October 2020

• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Oct. 19–23

  Friday, October 23, 2020

  This week we celebrated Appalachian’s Homecoming — a time to show our Mountaineer pride and enjoy traditional festivities, including the Kazoo Band and crowning of the Top of the Rock. Like everything, our celebrations look different this year — with all of the events reimagined to accommodate safety guidelines. Campus was quiet without tailgating, but the black and gold spirit is still palpable, even when shared virtually, and the Homecoming football game victory was even sweeter after a pause in practice and 26 days without a game. At The Rock, we had 2,100 spectators. I am especially proud of the way our students modeled COVID-19 prevention and safety by maintaining distance and wearing face coverings. Their cheering provided terrific motivation for a great Homecoming win, and a great soundtrack for the national coverage on ESPN.

  Many thanks to our Appalachian Police Department and Emergency Management team for their thorough safety preparations for last night’s game. In addition to extensive access to hand sanitizer stations and required face coverings, social distancing measures in the stands, in restrooms and in entry and concession lines were in place, allowing a portion of our community an important opportunity to celebrate Homecoming together and enjoy some much-needed, in-person social interaction.

  We are encouraged to see our positive and active cases of COVID-19 trending downward, as I shared earlier in the week. The data continue to support this trend — today's active case count of 37 is the lowest it has been since Aug. 31. Since students arrived on campus for the fall semester, we have administered more than 17,500 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty and staff. Throughout the semester — and with guidance and assistance from local public health, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the UNC System — we have adjusted and enhanced our testing volume and strategy. We have increased surveillance testing to three times each week and have worked with local public health to add targeted testing at residence halls. As we near the end of the fall semester and continue planning for spring, we are also working with UNC System and NCDHHS leadership to further refine our testing strategy, review the latest guidance and acquire additional resources. We will soon share more information about testing before the winter break and the return to campus in the spring.

  We have continued to work throughout the semester with students who would like to opt out of their housing contracts and students who would like to adjust the delivery method of their courses to be fully online. In the spring semester, we will continue with a mix of in-person, hybrid and all-remote course delivery. We are listening to the needs of our students and faculty alike who are seeking further engagement in virtual and socially distanced settings. Each day, both formally and informally, faculty continue to enhance virtual learning experiences for students. The Center for Academic Excellence team remains a valuable resource for faculty in this regard. I would like to thank our faculty, staff and students for the flexibility and innovation they continue to demonstrate under constantly changing circumstances. There is no one approach that works for everyone, so we will continue providing a mix of solutions that provides a high-quality education and the best possible overall Appalachian Experience. When we look back on these times, we may not be able to say we got everything exactly right, but we will be able to say confidently that as a campus community, together, we employed every option to continue our academic mission, while prioritizing the physical and mental health of our students, faculty and staff.

  As we head into the weekend feeling encouraged by our COVID-19 testing numbers, we cannot let down our guard. I urge everyone to follow COVID-19 precautions: Keep wearing your face coverings when you are around others you don’t live with — in any size group — whether indoors or outdoors. Maintain 6 feet of distance and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

  While we have not seen many large parties, our university police and student conduct team are strictly enforcing COVID-19 safety ordinances and policies. The most effective strategy, however, is peer-to-peer reinforcement, which we see taking place across campus. Let’s continue these practices wherever we are. Wearing face coverings, in particular, must be the norm — not the exception — for the foreseeable future.

  Slowing COVID-19 demands a tremendous amount of our attention. Still, our faculty, staff and students remain dedicated to simultaneously advancing the Appalachian Experience and I am so grateful for their efforts. We recently announced the recipients of Appalachian’s premier signature scholarships — a group of 24 students who exemplify Mountaineer values and ideals. We are excited to see these students thrive at App State! Last week, we also hosted our first virtual open house of the fall, welcoming 2,500 students and families remotely for information sessions, a virtual tour, meetings with faculty and opportunities to learn about the many programs and resources available.

  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to virtually attend the UNC System’s Board of Governors meetings this week, and while there is significant concern about the state budget outlook, President Hans emphasized as key priorities enrollment growth and strengthening support for faculty and staff. He took special note of the work faculty and staff are undertaking to continue providing high-quality educational experiences for our students, and said, “There is no pausing people’s lives, which means we must be resilient and resolute in providing a life-changing education. We have had to adapt, to do our part in slowing this pandemic while also weighing the risks of lost opportunity for thousands of students. There is no perfect answer for the decisions we face — only honest grappling with a challenging situation.” I encourage you to read his full remarks.

  With each passing week of this historic semester, I am inspired by the resilience of our campus community and the strong desire to do our part to help keep our community as safe as possible. When we work together, we can — and do — make a difference.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  

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• Stay Vigilant

  Monday, October 19, 2020

  I have heard from many of you who have noticed an encouraging downward trend in our active COVID-19 case counts and in positive test results from our on-campus testing. Today’s numbers, which show a 2.3% positive rate in last week's on-campus tests and 61 current active cases, continue to reflect this trend. My leadership team and I are also encouraged, but this is a formidable virus we will be battling for many months to come, and we must not become complacent. Please remember to stay vigilant.

  • Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, continues to remind us that cloth face coverings are effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19. While on campus, I, along with many others, have noticed excellent compliance with our face coverings requirements. Please continue wearing face coverings off campus as well, even in small social gatherings and whether indoors or outdoors.
    
  • Utilize today’s free testing event. These take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
    
  • Download the free SlowCOVIDNC exposure notification app, which sends a notification if you have been in close contact with someone who has shared a positive COVID-19 test result. Read more about how the app works.
    
  • Remember to complete your daily health check before leaving your residence hall or coming to campus.
    
  • Use the university’s mental and emotional well-being resources. You can also access the national distress hotline by calling 1-800-985-5990, or texting TalkWithUs to 66746.

  Thank you for your continued hard work and diligence. The data show that together, we can make a difference.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Oct. 12–16

  Friday, October 16, 2020

  We continue to closely watch our active COVID-19 case counts and active cases of individuals in clusters. Sharing data with our campus is important so our faculty, staff and students can see the data points we are considering and use these data to inform their own decisions. You’ll see additional data in the operations update coming soon, but a few key points my leadership team and I reviewed in our daily meeting yesterday are below:

  • We have steadily increased our testing volume and, to date, we have administered more than 15,600 tests on campus this semester. Last week we saw record numbers of on-campus testing and this week we saw an encouraging drop in our active case counts. So far this week, we have collected 1,560 tests with 33 positive cases, or just over 2%. As a comparison, by the same time last week, we had collected 1,805 tests with 77 positive cases, or just over 4%. Working with local public health, we have additional, targeted testing underway at residence halls. Public health has also been implementing targeted testing at nearby apartment complexes this week.
    
    
  • Residence halls occupancy is down to 76% and we continue to work with students who are requesting exemptions from their housing contracts.
    
    
  • Currently, we are using 17% of our isolation/quarantine space, with 83% available. We have not exceeded 30% of capacity to date this semester and we have no hospitalizations.

  Earlier this week, Provost Norris and I received a message from Faculty Senate asking that we consider the option of an immediate pivot to all-remote instruction. We have also both been asked about a single metric, or “tipping point,” that would determine this action. There is no simple answer to this question. We have looked at the steps taken by other institutions and continue discussions with their COVID response teams and our regular communications with UNC System leadership, the NC Department of Health and Human Services and our local public health agency.

  The work of our deans, associate deans, department chairs, advisors and many others to meet the individual needs of faculty, staff and students has been incredibly important to maintaining quality and continuity to our teaching and learning experiences. Likewise, Student Affairs staff have worked to meet housing and countless other key student support needs. University-wide, we continue to adjust our efforts and responses as data, guidance from health care officials and resource availability change. The result has been an extraordinary level of customization that is not as visible as a broad-based change but is focused and individualized at a level many institutions of our size simply have not undertaken. I am proud of the work you have done. This approach is harder, less visible and frankly less publicly lauded than more broad-based approaches. I hear daily from our students and their parents how incredibly important it has been to them. On behalf of those students, their families and the staff and faculty who have sent me so many messages expressing their appreciation for your work, I thank you.

  In discussions on campus, with UNC System leadership and with local and state public health officials, we have discussed other important considerations, which include:

  • White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci have both publicly stated that sending college students home is not an advisable strategy and that robust testing and isolation strategies are areas on which colleges should focus in order to mitigate the spread of the virus.
    
    
  • While approximately 20% of our courses are scheduled for face-to-face learning in classrooms, we do not have a concrete number of how many students are actually in classrooms each day. As the semester continues, we know some students have been allowed to pivot to online instruction by their faculty. We have efforts underway to learn more about the actual numbers.
    
    
  • Even as we continue to accommodate students’ requests to move to remote learning formats, we are not seeing students leave the Boone area en masse. Many students sign year-long leases, get jobs, register to vote and stay in the area as much, and as long, as they can.
    
    
  • Many staff are unable to telework, and without state or federal government funding at levels similar to what we had in the spring, a shift to a fully remote format may result in loss of employment for some university employees.
    
    
  • We are also taking into account the mental health impacts of the decisions before us. Isolation, loss of experiences and lack of motivation, largely due to the presence of COVID-19, are concerns for students in particular, and for faculty and staff as well. I appreciate the work our student, faculty and staff support teams have done to make important resources and support for the campus community in remote-friendly formats.
    
    
  • The science clearly shows what works: Compliance in wearing face coverings, distancing, limiting gathering sizes and hand-washing limits the spread of COVID-19. The combination of education, peer influence, incentives and enforcement has proven effective in influencing broad-based behavioral changes in many settings, and we continue to both encourage and enforce these behaviors.

  As anticipated, COVID-19 is causing financial impacts on our campus, which we are doing our best to mitigate. Our receipt-supported areas, in particular, are facing challenges. In some cases we may continue re-assignment of duties as we are forced by our circumstances to adjust where we most need staffing, but I have made clear to my leadership team that we will spare no effort to keep our employees working.

  • Our Athletics Division is implementing furloughs across the division. Beginning next month, Athletics staff will rotate taking 1-4 days off per month through June 2021, with the highest-paid employees taking the most unpaid leave days.
    
    
  • Our Campus Dining facilities have seen a 41% decrease in transactions since 2019 and have closed three locations until further notice: McAlister’s Deli in the Student Union, Rivers Street Cafe in Roess Dining Hall and the Wired Scholar coffee shop in Belk Library and Information Commons. We re-assigned the full-time, permanent staff who worked in the three closed facilities to other areas on campus. I appreciate the work of the Career Development Center staff, who are communicating directly with each of the affected part-time student employees to help them find other job opportunities.

  In the midst of a coordinated response to a global pandemic, we remain focused on moving forward in other important ways:

  • The UNC System’s Racial Equity Task Force is hosting a series of virtual town hall meetings Oct. 19–29 for students, faculty and staff. I encourage you to register and lend your voice to this important effort. Our Deputy General Counsel Toussaint Romain, who has a long career and service history of social justice work, is participating on the staff session panel. Spaces are limited, so register soon! Learn more.
    
    
  • A special thank-you to Dr. Tandrea Carter, who, in addition to her critically important role as director of App State’s Counseling for Faculty and Staff, began her duties as the university’s new ombudsperson on Sept. 15. With this new role, Dr. Carter’s expertise and specialized skills will benefit the Appalachian Community in new and broader ways.
    
    
  • In times of extreme challenge, celebrations gain new importance. Our annual Homecoming celebration is a welcome moment of levity and an opportunity to show our Mountaineer pride and to connect over distance.

  Appalachian’s academic mission is as strong as ever. Despite the backdrop of COVID-19, which takes an extraordinary amount of our time, energy and focus each day, we persevere.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Oct. 5–8

  Thursday, October 8, 2020

  In recent days, I have heard from many members of the Appalachian Community who have shared their desire to remain on campus and others who have requested we move to strictly online learning. The common theme is heartfelt concern for all Mountaineers.

  While we have no confirmed cases of classroom transmission, we are concerned about the residence halls clusters and are closely watching test result data. Here is data from the COVID-19 tests we have conducted so far this week (we will update the weekly test data on our dashboard on Monday):

  • Monday, Oct. 5: 665 tests with 37 positive results: 5.6%
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6: 161 tests with 10 positive results: 6.2%
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7: 979 tests with 32 positive results: 3.4%
  • Week to date: 1,805 tests with 79 positive results: 4.4%
  • We have 4 new cases in the active football team cluster. Active cases in that cluster are down from 25 last Friday to 17 today.
  • 70% of our active cases are in students who live off-campus.

  While we remain concerned about clusters in our residence halls, those teaching, learning and working on campus have noted campus facilities remain at a low density, and our data show campus services are being utilized at greatly reduced rates as compared to the same time last year.

  In addition to our continual coordination with the UNC System, we meet twice weekly with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID response team and daily with AppHealthCare. We continue to review the data and respond with measures that best meet the needs of our students and faculty, and support the teaching and learning experience at App State. Our latest actions include:

  On campus:

  • We are offering on-campus students the ability to voluntarily opt-out of their housing contracts if they want to return to their hometowns.
  • We are implementing mandatory, large-scale testing in residence halls with active clusters.
  • Mountaineer football practice has been suspended until further notice and the football game against Georgia Southern University, scheduled for Oct. 14, has been postponed.
  • University Housing staff are communicating regularly with our on-campus students to not only ensure their understanding of and compliance with safety restrictions, but also to just to check in. It’s been a difficult adjustment for some, and I greatly appreciate the important work of the permanent and student housing staff to support and engage our students who live in residence halls.

  Off-campus:

  • The Appalachian Police Department is assisting local agencies with patrolling and responding to off-campus sites, including off-campus apartment complexes with large populations of students.
  • We are partnering with AppHealthCare, our local public health agency, to implement community-based testing at off-campus apartment complexes with large populations of students.
  • We are working with local public health, local law enforcement and local housing complexes on next steps, which include helping identify cases, assisting with tracing close contacts, sharing public health messages, and enforcing university, local and state policies and ordinances.

  On-campus compliance with the university’s COVID-19 safety measures has been excellent, but we are serious about enforcement:

  • Office of Student Conduct staff visit the courthouse biweekly to pick up information involving App State students.
  • App State will exercise every measure under the Code of Student Conduct for violations of restrictions related to social activity, face coverings and social distancing on and off-campus.
  • On-campus residents must also comply with restrictions related to visitors and group gatherings.
  • Serious and/or repeated violations will result in suspension.

  We urge everyone to reflect on your daily activities and make any needed adjustments to ensure you are being as safe as possible — from following the 3Ws to taking advantage of our free weekly pop-up testing events now held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Rivers Street Parking Deck. We also encourage all Mountaineers to download the SlowCOVIDNC exposure notification app, released by the NCDHHS. This is an anonymous way to share a positive COVID-19 result or learn if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

  Thank you to the Appalachian Community for setting an example — through your actions — of how seriously we are committed to protecting the people we care for and the institution that brings us together. Your thought, care and concern for one another underscores the resilience of our university.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  
  

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Sept. 28–Oct. 2

  Friday, October 2, 2020

  This has been a sad and difficult week on our campus as we all work to process the death of Chad Dorrill. Yesterday, we announced 35 active cases of COVID-19 in seven new clusters in our university community. The coronavirus touches all of us, and its effects can be devastating.

  In times of tragedy and uncertainty, many of us ask “What can I do?” and “How can I help?”

  Here are some action steps we took at App State this week:

  • We added an additional weekly pop-up testing event, so we now have two free testing options available without an appointment each week for students, faculty and staff, every Wednesday and Saturday.
    
  • We added contact tracing resources to support the efforts of local public health.
    
  • We postponed the Oct. 7 Mountaineer football game and have suspended practice.

  Additionally:

  • We have engaged in numerous discussions with local public health, local law enforcement and local businesses about off-campus parties and gatherings.
    
  • A team representing the Chancellor’s Office, Student Affairs and Emergency Management meets daily to strategize with local public health officials and twice weekly with a team of state public health officials that include medical professionals and members of the state COVID-19 response team.
    
  • Academic Affairs and Deans are working on options for additional flexibility in course delivery for faculty and students who need it.
    
  • We are utilizing the student conduct process to take disciplinary action against those who violate our safety protocols.

  The question on everyone’s mind is “What’s next for App State?” We publish daily active case counts and weekly cluster and on-campus testing data on our COVID-19 dashboard. Here’s the current status of some other metrics we are watching:

  • Active cases in residence halls account for 1.2% of the residence hall student population.
    
  • We are using 28% of our available quarantine space.
    
  • We are using 28% of our available meal support capacity.
    
  • The status of our personal protection equipment supplies is good.
    
  • Residence hall occupancy is at 84%

  As my leadership team and I watch the metrics and discuss options with UNC System leadership and local and state public health officials, we are continually evaluating a complex set of interrelated circumstances. Some of these are:

  • Most of our students live off campus in and around Boone and are taking the majority of their classes remotely.
    
  • Those in our classrooms are physically distanced, in spaces that are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
    
  • Face coverings compliance on campus is nearly universal.
    
  • We need better compliance with wearing face coverings off campus, adhering to quarantine and isolation instructions, and answering contact tracing calls from public health.

  Our current on-campus density is low; our available response resources remain high; we can offer flexible course delivery options to those who need it and, should we need to, we are ready to pivot to all-remote learning.

