware of a few personnel changes that are taking place:

  • This month, we’ll say farewell, but not goodbye, to our Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Andy Stephenson. At the end of this month, Andy will join the UNC System’s Safety and Emergency Operations team.
    
    Andy has served our university with distinction since 2017. His legacy includes the App State Police Academy and Cadet Program, which are now well established and have distinguished the university throughout the nation. We wish Andy the very best with this next step in his career and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role with the System.
    
    Capt. Johnny Brown has agreed to serve in the role of Interim Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety until a permanent Chief is named. Johnny is beginning his 23rd year at the university. He’s a proven leader who is well known and respected at the university and within the surrounding communities we serve, and he brings important experience in establishing and maintaining a culture of safety and mutual respect among the many constituencies we serve. Please join me in thanking Johnny for his prior service and for stepping into this role of continued leadership for our university.
    
    
  • We’ll also bid farewell to General Counsel and Director of Institutional Integrity Paul Meggett this month. Paul has accepted a position with the University of Maryland, Baltimore. We have been fortunate to have Paul leading our legal and compliance areas, and wish him the best as he moves to the next step in his career.
    
    Brad Trahan is transitioning into an interim role as General Counsel and Director of Institutional Integrity. He is coming to us from the UNC System Office, where he currently serves as Senior Associate General Counsel. He has significant experience with matters that will be important to the continued success of the university, including career experience at the University of North Carolina System and at two UNC System institutions.
    
    Since 2021, Brad has provided advice and counsel to administrators and staff on a broad range of legal, contractual and regulatory issues. His primary practice areas include finance and administration, strategy and policy, business and transactional matters, construction and real estate, university governance and government relations. Prior to his work at the UNC System Office, Brad worked at UNC-Charlotte (from 2018-2021) and NC State University (from 2014-2018).
    
    We look forward to Brad joining the App State team and appreciate the UNC System’s assistance in ensuring continuity in our operations as Paul departs.
    
    Both Johnny and Brad will begin in their interim roles on Sept. 1.

  At the beginning of the academic year, we hold an opening meeting for faculty and staff. Earlier this week, faculty and staff received an invitation to this meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. in the Grandview Ballroom of Kidd Brewer Stadium's north end zone facility. I’ve asked several members of my leadership team to join me and share key initiatives from their areas, to offer a broad perspective on what’s underway for the coming semester. The meeting will be livestreamed for those who aren’t able to attend in person (look for information coming about that next week), but I hope to see a lot of people there in person! We’ll also have an opportunity to spend time together at a reception immediately afterward, where we can have conversations about the information we’ll share.

  The fall semester is off to a great start! I look forward to sharing with you the continued success and excitement that the new academic year will bring.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, August 16, 2024

  With classes beginning Monday, I’d like to say welcome to the fall 2024 semester!

  Because it’s important that you’re informed:

  • I send email communications to everyone in our campus community nearly every Friday, letting you know about key information, important accolades and updates that are relevant to the daily learning, teaching, research, service and operations at the university. Read the updates sent over the summer, if you'd like to catch up!

  • Prior to classes starting on Monday, students, faculty and staff will also receive an operations update from the university. We send this universitywide communication ahead of each semester, to ensure you are informed about essential university operations, health and safety resources and other important campus information as we begin the semester.

  • With many renovation and restoration projects underway, we also have a construction update you can listen to (or read), that shares information about the newly opened Holmes Drive Parking Deck, the bus loop in the Peacock Parking Lot, renovations to Wey, Edwin Duncan and Peacock halls, and the Hickory campus, the University Post Office upgrade and the App 105 sports complex.

  • You can find additional information about major ongoing construction projects, including current photos and future renderings, on our App State’s Future website.

  This week, students have been moving into residence halls, adding to a vibrant and spirited atmosphere. Students and their families have been busily unloading, unpacking and settling into residence halls, helped along by a cadre of university staff and volunteers — and Boone weather that was about as close to perfect as we could have hoped for. A huge thank you to the many staff members and volunteers for making this year’s move-in week a smooth, efficient and friendly beginning to the academic year.

  Student orientation leaders at both the Boone and Hickory campuses have been actively engaging their assigned student groups in meetings, meals and a full slate of activities designed to build community and help new students find their way around before classes begin.

  Our student-athletes moved in several days ago and have been practicing for upcoming seasons while building team dynamics. Members of my leadership team and I had the privilege of visiting with several teams this week. While it was our goal to help welcome them, they did a great job welcoming us! It was really great to get to know them a bit and watch some of them in action. Good luck athletes, coaches and staff on the seasons ahead!

  I also had the pleasure of speaking with our newest faculty members during their orientation earlier in the week. This dynamic group of faculty brings a variety of perspectives and buoyant energy to our university, and I look forward to continued conversations throughout the upcoming year.

  On Saturday, Provost Specht and I will join the members of Faculty Senate for their annual retreat prior to the start of the academic year. Afterward, many members of my leadership team and I will attend the third annual Women in Motion, App State’s signature fundraising event in support of women’s athletics.

  Throughout the coming year, I’ll be visiting each college to check in, and this week, I had the pleasure of joining the Beaver College of Health Sciences faculty and staff as they finished preparations for the upcoming academic year. Yesterday I visited with members of the College of Fine and Applied Arts at a college reception, and today I'll visit with faculty and staff at the opening meeting for the Williams School of Graduate Studies. It’s important for my leadership team and me to see the significant work our faculty and staff are doing to support the success of our students, and the incredible impact this has on the communities, state and region we all serve.

  I look forward to even more excitement and enthusiasm as the academic year gets underway officially next week — and we’re going to kick it off with some sweet treats!

  On Monday in Boone and Tuesday in Hickory, we’ll have ice cream socials to officially celebrate the first week of classes. I hope to see many students, faculty and staff there!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, August 9, 2024

  Appalachian State University students living in residence halls will move in next week, and excitement is growing for the new academic year ahead of us.

  Tuesday through Thursday we will welcome first-year students and new transfer students to their residence halls, and returning students will move in Friday through Sunday. Each year, dozens of staff members and university volunteers help students and their families locate their residence halls and unload their vehicles, and work to ensure traffic flows smoothly during move-in week. By the end of the week, more than 6,000 students will be settling into their residence halls. Those who remember when we used to move everyone in on one day will also recognize and appreciate that we now utilize the entire week to ensure the number of people arriving to campus and Boone is more metered and manageable!

  Throughout next week, new students at both the Boone and Hickory campuses will have the opportunity to get to know one another and acclimate to their new surroundings, with a full slate of Welcome to App events and programming designed to help them learn about campus, familiarize themselves with resources and prepare for the fall semester. Many of these activities are facilitated by student peer leaders, and we appreciate their commitment to helping all students feel at home in our App State Community. 

  With the first day of classes on Aug. 19 quickly approaching, final orientation sessions are coming up on both the Boone and Hickory campuses. More than 300 incoming students are expected to attend orientation in Boone on Monday, with more than 60 in Hickory on Wednesday. We’re looking forward to welcoming these students!

  As we enter a new academic year, I’ll highlight a few key initiatives we have underway:

  • Work continues on the universitywide Civic Literacy Initiative. As I shared on July 19, a team from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs is collaborating on this project with a goal of supporting our students, faculty and staff — in line with our foundational commitment to nonpartisanship and institutional neutrality. As part of this project, we will have educational programming and information available for students, faculty and staff focused around key themes we expect to be front and center this academic year: 
    • freedom of speech/expression;
    • nonpartisan voter awareness and education; and
    • ways that members of our community who have differing perspectives can build respectful dialogue and try to understand each other — without giving up their own beliefs — in order to live, learn and work together.

  • As we gear up for a new academic year, we’re also focused on the safety of our university community. This summer, Appalachian State University participated in a UNC System-wide review of emergency communications policies, procedures and practices. Our police, emergency management and communications teams, as well as many other areas that respond in the event of a campuswide emergency, had opportunities to participate in information sharing and panel discussions, and talk through scenarios, experiences and best practices.
    
    Preparing for emergencies, even the most basic, helps us all respond quicker and more effectively should the need arise. Throughout the academic year, students, faculty and staff will be provided with preparation information and resources to help prepare in the event of an emergency. These will include quick reference guides for classrooms and residence halls. I encourage you to take time to read and review this information. Students, faculty and staff should also be sure to opt in to the text message and phone call option available through our AppState-ALERT emergency notification system, which utilizes a combination of email, web, phone, text and digital signage to make campus aware in the event of an emergency.
    