  On a personal level, Chad’s family has, in the midst of their grief, given us very clear direction: we must each stay vigilant with our safety precautions.

  • We must wear face coverings — even outside and in small groups. This is the single, most effective tool we have in the prevention of COVID-19.
    
  • Keep group gatherings small. While Phase 3 of Governor Cooper’s reopening plan eases some restrictions, it also emphasizes safety. Limitations on gatherings remain at 25 people indoors and 50 outside. Remember to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet in these settings.
    
  • If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, it is critically important to follow quarantine and isolation instructions. These time periods can vary from person to person depending on circumstances. If you need support while in quarantine, contact the Office of the Dean of Students or Emergency Management.
    
  • Assist with contact tracing. If you receive a call or text from public health, respond quickly. They will ask questions about where you have been and who you have been with. We know this process slows the spread of COVID-19, so answer these questions as completely as possible. You can also download the SlowCOVIDNC app to your mobile phone — this is an anonymous way to share a positive COVID-19 result or receive a notification if you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days. More information is available in this article on Appalachian Today.
    
  • Take advantage of regular COVID-19 testing events. Each Wednesday and Saturday, free pop-up testing events are held in the Rivers Street Parking Deck from noon-5 p.m. for students, faculty and staff. Additional testing is available by appointment through our Student Health Service, AppHealthCare and other locations in Boone. Details are available on the university’s coronavirus website.
    
  • Kindly but firmly, we must hold one another accountable. Many of our students and faculty are not on campus very often — for those who are, you can see the 3Ws in clear evidence. We must practice these behaviors consistently, no matter where we are.
    
  • Spend time on the university’s coronavirus website. There is a lot of information on this site, including key metrics, information on testing, how contact tracing works, prevention information, resources, and every update sent to campus since February.
    
  • Seek and offer support. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with grief or stress and need support, please reach out. Some key resources are:
    
  • For students: contact the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at 828-262-3180. The Office of the Dean of Students can connect students to additional resources for support.
    
  • For faculty and staff: free counseling is available from Counseling for Faculty and Staff at 828-262-4951 or through the Employee Assistance Program. Academic Affairs and Human Resources can connect faculty and staff to additional resources for support.
    
  • Our student death protocol provides guidance and important resources and support information for our campus community.

  Finally, I would like to say that many people have asked how they can reach out to Chad’s family to offer their condolences and share their memories. The Dean of Students office has coordinated a virtual memorial book to collect these thoughts and share them with the Dorrill family.

  In a time in which so much is out of our control, your university leadership is working harder than ever to help keep you as safe as possible. Let us all please focus on what we can do — be kind; be compassionate; and be diligent with safety and prevention practices. Mountaineers are resilient. No matter what the future holds, we are stronger together.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

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September 2020

• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Sept. 21–25

  Friday, September 25, 2020

  Today I shared university updates with Appalachian’s Board of Trustees. For my message this week, I encourage you to read my full remarks — available below. This compilation of updates and successes speaks to the tremendous thought and care that has gone into our university’s ongoing management of a global pandemic, and simultaneous efforts to elevate the Appalachian Experience.

  As a reminder, the next pop-up COVID-19 testing event will be held tomorrow from noon–5 p.m. in the Rivers Street Parking Deck and the results will be updated on the university's COVID-19 Dashboard.

  Thank you to the entire Appalachian Community for continuing to #ShowYourLove for our Mountaineers and the local community.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  
  

  Remarks from the Sept. 25, 2020, Meeting of the Board of Trustees

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Sept. 14–18

  Friday, September 18, 2020

  We have been back on campus for six weeks now (having completed our fifth week of classes), and I sincerely appreciate the examples set by our faculty, staff and students in following safety precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We saw an increase in active cases this week, following an increase in testing events after the Labor Day holiday weekend. Additionally, we announced three clusters this week, which, combined, have nine active cases. Still, we are using less than 10% of our currently available quarantine space. A huge thanks to our Emergency Management team and the Case Management, Wellness and Prevention, and Student Health Service staff, who, in addition to their regular case loads, are working hard to respond to the needs of our students who are managing COVID-19 diagnoses.

  We all must remain diligently focused on following the 3Ws when we leave our homes and are around others: wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and wait to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. As a reminder, the next pop-up testing event will be held tomorrow from noon–5 p.m. at the Rivers Street Parking Deck and the results will be updated on the university's COVID-19 Dashboard.

  While our semester looks and feels different, our faculty and staff have made every effort to ensure our campus community still has ready access to exciting and thought-provoking offerings. This week, in particular, our campus virtually hosted several great events.

  • The 2020–21 webinar series sponsored by the Appalachian Energy Summit opened this week, celebrating a remarkable accomplishment: Working together, the institutions and affiliates in the UNC System have achieved and exceeded the goal set in 2012 of avoiding $1 billion in energy costs incurred by institutions across the UNC System. The latest figures indicate a reduction of $1,030,282,949 in avoided energy costs as compared to the 2002–03 UNC System's energy usage. I applaud Chief Sustainability Officer Dr. Lee Ball and the Office of Sustainability for their continued leadership of this important initiative!
    
    
  • Congratulations to Drs. Curtis Ryan and Alecia Jackson, who were honored with the Chancellor's and Provost's Awards, respectively, during the second annual Research and Creative Activity at Appalachian event. This celebration of faculty research featured digital posters, oral presentations, performances and digital art pieces, which are available for viewing on the event webpage.
    
    
  • The first event of the fall 2020 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series featured poet Jacinta White. The season will also include novelist Jacinda Townsend, poet Nickole Brown and creative nonfiction writer Graham Hoppe.

  Thank you to everyone who joined us and a special thank-you to our faculty and staff who reimagined and executed these events.

  Three important reminders to end the week:

  • Earlier this week, you received an email about the UNC System’s Racial Equity Task Force survey, which will be open until Sept. 30. I encourage all faculty, staff and students to use this opportunity to share your thoughts, as your feedback will be invaluable in helping support System-wide change. More information is available here.
    
    
  • Please also take time to complete the 2020 Census, which has been extended until Oct. 31.
    
    
  • Appalachian is committed to civic engagement, and there will be an on-campus voting location for the upcoming election's 20-day voting period. While touring campus locations with the Board of Elections, the university identified Holmes Convocation Center as an alternate location for this voting cycle to better ensure safety and to avoid further disruption of the teaching and learning experience. After this process, the Board of Elections selected the Blue Ridge Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union. While the process to confirm the final location is still underway, Appalachian's long-standing, nonpartisan commitment to hosting a voting site on our campus remains steadfast.

  The Appalachian Community continues to adapt and innovate our events, our programming and every aspect of our daily lives. Thank you for upholding and elevating the Appalachian Experience during these uncertain times.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  
  

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Sept. 7–Sept. 12

  Saturday, September 12, 2020

  Today and every day, we are proud of how our own Appalachian Police Department (APD) is working to help our local community. APD employees, including Appalachian Police Academy recruits, have completed implicit bias training and, later this month, APD is sponsoring 15 local officers from agencies in Watauga County — including Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Blowing Rock Police Department — to become certified trainers so they can conduct this implicit bias training within their own agencies. I’d like to extend my personal congratulations to the newest graduates of the Appalachian Police Academy, as last month, all 30 recruits passed the state examination to become certified North Carolina police officers.

  Today is the opening of the App State football season, and like everything else this semester, it will be very different from what we’re used to. We are pleased we will have parents of junior and senior players in attendance today, but in accordance with the outdoor gathering limits, as shared by App State Sports, there will be no tailgating permitted on campus and no fans allowed at The Rock for the home football games in September. Our fans in the stands have powered many Mountaineers victories, and we will miss seeing students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members decked out in black and gold on campus during game day. However, this is a necessary precaution to help keep our campus and community safe. I encourage our fans to watch the game from home or at local businesses in small groups, while adhering to the 3Ws. Visit App State Sports to learn how to watch or listen to the game, and be sure to follow @appstatesports to see how the Appalachian Community is cheering on our Mountaineers football team!

  As we continue to work diligently on increasing diversity and inclusion on our campus, this work is also taking place within the broader university system. The UNC System’s Racial Equity Task Force — a special committee of the Board of Governors — has developed a survey to help assess issues of race and equity in the UNC System. Your input is important and I hope you will take this opportunity to share your feedback. More information will be shared next week. You can also share your thoughts anonymously through this form.

  On Tuesday, I met with Staff Senate, and I appreciated the opportunity to answer the thoughtful questions they shared from staff members across the university. The commitment of our staff supports Appalachian’s daily success, and because of the hard work of the entire Appalachian Community, we are entering our fifth week back on campus — a tremendous accomplishment. Here are some important updates:

  • As of Sept. 11, we have 53 active cases, which means people who are currently in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test. Our available quarantine capacity is currently at 84% (with 16% of the current capacity in use) and we have the ability to add more as needed.
  • We have added metrics to the dashboard — found here — on our university coronavirus website to show both the number of on-campus tests administered and the percent positive.
  • At Thursday’s pop-up testing event, COVID-19 tests were administered to 816 students, faculty and staff, and the results will be included on the university's dashboard on Monday. As a reminder, the next testing event is today from 12–5 p.m. at the Rivers Street Parking Deck.

  Thank you to the entire Appalachian Community for working together each day to fulfill our academic mission.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  
  

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Aug. 31–Sept. 4

  Friday, September 4, 2020

  This afternoon, I gave my annual remarks at the opening meeting for faculty and staff for the academic year. For this week’s update, I am sharing my remarks below. I also encourage everyone to read the latest operations update, which includes important information, and to please take advantage of the pop-up testing events that are coming up on:

  • Saturday, Sept. 5
  • Thursday, Sept. 10
  • Saturday, Sept. 12
  • Saturday, Sept. 19
  • Saturday, Sept. 26

  These testing events will be held from 12–5 p.m. in the Rivers Street Parking Deck. Visit the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for information on upcoming testing events and on-going testing for students, faculty and staff.

  I wish you all a safe and restful weekend.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor
  
  

  ---

  Remarks from the Fall 2020 Faculty and Staff Meeting:

  Learn more

August 2020

• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Aug. 24–28

  Friday, August 28, 2020

  With our second week of classes complete, all of us are adapting to new routines, including submitting our daily health checks and wearing face coverings when we are on campus. In large part, our entire Appalachian Community is acting responsibly and I could not be more grateful. Thank you all for doing your part.

  I am especially appreciative of our students’ adherence to precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — wearing a face covering, physically distancing and washing hands often. Mountaineers are setting an excellent example, and I am proud that our students’ broad use of face coverings, classroom safety precautions in place and pop-up testing opportunities were noted in a report on Thursday on WSOC-TV. Tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rivers Street Parking Deck, we are again providing free COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff. Thank you to Jason Marshburn and his team in Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management for coordinating this effort. We recently added some enhancements to our informational COVID-19 case count dashboard. Previously, we updated the dashboard as soon as we received data and now, thanks to our local public health agency, AppHealthCare, we are able to update it daily. We are especially appreciative of faculty input on making this a more informative and easy-to-understand resource.

  Today, we received numbers from the fall 2020 census data and the Office of Admissions. Continuing our path of slow and steady growth, we have record-breaking numbers again this year. You can read about them here. These promising statistics during extremely challenging times speak directly to the tremendous efforts of our faculty and staff to recruit, retain and graduate high caliber students.

  • Our total fall 2020 enrollment is 20,023.
    
    
  • Undergraduate enrollment is up 3% for a total of 18,061.
    
    
  • Graduate student enrollment is up 11% for a total of 1,962.
    
    
  • App State Online (undergraduate and graduate) enrollment has increased by more than 18% for a total of 1,513.
    
    
  • Rural student enrollment is 5,992, more than 300 students above the University of North Carolina System's strategic plan benchmark for this year.
    
    
  • First-generation undergraduate students total 6,100, which is 34% of the total undergraduate population.
    
    
  • A record 18% of the total population is racially/ethnically diverse.
    
    
  • We have increased our total underrepresented student population by 56% since 2014.
    
    
  • We have nearly doubled our first-year underrepresented enrollment in the last six years — a 97% increase.

  I am incredibly proud of the work our faculty, staff and students have done to help realize these numbers. These are your successes during a time in which colleges and universities face significant uncertainties about what the future holds, and I hope you take pride in them.

  Next week, we will host our third annual Founders Day celebration. On this day, the first day of classes on Sept. 5, 1899, we honor the principles set forth by our founders that have guided us as educators and leaders in our state and beyond. Their determination to carve out a center of academic and cultural excellence in the ‘lost provinces’ continues to inspire us as we adapt and recharge for the challenges we face every day. This year’s celebration will feature a series of virtual events that include the dedication of our new residence halls, Thunder Hill and Raven Rocks, and the ringing of our Founders Bell. Many thanks to AppTV for livestreaming these events and making it possible for Mountaineers near and far to be a part of this important annual event.

  I am always inspired by stories of how our faculty and staff find new ways — both large and small — to make App State a place our students feel at home and supported. When first-year student Madeline Ryan’s bicycle arrived boxed and unassembled at the University Post Office, administrative support specialists Tim Norris, Matt Story and Daniel Greer jumped at the chance to help and put the bike together for her. Madeline, who had just moved to Boone from Chicago, said, “It was such an important act of kindness to me during a pretty difficult transition.” Read the full story.

  The Appalachian Experience is fortified by the strong connections among our faculty, staff and students, and these bonds will unite us through another century of educational leadership.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Aug. 17–22

  Saturday, August 22, 2020

  Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the entire App State Community, this week we held the first classes of the fall semester. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration across university departments to make this possible. The decision to welcome students back to campus was guided not only by our desire to give students the Appalachian Experience they hoped for, but also by recommendations from public health officials and the UNC System — as I shared in an Aug. 17 message to campus.

  A few weeks ago, in my June address to our Board of Trustees, I said this pandemic has necessitated our creating what is essentially a new Appalachian State University. Every aspect of campus life is different: in the ways we teach, deliver books, clean, meet, exercise, sit and eat together, and even where we place our toothbrushes. Since March, teams of staff and faculty have been working to prepare our campus to continue our premier teaching, research and learning experiences under the massive constraints and challenges imposed by this pandemic.

  Earlier this week, I spoke with Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). She called to discuss our plans of action and individual challenges, and she was complimentary of Appalachian’s extensive preparations and safety measures. On Aug. 21, the NCDHHS released updated guidance for institutions of higher education, and our preparation throughout the spring and summer has ensured we are in full compliance with this guidance.

  Across the nation, the operations of colleges and universities face daily uncertainties. These first few days are critical in ensuring we are able to flatten App State’s curve. We must all be diligent following the 3Ws, and limiting social gatherings to small numbers. Wear face coverings in compliance with university requirements and when you cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance; wait to ensure 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others; wash your hands frequently, scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer. If you are concerned about your or someone else’s exposure to or illness from COVID-19, you can report it here, and our Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management staff will immediately engage a team, including our public health partners, to review and respond as needed.

  Thanks to Student Government President and Vice President Michael Davis and Cam Hunter for the messages they shared with students yesterday, reminding students to limit parties and gatherings to no more than 10 people indoors and no more than 25 outdoors. Their messages and leadership are crucial to our success in being able to maintain an on-campus learning experience for our students. Every student can be a leader by example. As Michael and Cam both said, the actions of each individual person make a difference in our ability to stay the course this semester and beyond.

  While much of our reporting has been on the intricacies of returning to campus, it’s important to remember our faculty and staff continue to create meaningful experiences for our campus community.

  • Dr. Krista Terry, an associate professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, shared her thoughts on our faculty’s expertise in online instruction and connecting with students through all learning modalities. App State has long been known for its relational culture, and Dr. Terry underscores the importance of that focus now more than ever. Read what she had to say.
    
    
  • University Recreation’s Erin Sanders and Dr. Becky Battista of the Department of Health and Exercise Science and director of the Office of Student Research provided options and safety tips for outdoor exercise, enjoying the fall weather and learning what the university campus and Greater High Country have to offer in outdoor settings.
    
    
  • Landscape Services took advantage of our largely empty campus this summer to cultivate more durable turf on Sanford Mall. These grassy areas can now better withstand sustained amounts of high foot traffic and recreational use. Read more about the project.
    
    
  • During the spring and summer, more than 100 App State employees volunteered to personally call nearly 16,000 incoming and current students as a way to check in with our Mountaineers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to see how they were doing and connect them to any needed resources. Read more about this initiative.

  In the last few weeks in particular, we have received many messages commending our university’s response to COVID-19 and highlighting the tremendous efforts of our staff, faculty and leaders. The parents of a returning student, who moved into a residence hall last weekend, shared one such message. They thanked the university for the “thoughtful planning for the upcoming fall semester during these unique and unsettling times. We feel very comfortable having witnessed the preparedness and precautions in place and look forward to a successful fall semester.”

  I, too, want to extend my sincerest thanks to our faculty and staff for your work to elevate the experiences of our students — inside the classroom and beyond. The involvement of our faculty, staff and students is central to our institutional mission, and we are working harder than ever to engage the Appalachian Community in our decision-making processes. Your input is valued and we will continue to seek it as we move forward.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Update from Appalachian State University — week of Aug. 10–14

  Friday, August 14, 2020

  Welcome back to all of our new and returning Mountaineers! Move-in week has brought fresh energy to our campus and it is so great to see our students again. Above is a special message to our students.