    
  • One of the key emerging issues Appalachian State University and many other academic institutions have been studying is the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies — and their implications for higher education. In 2023, as provost, I formed a steering committee on AI that included broad representation across App State’s faculty and staff. This committee was charged with monitoring and exploring the effects of generative AI on the higher education landscape, and developing guidelines related to research, scholarship and creative activities. An important outcome and extension of this work has been the development of the Chancellor’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. With a focus on how AI advancement and continued innovations can both enhance and challenge our teaching, research, service and administrative operations, this cross-divisional team, chaired by Chief Information Officer Keith Werner, will create guidance and recommendations for AI use across campus while also enhancing protective measures for institutional security and individual privacy. 

  You will hear more about all of these projects as the academic year gets underway.

  A highlight for new students joining the App State Community is ringing the Founders Bell during welcome week activities. I look forward to hearing the sounds of the bell, symbolizing new beginnings and opportunities for the next generation of Mountaineers.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, August 2, 2024

  On Saturday, Appalachian State University’s solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, secured yet another international podium win, placing second in the multi-occupant vehicle category of the 2024 Electrek American Solar Challenge. After becoming one of the few teams to qualify for this grueling, 1,550-mile rally competition, the team crossed the country, racing from Nashville, Tennessee, to Casper, Wyoming, to continue an eight-year streak of podium wins in this event — and surpassing the performance of teams with well-known engineering programs, including MIT. Team Sunergy also earned this year’s Spirit of the Event Award for their collegiality, cross-team collaboration, expertise and technical innovation. Since its inception, this interdisciplinary, student-led team has demonstrated Mountaineer grit and determination, competing to win while maintaining commendable camaraderie and respect with their peer teams in the competition. Team Sunergy, the App State Community applauds you, and the staff and faculty who advise and mentor you, for an outstanding race and your continued pursuit of ingenuity and innovation!

  Team Sunergy’s record of success is one of many accolades my leadership team and I shared with North Carolina Sen. Amy Galey, co-chair of the Senate’s Education/Higher Education and Appropriations on Education/Higher Education committees, during her visit to the Boone campus last week. We appreciated the opportunity to give her a campus tour and highlight the many accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff — achievements made possible by the state legislature’s continued and generous support.

  We also updated Sen. Galey on the progress of the university's ongoing construction projects funded by state appropriations, including much-needed renovations to several academic buildings.

  As we prepare for the fall semester, one of the more noticeable, recent changes on our Boone campus is the addition of construction fencing near Peacock Hall, home to the Walker College of Business. This is the start of the Peacock Hall addition and renovation project, which will improve and extend the life of the building by 30 to 50 years. More than 4,200 students take classes in this building each semester — the college has the largest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students of any business school in the UNC System. I thank the students, faculty and staff who learn, teach and work in the building, as well as everyone adjusting their typical parking practices and walking routes, for your patience and understanding as we redevelop the existing space into a modernized teaching and learning environment, designed to maximize student success.

  Later this month, we will open a new cybersecurity lab and a new sciences lab on the Hickory campus, offering even more opportunities to students who want to attend App State in Hickory. Additionally, a new coffee kiosk is being planned for the student lobby area on the north end of the building and is slated to open during the fall 2024 semester. More classrooms and offices will be ready by fall 2025.

  I’ve also restructured some administrative roles in preparation for the upcoming academic year.  

  Earlier this week, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations Dan Layzell accepted a position at the University of Alabama as vice president for finance and operations and treasurer, after taking a leave of absence. We wish him well in this next step in his career.

  When he began a leave of absence earlier this year, I shared with campus that other campus leaders had stepped up to ensure continuity and leadership for the areas he managed.

  • John Adams has assumed the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer with the Budget Office and administrative staff reporting to him.
    
    
  • Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown has assumed leadership for Campus Services. The additional areas now reporting to Vice Chancellor Brown are:
  • AppCard Office
  • Campus Dining
  • Campus Store
  • Conference and Event Services
  • Parking and Transportation
  • University Post Office
    

  • Vice Chancellor Hank Foreman has assumed leadership for Operations. The additional areas reporting to Vice Chancellor Foreman are:
  • App State Police
  • Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management
  • Facilities Operations
  • Human Resources
  • Planning, Design and Construction
  • New River Light and Power
  • Office of Sustainability

  With the arrival of August, the second Summer Session ends soon, and we are 17 days from the start of the fall 2024 semester. We are planning some fun welcome events for both campuses for the first week of classes. I'm excited about the upcoming fall and the possibilities it holds for the Appalachian State University Community. I look forward to students, faculty and staff diving into a new year of learning, developing new friendships and making meaningful memories along the way.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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July 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, July 26, 2024

  On Wednesday, the UNC Board of Governors held its July meeting.

  A few items of note from that meeting:

  • The UNC System will continue to operate on the biennial budget.
    The biennial budget includes a 3% across-the-board legislative salary increase for most university employees, effective July 1. As I shared with faculty this spring, we have identified internal funds for merit-based, faculty raises, should we be granted authority to award them during the annual raise process.
    
    
  • The Governors reviewed the results of the UNC System’s latest Employee Engagement Survey, administered in March and April of 2024. The Employee Engagement Survey is administered every two years and provides a point-in-time snapshot of several metrics related to job satisfaction at each UNC System institution. In my current role, I’ve been able to speak with many faculty and staff about your workplace experiences. I want you to know that I care about the members of our university community. As your leader, colleague and fellow member of this community, I embrace the opportunity to listen and support you. I will continue to work with campus partners to understand and improve workplace satisfaction.
    
    
  • As nationwide trends begin to impact our state, two of our sister institutions received approval to employ program discontinuations and curtailment to address enrollment declines and budget shortfalls.
    At App State, we are maintaining strong enrollment and positive return on investment for every North Carolina student. We continue our proactive efforts to prepare for changes in enrollment demand in the future, including our partnership with Project Kitty Hawk and the introduction and expansion of programs in response to workforce demand in our state. Additionally, persistent and thorough budget review is a practice I employed as dean and provost to ensure strategic allocations and operational efficiencies, and I'm continuing this practice in my interim chancellor role. I appreciate the dedication of the many faculty and staff who are also dedicated to ensuring our long-term success.

  Some highlights of the week:

  • This week, App State hosted the North Carolina School of Banking at our Boone campus for its 88th annual session. The North Carolina Bankers Association has chosen our university as its new headquarters for the oldest state association banking school in the nation, in an effort to enhance collaboration between the banking industry and higher education in the state of North Carolina. More than 200 financial professionals — the school’s largest enrollment in 15 years — took part in the 2024 session. App State’s own Dr. Harry Davis, a celebrated faculty member in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, is also dean of the School of Banking. I thank him for his commitment to student success and his leadership in the field.
    
    
  • Also this week, the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Communication Disorders Clinics welcomed 10 young people, aged 12 to 16, to its Camp Jean Rankin, North Carolina’s only residential, intensive summer camp for children and teens who stutter. Among the week’s activities, campers had an opportunity to simulate coaching App State football players. This camp is an important resource for the participants and their families, as it offers tools and resources that can prevent negative impacts on the campers’ personal and academic performance and achievements, and it's just one of several important services provided by the Beaver College of Health Sciences in the Boone and Hickory areas.
    
    
  • Yesterday, my leadership team and I joined the academic department chairs as they celebrated the final day of their two-week summer institute. I enjoyed hearing about their experiences at the end of this intensive leadership development opportunity and am especially gratified to see the connections they made with one another, which will be invaluable to them as they work to support the students, faculty and staff in their departments. The role of chair for an academic department is uniquely challenging, and we are incredibly fortunate to have this group of dedicated and accomplished professionals in these critical roles for our institution. Thank you to Acting Provost Neva Specht and Acting Senior Vice Provost of Faculty Policies, Development and Training Jamie Parson for leading this year’s institute.
    
    
  • Tomorrow, An Appalachian Summer Festival will partner with App State Athletics to present an outdoor concert at Kidd Brewer Stadium featuring Brad Paisley. This final event of the festival’s 40th season promises to be a fun evening with great entertainment, and I can’t wait to see all the App State cowboy hats in the audience! Thank you to the staff and students, as well as the dozens of volunteers, who ensure that more than 28,000 patrons enjoy an exemplary arts experience through the festival each year. Thank you, also, to all those who support this program each and every year in its mission to elevate the arts in the High Country. I am already looking forward to next summer’s festival.

  There are no lazy days of summer at Appalachian State University! As we close out July, we’re also looking forward to the start of the 2024 fall semester, which is right around the corner!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, July 19, 2024

  Last week, we celebrated the many accomplishments of those who have helped shape the university into the institution it is today. This annual celebration is a universitywide effort, with participants from every division of App State. Thank you to the many alumni, staff, faculty and students who participated and helped make the event a perfect Appalachian State University reunion.

  Some exciting news about our academic endeavors:

  • On Wednesday, the University of North Carolina System announced the expansion of nursing education programs across the state. The System recognizes this critical shortage in our state and has a goal to increase its output of nursing degrees by 50% over the next 10 years.

    App State will receive nearly $2.2 million in the next two years — funded by the North Carolina General Assembly as part of last year’s state budget — to help grow the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ nursing programs. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, along with our online RN to BSN program and Master of Science in Nursing program, is helping address the deficit of practicing nurses, nursing educators, and additional career growth opportunities for working registered nurses.

    We embrace the challenge to increase access to quality health care in the rural areas of our state, and we appreciate the support from the North Carolina legislature and the UNC System, as well as the trust placed in us by the taxpayers of the state. Our outstanding students and faculty are already improving the health of communities in our region, and we welcome this opportunity to continue our contributions to North Carolina’s workforce development and economic well-being.

  • Our solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, is in Bowling Green, Kentucky, preparing for the 2024 Electrek American Solar Challenge — where they are once again competing against some of the nation’s best engineering programs. Our team earned another podium finish — taking second place and far exceeding the performances of MIT and Georgia Tech, clocking more than 636 miles in the three-day, qualifying track competition. Tomorrow, they will join some of the world’s best solar vehicle teams in a 1,550-mile, cross-country rally race from Nashville, Tennessee, to Casper, Wyoming.
  
  
  • Many of you know the team’s story about how a military veteran turned his class project into a student-led, interdisciplinary, national championship team. Since 2016, our team has secured podium finishes in every competition in which they have participated, many of which last up to two weeks. We’ll be following our 2024 team and cheering them on with great pride.

  As we prepare for the fall 2024 semester, I want to be sure you are aware of some key initiatives ongoing and underway:

  • For several years, the university has partnered with emergency response teams in the High Country to ensure we are trained and prepared for large events planned in the area, as well as for unexpected emergencies. This Campus Public Safety Partners group includes representatives from App State’s police, emergency management/medics, public health AmeriCorps and communications teams, as well as town and county law enforcement and emergency management representatives. Earlier this month, I attended a Campus Public Safety Partners meeting and was impressed by the level of cross-agency and cross-functional planning, as well as the sharp and collaborative focus on the safety of our university and broader community. I am so grateful to these dedicated professionals, and look forward to opportunities to build on and strengthen the established partnerships between the university and our emergency response partners in the High Country. On behalf of the entire university community, I extend my sincere gratitude to our campus and community public safety professionals for your dedication to the security of our community.
  
  
  • This week began an intensive planning and professional development session for the department chairs in Academic Affairs. This 10-day summer institute, now in its fifth year, provides opportunities for department chairs to discuss topics that include student success, the state budgeting process, critical and crisis communications, building departmental capacity, goal setting and action plans, and leadership development, among many more strategic and tactical topics. I had the privilege of joining this group, along with members of the Chancellor’s Council, for a panel discussion and presentation on Monday. I really enjoyed this significant engagement with our academic department chairs and came away with a renewed appreciation for their leadership and dedication to the success of our faculty, staff, students and the institution.
  
  
  • As we work toward full compliance with the UNC System’s new Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, we will share updates on a new website, which provides background information and resources, including the guidance issued by the UNC System.
  
  
  • We are also putting significant resources and attention into a universitywide Civic Literacy Initiative, with a goal of supporting our students, faculty and staff — in line with our foundational commitment to non-partisanship and institutional neutrality. The initiative includes a strong focus on helping students develop skills to effectively build constructive dialogue around difficult topics and discuss challenging societal issues. These key skills and abilities will serve our students well in their academic and professional careers, and I’d like to thank the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs for their collaboration in launching this important initiative. I look forward to sharing more information about this in the coming weeks.

  For those of you who have attended any of the 2024 An Appalachian Summer Festival events, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s been a terrific 40th season so far. I look forward to hosting a reception for the festival’s patrons on Sunday and spending more time with them.

  I wish a wonderful weekend to all.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, July 12, 2024

  We are enjoying a summer full of students, families and visitors taking part in events and programming across the university — orientation, educational and athletic camps, and An Appalachian Summer Festival, just to name a few!

  This weekend, we look forward to one of our biggest events of the summer: welcoming our alumni home for what promises to be a fun and memorable Alumni Weekend. This year’s celebration is made even more special because it is part of the university’s 125th anniversary year. Beginning today, we will hold several events to honor and celebrate our alumni, who helped shape what Appalachian State University is today, and who have helped lead the way for our current and future Mountaineers.

  • This afternoon, more than 200 attendees will join us as we honor the donors who have invested in our students through their support of scholarships, and celebrate our student scholars, who are achieving their academic dreams with the help of their scholarships. Nearly 70% of our students receive some form of financial assistance, and each year, the university awards an average of $25 million to students based on need, academic merit and athletic achievement.

    Our students inspire so many people to dream big for a future that we know will be bright — because our students' capabilities, resilience and dedication to excellence are underpinned by an incredible education from Appalachian State University.

    As we celebrate the accomplishments of our scholarship recipients, we thank all the remarkable people who see the promise we see in our students every day — an ambitious work ethic, resilience and a desire to make their communities stronger, healthier and more fulfilling places to live and work.

  • Tomorrow afternoon, we will celebrate the 50th graduation anniversary of the Class of 1974 at the Black and Gold Reunion, inducting each class member in attendance into the university’s Black and Gold Society and presenting them with a commemorative gold medallion in honor of their contributions to the university while they were students and as alumni. The roots of Mountaineers run deep and strong, and the Class of 1974 joins nearly 13,000 living alumni who have marked 50 years or more since graduation. To the Class of 1974: You have helped shape who we are and who we will become. Thank you for your commitment to your alma mater and for continuing to make all of us proud!
    
    
  • Tomorrow evening, we will hold the signature event of the weekend, the Alumni Awards Gala. At this event, we celebrate exceptional Mountaineer alumni who have made a lasting impact on both society and the university through their outstanding professional, philanthropic or volunteer accomplishments. This year’s recipients are Coach Steve Wilks ’92, to be honored with the university’s Outstanding Service Award, and North Carolina Sen. Ralph Hise ’00 and App State Trustee Jeff Chesson ’77, both of whom will be honored with App State’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

    These three alumni have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the success of Appalachian State University students — past, current and future. Their dedication and generous contributions of time and resources have expanded opportunities for countless individuals, who, in turn, are continuing their legacy.

    During the gala, we will also recognize and confer awards to 10 alumni representing each college, as well as University Libraries:

    • Stephen Fleming '90, who is being honored by the Beaver College of Health Sciences;
    • Richard Thomas Guy '07, who is being honored by the College of Arts and Sciences;
    • John Michael Rhem '13, who is being honored by the College of Fine and Applied Arts;
    • James Gwyn Daugherty '93 and '94, who is being honored by the Hayes School of Music;
    • Anna Ramsey Rubin '05 and Steven Rubin '04, who are being honored by the Honors College;
    • Roger Hyatt '71 and '74, who is being honored by the Reich College of Education;
    • MaryCraven Poteat '77, who is being honored by the University Libraries;
    • Anthony Craig Stephenson '82, who is being honored by the Walker College of Business; and
    • Dr. Leslie Alexander '11 and '18, who is being honored by the Williams School of Graduate Studies.

    It is my honor to be part of helping recognize the accomplishments of this year’s honorees. Congratulations to all!

  An important update:

  • In a message to campus earlier this week, I shared more information from the UNC System regarding the implementation of the new policy 300.8.5, Equality Within the University of North Carolina. To help keep our university informed of the work we are doing, we’ve also created a website, which provides background information and resources, including the guidance issued by the UNC System. As the working group has updates to share, this site will continue to be updated.

  I wish everyone a wonderful weekend, especially to the more than 150,000 App State alumni across the state, nation and world.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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June 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, June 28, 2024

  An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 40th anniversary is just one milestone in our university’s 125-year history. Tomorrow night, when the curtains rise on the first show of the season — a much-anticipated and sold-out concert by Natalie Merchant — we will have another opportunity to reflect on the many people (some of whom will be in the audience) who have contributed to the world-class university App State is today. Like many, I’m looking forward to a great season of events!