  As we prepare for the first day of classes on Monday, I remind those of you on campus to wear your face coverings, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and submit your daily health check. Every aspect of university life has been assessed with safety at the forefront — from academics, to dining, to residence life. You can read more details and find images of how each area of our university has been adjusted in this news story. You can also find more information here about how the university is working to maintain as much continuity as possible during these uncertain times.

  My leadership team and I will continue to work closely with local and state public health and the UNC System. Our work is informed by renowned infectious disease experts, including NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen and infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist Dr. David Weber, who serves as associate chief medical officer of UNC Health Care. To watch updates from Gov Cooper that include Sec. Cohen’s reports, click here.

  Dr. Weber has said, “It is my opinion that if certain precautions are implemented at the university level, the most important being the use of face coverings and maintaining physical distancing, faculty and staff can safely resume instruction and other educational related activities on campus. My opinion is based upon my education, training, experience, and my knowledge and review of reliable, authoritative, science-based data, and clinical observations.” You can also view Dr. Weber’s July 23 presentation to the UNC System Board of Governors here (timestamp 11:40).

  We will work together to make the best possible decisions for our university community and continue our actions to mitigate risk associated with COVID-19.

  I ask that we all continue to diligently practice the 3Ws — wear face coverings, wait to ensure 6 feet of physical distance and wash hands often or use hand sanitizer. Together we can reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  The past few months have presented difficult challenges and decisions, met head-on with resilience and innovation by the Appalachian Community. Now, as we embark on a new academic year, I am certain Mountaineer Spirit will continue to prevail.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  • 08.12 — Appalachian’s University Bookstore has been hard at work planning, cleaning and following safety guidelines.
  • 08.10 — Move-in week looked different this year, including lots of App State face coverings — a great way to #ShowYourLove!
  • 08.10 — Appalachian’s University Housing team put a tremendous amount of thought and care into keeping our on-campus residential students as safe as possible.
  • 08.07 — Our newest residence halls look terrific, and the first residents recently moved in!

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  • Facebook

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• Update from Appalachian State University — week of Aug. 3–7

  Friday, August 7, 2020

  Next week, students will begin moving into residence halls. Even as we all work to manage the challenges of a global pandemic, I am excited about beginning a new academic year.

  Earlier this week, Governor Cooper announced the extension of Phase 2 “Safer at Home” through Sept. 11 while also emphasizing that universities are returning students to classrooms. He acknowledged the importance of opening schools and institutions of higher education, saying “Education must go on.” Higher education is indeed an essential function, and we will ensure that education goes on.

  Governor Cooper and Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), acknowledged this return to campuses is not without risk, and we acknowledge this as well. As we return to campus, we expect to see an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks, but our staff and faculty have been working for months on countless measures designed to mitigate the risk to members of our community. Our campus will look and feel different with new safety protocols in place — you can learn more about those precautions here.

  I am proud of the ways our campus community has already shown its commitment to work together to keep everyone as safe as possible. Leaders from Appalachian’s fraternities and sororities recently issued a joint statement — which you can read here — with guidelines and actions for the safety of students and others in the community who are returning to campus. Our Student Government Association is working with University Communications on an App State Share the Love public health education campaign. We applaud the proactive approaches of these and other student leaders.

  Our students who begin moving into residence halls on Monday will find that the University Housing team has created an environment that sets community expectations for safety with education, training and visitation protocols. You can see a short video here, in which Associate Director of University Housing Dr. Alicia Vest explains some of the measures in place to help protect students living in the residence halls. I’d like to thank Alicia and the entire University Housing team for the incredible amount of work they have done to rethink every aspect of our students’ on-campus housing experience to make our community safer.

  Our on-campus residential students will also have an opportunity to receive a free COVID test as they move onto campus next week, thanks to a partnership with Mako Medical Laboratories to increase testing availability for our campus community. Next week, Mako will be on campus with a “pop-up” site for students who will be living in residence halls. Testing events like these are one of many efforts each of us can take to promote the health and well-being of the Appalachian Community. Residential students will receive further information about this testing event soon. Our local public health agency, AppHealthCare, continues to offer testing for other members of the Appalachian Community. Please find additional information about testing here.

  NCDHHS tracks trends over time for four metrics — surveillance data, testing data, hospitalization data and viral spread — which inform decisions made by public health at the state and local levels. This then affects our planning and response. We have a strong partnership with AppHealthCare, as well as support from NCDHHS and the UNC System, as we prepare for and respond to many scenarios. This coordinated planning accounts for a multitude of planning scenarios, risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

  Our dedication to the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff will continue to guide us as we embark on another semester in the eye of a global pandemic, and I thank each of you for your commitment to our university and each other.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  • 08.07 — Thank you to AppalCART for implementing enhanced cleaning procedures and other safety protocols.
  • 08.06 — We appreciate all the Mountaineers who are showing their love by following the 3Ws, especially wearing a face covering.
  • 07.28 — Safety precautions related to COVID-19 are nearing completion in Roess Dining Hall and across campus.

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July 2020

• 

  Update from Appalachian State University — week of July 27–31

  Friday, July 31, 2020

  In only two weeks, we will welcome our Mountaineers back to campus. I am proud of the way we have adapted to the challenges of this global pandemic, which has challenged every aspect of daily university life — from how we live and learn, to how we engage and educate. As we work together to adjust to our new safety protocols, we are looking forward to connecting in ways we have not been able to for quite some time. We are building an entirely new learning and living environment, designed to continue offering a meaningful experience for the entire Appalachian Community with safety at the forefront of every decision.

  During the UNC Board of Governors meeting last Thursday, infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist Dr. David Weber, who serves as associate chief medical officer of UNC Health Care, gave an informative presentation on COVID-19 that supports the effectiveness of face coverings and social distancing. Notably, he reported on a study that found wearing a face covering reduced the transmission radius of the novel coronavirus by more than half. A recent survey of Appalachian students conducted earlier this month by the Student Affairs Assessment Team and Wellness and Prevention Services shows Appalachian students are "very willing" to wear face coverings, adhere to physical distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene.

  The entirety of the Appalachian Experience has been assessed to ensure the appropriate precautions are in place to keep us as safe as possible. Face-to-face classes will look and feel different with social distancing and required face coverings in all instructional areas. For those students who will be learning remotely for some or all of their coursework, our faculty have spent hundreds of hours over the summer to develop compelling and engaging learning experiences. Campus Dining staff have also implemented many new safety measures while ensuring students have access to quality food through Campus Dining as well as through contracts with GrubHub and local food truck vendors. You can learn more about the changes to Campus Dining in this video. Additionally, Student Affairs is ensuring health services, wellness and prevention services, and student activities are available in new and safer ways. Students and their families can learn more about student life here.

  As we receive new information and guidance from the UNC System, state and local public health, the state legislature and other key oversight agencies, we work to determine what it means for our campus and share with the Appalachian Community as quickly as possible any new guidance and information, as well as any steps we take in response.

  As I mentioned in my message to campus on July 18, the UNC Board of Governors has asked all UNC System institutions to conduct financial scenario planning exercises. This afternoon, the UNC System released scenario planning documents for all campuses. While we are not facing 25%–50% budget cuts at this time, I want to emphasize it is important to responsible fiscal planning that we engage in budget scenario planning.

  Decisions made by the Board of Governors have a direct impact on our university, and Appalachian’s leaders work diligently to ensure our priorities are heard and considered. My positions on the budget and finance and capital construction committees give me insight and a voice in these important areas. The recent Board of Governors meeting resulted in decisions that are important to our university: A motion was approved for the 2020–21 Operating Budget Allocations, which included $5 million for Appalachian for enrollment change funding. Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Paul Forte and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown presented to the strategic initiatives committee about Appalachian’s approach to student health services, particularly our decision to begin billing our students’ insurance companies to gain additional revenue we can re-invest in further resources for students, such as telehealth options.

  On Saturday, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming shared an update from an important meeting held last Tuesday. This meeting addressed initiatives and progress underway, and set up a way that university administrators can be accountable to students, faculty, staff and alumni for accomplishing these objectives. Many conversations with students have taken place since that time, and they continue. We are committed to continuing to push ourselves and our university forward. If you have not done so, I encourage you to read Dr. Fleming’s message and spend some time with the chart he presented at the meeting. You can find both here. 

  We are charting new territory, for certain. In these times, it is more important than ever to stay focused on our academic mission and our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for every member of our community.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of July 13–17

  Saturday, July 18, 2020

  As we look to our first day of classes on Aug. 17, faculty, staff and students are engaged in robust planning that provides the safest possible on-campus community experience for our students. Among our preparations are ensuring 6 feet of distance between those who are in classrooms, offering a variety of instructional methods and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. In the coming days, students can expect communications from Academic Affairs about the course delivery methods for their classes and from Student Affairs about community expectations and the student experience. Staff and faculty are working diligently around the clock to prepare our campus for a return that will provide as robust an on-campus student experience as possible, while adhering to strict safety measures.

  Earlier this week, Governor Cooper announced the extension of Phase 2 “Safer at Home” through August 7, and in-person instruction guidance for K-12 public schools. You can read the Executive Order here, and the announcement about public schools here. I recognize this will have significant impacts on our students, faculty and staff who work with and have children in the K-12 public schools, and my leadership team and I are working to address the many questions these decisions are raising for our community. Please know additional communications will be forthcoming to address these questions.

  As we all work to respond to the latest impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNC Board of Governors has asked all UNC institutions to conduct financial scenario planning exercises. These scenarios are based on potential drops in enrollment; reductions in state appropriations; the loss of business, athletics, and auxiliary revenue, and unanticipated expenses. We are not alone in assessing the possible financial implications of the pandemic, but certainly recognize that should we encounter sizable budget cuts, we could face unprecedented changes to our university. While it is important to recognize these are planning exercises, I want to be clear that my leadership team and I meet regularly with the Faculty Senate Executive Team, and we will continue working collaboratively with Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and our Student Government Association to ensure they are engaged should we need to enact any of the possible financial scenarios.

  Enrollment remains critically important and as we approach fall semester, I am pleased to welcome Kimberly Holley, Appalachian’s new senior director of admissions, to help support our institutional goals. She has been a leader in enrollment management for more than 15 years and has significant experience in supporting marginalized populations and increasing enrollment diversity.

  Along with Provost Norris and Vice Chancellors JJ Brown and Paul Forte, I continue to attend listening sessions with departments across campus to answer questions and hear the thoughts, concerns and ideas of our faculty and staff. While we all yearn for a return to normalcy, I appreciate the many ways the Appalachian Community has continued to move forward. Thank you.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights:

  • 07.14 — Appalachian deeply values its partnerships in the community, and we recently donated 200 masks and helped deliver more than 500 meals to students and community members in isolation and quarantine.
  • 07.14 — Thanks to the Office of Sustainability for giving me a tour of the university’s Roots Garden!

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of July 6–10

  Friday, July 10, 2020

  This week, I hosted a discussion with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown and Michael Davis, our new Student Government Association president. I also attended listening sessions with academic departments, including Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematical Sciences, Leadership and Educational Studies, and Social Work. At each meeting, I heard the conviction of the participants as they shared concerns and asked questions about the logistics of the fall semester in the context of COVID-19, how we plan to keep our faculty, staff and students safe, and what we are doing — or plan to do — to foster cultural change on our campus.

  We are considering all possible scenarios and confirming as many specifics as possible while also awaiting further guidance from Governor Cooper and the UNC System. Governor Cooper’s announcement expected next week about the next steps of his phased reopening plan will be an important indicator for us. I appreciate the collegiality of our faculty and staff, and the patience of our students, as we all work toward the best solution for continuing instruction in the fall. I know all of us want the safest possible learning environment and I appreciate those who are working on this.

  We have added more information about course delivery to our coronavirus website, which includes important information about what to expect in the fall. You can view the Course Delivery page here. Additional information about student life, COVID testing and training modules for health and safety expectations is forthcoming.

  As we work to protect the collective health of our community, it’s essential each person in the Appalachian Community recognizes their individual responsibility. It is up to each of us to follow all recommendations, including wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and self-reporting any tests for COVID-19. Full guidance on these topics can be found on the Returning to Work Safely page of our coronavirus website, under the “Phased return of staff and faculty” section.

  We are not alone in rising to the challenges presented by COVID-19. This pandemic necessitates the utmost cooperation within our community, and we are fortunate to have strong relationships with partners throughout the town, county and region. To date, Appalachian has worked with AppHealthCare to donate 200 disposable surgical masks and to deliver approximately 435 meals through Appalachian’s Campus Dining to students and community members under isolation and quarantine. You can read more about our partnership with the community here.

  The Project Management and Implementation Team continues its important work coordinating preparations for fall semester and beyond. These weekly updates are important, as they respond to frequently asked questions that are emailed to many across the institution, as well as the questions and comments submitted via the “Continuity in the time of COVID-19” page of the university’s coronavirus website. We are working to provide important information and answer questions to the best of our current ability in as timely a fashion as possible. You can read all of the latest updates, including today’s update, here.

  As we continue to do our very best to support our students, faculty and staff, I would like to thank Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, Associate Vice Chancellor for International Education and Development, for quickly reaching out to our international students with resources and support this week. Our international students, faculty and staff enrich our culture and are valued members of our community, and we will continue our support for them. I would like to ensure the campus community is aware of the statement of support for our international students, which I echo wholeheartedly, and I assure you the excellent team in the Office of International Education and Development is working diligently to support our international students.

  Finally, I am pleased to welcome Lamont Sellers as the new director for intercultural student affairs. He comes to Appalachian having previously served as the associate vice president for diversity at the University of South Dakota. Identifying and hiring a new director has been a priority this year for the Division of Student Affairs, and I am confident Lamont will be a tremendous leader at Appalachian.

  We have difficult decisions and work ahead of us — and hard questions to answer. Thank you to everyone in the Appalachian Community for continuing to give of your time and efforts as we move forward.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Month in review

  • Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 29–July 2
    Posted July 2, 2020
  • Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 22–26
    Posted June 28, 2020
  • Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 15–19
    Posted June 19, 2020
  • Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 8–12
    Posted June 12, 2020
  • Update from App State — message from Chancellor Sheri Everts
    Posted June 5, 2020

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 29–July 2

  Thursday, July 2, 2020

  With the fall semester approaching, we are continuing to assess and evaluate the needs of our campus community. Last week, Interim Provost Heather Norris and I reached out to all 43 academic departments to schedule individual department meetings. We want to hear from our faculty colleagues and answer questions they have about the coming days and weeks. This week I also met with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, a team focused on donor and alumni engagement, and a group focused on establishing operational protocol recommendations for Campus Dining, Camps and Conferences, Parking and Traffic, the University Post Office and the University Bookstore. I am very appreciative of the immense amount of work these dedicated faculty and staff perform in support of continued and improved university excellence.

  I also toured Sanford Hall to check on the construction progress, and Anne Belk Hall to see some strategies underway, as we prepare our campus for fall semester and beyond, including reconfiguring classrooms to accommodate 6 feet of physical distancing. We have been running simulations, looking at classroom capacities, assessing all available space (including administrative space) for additional classroom use, and working to balance the course delivery options (face-to-face, fully online and hybrid) to meet the needs of each academic discipline and department — all while providing the best possible academic experience for our students. While we hope and expect to have our students back on campus this fall, we are also making plans to pivot to online delivery in the event it is necessary. With the complex and ever-changing nature of the pandemic, our faculty have been sharing their questions and concerns with university leadership. You can read an open letter Interim Provost Norris and I shared with them earlier today here.

  Each member of our leadership team is exploring the role of diversity and inclusion initiatives in their systems and processes, and identifying areas for improvement. Right now, it is important that we better communicate the resources we have in place, so we have expanded support to Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming to help increase the visibility and accessibility of his office’s important work as well as resources for Black faculty, staff and students, which you can access here. You can also read regular messages from Dr. Fleming about the efforts in place and planned on the Diversity and Inclusion website.

  Appalachian’s faculty members continue to use their expertise to offer valuable perspectives on this global pandemic. Recently, the Office of Research awarded internal grants to eight multidisciplinary faculty teams exploring COVID-19 research related to the spread of the virus in nursing homes and social distancing on greenways and trails, among other topics. Additionally, App State faculty collaborated with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies to research the relationship between COVID-19 transmission and weather.

  We can all be proud that earlier this week, Dr. Baker Perry, a professor in the Department of Geography and Planning, was featured on National Geographic Channel’s special program “Expedition Everest,” which details the trek of a team of researchers, including Dr. Perry, to install the two highest operating automated weather stations in the world on Mount Everest. Our faculty members do tremendous work on and off campus, and our students are fortunate to learn from these respected professionals.

  Across the university, we are critically evaluating every piece of our societal puzzle — from how we can host safe, socially distanced classes, to continuity in the important research, teaching and service work of our faculty, to the additional resources needed for our faculty, staff and students of color. While providing these resources is critically important, we must look to the sources of inequity and trauma present and take real action to remove the causes, to ensure our campus is a safe and just space for all.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  • 06.30 — I saw great construction progress on my recent tour of Sanford Hall and my visit to Anne Belk Hall showed clear strategies for social distancing and enhanced sanitation.
  • 06.30 — Dr. Baker Perry was featured on National Geographic channel, showing the tremendous expertise of Appalachian’s faculty.

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June 2020

• Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 22-26

  Sunday, June 28, 2020

  Friday, I had the opportunity to share university updates with Appalachian’s Board of Trustees, and to help welcome new Staff Senate constituency representative Kelli Wilson to her first board meeting, as well as Student Government Association President Michael Davis, who was sworn in as a voting member of the board by Judge Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, a 1983 graduate of App State. You may read my full remarks here.

  I welcomed the chance to showcase the work taking place at Appalachian as we confront two of the most important issues to hit higher education in our lifetimes: a global pandemic and the exposure of systemic racism. Notably, I shared with our Trustees our evolving plans for a phased return to campus as well as the strategies we have implemented to continue to build a culture of inclusive excellence on our campus.

  One important change that will be in place before classes begin in August will be new names on our residence halls. Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students have worked diligently to research, assess and make recommendations regarding iconography on our campus. We recognize the names of our buildings are a reflection of Appalachian’s values and priorities. We are re-naming Lovill and Hoey halls so they may echo our commitment to creating an environment that is welcoming, safe and respectful to our Mountaineers and to all those who visit our campus. Additionally, because many of our students choose Appalachian, in part, because of our stunning location, we welcome the opportunity for our students to build a stronger connection with the local geography, geology and biology.

  Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming champions this work taking place across our campus, though we know the work belongs to all of us. Last week, he began sharing regular updates broadly with campus. These updates, as well as the significant milestones we have achieved in recent years, resources, support services, and important information about initiatives and programming, are all available at diversity.appstate.edu.

  We miss our students and are looking forward to welcoming them to campus, and yet we are not naïve about doing this during a global pandemic. As Governor Cooper confirmed in his press conference Wednesday in which he extended Phase 2 of North Carolina’s re-opening, the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases in North Carolina remains elevated. President Roper, in consultation with UNC System Chancellors, continues to watch these numbers for how they might impact our plans for the future. As we look at a variety of scenarios for a return to campus, we recognize one likely scenario might mean we pivot to online instruction. As we continue watching the numbers, I, along with my leadership team, continue to appreciate our partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as continued conversations with student leaders, to ensure the safest path forward. Next week, interim Provost Heather Hulburt Norris and I will begin our meetings with academic departments across campus to discuss concerns and develop solutions as we strategize plans for the fall. The Project Management Implementation Team sends weekly updates to campus with additional details, which you can read here.

  Each week brings new questions and new concerns. We are engaging groups across the university to assess conditions and plan for every scenario to keep our Mountaineers safe, and we are actively taking into account the Appalachian Community’s thoughts and insights as we find the best path forward for our university.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  • 06.24 — Three washable, reusable face coverings are being provided to every faculty, staff and student upon their return to campus. Here’s a preview of what they look like.
  • 06.18 — After 37 years of dedicated service to Appalachian, Dr. Randy Edwards, is retiring from his position of vice chancellor for university advancement. We know he’ll always be a loyal Mountaineer!
  • 06.16 — As I check in with each team managing our response to COVID-19 and our preparations for Fall and beyond, I appreciate the efforts of the Emergency Management Task Force, a knowledgeable and efficient group that responds to campus emergencies, and which has been working on the university’s coronavirus response for 159 days.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 15-19

  Friday, June 19, 2020

  Today is Juneteenth, a day that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and months after the end of the Civil War. More than 150 years later, as we are also enmeshed in a world-altering pandemic, our campus and our nation still face the ugly roots of racism and the devastating inequalities they create.
  

  This commemoration calls on us to reaffirm that Black Lives Matter and to reflect and consider the importance of Juneteenth and what each of us can do in our daily actions to make real and powerful changes.
  

  As a key member of my leadership team, Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming elevates the important work of aligning our university’s diversity and inclusion goals with our values of embracing diversity of thought, belief and community, and offers further insight into how our university can be more responsive, supportive and resilient. While we have moved forward on key actions and initiatives, there is still much we need to do. Dr. Fleming and his colleagues are finalizing the universitywide strategic diversity plan that will guide the full commitment of our institutional efforts and bring invaluable coordination to the urgent work of creating a more diverse and equitable Appalachian and will provide the Appalachian Community with updates on our continuing progress — and our challenges — on a regular basis. You can read an important update from him here:
  

  As Appalachian’s Chief Diversity Officer, it is my role to provide the vision, leadership, coordination and strategic planning for improving Appalachian’s campus diversity and inclusion so that everyone in our university community is valued, supported and respected. I am the first Chief Diversity Officer of a stand-alone office, which is one of many firsts that have been a foundation for real change through action. With my colleagues, I continually study our campus climate to assess how we value, respect and support members of our underrepresented groups, as well as the general campus community. Are we where we need to be? Absolutely not, but we are committed to ensuring Appalachian’s culture is one that fosters inclusive excellence. [Read more]
  

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Because of the pandemic, for the past three months, staff, students and faculty dispersed across the area, even across the country, have come together Zoom by Zoom, hour by hour, day by day, focused on sustaining the academic mission and working our way back to campus. For that I am extremely grateful. I and members of the dedicated recovery leadership teams are meeting with UNC System leaders and local public health agencies as well as groups across campus to get input from faculty, staff and students. We are touring classrooms, hallways, walking paths, construction sites and transportation systems to observe and advise, to ask and answer questions.

  • The website dedicated to sharing the planning underway for continuity of teaching, research and learning during the challenges of COVID-19 is available here.
    
    
  • Read the update from the Project Management Implementation Team sent to campus yesterday here.
    
    
  • Read the update on COVID-19 positive case counts and reporting process here.
    
    
  • In my June 12 update to campus, I shared face coverings would be required for - and provided to - faculty, staff and students. Here's a link to the latest message to campus with additional details.
    

  Learn more
• Update from Appalachian State University — week of June 8–12

  Friday, June 12, 2020

  The extraordinary confluence of a global pandemic and recent displays of deplorable racism is rightfully forcing the evaluation, assessment and reconfiguration of the most basic tenets of our lives. Now, our thoughts, our words and, most importantly, our actions define us and determine our path. We are coming back together to safely make in-person connections during the two most important issues that have hit higher education in our lifetimes. Beginning next week, I will be meeting with small groups across campus to hear your thoughts and ideas as we work together on safely reopening and progressing forward together during this difficult and painful time.
  

  The voices of Appalachian have been loud and clear, standing in solidarity with our Black faculty, staff and students. This week, the UNC System established a six-member Equity Task Force — a special committee of the Board of Governors that will meet with student, faculty and staff groups to discuss issues of race and equity in the UNC System. On campus, my leadership team is increasing the work of their divisions, digging deeper into their systems and processes to help unearth and remedy the disparities that result from centuries of systematic, nationwide oppression. We have made great strides, yet recognize they are small in comparison with the necessary systemic change that must be made. We must — and will — continue progressing forward.
  

  Dr. Willie Fleming, who many of you know is Appalachian’s first Chief Diversity Officer specifically tasked with Inclusive Excellence, champions this work taking place on our campus. Beginning next week, he will share regular updates broadly with campus, and will also make this information available on the university’s website dedicated to diversity and inclusive excellence.
  

  Right now:
  

  • Black-identified students can connect with one another and engage in meaningful conversations about the impact of race-based stress and trauma through a virtual Racial Trauma Healing Space developed by the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services. Register here.
    
  • Daily Zoom sessions offered by Counseling and Psychological Services are offering informal and confidential opportunities for students to problem solve, gain perspective and obtain resources. Find out more here.
    
  • Additional resources and assistance for students is available by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students here. Faculty and staff can find employee assistance resources here or access free counseling services for faculty and staff here.
    

  We are working each day to manage the significant ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its financial impact on our campus has hit our receipt-supported areas the hardest. Athletics in particular, has faced a significant budget shortfall, which is projected to be at least $5 million as a result of this pandemic. This week we took an extremely difficult step, informing Athletics staff of mandatory furloughs that will impact every full-time employee of the department, a total of 106 employees. By implementing furloughs, it is our goal to protect as many jobs as possible as we navigate the financial consequences of this pandemic. The furlough plan will reduce the hours worked by most Athletics employees over a 90-day period. A smaller number of employees will be on continuous furloughs, but for shorter periods of time. All employees will retain health insurance and other employee benefits. Athletics has implemented operating budget cuts, sport reductions and changes to scheduling and travel strategies. We are hopeful this will be the last step we need to take to address their significant financial challenges.
  

  Furloughs are limited to receipt-supported areas, and Human Resources and Business Affairs have been diligently engaged in finding ways to protect as many jobs as possible. To avoid additional furloughs, I asked that people in other receipt-supported areas, including Campus Dining, be reassigned to the important work of safely returning our students, faculty and staff to campus.
  

  Committees across campus are working diligently on a phased return to campus, always with the health and safety of the community guiding our every decision:
  

  • Next week, our Project Management and Implementation Team will begin weekly progress reports to campus.
    
  • This week saw our Child Development Center and Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program begin phased reopening plans, and I am grateful to these staff and faculty for their diligence in returning these important services to our campus.
    
  • We have a range of personal protection equipment, including plexiglass shields and face coverings. Three reusable face coverings will be provided to every student, faculty and staff member. Face coverings will be required to be worn in accordance with CDC guidelines whether at work, in class or in public areas on campus.
    
  • Classroom plans are being developed; we have identified additional classroom space for use as needed; cameras and microphones, projectors and other equipment are being purchased, and air flow systems are being maximized to allow for increased outside air exchange.
    

  All of these efforts are taking place thanks to faculty, staff and academic leadership, and I would like to thank our academic department chairs, our faculty, and our Environmental Health & Safety and Emergency Management, Building Services and Facilities Operations staff in particular for their incredible work in this regard.
  

  We are first and foremost a university, a center for learning. Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students continue to elevate the Appalachian Experience:
  

  • Throughout the month of June, our Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs) are dedicating their time and efforts to one-day virtual orientation sessions for more than 5,000 incoming students, ensuring they feel connected to the university and prepared to start their Appalachian education.
    
  • Faculty in the Walker College of Business collaborated with faculty at Kristu Jayanti College in Bengaluru, India, to provide a two-week virtual study abroad experience for students at both institutions.
    
  • Reich College of Education faculty members shared advice and insights into how to make the most of online teaching and learning, and how to engage students in virtual spaces.
    

  I am thankful to work alongside Mountaineers who are invested in the success of the entire Appalachian Community. We have and will continue to adapt for the pandemic, and we will work harder and more deliberately to eradicate institutional racism and inequity.
  

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Update from App State — message from Chancellor Sheri Everts

  Friday, June 5, 2020

  Earlier this week, I shared my immense sadness and anger in a message to our campus community and also shared remarks by App State Police Chief Andy Stephenson and Chief Diversity Officer Willie Fleming about our continued commitments to our community. If you haven’t read them in full, we hope you will here.

  As critical conversations take place across the nation and world about the importance of inclusion and equity, I have been deeply touched by the dozens of our colleges, departments and programs; athletic teams; student organizations; student services; university offices and more that have shared emails, social media posts, website posts and messages in public support of our students, faculty and staff of color. In particular, Reich College of Education Dean Melba Spooner wrote, “I know words are inadequate right now, but I also know that silence is not an option.” The diverse perspectives and approaches — which mirror what so many of us are feeling — are united in the belief that we can all do more and do better, and we are collectively dedicated to doing so.

  Since classes resumed after spring break, the Office of the Dean of Students has hosted a weekly town hall meeting with students to discuss these important issues. The office worked with three Appalachian students to host a special meeting today called “Dialogue with the Dean.” This was an opportunity for the participants to have open, honest conversations — and to share their anger, frustrations and sadness — about recent national events and the needs of Appalachian students.

  When lives are at stake, systemic change is more critical than ever. Black Lives Matter; and we are listening, hearing and working to effect change.

  When racism is institutionalized, change — to be real and effective — must be implemented across the entire institution. Many of the foundational changes we have made and continue to grow include more inclusive hiring practices, increased diversity on our leadership team and in our faculty, staff and students, decreased divide between the success of our white students and students of color, and an innovative police development program that is changing the way we train officers and reinvent policing. As we become more diverse we will continue listening, hearing and acting because our changing community will continue to identify ways we need to do better and be better. Even as we misstep, make mistakes and say and do the wrong things, academic settings are filled with people who value learning from our past to improve the future.

  As we respond to the upheaval of our lives and our emotions brought on by police violence and systemic racism, we are also navigating a global pandemic. In May, Appalachian began a calling effort to reach out to every current and incoming App State student. Now more than ever, it is critical our Black students hear from us directly that we care and value them in our community.

  Support for our entire campus community is always available. Students can contact the Office of the Dean of Students here or the Counseling & Psychological Services center here. Faculty and staff can find employee assistance resources here or access free counseling services for faculty and staff here.

  We all want to be together, in person, to support one another during these troubling times and to facilitate needed opportunities to dissect these complex issues — and I am thankful for the committees that are planning for our safe return to campus. I would like to share a few updates on our plans to return to campus:

  • Earlier this week, Human Resources sent a message to faculty and staff regarding the safe, phased return of employees to campus. You can read the message here.
    
    
  • We are continually updating our guidance, protocols and information regarding the return of faculty and staff to campus, which you can view here. The university will provide face coverings for returning faculty and staff.
    
    
  • We have also made updates to the university website dedicated to the planning of our return to campus, which you can view here.
    
    
  • We have updated the university’s coronavirus website to include a dashboard that gives increased visibility regarding testing, from the number of positive COVID-19 cases to information related to testing sites. This website and dashboard are the most accurate and immediate source for the latest information related to Appalachian's response to COVID-19.
    

  Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students continue to build connections with those in our community and across the world. For instance, last weekend, App Builds a Home hosted a virtual dedication for its first home completed through a partnership with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity — and the team is already planning a second home, construction of which will begin this fall. Also, several of Appalachian’s faculty Fulbright scholars — who were brought home from their respective partner universities at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis — are continuing their work remotely to further global connections for their students and the Appalachian Community.

  I also want to extend a special congratulations to the fifth-grade graduating class of Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork — our second class of mini-Mountaineers! Last night, we honored their accomplishments with a virtual ceremony, which you can view here. I know they will all go on to do big things!

  We work every day to make our university more inclusive, safe and connected. This week, especially, has brought increased urgency to this work and we will continue to make it a priority.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  The Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  • 06.04 — Congratulations to the fifth grade graduating class of Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork.
  • 06.03 — I shared with the App State community my reflections on recent national events and our university’s role in fostering change.
  • 06.01 — Appalachian is fortunate to have our Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming, who has clear perspectives and keen insights to help us all do better.
  • 05.30 — I am proud of the Appalachian Police Department for helping reimagine law enforcement.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

  Learn more

May 2020

• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of May 25–29

  Friday, May 29, 2020

  We are prioritizing our academic mission as we continue our response efforts to COVID-19 and simultaneously manage the “recovery” phase of this crisis situation. In this regard, there are many groups across campus working on Appalachian's transition back to classes and labs in the fall and beyond. As we continue refining the plans for fall, we are also putting plans in place for a phased-in return of employees to campus.

  What will returning to work look like?
  We will continue with our current teleworking plan until at least June 26. Earlier this week, faculty and staff received a communication from Human Resources that shared updated work and leave provisions, which you can view here.

  As we prepare for the safest possible phased return of our staff and faculty to campus, we have developed a return-to-work guide, which you can view here.

  This living document discusses in detail the safety measures that will be in place during Governor Cooper’s Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The guide also provides information about face coverings, physical distancing, sanitation and initial scheduling guidance for supervisors and employees. It is not a full guide for returning to classrooms, laboratories, internships and other learning environments. That work is ongoing.

  We are keeping the health, safety and well-being of the Appalachian Community at the forefront of every decision.
  As we phase employees back to work on campus, the safety measures we are implementing include close coordination with state and local public health agencies, while following UNC System guidance and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which you can view here.

  We will provide face coverings for all employees for use while working, as well as visible signage and guides on campus to help with physical distancing. A robust cleaning schedule will also be in place.

  Planning for fall semester and beyond continues.
  In every aspect of our operations, seeking and sharing information is key to making the best possible decisions. As teams across campus work to make recommendations about many important areas — including academic course delivery; safety, health and wellness; the on-campus residential experience; campus services and sanitation; and child care — we will share their work. To that end, as noted in my weekly update to campus last week, we have created a dedicated website to provide and solicit information about the planning underway for fall 2020 and beyond, which you can view here.

  Since the launch of this website last week, the Project Management and Implementation Team has received informative feedback and questions from many of you, which they have directed to the appropriate work teams. We have kept our UNC System leadership up to date on the work of these planning groups, and will provide an early June status update on key progress areas, including health and safety guidance, communication planning, contingency plans for maximizing remote study and telework if necessary, cleaning and sanitization procedures, and fiscal management.

  Thank you to the many members of the university community who have been involved in both formal and informal discussions. We all share the goal of creating an optimally safe and quality learning experience for our students, and I hope you will all continue to be active participants in this process.