  Begun as a chamber music series in 1984, An Appalachian Summer Festival quickly grew to become one of the nation’s most highly celebrated arts events, respected for both the breadth and quality of its artistic programming.

  Each year brings a diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming to the High Country to create opportunities for lifelong learning and meaningful engagement with the arts. I am proud that our university hosts this annual festival, which offers an opportunity to also showcase multiple venues on our Boone campus to new audiences, including the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Rosen Concert Hall in the Broyhill Music Center, the Holmes Convocation Center, Kidd Brewer Stadium, and, of course, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.

  An Appalachian Summer Festival was the vision of its founders, Arnold and Muriel Rosen, to support and promote young artists in their professional endeavors. The festival began under the leadership of Chancellor John Thomas and has grown and thrived for 40 years because of its Founders Society, as well as the continued support of the greater community. A generous gift from Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer transformed the festival's signature venue, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, into a state-of-the art performance hall in 2013. The Schaefers continue to support the festival annually, ensuring we can bring world-class performances to the High Country. On behalf of the university, I extend a thank-you, and a huge round of applause, to all of the contributors and performers who make each year’s festival memorable.

  Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking with the participants of App State’s Frontline to Farm training program. This program is designed to assist and support military veterans who are starting out in the sustainable farming business, while also offering opportunities for reconnection to those who have served our country through their military service. It was a great evening, and one more example of the important work App State does in support of our military community and their families. Thank you to co-directors Dr. Anne Fanatico and Dr. Lynn Gibbard for their dedication to the success of this program.

  At last week’s App State Athletics 2024 Legends Gala, we celebrated our past and present student-athletes, and invested in our future. The event was a lot of fun and a tremendous success, raising over $340,000 this year in support of our athletics programs and student-athletes. It was a pleasure to join so many students, alumni and supporters for this inspiring evening.

  As we continue a year of celebrations honoring our university’s 125-year history, I encourage you to follow the university’s Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn accounts, where you’ll find many fun facts and historical photos. And, if you have not seen this poignant video produced by our University Communications team, watch it now — you may need a tissue, or an extra hand to hold all of your App State pride.

  Also, please mark your calendars for Sept. 26, when our Founders Day celebration will focus on Appalachian State University’s 125 years of providing access to education for the families and communities of the High Country and beyond.

  I wish everyone a wonderful holiday week.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, June 21, 2024

  At a meeting of Appalachian State University’s Board of Trustees this week, the trustees approved some key action items, including:

  • The approval of contract extensions for:
  
  
  • Wrestling head coach JohnMark Bentley, through the 2028–29 season;
  • Director of track & field/cross country Damion McLean, through the 2027–28 season; and
  • Tennis head coach Hannah Fetters, through the 2026–27 season.

  These coaches have solid achievement records, and we congratulate them for their successes.

  • The approval of contract terms for:
  
  
  • Our new women’s basketball head coach Alaura Sharp, who was hired in April, and
  • Our new softball head coach Whitney Jones, hired last month.

  We’ve already seen great recruitment efforts from these two coaches, and look forward to their upcoming seasons.

  • The Trustees also unanimously approved a proposal to rescind the university’s evening parking pass requirement, which means no permit is required to park on the Boone campus after 5 p.m. on weeknights or on Saturdays and Sundays, with the exception of football game days or other special events.

  This was the first Trustee meeting for our new Student Body President Kathryn Long. We appreciate Kathryn’s commitment to the student body, and the important perspective she brings to the highest levels of university leadership, and we look forward to working with her throughout the coming year.

  Tonight, App State Athletics hosts its Legends Gala, an annual event established in 2017 to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Mountaineer alumni and friends. Each year at this signature event, we celebrate the athletic champions of App State’s past and invest in the future of our student-athletes.

  This year's event will honor six Mountaineer legends, including the keynote speaker, Omar Carter, a 2014 sociology graduate and former men’s basketball player who led the team in scoring his senior year, and is well known for founding the Omar Carter Foundation, which advocates for and promotes cardiovascular health for athletes and their families. We will also celebrate:

  • Softball legend Katie Boyd, a 2011 exercise science graduate and 2021 inductee into the App State Athletics Hall of Fame, who continues to hold several single-game and single-season school records.
  • Women’s basketball legend Lindsay Edmonds, a 2005 health promotion graduate, who scored more than 1,000 points while playing for the Mountaineers. After coaching at App State, she has continued a successful coaching career.
  • Football legend Jerry Harmon, a 1975 business education graduate, who earned All-Southern Conference honors and is remembered for a dramatic field goal kick that secured a Mountaineer win over East Carolina in the last 32 seconds of the game.
  • Baseball legend Mike Ramsey, a class of 1975 sociology major, who helped the Mountaineers win the program’s first Southern Conference regular season title. He earned numerous recognitions before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played seven seasons in Major League Baseball.
  • Soccer legend Kate Ward, a 2016 cellular/molecular biology graduate, who has been part of six world soccer titles as a member and captain of the U.S. Women's Deaf National Team between the Deaflympics and Deaf World Cups.

  Tonight promises to be a fun and inspirational evening.

  Together, Mountaineer legends, current student-athletes and fans contribute to a long legacy of excellence at App State — on the field, on the court and in the classroom. 

  Last semester, App State’s student-athletes extended their outstanding streak to 24 consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA above 3.0, an impressive accomplishment and a strong tradition of academic commitment that is supported by many staff and faculty. We thank all of those who are attending this evening, and the many individuals who contribute to the success of all of our student-athletes.

  An important update for employees who are in the faculty, SAAO, EPS, and SHRA classifications:

  • The legislative salary increase of 3% appropriated in 2023 will become effective July 1, and will be included in the July 30 payroll. Information about this has been sent via email by our Human Resources team, and you can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the HR website. This is the second allocation from the two-year state budget. Thank you to our lawmakers for the largest legislative increase for state employees since 2007.

  Orientation sessions continue to keep our Boone campus lively and fun, with today marking one of the most well-attended sessions. Welcome to all of our incoming students and their families! We hope you are enjoying our beautiful campus and cooler mountain temperatures!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, June 14, 2024

  Yesterday’s Staff Connect on the Kidd Brewer Stadium football field was enhanced by perfect temperatures, fantastic food and even better company, as staff from all areas of the Boone campus gathered to enjoy some time together — and of course they didn’t miss an opportunity to get a little work done at the same time.

  These gatherings are a highlight for me — it was a great turnout, even so close to the end of the fiscal year — and I enjoyed getting to see and talk with so many of our staff.

  Summer is one of the most fast-paced seasons on the calendar, bringing with it a different kind of busy. During this time in particular, the contributions of our staff are unmistakable and a source of pride for the entire university. This teamwork significantly enhances our efforts to educate students, engage our communities and garner support for our academic endeavors. I see and deeply appreciate all of your efforts.

  On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of addressing Staff Senate during its June meeting. I appreciated the time with our Staff Senators, who represent and advocate for more than 2,000 staff members, and their acts of service — from the incredible AppKIDS program to the yearly winter coat and blanket drive — that strengthen App State’s relationships with the communities we serve.

  I shared some information about changes in leadership that have taken place since I’ve assumed my new role, the new UNC System Policy 300.8.5 adopted by the Board of Governors last month, our efforts to improve relationships with the Town of Boone and other local leadership, and a quick update on the construction you’re seeing, walking and driving around on campus.

  • Since I’ve taken on the role of interim chancellor, we’ve seen a few leadership changes, and I want to acknowledge and thank these capable leaders for stepping forward and taking on key responsibilities, helping with important transitions and keeping the university moving forward.
    

  • Dr. Neva Specht has taken on the role of Acting Provost while I serve in my current role.
    
    
  • Jamie Parson has stepped into the role of Acting Senior Vice Provost, while also retaining her duties as one of App State’s designated Free Speech Officers.
    
    
  • Will Sears has stepped into the role of Interim Vice Chancellor of Advancement, following the departure of Jane Barghothi.
    
    
  • When Dan Layzell began a leave of absence last month, John Adams assumed the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer; Vice Chancellor Hank Foreman took on leadership of the operations areas for the Division of Finance and Operations; and Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown took on leadership of campus services for the division.

  These strong and proven campus leaders have provided important continuity during a time of change for the university, and I appreciate how they have stepped up, offered consistency and solid leadership, helped manage some significant issues and strengthened important relationships.