  Other important projects, initiatives and distinctions.
  Faculty and staff across the university have shown tremendous resilience in adjusting to the challenges of the pandemic, all while proceeding with initiatives and projects and earning well-deserved distinctions, including:

  • On Monday, the university observed Memorial Day, a day honoring those who have died in service to our country. Navy veteran Chuck Ford, director of App Catering and assistant director of Campus Dining, placed a wreath at our Veterans Memorial to commemorate this important occasion. We hold close the strong military tradition on Appalachian’s campus, which is uplifted daily by the hundreds of enrolled student veterans and active-duty military members, as well as our veteran staff and faculty members.
  • The University Priorities and Planning Council has continued revising the university's strategic plan, and they intend to complete the plan this fall. I encourage all those in the Appalachian Community to engage in this valuable process by providing feedback through the form linked here.
  • The Climate Action Plan Committee work continues, and they will present their plan to campus in August.
  • The Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences earned Silver LEED certification. This is our university’s 10th building to be awarded LEED certification, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

  During this pandemic, Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students have continued to exemplify the qualities of a Mountaineer: caring, service-oriented and research-driven. I have never been prouder to be part of this extraordinary university.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of May 18-22

  Friday, May 22, 2020

  As we transition from Spring Semester into Summer Sessions, I want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate our faculty, staff and students for the excellent — and extra — work everyone completed to finish a particularly difficult semester. Thank you, too, for your considerable efforts to support one another over the past months. As we celebrated our graduates last Saturday, I was struck by the tremendous support — from every state and dozens of other countries — for our 2020 graduates. Our commencement ceremony was one of which we can all be proud, no matter how we took part. You can read more about it here.

  As we move into Summer Sessions and look toward Fall Semester, I’d like to provide some important updates on our future planning:

  Future Planning

  We are preparing for a return to campus in August with safety as our top priority. For many weeks, planning for Fall Semester and beyond has been underway. My leadership team and I have been working with UNC System leadership, as well as our counterparts across the UNC System, to anticipate and respond to many possible scenarios. Across our campus, faculty and staff have also been engaged in future planning. Many working groups, which cross every division and many, many departments, are engaged in planning and implementation. In the coming days and weeks, these working groups will continue addressing dozens of details and questions.

  We are developing ways to be as flexible and responsive as possible in order to be ready for whatever the coming weeks and months hold. On June 1, my leadership team and I will discuss our preliminary plans for fall with UNC System leadership.

  You can find out more about this work, as well as share the questions you have, here. We will direct your questions to the appropriate working group on campus to be addressed.

  Academic Calendar Update

  We will begin our semester on Aug. 17 as planned, with one adjustment to the calendar: The two-day Fall Break will be eliminated in order to hold our last day of classes on Nov. 24. The final exam period will remain unchanged. All final exams for Fall 2020 will be held online, with the exception of courses that require clinical or lab-based assessments. December Commencement will be held on schedule, and at this time we are still planning for an in-person ceremony. This plan will allow for the greatest number of our students to remain home for an extended period of time before the Spring Semester begins in January. I would like to extend my thanks to the faculty, staff and students who make up the Academic Calendar Committee for the work they did to recommend this change.

  Here are some key safety measures that will be in place:

  • Prior to employees returning to campus, we will establish and share clear guidance on safety measures that must be taken in order to be on campus, including wearing face coverings, washing hands often and maintaining safe physical distance. The university will facilitate this by providing face coverings, adjusting classroom and work spaces and adding hand sanitizing stations across campus.
  • We are working with state and local Public Health to develop and communicate clear and concise public health and safety awareness information that will be visibly displayed in every building and every classroom on campus.
  • Our decisions will be informed by CDC and Public Health data and guidance, as well as by state and local government decisions. We will continue engaging faculty, staff and students in our future planning.

  As a campus, we are becoming more flexible and adaptive to an environment that is subject to rapid social, political, economic and technological changes. We are doing so because we must — and our ability to do so makes us a stronger community.

  Thank you for your unwavering commitment to App State.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Celebrating the #AppStateClassof2020

  Saturday, May 16, 2020

  Today, we joined together from our living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and front porches to witness a defining moment in each of our graduates’ academic careers and in Appalachian’s history. During our university’s first virtual commencement — which you can view any time here — more than 3,600 students began the next chapters of their lives as our newest Appalachian alumni.

  I was overwhelmed — as I hope our graduates were — by the outpouring of excitement and support on social media from graduates, family, friends, alumni and all those who care for our students. I hope you will take a moment to visit our commencement website and view the many heartfelt testaments to the Class of 2020, such as these:

  “... stage or no stage … we did it, Class of 2020!🎓 Forever grateful to be a Mountaineer.”

  “Congrats to my sister on her graduation from @appstate! Fun fact: My siblings and I have now all graduated from the same university! Our love for Boone runs deep.”

  “While not having graduation obviously isn’t ideal, missing one day doesn’t diminish the past four years — not in the slightest. It’s hard to put into words how much this school has changed me. My friends, Dance Team and even getting roasted in graphic design critiques all made me the person I am today and for that I’m truly grateful. Thanks for the best four years, Appalachian, and as always: roll ’Neers. 🖤💛🎓✨”

  “Six years, two degrees, one sorority, lots of great friends and countless memories — thank you Appalachian State for it all. Boone will always have my heart. Cheers to officially having our master’s; couldn’t have done it without y’all! Here’s to the next step.”

  “Regardless of how it ended, I’m beyond blessed to be able to conclude this chapter of my life and start a new one with my Bachelor of Science. Huge thank you to everyone who made my collegiate experience the most memorable four years of my life.”

  Our commencement speakers and guest performer were outstanding! New York Times best-selling author and Appalachian alumnus Stephen Dubner encouraged students to use their experiences at Appalachian to “do something wild, something bigger than they have ever done before.” He also advised them to think of those who may someday thank them for accomplishing their wild endeavors, as well as who they want to thank right now for helping them get to this moment. Student speakers Olivia Gentry and Ann Marie McNeely gave fresh perspectives on the responsibilities of Appalachian graduates to make a difference in the world. Award-winning country music artist Luke Combs delivered a moving rendition of our university’s alma mater and a surprise version of “This One's for You” he tailored just for us. The contributions of these Mountaineers, who span disciplines and generations, transformed our ceremony into a lasting tribute to the power of the Appalachian Spirit.

  To our graduates: A virus may have stolen the culminating, face-to-face celebration of your accomplishments at App State, but your university, your families and the alumni who have come before you admire the resiliency and creativity you have shown leading up to this great day.

  To our faculty and staff: Your investment in our students helped bring them to this moment and their vast accomplishments reflect the time you spent as teachers, fellow researchers, mentors and role models. My sincere thanks to each of you for the passion you bring to Appalachian, year after year.

  I am profoundly grateful that in a time of physical distancing we were able to come together in a new way to honor our graduates and celebrate their achievements. Thank you to everyone who joined us today — we will never forget this extraordinary celebration nor the graduating Class of 2020.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights look different these days.

  The Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  • 05.14 — Appalachian’s campus is in full bloom, which makes us miss even more the sights and sounds of our students.
  • 05.12 — In the midst of the transition to online instruction for schools, Appalachian’s dedicated student teachers continued providing a tremendous experience for their students while completing their Appalachian education.
  • 05.11 — During National Nurses Week, we extended our thanks to nurses everywhere, especially the more than 1,200 students who have graduated from the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ nursing program.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

  Learn more
• 

  COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of May 4–8

  Friday, May 8, 2020

  Our students have completed their exams and have officially concluded the semester. For some, it is the conclusion of the spring semester, and for others, it is the end of their academic careers at Appalachian. We are proud of our entire campus community for a strong end to a challenging semester. A heartfelt thank you to our faculty and staff for your tremendous efforts and for helping define the Appalachian Experience.

  Earlier this week, Governor Cooper announced an executive order commencing Phase 1 of his plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions in the state of North Carolina effective Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. With current telework and online and alternative course delivery in place, our operations will not see a significant impact as a result of this order. As a reminder, the current campus staffing plan under Governor Cooper’s stay-at-home order remains in place (read the full message to campus here). We will provide further details as they become available.

  Human Resources Director Mark Bachmeier has been working closely with the UNC System, which recently released additional guidance on pay and leave provisions. You may read the most recent guidance here. Please note we also encourage our employees to review the criteria for leave available to eligible employees under the new Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which you can do here.

  We will continue to keep our campus updated on these and other important matters related to COVID-19. Please continue to check for emails and visit the university’s coronavirus website for the latest updates.

  As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4–8, I shared, on behalf of the university, our gratitude for local teachers and employees of Watauga County Schools, as well as those at Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork. Our university has a long legacy of preparing educators to empower future generations. Many of our education students continued to make an impact while serving as student teachers this semester, even with the move to online instruction for themselves and their students. Laura Ialuna, a graduating senior majoring in elementary education, said it best: “Adapting to remote teaching has demonstrated to me how tough and resilient teachers are.” I certainly agree and would add, it has also highlighted just how much we all appreciate our educators!

  Laura, along with about 3,600 graduates, is quickly approaching another major milestone: Appalachian's first virtual commencement ceremony, which is just one week away. As I shared with campus earlier this week, we are proud to welcome award-winning country music artist Luke Combs as a special guest performer, joining his alma mater in celebrating the Class of 2020. His contribution will beautifully complement those of our student speakers, senior Olivia Gentry and Ann Marie McNeely ’16, and our keynote speaker, Stephen Dubner ’84. I hope you will all tune in on May 16 at 11 a.m. to help us honor our newest class of alumni!

  Throughout the spring semester, our students, faculty and staff continued to find ways to serve our university and local communities. Here are two such examples:

  • Department of English faculty member Donna Akers transformed the final project in her Business Writing class to allow students to give back to their communities by working with local businesses, organizations and causes.
  • Appalachian’s Food Resource Hub has continued to provide food and personal care items for the Appalachian Community since we transitioned to virtual working and learning in March.

  Though the Appalachian Community has rallied to help those in need, many students across the university are still experiencing financial hardship. More than 1,200 students affected by challenges associated with COVID-19 have applied for emergency aid since we implemented the Mountaineer Emergency Fund. You can learn more about the significance of this fund to our students’ success, donate to the fund or apply for assistance here. My sincere thanks to all those who have supported this critical student resource.

  While we continue working through answers to many important questions, we will make every decision with the safety of the Appalachian Community as our top priority, and we will approach each day as we always have — as Mountaineers, together.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  The Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  My weekly updates and additional information for campus about the university's response to COVID-19 are posted to the university’s dedicated coronavirus website.

  • 05.07 — Appalachian appreciates all educators, especially those in our local community.
  • 05.07 — When one faculty member reimagined her final class project during the switch to online instruction, she created an opportunity for students to give back.
  • 05.05 — We are proud that nearly 40 faculty members have come together to develop research clusters to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on our community and region.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

  Month in review:

  • COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 20–24
    Posted April 24, 2020
  • COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 13–17
    Posted April 17, 2020
  • COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 6–9
    Posted April 6, 2020
  • COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of March 30–April 3
    Posted April 3, 2020

  Learn more
• 

  Luke Combs to perform at virtual Spring 2020 Commencement

  Tuesday, May 5, 2020

  I’m excited to share that award-winning country music artist Luke Combs will be a special guest performer during Appalachian’s first virtual commencement ceremony. We are proud to have Luke join his alma mater in celebrating the Class of 2020! Be sure to tune in to the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. to hear him congratulate our graduates. Thank you, Luke, for bringing your talents — virtually — home to Appalachian!

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Spring 2020 Commencement Schedule

  Learn more
• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 27 – May 1

  Friday, May 1, 2020

  The last day of classes for Spring Semester is behind us and exams are officially underway. We send good thoughts and well wishes to our students and faculty as they navigate this busy time made all the more challenging by our present circumstances. We continue to move forward in all aspects of university life. Below are updates on topics of importance to the Appalachian Community:

  Spring Commencement
  Our academic year will culminate with Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony on May 16. The ceremony will feature remarks by Olivia Gentry, who is earning a degree in public health in the Beaver College of Health Sciences and representing our undergraduate students, and Ann Marie McNeely, who is representing the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies and earning an Ed.D. in educational leadership. They both have compelling stories to share. I am also very pleased to announce alumnus Stephen Dubner ’84, recipient of the Appalachian Alumni Association’s 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award and co-author of the “Freakonomics” book series, has accepted our invitation to speak at this very special event. We are thrilled to welcome — virtually — Stephen home to Appalachian. In addition to being one of our most distinguished alumni, he is a celebrated interdisciplinary thinker. I am certain his perspectives, always astute and insightful, will prove meaningful for our graduates and all who join us for this special ceremony. We have another exciting addition to our commencement program that we think will make this event even more memorable. I will share more information on that soon, so stay tuned!

  Fall 2020 Semester
  We recognize that many in the Appalachian Community are eager to know our plans for the upcoming Fall Semester. Prepared by the experience of this semester, informed by Governor Cooper’s timeline and supported by the knowledge and experience of UNC System Interim President Roper, we are planning to have students and faculty return to classrooms and labs in the fall. I would like to share with you how we are planning for this.

  Our learning environment has been fundamentally changed by COVID-19, and Fall Semester 2020 will not look like Fall Semester 2019. We recognize returning to campus without a COVID-19 vaccine will present new challenges. We will take every precaution to maximize safety and limit exposure for those who are vulnerable. Learning environments will look and feel different, as will student living environments. Provided the conditions for re-opening our state are met, we will be ready.

  • Personal protective equipment, access to testing and new standards for cleaning and sanitizing our working and learning environments will be in place.
  • We will carefully adhere to recommendations for limitations on crowd sizes, exposure to vulnerable and high-risk populations and other strategies for mitigation.
  • We will develop new incentives for research and teaching practices that are adaptable and responsive to the intrusions of COVID-19.
  • Phase One of our newest residence halls project, which includes Thunder Hill and Raven Rocks halls, will be complete, allowing additional capacity and flexibility for us to manage new challenges presented by communal living environments.
  • Community events, experiences and gatherings will be different, but we will be together — face-to-face — in ways we will not have been for five months.

  In the midst of uncertainty, one certainty is our return to campus will be implemented with the safety of our campus community at the forefront of every decision.

  CARES Act funding
  Following all guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, we are working quickly to finalize our plan to disburse the student aid portion of our CARES Act funds to eligible students. Our top priority is to support our students and ensure they have the means to complete their degrees, despite this unexpected and unimaginable situation. Our Financial Aid team has been working on a disbursement plan to prioritize students who are faced with additional expenses and those with urgent needs brought on by the disruptions of COVID-19. The funds will be paid directly to students. We will share further information about this soon.

  Faculty experts
  Appalachian’s focus on applied research and its history as a rural-serving institution of higher learning also position us to identify and solve issues presented by this extraordinary time. As I shared with Faculty Senate earlier this week, nearly 40 faculty representing about a dozen disciplines have come together to develop research clusters to generate information, knowledge and solutions surrounding the impacts of COVID-19 on our community and region.

  With no comparable circumstances in recent history, we are only beginning to see the effects the novel coronavirus will have on our region, our state, our nation and our world. Our faculty are adept at exploring local issues within a global context and preparing our students to do the same. With faculty guidance, our students will be addressing challenges, solving problems and maximizing the opportunities presented by this time in history for generations to come. Our faculty are truly shaping the future of our world.

  We are all fortunate to be part of Appalachian State University — an epicenter of innovation, research, service and compassion.

  
  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  The Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  My weekly updates and additional information for campus about the university's response to COVID-19 are posted to the university’s dedicated coronavirus website.

  05.01 — The Mountaineer Emergency Fund is a critical resource for our App State students financially affected by COVID-19.

  04.30 — Traditionally, we host a day of support and giving called #iBackAPP Day in the spring. This year, given our present circumstances, we decided what we all needed was an #APPBacksU Day: A time to celebrate all our Mountaineers are doing to support each other and their communities.

  04.30 — Mountaineers showed their support for UNC Charlotte on the first anniversary of the tragic shooting that took place on its campus.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

  Learn more

April 2020

• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 20–24

  Friday, April 24, 2020

  On Monday, we will start the final week of classes for spring semester. Final projects, exams and end-of-year celebrations look quite different this year, but our faculty, staff and students have rallied to find opportunities in adversity and to make the most of every situation. I would like to share some important updates about topics of particular interest:

  Fall semester:
  I am encouraged by Governor Cooper’s plan to lift restrictions as the metrics across the state support such a move. At the UNC System level and on our campus, discussions about what is possible for fall semester have been robust, creative and engaging. In meetings with my leadership team, I have asked them to view our operations differently and to consider options broadly, creatively and ambitiously. We are looking at every option that will allow us to welcome our faculty and students back to their classrooms and labs this fall. Our faculty and staff have been problem-solving numerous contingencies and mitigation strategies, and this work is what will make it possible for us to emerge from our stay-at-home status with solid recovery options in place. These times call for us to think beyond what we have always done and develop adaptable solutions, and you continue to demonstrate your talent and conviction in this regard. Thank you for your continued dedication as we move toward a return to campus.

  Spring 2020 Commencement:
  This year’s Spring Commencement will be unlike any event in Appalachian’s history. While we wish we could be together in the Holmes Convocation Center, our university’s first virtual commencement ceremony will retain as much pomp and circumstance as possible as we honor this tremendous milestone. Many thanks to the members of our virtual commencement committee — made up of 24 faculty, staff and students — who are working tirelessly to ensure our event will, beyond doubt, be a special and memorable occasion! The virtual commencement will broadcast Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. on appstate.edu and on the Appalachian State University Facebook page, and a recording will be available to continue sharing with family and friends. May and August graduates will also be invited to attend a special commencement ceremony in their honor in December.

  CARES Act funding:
  We continue to receive guidance from the U.S. Department of Education about CARES Act funding. The direction for disbursing the funding for students, as well as for how we may use the institutional funding, is extremely complicated and involves much oversight, but we are dedicated to providing financial relief to our students, especially for those hardest hit with financial challenges that are presenting obstacles to completing their degrees.

  We will continue to regularly share additional information and updates on these important matters. My weekly updates and additional information for campus about the university's response to COVID-19 are posted to the university’s dedicated coronavirus website.

  As we plan for the future, this is a time of year when we look back at the accomplishments of the academic year, and for many of our students, their academic careers. On Monday, I will share an end-of-year report with the Faculty Senate, and as I review this extraordinary year and the many challenges it has put before our community, I continue to be uplifted by the insights of our faculty.

  In a recent nationally published article, Dr. Andrew Koricich, associate professor of higher education in the Reich College of Education, offered his thoughts on how COVID-19 will impact students from rural communities. He wrote, “None of us get to sit this out, because we’re going to be in a very different world. And I want to be in a world where folks from rural communities are in a position to start speaking up more and being heard better. So we need those folks to come back to do the work that we have to do.” Thank you, Dr. Koricich, for underscoring our important legacy as a rural-serving institution.

  The academic mission is our greatest endeavor and the work of our students is our greatest legacy. I am proud to share the dedication to this ultimate goal with you, and I continue to be inspired each day by our faculty, staff and students.

  
  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  The Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  • 04.22 — The Center for Academic Excellence is working with a network of 50-plus faculty members across campus to provide an additional layer of support and encouragement for their colleagues.
  • 04.21 — Our faculty and staff have shown innovation and agility in reimagining experiences and events on virtual platforms.
  • 04.18 — Each evening, my grandson and I have been feeding the campus ducks on behalf of our absent students and it causes me to reflect on how members of the Appalachian Community everywhere are coping as they make minor and major adjustments in their daily lives.
  • 04.16 — A class assignment became an internet sensation for one App State student when a video he made about his family dog went viral.

  Follow me on:

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  Learn more
• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 13–17

  Friday, April 17, 2020

  Our fourth week of online instruction is now complete, and many of us in the Appalachian Community are finding new routines that help sustain us in this prolonged and unprecedented situation. We are simultaneously managing a global crisis, establishing our path to recovery and working to restore normal operations as much as possible — it is a tremendous amount of work and, campuswide, we continue rising to the challenge.

  On Saturday, we shared information about federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which will provide grant assistance directly to students as well as to the university. Appalachian’s allocation is $15,927,932, with 50% of that amount being provided in the form of direct aid to students. The U.S. Department of Education is preparing now to release the funding that will go directly to students, and the UNC System is working to determine the allocation formula. The legislation specifies these funds must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care). These funds must be paid directly to students and cannot be used to refund the cost of reimbursements already paid to students by the university.

  We welcome and appreciate this much-needed financial relief for students and for the university. Even with this funding, however, we expect a significant budget shortfall, given our incurred costs and lost revenue to date, and our estimated costs and lost revenue through the end of this fiscal year. Interim Provost Norris, Vice Chancellor Forte and I have been meeting regularly with the Faculty Senate Budget Committee. My leadership team and I will continue providing regular updates to campus about our budget situation. A university-level budget update is planned to take place soon, so please look for follow-up communications about this.
  

  We are all looking ahead to the fall semester. Along with other UNC System Chancellors, I have been engaged in many discussions with System leadership about the delivery method for fall 2020 classes. There are numerous considerations involved, and it seems we uncover more each day.

  Planning for hypotheticals and contingencies isn’t easy, and I appreciate the work our faculty and staff are doing to try to plan for so many scenarios. Likewise, our students and their families are facing deadlines for signing leases and planning as best as possible for the fall 2020 semester.

  While there are still so many uncertainties, one sure certainty is that, to a person, everyone at App State is reviewing every option with the best interest of our students top of mind.

  As soon as we have further information from the UNC System, we will communicate it to the campus community. Thank you for your patience. Your workday and study schedules are already packed, yet you continue to help ensure we are proactive and thoughtful as we struggle with the ambiguities of the coming weeks and months.

  Day after day, Appalachian’s faculty members demonstrate an immense capacity to care for their students and colleagues. A special group has been at the forefront of our transition to online instruction — Appalachian’s faculty champions. These approximately 50 faculty members, selected by the leaders in the Center for Academic Excellence, have been providing technical and instructional support to faculty members since our initial switch and they are still working steadily to ensure everyone has what they need to be successful. Along with these faculty there are so many others, who offer advice and assistance without being asked by anyone. Our faculty care about our students, about one another and about our staff. We are incredibly appreciative of their time and efforts.

  Appalachian’s staff members also continue to serve the university and greater communities. I attended Staff Senate’s monthly meeting this week and was again struck by the selflessness and “can-do” spirit of Appalachian’s staff. University Recreation is offering live classes via Zoom and Instagram; the University Writing Center is available to students through its online platform; and the Office of Sustainability has organized virtual programming for Earth Month, including the 50th anniversary of Earth Day next week. Notably, many in our community are struggling with food insecurity in the midst of this pandemic. Even with our reduced campus population, the Office of Sustainability’s Food Resource Hub has distributed food bags to more than 50 people in the last month. Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork has also been active, distributing school supplies to 45 families and serving 566 meals, at last count.

  Our students are also making the most of this situation, even as circumstances disappoint. Students filmed a video of themselves singing “The Song of Purple Summer” — a song from their production of “Spring Awakening” originally scheduled for this semester — and garnered coverage in Broadway World. This is but one example of the resilience of the Appalachian Spirit, which remains strong.

  Though the enormity of this pandemic’s impact is staggering, each day brings new stories of Mountaineers rallying behind one another. These snapshots of hope and points of light sustain us.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights

  Although social distancing is our new normal, the Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. While they are not a primary mode of communicating, they are one important way to maintain a sense of connectedness. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  In addition to my weekly updates and social posts, we continue to send additional updates to campus as key information becomes available. I encourage you also to regularly visit the university’s dedicated coronavirus website for the latest updates, resources and information as this situation continues to unfold.

  • 04.14 — I always enjoy the chance to share university updates and exchange ideas with Appalachian’s Staff Senate.
  • 04.13 — Many thanks to the staff in the Career Development Center for offering new and timely resources for our students.
  • 04.10 — Our university takes seriously the health and safety of those in our community and beyond, and we encourage all Mountaineers to stay safe and follow guidance from public health officials.
  • 04.08 — Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Snodgrass for being honored by the UNC System for excellence in teaching!
  • 04.07 — Thank you to the Academic Affairs staff for compiling resources for App State families who are working and studying from home with their children.

  Follow me on:

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  Learn more
• 

  COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of April 6–9

  Monday, April 6, 2020

  Video Transcript

  Good afternoon. As we all continue to practice social distancing, it is my pleasure to deliver my weekly campus update through a more personal medium today.

  Yesterday evening, I drove a solar vehicle to feed the campus ducks, replacing what would have been a walk with a drive to ensure social distancing. In doing so, I reflected on how this minor adjustment to my routine is just one of so many changes we have all made in recent weeks. Our campus feels very different from a typical April. We are, of course, in a situation that is anything but typical.

  Yesterday, we announced another positive COVID-19 case in an off-campus student, who is recovering at home. Our hearts are with this student, and all of the members of our Appalachian Community whose lives are touched by this dangerous and pervasive virus.

  I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation with Governor Cooper’s stay-at-home order and the social distancing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control. It is critical we continue to do so.

  As we are settling into new routines, we continue finding ways to connect virtually with friends, family, classmates and colleagues. New situations and questions arise daily, and we are all working steadily to find solutions.

  I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the mandatory staff members who are still coming to campus to perform the essential operations of keeping our campus running.

  • We have just over 90 students still living on campus, and of course, support for them is critical.
  • Our IT staff continues to meet the heavy demand for their support, and our appreciation for their team grows day by day.
  • Campus Dining is keeping takeout meals available for those members of our campus who need them, as well as providing support for our community’s emergency response efforts.

  Finances are a heavy concern for many in the Appalachian Community. This week, we announced additional information regarding dining and on-campus housing refunds for our students. These payment processes have begun, and our Student Accounts team is working to process them quickly.

  The university’s Mountaineer Emergency Fund continues to see great demand from students who are facing significant hardship. Many faculty and staff have contributed to this fund, and I am so proud of how our community is stepping up to assist these students who are in dire need. Thank you so much. The fund is less than two weeks old and we have seen more than 700 applications for assistance.

  Thank you to our Case Managers and other Student Affairs staff for working with each of these students, and thank you to our Advancement staff, who continue their active work to help ensure this fund can continue to assist those who need it most.

  Earlier this week, faculty and staff also received information about zero-interest emergency loans for permanent faculty and staff facing financial hardship. I hope these measures will ease some of the burden for many in our community.

  As we continue to manage the COVID-19 crisis, our mission of teaching, research and service remains paramount. We recently announced the 2020 class of Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars. At a time when we are all being called upon to think more creatively than ever, these faculty and staff exemplify the research, scholarship and ingenuity that elevates the Appalachian Experience year-round. I also want to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Snodgrass, professor of music theory in the Hayes School of Music, on being selected for the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.

  I am so very proud of the accomplishments of our faculty.

  We also look forward to welcoming a new class of Mountaineers in the fall. Our Admissions team is working with the many staff and faculty across campus to flip our Spring Open house to a virtual event, and our Orientation team is also shifting the many student orientation events they host each spring and summer to online events. We all know how important the personal interactions that take place at these events are to our prospective and new students and their families. The staff, faculty and students who support these events are even more determined than ever to make these events personal, interactive and meaningful.

  As we all work to navigate these uncertain times, uplifting stories are all the more important. I’ll leave you with this one: Jakob Minton, a sophomore communication, electronic media/broadcasting major, turned a routine 30-second video production assignment into a clever 2-minute sketch about his beloved family beagle, who now has his own YouTube channel and Facebook page. Jakob attributed his overachievement to being at home with his parents, who inspired him to see beyond the original assignment. Stories like Jakob’s serve as a reminder that our current situation can bring us together in new ways, and yield unexpected returns.

  I sincerely appreciate the efforts and resilience of everyone in the Appalachian Community and I look forward to the days when our campus will again be filled with the sights and sounds of our daily activities.

  Until then, I will continue feeding the campus ducks.

  Please stay safe, and thank you, all.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of March 30–April 3

  Friday, April 3, 2020

  In this rapidly changing situation, accurate and timely information is key to navigating challenges associated with COVID-19. We are doing our utmost to address the questions each day brings and share our processes and solutions as we move forward. This week, with guidance from the UNC System, we have addressed several pressing issues:

  • Course grades. At the end of the spring 2020 semester, students may choose to opt in to an enhanced pass/no credit model after grades are posted, or they may keep their assigned grade. Read the full message to campus about grading here.
    
    
  • Dining and housing refunds. UNC System institutions will issue prorated dining and housing refunds to those who have these plans. We will send more information about App State’s process early next week. Read the full message to campus about refunds here.
    
    
  • Continuation of online instruction. UNC System institutions will continue to be online through summer 2020. Read the full message to campus about summer instruction here.
    
    
  • Emergency assistance. Nearly 500 students have applied for relief funds via the Mountaineer Emergency Fund, and our Advancement team is working hard to ensure we have funding to support those requests. Read about the Mountaineer Emergency Fund here. The university also has a zero-interest emergency loan program for permanent faculty and staff facing financial hardship. Read about this emergency loan program here.

  Mountaineers continue to work together to creatively provide helpful and necessary resources. A few examples:

  • Our health care providers in Wellness and Prevention Services, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center and Student Health Service are continuing to provide care to students via telephone, Zoom video conferencing and, on a limited basis, in person.
    
    
  • The Student Learning Center has shared tips for online learning and created a Keep Learning website with resources to ensure students have the needed support to be successful in their classes.
    
    
  • Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Jacqui Bergman led a collaboration among the Center for Academic Excellence, Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program and the Appalachian State Child Development Center to develop resources for parents working and/or learning from home.
    
    
  • The Career Development Center is engaging with employers and connecting them with students while continuing to assist our students with career materials, job searches and interview preparation.

  I am immensely proud of our students, faculty and staff who see opportunities among the challenges. Members of the Appalachian Community have also used their words to provide solace, encouragement and a fresh perspective — several examples of which I have highlighted below. I shared some of these messages with our faculty earlier in the week.

  • “I just wanted to get word to you how grateful I am for App State’s efforts. I can only imagine the herculean effort required by staff and faculty to transition to virtual classrooms. My son is reporting it was ready a week later and moving forward without a hitch. And so, therefore, is my son. Thank you all. I am so glad, once again, that my son is with ASU.”
    
    
  • “I think my experience at App is what taught me these healthy ways to cope with a tricky situation like COVID-19 and to maintain a positive outlook. I don't know if I'd be equally as equipped to handle this situation without my App Experience.”
    
    
  • “I am excited for everyone to see how powerful online instruction can be. There are certainly some face-to-face benefits that cannot be recreated online, but there are also online benefits that cannot be recreated face-to-face. Both students and instructors will become more tech savvy, and I believe we’ll emerge from this situation awakened to new possibilities and equipped with new abilities that will strengthen our university."

  Amidst the uncertainty of our present situation, our words and our actions are proof positive that together we can — and will — continue to move mountains.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  Social media highlights look different these days.

  Although social distancing is our new normal, the Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. While they are not a primary mode of communicating, they are one important way to maintain a sense of connectedness. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  • 04.03 — The Turchin Center’s Little Free Art Pantry provides themed bundles of art supplies for community members.
  • 04.02 — Appalachian’s health care professionals are assisting students near and far through secure online telemedicine appointments, and we applaud their commitment to our students.
  • 04.01 — Our university’s Staff Senate responded to social distancing by making the annual AppKIDS 5K a virtual run — using social media to bring the runners “together” for a great cause.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
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  Learn more

March 2020

• COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of March 23–28

  Saturday, March 28, 2020

  With the first week after our “return” from extended Spring Break behind us, I would like to provide you an update from campus.

  Yesterday, I met with Appalachian’s Board of Trustees via teleconference and shared with them how the Appalachian Community is responding to COVID-19. You can read my full remarks here. I shared with them that we are simultaneously planning for every conceivable scenario, responding to each new circumstance, and learning to anticipate every eventuality as the ground continues to shift beneath our feet.

  We saw our first confirmed case of COVID-19 in an off-campus, App State student, which we shared with campus earlier today. I am pleased to share that the student who was diagnosed with the virus is now symptom-free. We shared with campus that the student has not been on campus since March 4, and has been self-quarantined since returning to the United States from overseas travel. Students who are concerned about symptoms should call Student Health Services at 828-262-3100 and ask to speak with a nurse. They are continuing medical and screening services to students in person and remotely. Faculty or staff who have concerns about students or their own health diagnoses should reach out to safety@appstate.edu.

  Yesterday, we alerted campus to Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order of March 27, 2020. Because those who are not necessarily at risk of serious disease can carry the disease to their loved ones, we are directing members of the campus community to carefully adhere to social distancing practices as outlined in Gov. Cooper’s order, not gather in groups and physically stay at least six feet apart from others. Read more information here. With current telework and online and alternative course delivery in place, we expect minimal impact to the university, and will provide additional details, including information about administrative leave and compensation for staff on Monday. 

  In recent days, we have:

  • Transitioned 2,600 course sections from face-to-face instruction to online learning in two weeks’ time.
  • Reached nearly 600 faculty last week alone with workshops, support and training sessions.
  • Managed the reduction of our on-campus residents from more than 5,600 to fewer than 130 — 2% of our usual number.
  • Reduced our operations to essential functions, with more than 2,150 faculty and staff working from home or off-campus locations.
  • Brought 128 students home from international programs and suspended or cancelled 58 more international programs scheduled to begin this semester and this summer.
  • Freed resources to ensure we can meet the immediate needs before us, limiting expenditures to essential spending and continuing to closely monitor our resources and COVID-19-related expenditures.
  • Delivered curbside meals to our campus community.
  • Cleaned residence halls, offices and public spaces with increased frequency.
  • Continued to support the emergency response and relief efforts of our broader High Country community.
  • Developed new work shifts to comply with social distancing and to share work hours across staff members.
  • Re-allocated resources to fortify emergency loans for faculty and staff, as well as student grants to help ensure a safety net for the Appalachian Community. 

  We are seeing an increase in financial need for our students affected by displacement and loss of employment. Our Mountaineer Emergency Fund can provide short-term grants to students who are facing financial challenges that present significant barriers to their academic success. With the fund merely days old, we have already granted allotments to students struggling with job loss, and those with child care and utility bills piling up.
  Those who wish can give to the fund here.
  Students can apply for assistance here.