  • With the decision by the UNC System Board of Governors to repeal and replace Policy 300.8.5 in the UNC Policy Manual, which was called the Policy on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina, and the adoption of a new policy, titled Equality Within the University of North Carolina, there are, naturally, a lot of questions about what will change across the UNC System and at App State. I shared information about this in my May 24 newsletter.
    
    Each university is charged with certifying — by Sept. 1, 2024, and on or before Sept. 1 annually thereafter — full compliance with the commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination required by law and this policy. This includes providing a report describing the actions we have taken to achieve compliance and how any savings related to these actions have been redirected to initiatives that support student success and well-being.

  In follow-up meetings with UNC System staff, the Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Academic and Student Affairs teams and Communications teams have been discussing what this means for our institutions. Guidance from the UNC System is forthcoming, which will help us ensure we are complying with the new policy as expected. We are eager for this guidance and will share it as soon as we have it.

  In the meantime, we remain focused on our commitment to student success, which has been a hallmark of our university since its inception. We will all play important roles as we move forward and ensure our compliance with the new policy and associated guidelines. Please know I will continue to keep our university informed as we move forward in this regard.

  • It’s hard not to notice the capital improvement projects underway this summer! Summer is always a time for renovation and restoration projects, and this summer is certainly no exception. These projects represent significant financial investments on behalf of our state legislature to keep our infrastructure solid, our campuses beautiful and our equipment and technology modernized.

  Campus construction updates are available on the App State’s Future website — which includes a Campus Construction Updates podcast. The latest one is an in-depth conversation with Vice Provost Mike McKenzie and Associate Vice Chancellor Nick Katers about Wey Hall renovations and where art classes will be held next semester as renovations continue on Wey Hall. The Future site is updated regularly, and a new construction update podcast will be coming out next week!

  On Wednesday, we hosted the Hickory Higher Education Summit for the second consecutive year at our Hickory campus. This event exemplifies our opportunities to serve as a hub for regional thought leadership and collaboration. It was wonderful to have so many members from various parts of our community — government, business, civic and education leaders from all levels — gathered together to serve our region and our state.

  I extend my gratitude to our partners from area K–12 schools, community colleges, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Lenoir-Rhyne University and other government and education organizations for joining us. We value and appreciate the open dialogue and partnership with these important leaders, and, together, we form a collaborative and strategic team focused on preparing the workforce of the future. We are establishing goals and pathways to improve education and economic opportunities in Western North Carolina, and expanding the possibilities of education for many generations to come.

  Last week, I shared the latest statewide energy savings figures reported at the 12th annual Appalachian Energy Summit: $1.96 billion in avoided energy costs since the 2002–03 academic year. I’m very pleased to follow up with additional numbers specific to Appalachian State University, which total more than $81 million in utility savings: $64.5 million in energy costs and $17.3 million in water use costs.

  And last Friday, Phillip Johnson ’59, Don Phipps ’92 ’97 and Betty Telford ’89 became the latest inductees into the Reich College of Education’s Rhododendron Society, bringing its total membership to 80 alumni who have received this special recognition for their exemplary contributions to education and their communities. Induction into this society is the highest honor given by the College of Education, and I join Reich College Dean Melba Spooner in thanking these alumni for enhancing education for students across North Carolina.

  One of my favorite elements of our university is how we face each challenge, and each opportunity, with enthusiasm and an innovative mindset. It’s an exciting time to be in higher education, and an exciting time to be at Appalachian State University.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, June 7, 2024

  Summer orientation is underway, and students and their families can be seen around the Boone campus, getting ready for their upcoming App State adventures. Hickory campus orientation is coming soon! Orientation is a fun, exciting and often bittersweet time for our incoming students and their families. Our Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders understand this, and these student leaders excel in their support to incoming Mountaineers and their family members. As they assist in transitioning new students and family members into the Mountaineer community, they work to foster a sense of belonging and purpose in our new students through intentional, dynamic and student- and family-centered experiences. This is a very special group of student leaders, and we appreciate their dedication to the success of our incoming students.

  This week, we welcomed government officials, industry leaders, educators and students from across the state and the University of North Carolina System to the 12th annual Appalachian Energy Summit, established by App State in 2012. During this year’s summit, representatives from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality announced that the University of North Carolina System and its partners have collectively avoided $1.96 billion in energy costs since the 2002–03 academic year and are on track to exceed their goal of $2 billion in avoided energy costs by 2025. 

  Appalachian State University is proud to host this conference each year, during which some of the nation’s finest thought leaders come together to discuss current research and best practices related to sustainability and energy efficiency. Participants return to their home communities and campuses inspired and motivated to effect energy-efficient initiatives and change. I appreciate the commitment of our sister institutions to this valuable summit and what it means for our state and our future, and I am pleased that App State can provide a venue for this important work.

  Yesterday, we celebrated the sixth graduating class of fifth graders from the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork — the lab school in Walkertown operated by App State as part of the UNC System Laboratory Schools Initiative. The academy educates approximately 270 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade in a literacy-focused curriculum.

  On behalf of the entire university community, I say congratulations to our youngest Mountaineers! I am very proud of the hard work and diligence these mini-Mountaineers put into their studies to reach this achievement, and I applaud Reich College of Education Dean Melba Spooner, Assistant Dean and Director of App State Lab Schools Dr. Hannah Reeder, Interim Academy at Middle Fork Principal Dr. Amie Snow and the faculty and staff of the academy for their dedication to these students’ success.

  A quick update in follow-up to the university’s May 20 inaugural Community Partnerships Breakfast:

  • Last week, Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown discussed App State's evening parking permit requirement — which carries a $120 annual charge to park on the Boone campus after 5 p.m. on weekdays — with representatives from the Town of Boone, Watauga County, the Downtown Boone Development Association and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. As a result, we will bring a proposal to rescind App State's evening parking permit requirement to the June Board of Trustees meeting.

    Pending approval by the Board, we will have no evening parking permit requirements for the coming academic year, and no permit will be required to park on the Boone campus after 5 p.m. on weeknights or on Saturdays and Sundays, with the exception of football game days and other major events.

    I appreciate the continued commitment of this Board to support us as we work to repair and strengthen the university's relationship with our High Country community partners.

  I hope everyone can enjoy some lovely summer weather this weekend!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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May 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, May 31, 2024

  With classes of the first summer session underway and orientation beginning this week, it’s officially summer at App State! I wish our students, faculty and staff a productive and fun summer session.

  I have a few key updates to share this week:

  • You may recall that in my May 3 message, I shared that the university signed an agreement with Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit ed-tech startup funded by the General Assembly, to begin collaborating on workforce-aligned online programs. Through this partnership, we will work together to build in-demand degree programs and provide tailored support for nontraditional learners, typically students ages 25–44. I am very pleased to announce that this week, we launched our first Project Kitty Hawk-powered degree program — the online Bachelor of Science in health care management — for classes beginning in August. I look forward to announcing more faculty-developed educational programs with Project Kitty Hawk in the future.

  • On Wednesday, we were pleased to host a reception on the Boone campus for the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the state’s statewide economic development organization, during their visit to the Boone area for their May meeting. With more than 75% of our 150,000 graduates living and working in North Carolina, we recognize the importance of their efforts to support the economic growth and development of our state. Tommy Sofield, Vice Chair of App State’s Board of Trustees, was among those representing App State. Thank you to EDPNC Board of Directors President Gene Mclaurin and Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Jackson, who also joined the event, for their leadership and work to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for North Carolinians. App State is a proud partner in helping to drive the state's economic engine, particularly in regional, rural economies. App State impacts our state’s economy and North Carolinians’ quality of life by adding $2.2 billion to annual statewide income — including $2 billion in alumni earnings and productivity.
    
    
  • Earlier this month, NCInnovation — a new nonprofit created to support North Carolina public university research that has commercial promise — approved research grants totaling $5.2 million for projects at seven UNC System institutions. Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, the Lowe’s Distinguished Professor of Computer Science in App State’s Department of Computer Science, was approved for grant funding from NCInnovation to continue his work in developing an innovative tool for decreasing honeybee hive die-off and increasing hive production. The Beemon System — a beehive improvement and monitoring system — aims to produce turnkey products for commercial and amateur beekeepers to monitor hives while providing data that can be used to preserve the health of honeybees more efficiently and accurately. 

    More than $18 billion in U.S. agricultural production and a third of the food on Americans’ plates depends on the health and well-being of honeybees. The cutting-edge research of Dr. Tashakkori and his teams of App State faculty and students not only has significant potential to improve and sustain the continued health of pollinators and their vital contribution to agriculture and food systems, but it is also positioning our students to be leaders and innovators in consequential fields that combine computer science and biology, including apiary informatics.