  For faculty and staff who are facing financial difficulties zero-interest emergency loans are available, with minimal payments to be made through monthly payroll deduction.

  On so many occasions, I have been encouraged by the resoundingly positive response of the Appalachian Community to this difficult situation. I am immensely proud of our faculty. They have a keen awareness that the relationships with their students are all the more meaningful in times of widespread anxiety and fear of the unknown, and continue to prove themselves to be selfless and adaptive professionals. Many staff have worked long hours to ensure faculty and students had the technology, training and support necessary to begin a “new normal,” while continuing to keep the institution running and adapting to each new change as it comes. Our students have also shown tremendous versatility throughout this rapidly changing situation. They have opted to accept the new circumstances of spring semester as an opportunity to expand their ability to create and innovate. 

  As you know, along with our sister institutions in the System, we are prevented by the coronavirus from holding a face-to-face Commencement in May. In the history of this institution, we have never canceled the university’s main Commencement ceremony, not even for the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic or World War II. It was unthinkable for us to consider canceling our May Commencement ceremony, especially with the available technology that is allowing faculty to continue teaching and engaging in research. So, we will celebrate May Commencement virtually and invite our Spring graduates to December Commencement. While we don’t know when large events will become the norm, we want to go ahead and offer December commencement so that families and friends can plan ahead. These aren’t the options we want, but they are options we can commit to now, allowing our students and their families and friends the opportunity to celebrate from wherever they are in May, and the option to walk across the Commencement stage - with family and friends in attendance - in December.

  There are many questions yet to be answered. We know many of you have questions about refunds, how long classes will stay online, how grades will be handled, what the summer brings and even what to expect for Fall 2020. Please know we are working through all of these issues and more, addressing those items which we can control first, planning for every contingency we can imagine, and always keeping the health and safety of the Appalachian Community at the forefront of every decision we make.

  The heart of the Appalachian Spirit is resilience and kindness in the face of adversity. For more than 120 years, we have relied on this spirit to guide us through the most difficult moments in our history. 

  We are Appalachian State, and we will emerge stronger, more resilient and poised for even greater success.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Virtual Commencement, virtual instruction and a new normal

  Friday, March 20, 2020

  First, my sincere thanks to each of you who has stepped up these past few weeks as we adjust to rapidly developing, unprecedented challenges. Faculty and staff are working long hours to transition to alternative course delivery for our students. We are keenly focused always on the health and safety of our campus community and the fulfillment of our academic mission.

  For many of us, the “Appalachian Experience” is firmly grounded in a sense of place. We are all saddened by our empty classrooms and sunny days with no hammocks and slacklines, and while we are fortunate to have technology to keep us connected, Zoom meetings and Panopto just aren’t the same.

  Typically at this time of year, we are well into planning May Commencement ceremonies. President Roper announced at today’s Board of Governors meeting that Spring graduation ceremonies will be disrupted, and campuses can make independent decisions about how to move forward with Commencement ceremonies. For Appalachian, this will mean a virtual Commencement in May. May graduates will have the option to participate in December 2020 Commencement.

  There are many details to work out, but please know my leadership team and I are committed to preserving, to the greatest extent possible, the essence of the celebrations and milestones of the final weeks of the Spring semester, including Commencement. We don’t know exactly what that will look like, but we are working hard on virtual solutions.

  On Monday, Appalachian will begin a new normal. What does “the university remains open” look like for us as we face increased prevalence of the coronavirus and the uncertainties that come with it?

  Here’s what it will look like on Monday: 

  • 160 students who met the criteria to stay on campus will remain in their residence halls. Many others picked up essentials - or more - this week and returned to their homes. The residence halls have been thoroughly cleaned, and only residents are allowed in the buildings.

  • Reduced staffing for facilities means we are all operating under limited capacities. Our academic classroom and office buildings, Student Union, and University Libraries are keeping their core services available, but some buildings will be key- or card-access only.

  • Dining facilities are on a reduced schedule, and takeout only.

  • Faculty and students, who are accustomed to face-to-face interaction, will be teaching and learning online. It has taken tremendous effort on the part of our faculty to make this move and they have proven yet again to be selfless and adaptive professionals. It will not be a seamless transition, and as we work out the kinks together, it will be important to be patient and recognize we are all working alongside one another to provide the best possible academic experience for our students.

  Many of us have loved ones who are attending other UNC System institutions. We find ourselves comparing methods and messages. Your university administrators are in regular contact with their counterparts across the system and in the System Office. We are following System guidance together and applying it to our campuses in the ways that make the most sense for each of our situations.

  We will continue to send you emails with key updates and changes. These will also be posted to the university’s dedicated coronavirus website, which also links to information from key areas across campus that are making operational adjustments.

  Our Mountaineer resiliency is being tested. We will continue to rise to these challenges. Your resourcefulness, ingenuity and hope bolster the entire Appalachian Community as we find our way,  and I am encouraged by your determination and creativity.

  Thank you.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Resiliency, resources and how to stay informed about COVID-19

  Friday, March 13, 2020

  Mountaineer resiliency is in full force as the university community rallies to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19. Across our campus, faculty, staff and students are exhibiting tremendous ingenuity, determination and resourcefulness as we pull together to safeguard and protect our community. Please know I recognize and appreciate your efforts.

  Be assured, we are working together to keep our community safe and our academic mission on course. As the situation continues to change, your single source for the most recent Appalachian updates and directives is App State's coronavirus site.

  Our staff and faculty are employing their expertise to quickly and creatively address many questions and logistical considerations, and I greatly appreciate their resourcefulness and expertise.

  Please stay informed as we continue to navigate this evolving global challenge. These are difficult times, but Mountaineer Spirit prevails.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Resiliency, renovations and continued advocacy

  Monday, March 2, 2020

  Last month I traveled to the UNC System Board of Governors Meeting, where I continued to advocate for funding for salary increases and for infrastructure repairs and renovations at Appalachian. I shared details about these critical budgetary issues in a previous issue of my newsletter, which is available here.

  On campus, Interim Provost Heather Hulburt Norris met with the Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee last week and will share an update with campus soon.

  While we continue to utilize every avenue to address our challenges, we are fortunate for our academic achievements, the integrity of our faculty, staff and students, and the support we have garnered to maintain and improve our campus infrastructure. We have many points of pride to share, including:

  • Since 2010, our university has retained our distinction as a Military Friendly® School, and we were designated a Top 10 school for 2020–21. Our university values empowering the student veterans and active-duty military members enrolled at our university and ensuring they have access to needed resources and support.
  • Our construction projects are progressing smoothly and showing visible progress every day. Our project management team and site crew led a small hard hat tour of Sanford Hall last month. To see firsthand the extensive interior renovations taking shape — on time and on budget — click here.
  • The National Campus Safety Summit named the Appalachian State University Police Department (APD) as one of the top 25 university departments in the country for “increasing the safety and security of their campus community” and “making a difference in student safety” — two critical priorities for our university.

  As part of our emergency preparedness practices, Appalachian’s emergency response team routinely monitors situations that could affect campus. At this time, the team is monitoring COVID-19. Though incidents in the United States are low, we remain vigilant. Our staff is in regular contact with the UNC System and local and state public health officials, and we are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

  Appalachian has a resource and information website for those in our campus community who are seeking information and guidance related to our university’s preparation and response to COVID-19. Please refer to the information on this site as the definitive source for the latest information specific to Appalachian State University.

  At this time, we are closely monitoring travel guidance, restrictions and advisories from the CDC and U.S. Department of State (State Department). We are directly assisting students, faculty and staff who are traveling or have plans for international travel for university-approved educational or business reasons. As many students prepare to travel for spring break, we encourage consideration of CDC and State Department guidance.

  Students with international travel-related financial aid questions or questions regarding academic requirements related to international travel should contact the Office of International Education and Development.

  It is important to remember that students, faculty and staff have friends, family and loved ones in areas that are at higher risk than in the United States and to remain compassionate about their worries and concerns about their loved ones.

  I am appreciative of the faculty, staff and students who make possible our many accomplishments and sustain the resilient spirit of Appalachian.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 02.18 – On Presidents Day, I was honored to discuss leadership with students at Mabel Elementary School alongside Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute President Mark Poarch.
  • 02.22 – In one day, I enjoyed a great Mountaineer basketball game and a fantastic performance by Trinity Irish Dance — a showcase of the range of entertainment offered to our campus and community.
  • 02.28 – Student Government Association representatives spent an afternoon discussing student wellness with members of my leadership team.
  • 02.29 – Appalachian’s men’s and women’s basketball teams celebrated Senior Day and were honored for their contributions to the Appalachian Community.

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February 2020

• 

  Leadership at Appalachian

  Friday, February 14, 2020

  Leadership on our campus and in the community is what drives our success.

  • We hosted the Community Leaders breakfast at Appalachian House where we discussed projects the university, Town of Boone and Watauga County have underway and our vision for the future.
  • Several vice chancellors and I shared our leadership challenges and triumphs with emerging leaders from the Boone Chamber of Commerce’s Watauga Leadership Challenge class.
  • A group of about 50 female faculty and staff, many from the Appalachian Women in Leadership Council, gathered for a panel discussion on effective communication.

  We also welcomed Interim Vice Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Heather Hulbert Norris and Walker College of Business Acting Dean Sandy Vannoy to their new roles.

  Today, on her fifth day as interim provost, Heather met with members of the Chancellor’s Academic Leadership Development Program and addressed more than 300 faculty and staff at the 2020 spring Faculty/Staff meeting. She has hit the ground running and is well-poised to lead as we navigate budgets and priorities for our colleges, enrollment and diversity challenges, and faculty and staff compensation.

  In her remarks, Heather acknowledged the value of the help and support of all the people — faculty, staff, vice provosts, deans, chairs and all of the Appalachian Community — who have and will help her succeed. I echo that sentiment. We are all called to lead, to collaborate and to challenge one another in order to continue to provide the premier Appalachian Experience for our students.

  Our students’ future is our most precious charge, and a solid infrastructure is also essential to our academic mission. We are moving along briskly with bricks and mortar improvements on campus. Work already has moved inside on Sanford Hall, and we are on budget and on schedule to welcome students into a better equipped and restored building in 2021.

  It is my privilege to lead this university and to recognize and applaud the leaders who walk with me.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  January in review

  • Advocating for university funding
    Posted January 18, 2020
  • Upholding the Appalachian Experience
    Posted January 25, 2020
  • Mountaineer passion, creativity and expertise at work
    Posted January 31, 2020
  • Navigating the best path forward for salary increases
    Posted February 7, 2020

  Social media highlights

  • 02.02 – Appalachian senior Gabrielle Knight uses the university’s arts venues as living laboratories to gain rich insights into her future career field.
  • 02.04 – Reich College of Education Dean Melba Spooner represented the university well when she presented before the state’s Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
  • 02.05 – Our student-athletes earned their 15th consecutive semester with a collective GPA of 3.0 or above. This achievement underscores the dedication of our students, faculty and staff.
  • 02.06 – Appalachian works diligently to strengthen partnerships with our local communities, and we were thrilled to see Forbes highlight Boone as a “Blue Ridge Carolina Vacation Treasure.”
  • 02.11 – Regular Community Leaders Breakfasts offers a great opportunity to connect with esteemed colleagues in the High Country.
  • 02.11 – Cultivating leaders in our region is critically important, and I was honored to participate with the Chancellor’s Council in a session of the Boone Chamber of Commerce’s Watauga Leadership Challenge.
  • 02.12 – Triangle-area media Appalachian’s Academy at Middle Fork on its Read 2 Succeed segment.
  • 02.14 – Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting was very well attended and the crowd was engaged and appreciative of the information shared.
  • 02.14 – My Valentine's Day was made complete by a serenade from several of our students.

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• Navigating the best path forward for salary increases

  Friday, February 7, 2020

  Since my arrival on Appalachian’s campus in 2014, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to improve working conditions for all Appalachian employees. This includes investing in our physical infrastructure to support our faculty, staff and students. It also includes improving the compensation structure for our most valuable resource: our people.

  As I advocate for Appalachian at the state level, I consistently emphasize these two key areas.

  Authorization, compliance and reporting measures for different sources of funds add additional layers of complexity to an already complex system.

  Remaining competitive in the current higher education market is critical to Appalachian’s success, and competitive compensation is one key to recruiting and retaining the talented faculty and staff who create the premier undergraduate experience for which Appalachian is often lauded.

  The ideal scenario for salary increases is legislative funding and authority to provide a merit-based annual raise process this year. It remains my priority to continue advocating for this option using every available avenue.

  However, in the event that we ultimately do not get an approved budget and authority to conduct an annual raise process, we will explore options within our existing campus authority. For example, at my direction, Vice Chancellor Paul Forte and Human Resources Director Mark Bachmeier have been working with Academic Affairs to identify how resources can best be applied toward labor market adjustments for faculty and staff.

  At this point, we feel the best path forward is to wait for the legislature to reconvene, and make a decision that will have the broadest possible impact for the most employees, but we are prepared to act within our existing authority.

  It is important we control what we can as we continue advocating for a sustainable source of funds and the authority to move forward, unified in our shared goal to achieve a compensation structure that matches the talent of our employees.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

January 2020

• 

  Mountaineer passion, creativity and expertise at work

  Friday, January 31, 2020

  With the spring semester well underway, much important work is taking place on our campus. This week saw many members of the Appalachian Community lending their passion, expertise and creativity to the university's climate action plan, which will be completed by Earth Day, April 22. If you were not able to attend the public forum, you can still contribute your ideas via an electronic submission form, or in person by visiting or calling the Office of Sustainability, whose staff, along with several climate action working groups, are working diligently to develop a community-informed and developed plan for achieving climate neutrality. Thanks to everyone who continues to be a part of this significant milestone in Appalachian's history.

  This is the time of semester when many students are beginning to feel the full force of their academic and personal responsibilities. Appalachian’s many support services for students are designed and provided by dedicated staff and faculty to help our students balance academic and personal demands and to empower them to take charge of their future. Some key resources include:

  • The Office of Student Success and the Disco Student Learning Center lead our efforts to help students who need intermittent or regular assistance in meeting their rigorous academic goals.
    
    
  • Appalachian Cares. This dedicated web portal aggregates essential resources related to wellness and prevention, emergency preparedness and student health.
    
    
  • Appalachian’s Student Health Service and Counseling and Psychological Services offer an array of resources to help students get well, stay well and
    achieve their goals.

  It is also important to ensure our faculty and staff have access to support and resources, and are engaged with the university.

  Next week, all employees will receive a message from UNC System Interim President Bill Roper regarding the upcoming employee engagement survey, which identifies essential employment trends and issues across the UNC System. A link to the survey will be sent next week, as well. Your input is important! Our goal is for more than 50% participation in the survey, and I encourage each of you to take this opportunity to share your feedback.

  Thanks to everyone who contributes to Mountaineer wellness and success.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Upholding the Appalachian Experience

  Saturday, January 25, 2020

  On Tuesday morning, Appalachian’s Trustees met and unanimously passed a resolution calling on “all elected leaders who support and value the world class higher educational systems in North Carolina to move swiftly to enact a robust state budget that includes significant and meaningful support to the constituent institutions of the UNC System and compensation measures commensurable to the excellence of its faculty and staff.”

  Even as we navigate unprecedented challenges, our faculty, staff and students continue to bring their best every day - that's what we do at Appalachian.

  As I advocate for our university, your strengths and accomplishments continue to inspire me:

  • Academics. Because of our stellar faculty, Appalachian is routinely lauded by national publications for the high quality and value of our academic programs. Most recently, the Reich College of Education was recognized for the fourth consecutive year as the national leader for the number of alumni who are National Board Certified Teachers, with 2,057 alumni having earned the national credential to date.
    
    
  • Engagement. Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) hosted the 21st MLK Challenge earlier this week and the annual Dance Marathon is scheduled for February, both of which provide dedicated time for reflection and service to the local community. These are just two examples of the hundreds of service opportunities from which our students, supported and championed by our dedicated staff, extend their classroom learning throughout the academic year.

  On Friday, Jan. 31, our Office of Sustainability will hold an important next step in the development of the university’s new Climate Action Plan — slated to be completed by Earth Day, April 22. Please make plans to attend this listening session. Members of the campus community are invited to bring their knowledge and suggestions as we work to address our collective responsibility to mitigate — and work toward eliminating entirely — our carbon footprint. This is one of many opportunities for our faculty, staff and students to come together in structuring a pragmatic and progressive plan toward achieving climate neutrality.

  Along with institutions of higher education everywhere, we seek collaborative solutions. Mountaineer resilience and determination sustain us as we prepare our students to live purposeful lives.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Advocating for university funding

  Saturday, January 18, 2020

  As we enter the third quarter of our fiscal year without a state budget, I traveled to this week’s Board of Governors meeting concerned about critical budget issues for Appalachian.

  Representative of my greatest concerns are two key points I shared with President Roper, which are by no means an exhaustive list:

  • Funding for salary increases: Without a budget in place, we have neither the funds nor authority to address urgent salary needs, which has negative impacts on employee recruitment and retention. Appalachian’s value proposition lies in the talent of its employees, and it is critical that we remain competitive in the current higher education market.