    We are proud to be among the inaugural group of UNC System institutions to receive recognition and support for the important work of our faculty. On behalf of Appalachian State University, I extend our appreciation to our state lawmakers and NCInnovation for believing in and supporting applied research at App State, and applaud Dr. Tashakkori and the research team he has led for their continued work to improve and sustain the continued health of pollinators and their vital contribution to agriculture and food systems.

    This is just one example of the recognition App State faculty receive for their innovative research and teaching, which are making positive impacts locally and globally. You can find many more examples here.

  • Today is the last day of school for the App State Academy at Elkin. It has been our privilege to operate the academy, and I would like to thank the North Carolina General Assembly, the UNC System Board of Governors, the members of the Elkin Academy Advisory Board, including Trustees Jeff Chesson and Anita Greene, Reich College of Education Dean Melba Spooner and the App State Lab School Leadership team, Dr. Hannah Reeder, Dr. Amie Snow and Shaylee Rogers-Moore, for their unwavering commitment to the Academy at Elkin staff and students, and their families. A very special thank you to Principal Emma Hatfield-Sidden, Assistant Principal Gilly Hill, and the Academy at Elkin teaching and support staff team for the incredible work you have done with the wonderful children of the academy and their families in the last two years. Excellence in teaching is a hallmark of App State and of the Reich College of Education, and we remain committed to this mission.

  It’s my privilege to be among those who can say, “It’s great to be a Mountaineer!”

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, May 24, 2024

  The university will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday. As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I encourage us all to remember those — especially the members of our App State community — who have died in service to our country. On behalf of the university, this morning, Caitlin Langley, a U.S. Army veteran who graduated this month, placed a wreath at App State’s veterans memorial to honor the fallen members of the U.S. military. I appreciate Caitlin for performing this annual tradition, and I hope you'll take time to read her story.

  Some important information to share:

  • This week, the UNC System Board of Governors met and approved two key action items.

    The board approved a recommendation from the Committee on Educational Planning, Policies and Programs to establish a new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity in App State’s Walker College of Business. This is the only such degree available at a UNC System institution in the Western region of North Carolina and the only one in the UNC System to be housed within a college of business. The new program will prepare graduates for in-demand roles in the information security sector by providing them with a strong business background, communication skills and comprehensive cybersecurity expertise. The program will be offered beginning in fall 2024.

    The board also repealed and replaced Policy 300.8.5 in the UNC Policy Manual, which was adopted in 2019 and was called the Policy on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina. The new policy, which was adopted yesterday and can be read here, is called Equality Within the University of North Carolina.

    President Hans spoke about the policy at length, emphasizing the importance of principled institutional neutrality, that the role of higher education is to host, rather than settle, debates about the challenging issues facing our democracy, and in particular, that ensuring that everyone is included and supported is core to our educational mission. I encourage everyone to read his full remarks, but I’d like to share one quote in particular:

    “Non-discrimination, institutional neutrality, free expression and academic freedom are all mutually reinforcing concepts and values. We are here to serve all, not just those who agree with us. When these principles are faithfully held, they allow diversity in all forms to thrive.”

    The President and Board clearly stated the new policy reaffirms academic freedom and doesn’t touch or impact what is taught in our classrooms or researched in our labs.

    We expect System Office guidance related to the new policy soon. Upon receiving this guidance, we will reach out to individuals across campus as we work together to implement this new policy. I appreciate the faculty and staff and your longstanding support of student success and employee wellbeing, and I know this long-held Appalachian principle will guide our future work.

  • On Monday, App State’s Board of Trustees and I hosted Boone, Watauga County and High Country leaders for the inaugural Community Partnerships Breakfast.

    In our many different roles, we all recognize some of the challenges that lie before us. Some are larger than others, but we hear the members of our shared communities tell us they have concerns about affordable housing, quality child care, safety, and traffic and parking. We share these concerns. We don’t have all the answers, but together, we can seek creative and collaborative solutions. While I don’t pretend we will always arrive at decisions we will all agree to in unanimity, we are committed to a pragmatic, forthcoming and transparent approach to decision-making. My leadership team and I want to partner with all of the communities we serve, and we are engaging in open conversation and discussion.

  • Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Jane Barghothi has left the university. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Jane for her service to App State, and wish her well as she begins the next chapter of her career. Will Sears, who has been at App State since 2012, has assumed the role of Interim Vice Chancellor of University Advancement. For more than three years, Will has held the role of Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Development at App State. Will has a proven track record of successful fundraising, including being the lead fundraiser on five distinguished professorships, and he has developed strong relationships with hundreds of donors and alumni. Please help me welcome Will, and thank him for stepping into this leadership role.

  A few recent highlights:

  • Last Friday, I joined App State Trustee Jamie Harris, an App State alumnus and a former first-team Academic All-American for the Mountaineer baseball team, as he threw out the first pitch on Senior Day versus Georgia Southern. Trustee Harris helped lead App State to the 1984 Southern Conference Championship and a top 25 ranking. Standing on Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium — one of the most beautiful stadiums in college baseball — and then joining Mountaineers cheering on the team made for a fantastic day. I congratulate Coach Kermit Smith, his staff and the team on an excellent regular season, which included the most wins since 2012! We all wish the team the best of luck as the Sun Belt Conference baseball championship continues this afternoon.
    
    
  • Also last week, I joined a reception recognizing our retired faculty and staff. It was great to spend time with longtime friends and colleagues who helped shape this institution. During our 125th anniversary year, it’s particularly meaningful to reflect on the many generations who have strengthened the foundation of App State and developed leaders for communities around the world. Many continue to support this university with pride, and I know we all thank them for being dedicated to App State.

  I hope everyone is able to enjoy this long weekend as we prepare for the first summer session to begin on Tuesday!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, May 17, 2024

  With the rush of the end of the spring semester and commencement celebrations over, we’re already beginning our preparations for the semesters ahead.

  On Monday, faculty, staff and students received, via email, a campus operations update detailing summer operation schedules, construction updates and campus resources for those learning and working on our campuses this summer.

  As we look to the future, I’d like to take a moment to focus on appreciating the many people who ensure the success of our students and our university.

  Today, at our annual Staff Appreciation Event at the Holmes Center, we recognized App State staff, who are fundamental to the university’s operational success. Our staff proudly foster an environment that enhances the learning and working experience for students, faculty and one another. It is because of you that this university runs beautifully, efficiently and effectively. Thank you for your unwavering service to our institution.

  My heartfelt gratitude goes to our dedicated faculty, as well, for their steadfast dedication to our students and many remarkable achievements this year. Last week’s commencement ceremonies are a testament to your commitment to our students, and as we celebrate them, we celebrate you as well. Your efforts have been key to preparing our graduates to thrive — wherever their journeys may take them.

  Earlier this month, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, we took the opportunity to celebrate teachers and health care professionals who work on campus and in the community, delivering pastries as a small token of our appreciation for their incredible contributions to the quality of life for everyone in our community.

  To the educators in Watauga County Schools, App State’s Child Development Center, our two Academy lab schools and App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Lab, we recognize and deeply appreciate you for answering the call to educate and empower our future generations. We’re proud to prepare and support teachers who make profound impacts in their local communities, both in and out of the classroom.

  To App State’s nursing faculty and the M.S. Shook Student Health Service staff, thank you for your dedication to resilience, innovation and compassion — in education and on the front lines of care, for educating and preparing the next generation of nurses and health care professionals, and for your commitment to improving health and enhancing the quality of life on our campus.

  I’m proud to be part of a community in which we see our professions not just as the jobs we go to every day, but as daily opportunities to change lives, build community and give back each day while coming to work. Thank you for your role in this incredible community of teaching, research, creative endeavors and service.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Saturday, May 11, 2024

  It has been my absolute privilege to preside over our Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies these past two days. We have celebrated more than 4,100 graduates who reached this significant milestone in their academic careers. These newest graduates join more than 147,000 App State alumni who are contributing to their communities across our state, our nation and the world. We invite each of you to stay connected with your alma mater.

  The spring Class of 2024 includes graduates representing 90 North Carolina counties and 29 countries, who range in age from 19 to 67. The class also includes more than 500 first-generation graduates, more than 50 military-affiliated graduates and more than 80 student-athlete graduates.

  As we celebrate our newest graduates’ accomplishments, we also recognize all those who helped our graduates reach this moment. To the parents, families and friends who have supported these graduates every step of the way, to the university staff who worked behind the scenes to provide essential services and support to our students, and to the faculty who inspired, mentored and guided these graduates throughout their academic journeys — thank you all for your endless passion, determination and tireless commitment. Each of you has made a transformational difference in the lives of our outstanding graduates. On behalf of App State, I thank you.

  Every graduate who walks across the commencement stage has distinct experiences, motivations and goals:

  • Jennah Bosch, of Wilmington, graduated from App State’s online Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology program, which began in August 2022 and is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. She is one of five members in the program’s first graduating class. With more than 30 years of experience as a veterinary technician, Jennah saw the program as an opportunity to make a career transition and pursue a new role as an educator, guiding the next wave of technicians entering the profession.

  • Amaya Crawford, of Charlotte, graduated from App State’s Walker College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in both international business and digital marketing, as well as a minor in Spanish. She was a member of the Women of Walker organization, as well as a Walker Fellow, a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through which she was the marketing director for Beans 2 Brew. Soon after graduation, Amaya will begin working as a brand manager for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. 

  • Second Lieutenant Aidan Fox, of Mooresville, graduated from App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a minor in military science and leadership. Fox earned the 2024 Nursing Leadership Award from the Department of Nursing and has been named a Distinguished Military Graduate — he is ranked among the Top 100 Army ROTC graduates in the country. During his time in App State’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Aidan was a member of the Mountain Man Marathon Team and Appalachian State Commandos, and he earned the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Air Assault badges. He wants to improve health care access for military members and veterans and hopes to begin officer training this summer. 

  • Desteney Greene, of Winston-Salem, graduated from App State’s Reich College of Education with a Master of School Administration, a degree available through App State Online. In 2022, Desteney completed a yearlong principal internship at Northwest Middle School in Winston-Salem as a North Carolina Principal Fellow. Prior to pursuing her MSA, Desteney worked for four years at App State’s Academy at Middle Fork, a K–5 laboratory school in Winston-Salem, where she served as an exceptional children teacher and interim director of exceptional children. Her goal is to be an exceptional children program director, and she is interviewing for jobs as she prepares for the next steps in her career.

  • Francisco Martinez, of Hillsborough, earned his Bachelor of Science from App State in middle grades education with concentrations in mathematics and social studies. He was active in the Reich College of Education as an Education Peer Ambassador and as a member of both the Appalachian Educators Club and the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars. Francisco was selected for a LatinxEd 20 Under 20 award for his dedication to elevating Latin American youth leadership across the state of North Carolina — specifically through education. His goal is to make middle school memorable and enjoyable for his students. “To know that I can change even just one student’s life will always keep me motivated,” he said. 

  Each of our graduates has overcome challenges and persevered through obstacles. For some, this was their first formal, in-person graduation since their high school graduations were disrupted by COVID-19. They have developed personal and professional relationships with faculty and staff, connected with the surrounding community, made friendships that will last a lifetime and created memories to cherish forever.

  Graduates, no matter how far your journey takes you, remember App State will always welcome you home. We thank each of you for giving your all to App State.

  I also want to recognize Dr. Brooke Christian, App State’s recipient of the 2024 UNC System Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award, who was recognized by Board of Governors member and App State alumnus C. Philip Byers today. Dr. Christian is a professor and research mentor in the Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences and will enter her 10th year as a faculty member at the university this fall. She was honored for her many contributions to the profession and is lauded for her genuine love of teaching. Congratulations, Brooke!

  I wish everyone a wonderful summer, and a special wish to our Mountaineer mothers for a Happy Mother’s Day!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Thursday, May 9, 2024

  Here we are at the final day of the semester, with Commencement ceremonies beginning tomorrow. I am so excited to preside over the six ceremonies tomorrow and Saturday, and I know the more than 4,100 soon-to-be App State graduates and their loved ones are even more excited!

  For many of the Class of 2024, this will be an especially meaningful day, as it will be the first formal, in-person graduation they will be able to celebrate after their high school graduations were altered due to the COVID pandemic. I am truly impressed by the remarkable determination of these students, who overcame significant challenges and uncertainties to achieve their degrees.

  Yesterday, we offered a toast in honor of our Class of 2024 graduates at an event hosted by the Alumni Association and attended by more than 400 graduates, faculty, staff and friends. Here’s to their accomplishments at App State and to their bright futures! While they may leave this special place, may it never leave them.

  It’s been a week of celebrations with students, alumni, faculty and staff:

  • Yesterday, we held a pizza party for Hickory campus students, faculty and staff as they wrapped up final exams and the inaugural year of the campus. It was great to spend time with them as they took a study/work break for a few moments, and to celebrate their accomplishments during this academic year. Thanks to the App State Board of Trustees for helping host this event, as well as the one held in Boone last week!
    
    
  • This afternoon I joined UNC System Board of Governors member and proud App State alumnus Philip Byers and the family of former Chancellor John Thomas, who led our institution from 1979 to 1993, in recognizing and celebrating Chancellor Thomas’ legacy. We unveiled a sculpture of him — generously donated by Governor Byers and crafted by renowned local artist Suzie Hallier — outside the John E. Thomas building. We were honored to be joined by former First Lady Jan Thomas and Dr. Thomas’ family, including his sons, who are App State alumni: Dr. Scott Thomas, who is on App State’s faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and who brought remarks on behalf of the Thomas family, and Brandon, who was accompanied by his family. It was a lovely tribute to Chancellor Thomas, who was a wonderful man to work with, to work for and to know. As a chancellor, a faculty member and a member of our community, John Thomas was known for his kindness and compassion, his generosity and his quick wit. App State is a better university because of him. I am honored to have had the good fortune to know him and to be among those with whom he worked.
    
    
  • Tonight I'll attend the commissioning ceremony of our Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets. This time-honored tradition transitions cadets to the rank of second lieutenant. From here, they will go to various posts throughout the country and the world to begin their careers as leaders, carrying with them the knowledge, skills and relationships they gained at App State. Please join me in wishing them well. I am proud to work for a university that has, for well over a decade, been nationally recognized for its diligent support of our military community. We thank them for their service and their sacrifice.

  As we wrap up the semester, I’d like to share some additional brief updates from across campus:

  • Daily walk-throughs of Wey Hall by the contractor and App State staff as well as biweekly inspections by an independent safety consultant — as described on this webpage — have been ongoing since March 25. After extremely heavy rain late Monday night, a drain ruptured in the ceiling in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Classes had concluded in the affected areas earlier in the week, and the materials in the rooms were being packed for the upcoming move, in preparation for the building’s closure. The building will be closed permanently at the conclusion of the semester, and locations for classes for the fall 2024 semester have been shared with faculty, staff and students. We are looking forward to opening the fully renovated Wey Hall in 2025!
    
    
  • Over the summer, Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown will be leading the development of a Student Affairs–Academic Affairs partnership to develop a non-partisan civic literacy program for our university community. The ultimate goal of this program is to prepare students for engagement as thoughtful participants who become adept at collaborating across differences, appreciate the increasing complexity of the challenges they will face, and become civic leaders who embrace respectful, candid dialogue. I’m excited about this opportunity for our university community for two key reasons: Much research shows that the best problem-solving approaches involve fostering environments that respect and value differences, and ensure multiple perspectives are included. I also believe that at our heart, we are Mountaineers who will not always agree, but who want to treat one another with respect and care.
    
    
  • As we close the semester, I’d like to extend a special thanks to the Free Expression Working Group, convened by Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown and led by our designated Free Speech Officers Jamie Parson and Jeff Cathey. On Monday, this group of students provided me with their recommendations. I’ve been so impressed with the thoughtfulness with which they approached a difficult issue, and I appreciate their time and dedication to developing recommended solutions. I’m pleased to say we will be acting on their recommendation to re-designate the tunnel at the foot of New River Residence Hall as a free expression space. As the group recommended, we’ll keep security cameras in place and will work to maintain other safety precautions to avoid paint on the floors and over the lighting. Beginning today, I invite you to celebrate free expression and creativity in that tunnel. Please remember to keep the paint contained to the inside walls of the tunnel, to prevent slipping hazards.
    
    The other tunnel will provide an opportunity to showcase commissioned art through a curated process. We are working now to identify the best process to bring this new art opportunity to life.

  Over the summer, my messages will remain frequent, and next week, you will receive our standard operations update regarding schedule changes for university facilities and other important information. I will continue to update you in the future, as needed, on these and other matters when they arise, and will also continue to showcase and support App State’s amazing students, faculty, staff and alumni.

  Congratulations to everyone for reaching the end of the 2023–24 academic year! Please take some time to reflect upon and celebrate all the accomplishments you have achieved since August.

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, May 3, 2024

  Good afternoon,

  Final exams began today, and Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place in a week. Soon-to-be graduates are taking photos they will look back on many years from now, students are spending the last few days of the semester balancing finals and the remaining activities they want to be sure to do with friends — and everyone is enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Also, Hickory campus students, faculty and staff are celebrating the completion of their first academic year. It’s such a busy time, but I hope everyone can find some time to be in the moment.

  Some important information to share:

  • Given the civil unrest on many college campuses across the nation, I want to share that as part of an ongoing reciprocal agreement that includes many levels of support, including operations, police, emergency and communications, App State joined our sister institutions in responding to a request from the UNC System to send police officers to assist with the disbursement of an encampment on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus this week.

    Five of our police officers were at UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday morning, and we participated in making one arrest, with no injuries, of an individual who was not a UNC System student.

    Our university’s approach to on-campus protests and demonstrations has been to proactively engage with the demonstrators prior to any event, with a goal of balancing safety and free speech. App State Police and Student Affairs work to engage rally organizers in conversations about safety, expectations of conduct and possible counter-demonstrations. Our aim is to get to the heart of our students’ concerns and goals before, during and after any demonstrations that involve them. I greatly appreciate the work of Jamie Parson and Jeff Cathey, App State’s designated Free Speech Officers, as well as our App State Police, throughout this semester, as they have spent many hours in meetings and sacred spaces with our students, particularly since the Hamas attack on Israel in October and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They have also met with our new Student Government leadership and will continue to engage with them about this and other issues.

  • The Free Expression Working Group has concluded its meetings and has developed a recommendations report related to the Rivers Street tunnels renovation project, which I expect to receive by early next week. I appreciate their work, and next week I will share our next steps on this project, which will be based on their recommendations.

  A few highlights of the week:

  • On Monday, App State signed an agreement with Project Kitty Hawk, a nonprofit ed-tech startup funded by the General Assembly, to begin collaborating on workforce-aligned online programs. Under the leadership of Vice Provost Mike McKenzie, we are working with deans and department chairs to finalize program offerings for the initial launch year, to begin this fall. Later this month, Academic Affairs will share more detailed information about the programs that will begin our collaboration. We look forward to working with the Project Kitty Hawk team to meet the online education needs of more adult learners across North Carolina. Watch a short video of the signing ceremony.
  • This week, we were proud to host the North Carolina State Board of Education for its Bi-Annual Planning and Work Session. Dean Melba Spooner and members of her team from our Reich College of Education were able to showcase the great work taking place in our laboratory schools centered around strategic staffing, and the many ways we are partnering with community colleges and public schools to create a teacher pipeline that continues to benefit the students of North Carolina.

  • On Tuesday, the university’s Board of Trustees and I hosted an end-of-semester pizza party for students, faculty and staff on Sanford Mall. We served 4,900 pieces of pizza and 4,000 drinks! A balloon artist handed out 1,000 balloons (in the form of 350 balloon designs), and thanks to our zero waste efforts, 14 bags of compost and 3 bags of recycling meant only 1 bag of trash. Thank you to App State's Trustees for hosting this fun, community-building event! Watch a video of the event, featuring our students, faculty and staff.

  Good luck to everyone during finals — I look forward to celebrating with our graduates next week!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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April 2024

• 

  Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris

  Friday, April 26, 2024

  Dear Members of the App State Community, 

  Thank you for being supportive and patient during this time of transition for the university. As I get used to the roles and responsibilities of being interim chancellor, I will continue sending weekly updates through the remainder of this semester.

  It’s been a whirlwind of a week, and I’ve really enjoyed getting out and engaging with so many people. It’s been fun to attend events with so many faculty, staff and students. Today’s Faculty, Staff and Student Appreciation celebration on Sanford Mall is underway, and I hope to see many of you there!

  In the last week, I have been able to:

  • Hear members of the Chancellor’s Appalachian Leadership Development program present their Big Ideas — a culmination of their yearlong professional development program.
    
    
  • Present to the Hickory Campus Advisory Council on the progress we’ve made with academic programs and building construction at the Hickory campus over the last year.
    
    
  • Attend a dinner with App State’s Student Government Association, during which I was able to meet our new student body president, Kathryn Long, a senior communication sciences and disorders major from Seaboard, and vice president Amarah Din, a senior political science major from Cary. I look forward to working with them in their new roles.
    
    
  • Celebrate the incredible winners of App State’s most distinguished awards at the annual Awards of Distinction ceremony, during which my colleagues and I had the privilege of recognizing the exceptional achievements, service and leadership of App State faculty, staff and students.
    
    
  • Welcome leading employers from across the region to an Employer Summit, designed to strengthen important relationships and ensure we are working together with industry partners to prepare our students for their next steps after graduation.
    
    
  • Later today, I look forward to attending a reception honoring scholarship recipients and donors in the Beaver College of Health Sciences and a Faculty Club reception, as well as the College of Fine and Applied Arts Apparel Design Management showcase tomorrow.

  To update you on a few ongoing matters:

  • The Free Expression Working Group has been meeting to discuss options related to the tunnels renovation project, and I expect a final report from them soon. I was so impressed with the thoughtful ideas and feedback we received from students who have engaged with this group, and I appreciate their time and dedication to finding a solution. I’ll share more information about this next week.
    
    
  • Regular safety inspections continue in Wey Hall, and in the last two weeks, Vice Provost of Academic Program Development and Strategic Initiatives Mike McKenzie and Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management Nick Katers have met with Art Department faculty to share information about the locations for classes for the remainder of the construction period. To help share the information as broadly as possible, they recorded a Campus Construction Update Podcast episode, which has been shared with Art Department students and which is available for anyone who is interested in learning more about the project.
    
    
  • I attended the April Board of Governors meeting, and, like my colleagues at App State and throughout the UNC System, I’m engaged in numerous discussions about the proposed repeal and supersede to Section 300.8.5 of the UNC Policy Manual, on which the Board will vote during its May meeting. While there are a lot of unknowns, and we cannot answer questions about specific implementation details at this time, I can assure you our university’s commitment to supporting all of our students is unwavering, and we remain dedicated to providing a compassionate, high-quality college experience that is focused on student success.

  Mountaineer students are one week away from beginning final exams. For graduating seniors walking in our Spring Commencement on May 10 and 11, they have just two more weeks of school left.

  Next week, Board of Trustees Chair Mark Ricks and I will host a pizza party to help celebrate the end of the semester and offer a study/work break before the final crunch sets in. Look for an invitation to come soon!

  
  Heather Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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• Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Hulburt Norris

  Monday, April 22, 2024

  Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends,

  I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to those of you who don’t yet know me.

  For more than 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to Appalachian State University. I came here because I was impressed by Appalachian’s stated mission of educational access, and when I visited, I saw it to be true. Over my time here, the faculty and staff dedication to student success, which has characterized the institution for 125 years, continues to be strong to this day.

  I joined the faculty of the Walker College of Business in 2003, and my home department remains the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance. I served the college as assistant, associate and senior associate dean, as well as acting and interim dean and then dean, before becoming App State’s provost. I served as interim provost during some of the most challenging times in university history, as we worked to provide the best possible educational experience for our students, and keep faculty and staff employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021, I was appointed to the role of provost and executive vice chancellor.

  I am dedicated to the success of our students, faculty and staff. Together, we make our university community stronger through our shared work, our love for our university and our desire for one another to succeed personally and professionally. Our university has a history of resiliency in meeting and overcoming challenges. I call on you to join me in supporting a university culture that endeavors to do this with respect and civility.

  I’m honored to serve the university in this interim role, and extend my thanks to UNC System President Peter Hans for the opportunity to do so. Appalachian State University has been my home for more than 20 years. During my time here, it was my privilege to work with two great Chancellors: Chancellor Everts, who provided me the opportunity to serve as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, and Chancellor Peacock, who first gave me the opportunity to serve the university when he was Dean of the Walker College of Business and hired me to join the faculty. I value their many accomplishments and appreciate the opportunities each gave me to serve our university.

  I look forward to working collaboratively with you, our governing boards, UNC System colleagues, and our local communities to ensure the continued success of this great institution and our region.

  Sincerely,

  
  Heather Hulburt Norris
  Interim Chancellor
  
  

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