  • Repair and Renovation funding and targeted renovation: Funding for major infrastructure work and repairs, in particular for our academic spaces and campus-wide security features, including electronic door access on all facilities, is key to supporting and empowering the vast human potential on our campus.

  Faculty may recall that at the beginning of this fiscal year, I tasked Provost Kruger and Vice Chancellors Forte and Brown to identify and re-allocate state funds from Student Affairs to Academic Affairs to develop a pool for faculty merit increases. I remain steadfast in my commitment to a merit-based increase for faculty as permitted.

  I will continue advocating for salary increases for all of our employees, for critical infrastructure and for every avenue we can use to not just maintain - but improve upon - our already enviable enrollment, retention and graduation rates.

  Advocacy for a budget is taking place at the topmost levels of the UNC System. Yesterday, our Board of Governors passed a resolution strongly encouraging our elected leaders to pass a budget and calling on all boards of trustees to create and approve a concurring resolution. Our Board of Trustees has called a meeting to address this matter early next week.

  These are unprecedented times. It is important you know that Appalachian’s leadership team remains dedicated to finding every available solution to meet the needs of our campus. We take daily inspiration from our university founders, and when times are tough, we roll up our sleeves and keep working- always for the betterment of our great institution.

  
  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

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December 2019

• 

  Celebrating accomplishments and new beginnings

  Saturday, December 14, 2019

  Yesterday, Appalachian hosted our Fall Commencement ceremonies, and I was honored to celebrate the accomplishments of the more than 1,300 students who crossed the stage. If you were unable to join us in person, you can relive the events through these archived videos.

  The student speakers — ranging from a Colombian immigrant earning his doctorate in Educational Leadership, to a music therapist focusing her skills on infants addicted to drugs at birth, to the father and husband of a family with four Mountaineers, three of whom are still currently enrolled — are sterling examples of the breadth and rigor of an Appalachian education and the opportunities it unfolds. A quick perusal of Appalachian Today, our news and events website, showcases countless examples of academic excellence, world-changing research and post-graduation achievement.

  The closing weeks of the semester are always full of activity and excitement and, this year, notably so for Appalachian football. The Mountaineers secured their fourth Sun Belt Championship, making history with the best FBS season in North Carolina. The team is gearing up now for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 21, and I am thrilled to officially welcome Appalachian alumnus Shawn Clark ’98 as our new head football coach. I know we all look forward to his continued success with this record-setting team.

  All of our graduates, including our student-athletes, can be proud of their achievements. I am certain they will go on to make real and powerful differences in our state and in communities throughout the world. We look forward to hearing their stories as they go forward — forever Mountaineers and our most enduring legacy.

  I am honored to be part of the Appalachian Community. Happy holidays and best wishes for a restful and restorative break!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 12.03 – The Appalachian Community gathered to thank Dean of University Libraries Dane Ward for his invaluable contributions to our university.
  • 12.03 – The Holmes Center was filled with energy as the men’s basketball team won its final nonconference home game.
  • 12.04 – This month included many productive meetings, notably with the Chancellor’s Faculty Advisory Committee and the Council of Chairs. Thank you to all of Appalachian’s leaders, who continually address short-term and long-term goals!
  • 12.04 – Reading Day offers opportunities for students to prepare for final exams by studying and practicing self-care. Faculty and staff also take this time to offer further support to students who may be in need of additional end-of-year support or resources.
  • 12.05 – Community Leaders Breakfasts offer dedicated time to strengthen Appalachian's relationships throughout the High Country.
  • 12.07 – After winning a fourth Sun Belt Championship, the Mountaineer football team earned the No. 20 spot in the AP Poll, College Football Playoff Ranking and Coaches Poll!
  • 12.11 – I love stories about Appalachian’s talented alumni — like Winston-Salem chief of police Catrina Thompson ’09 — who are making positive differences in communities across the state.
  • 12.11 – The annual Faculty and Staff Holiday Reception always fosters delightful conversation and offers a much-needed chance for respite after final exams.
  • 12.12 – Appalachian extended our agreement first established in 2015 with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah to create a transfer program in hospitality management.
  • 12.13 – It is always a powerful experience to be part of Commencement. Congratulations to the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, Hayes School of Music and Walker College of Business!
  • 12.13 – I love the pomp and circumstance of Commencement, and the pride of our graduates and their families. Congratulations to the graduates of the Beaver College of Health Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts and Reich College of Education!

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November 2019

• 

  In appreciation of the Appalachian Community

  Wednesday, November 27, 2019

  Our university has much for which to be thankful throughout the year. Above all else, I appreciate the limitless human potential on our campus that elevates the Appalachian Experience, and would like to share with you a few examples of the many ways our exceptional students, faculty and staff enrich the Appalachian Community:

  • Our students take advantage of countless opportunities to gain real-world experience before graduation. Interior design students Jake Still and Grace McCormick won the 2019 Planning and Visual Education (PAVE) GlobalShop Design Challenge with their prototype of a pop-up shop that packages key essentials for college students to organize their living spaces. These students saw their winning design professionally fabricated and installed at the Dallas flagship location of The Container Store, a leading national retailer of storage and organizational products.
  • Our university’s record seven Fulbright award winners in 2019–20 and professors like Dr. Beverly Moser showcase our faculty’s virtuosity. Dr. Moser, professor of German and TESL/applied linguistics, received the 2019 Foreign Language Association of North Carolina (FLANC) Honorary Life Member Award in recognition of her years of service to foreign language education in North Carolina and the Appalachian region. On our campus and far beyond, Appalachian’s nearly 1,500 faculty members are recognized and honored for their professional expertise and excellence in teaching.
  • Our exemplary staff members are dedicated to the success of our students and to the university. Last week, I had the pleasure of inaugurating a new tradition: the Chancellor’s Service Awards Luncheon. The event honored the service of more than 120 staff members who have served our university for 20 years or more, and I was honored to share my heartfelt thanks with this esteemed group. The influence of our nearly 1,900 staff members is felt across the university.

  Year-round, Appalachian Today highlights the many honors, awards and grants earned by our staff, faculty and students. The talents and accomplishments of the Appalachian Community greatly enhance the rich learning environment at our university.

  Best wishes and my sincere appreciation to Mountaineers near and far.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 11.22 – It was great to see Appalachian’s women’s basketball team back at the Holmes Center for the home opener!
  • 11.23 – Appalachian’s ROTC program is celebrating its 50th anniversary. We are proud of this program, which has commissioned 950 officers to date.
  • 11.23 – Appalachian alumnus Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley performed the pregame coin toss during Saturday’s football game. It was an honor to welcome him home to Appalachian.
  • 11.24 – Senior Night and Heroes Day at the last regular season home football game ended with a Mountaineers victory. The next day, the AP Poll and Coaches Poll both ranked Appalachian’s football team No. 22, marking three straight weeks in the top 25. Congratulations to the team and coaching staff!
  • 11.25 – We were touched to honor two sets of siblings at The Chancellor's Service Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to all of our staff members, especially brothers Randy and Terry Edwards, and sisters Kathy Deas and Sheila Perry.
  • 11.26 – Appalachian helps students discover their passions and then refine the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field. We are thankful for the many staff members across the university — especially in the Career Development Center — who contribute to our students’ success.

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• 

  Enrollment, Faculty Salaries and Infrastructure

  Trustees meet for November board meeting

  Saturday, November 23, 2019

  On Friday, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees held their November meeting. Our sincere thanks to Appalachian’s trustees — as well as our Board of Visitors members who joined the meeting on campus this week — for your continued advocacy and leadership of our university.

  Throughout today’s committee sessions and full board meeting, it was clear Appalachian is abuzz with progress and good news. Here are a few notable takeaways:

  • Appalachian is on track to achieve a record enrollment of 20,000 students by 2020, a reflection of our university’s “slow and steady growth” philosophy. Nearly 60% of our projected growth will be online or at satellite locations, and, looking into the future, these areas are where there are the most potential for any further increased enrollment. Appalachian’s goal supports Gov. Roy Cooper’s legislative target of equipping 2 million additional North Carolinian adults, ages 25-44, with a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. This population is especially important to Appalachian’s recruitment efforts, as the number of graduating high school students across the country is on a steady decline. Appalachian is characterized by – and proud of – our capabilities to take charge and problem-solve. We are now operating from a position of strength in a volatile market environment. We will continue to admit qualified students and further our founders’ mission of serving rural areas in North Carolina.
  • Provost Darrell Kruger reported both short-term and long-term strategies to ensure academic integrity. Short-term strategies include paying faculty to teach course overloads and hiring adjunct instructors, but we will not rely on these strategies long term. Provost Kruger will fund 10 new tenure-track faculty positions and three new academic advisers in Fall 2020. This continues a five-year commitment that includes adding 43 new faculty lines and 11 advisers. Last year, for the first time in Appalachian’s history, we reached more than 1,000 full-time tenured, tenure-track and instructor faculty — a tremendous milestone that reflects our stellar academic reputation.
  • Vice Chancellor Forte's team is ensuring faculty who have earned promotions and tenure this year will see their well-deserved salary increases — retroactive to July 1, 2019 — in their December paychecks.
  • Appalachian’s exceptional faculty continue to distinguish themselves on a national scale. Notably, Dr. Kurt Michael, Appalachian’s Stanley R. Aeschleman Distinguished Professor of Psychology, will serve as principal investigator for a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant that will expand mental health services in rural North Carolina schools, and Dr. Kathryn Kirkpatrick, a professor in the Department of English, earned — for the second time — the prestigious Roanoke-Chowan Award for Poetry, this time for her newest collection, “The Fisher Queen: New & Selected Poems.”
  • Appalachian’s infrastructure projects — which total nearly $250 million and represent the largest infrastructure investment in the entire UNC System — are making significant progress. Two examples include Phase I of the residence halls project, which will see windows installed and exterior brick completed before December Commencement, and the Sanford Hall renovation, which remains on time and on budget. We expect the work underway will extend the life of this building up to 40 years. The Appalachian’s Future website is continually updated with information and photos regarding these projects and more.

  I hope you will take a moment to read my remarks to the Trustees in full here. I will continue to share an update with you after each meeting of the trustees.

  Today and every day, it is great to be a Mountaineer.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 11.13 – Our latest institutional ad showcases the heights our students can reach during their journey at Appalachian.
  • 11.14 – Appalachian’s own Luke Combs, who has taken the music scene by storm, won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards! Our university is thrilled to welcome him home for his first stadium concert at Kidd Brewer Stadium this May.
  • 11.15 – The staff in Facilities Operations makes great use of campus resources to keep our grounds beautiful.
  • 11.17 – Last Saturday’s win against Georgia State earned Appalachian’s football team top 25 rankings in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll — a great position to be in as the team heads into its last regular season home game against Texas State this weekend.
  • 11.19 – I was honored to host the inaugural Chancellor’s Service Awards Luncheon, during which we recognized more than 120 staff members who have reached 20 years or more of service to the university. These dedicated professionals have collectively served the university for nearly 3,000 years! We’re so very thankful for their time and efforts.

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  Exceptional Mountaineers Elevating the Appalachian Experience

  Friday, November 15, 2019

  Throughout the year, our university delights in opportunities to honor outstanding members of the Appalachian Community. Here are a few recent recognitions:

  • This week, Appalachian hosted its Veterans Day Ceremony to honor and commend those who have served our country in the armed services. Our recognition by national publications and our status for nearly a decade as a Military Friendly® School — earning Gold distinction for the 2019–20 academic year — affirm our commitment to strengthen resources for the more than 380 student veterans and active-duty military members at Appalachian. Appalachian alumnus and retired U.S. Army Maj. Ali Donnell Davis ’95 ’01 served as the keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony. Thank you to Maj. Davis and all veterans for sustaining our country and protecting freedoms worldwide.
  • During Appalachian’s Halloween football game, two students earned scholarships for academic excellence and service to the community, through funds donated by 1989 Appalachian alumnus Mark E. Ricks’ company Double Wood Farm. Ashley Thomasson, a junior global studies major, received a scholarship for one year of tuition and Taylor Houston, a first-year apparel design and merchandising major, received a scholarship for a meal plan credit. These exceptional Mountaineers were selected from a pool of eligible students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and at least eight hours of community service since spring 2018. Ashley and Taylor competed in a high-stakes game of Connect 4 during halftime to determine the winner and runner-up. Congratulations to both our winners!
  • Last month, the Office of Research, the Office of Student Research and University Libraries hosted our university’s inaugural celebration of faculty and staff research and creative activity. During the event, Appalachian presented two new awards that recognize excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity. Our recipients are Dr. Ellen Cowan, professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Baker Perry, professor in the Department of Geography and Planning. Congratulations to these exceptional educators for the global significance of their work on climate research.

  I am proud to work alongside faculty, staff, students and alumni whose innovative ideas, academic excellence and commitment to service better the future for us all.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  October in review

  • Making Family Connections, Earning Top Rankings
    Posted October 4, 2019
  • Accolades for the Appalachian Community in Action
    Posted October 11, 2019
  • #AppStateIsHome
    Posted October 18, 2019
  • Building Community
    Posted October 25, 2019

  Social media highlights

  • 10.29 – Appalachian graduate students competed in the international 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, explaining complex research in mere minutes!
  • 10.29 – Appalachian’s wrestling team joined me at Appalachian House for a reception to honor its many accolades, including four straight SoCon titles.
  • 10.30 – Olive dressed up as Appalachian’s coach Drinkwitz for Halloween!
  • 11.05 – Appalachian Student Ambassadors are full of energy and lively stories. It was great to gather with this exciting group at Appalachian House.
  • 11.08 – Many thanks to the Appalachian Staff Senate for hosting the annual AppKIDS event for nearly four decades. This terrific tradition helps provide warm clothes and other necessities for local children in need.
  • 11.09 – The Appalachian football team became the first team in Sun Belt history to beat two Power Five schools in one season and the first Sun Belt team to earn an in-season College Football Playoff ranking.
  • 11.11 – Business North Carolina magazine named Leon Levine Hall among the most impressive commercial real estate projects completed in North Carolina.

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October 2019

• 

  Building Community

  Friday, October 25, 2019

  Appalachian believes deeply in the power of community and is well known for this relational culture. The third annual Community FEaST — a near-zero waste, locally sourced meal held earlier this week — stands as a strong visual testament to our institutional focus on community and sustainability. Attendees dined along a table 100 yards long and engaged in dialogue and storytelling about the importance of sustainable food systems. Many thanks to the faculty, staff and graduate students from AppalFRESH who organized this event.

  Across the university, Mountaineers work to help build — and better — our community on and off campus. Here are just a few examples:

  • For 39 years, Staff Senate has sponsored the AppKIDS event to help provide winter clothing, hygiene products and snack food items to local children in need.
  • The Office of Sustainability recently expanded its Food Resource Hub, which was mentioned in The New York Times.
  • The Appalachian Student Government Association publishes The Wellness Times newsletter to highlight the many dimensions of wellness and key programming available for students on campus.

  It is heartening to see faculty, staff and students elevate the culture of care and compassion that has flourished on this campus for more than a century.

  Together, we are creating a better, brighter future for those in the Appalachian Community and far beyond.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 10.18 – The annual Appalachian homecoming parade was great fun, especially with Philip Byers and Pearl Burris-Floyd of the UNC System Board of Governors as our grand marshals.
  • 10.18 – Appalachian honored our exemplary Fleming Scholars at a homecoming reception. I was delighted to spend time with these highly motivated students and celebrate their accomplishments.
  • 10.19 – The Alumni Homecoming Breakfast presents a perfect opportunity to reconnect with graduates and learn where their lives and careers have taken them since their time at Appalachian.
  • 10.19 – During the homecoming football game, we recognized the academic achievements of our student-athletes. At Appalachian, we encourage our athletes to be students first.
  • 10.19 – A homecoming victory means our Mountaineer football team is now nationally ranked and 6–0!
  • 10.20 – After the Mountaineers’ strong showing on Saturday, the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll ranked our football team No. 21 and No. 22, respectively. Congratulations all-around!
  • 10.21 – Congratulations to our Alumni Awards winners, who were honored at a luncheon during homecoming. These individuals represent the very best of our university through their work, service and philanthropy.
  • 10.21 – Appalachian’s deans work together to elevate our students’ educational experience and power our university’s stellar academic reputation.
  • 10.21 – Members of the women’s tennis team joined me for a reception at Appalachian House to honor their first conference championship and their many successes since.
  • 10.24 – Our women’s basketball team received their well-deserved WBI Championship rings.

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• 

  #AppStateIsHome

  Friday, October 18, 2019

  Appalachian’s homecoming festivities are well underway and we are thrilled to welcome home so many Mountaineers, including our esteemed Alumni Awards winners. Our university is an incredibly special home “on the mountain” for the Appalachian Community and that feeling is even stronger during homecoming, when generations of Mountaineers gather to celebrate their alma mater.

  In honor of this annual event, Appalachian has compiled a slideshow of homecomings past. Many thanks to the staff in University Archives and Records for their help in gathering these images and historical information. This slideshow recalls decades of memories surrounding the camaraderie, the kindness and the close relationships that are the cornerstone of the Appalachian Experience.

  Mountaineer spirit is in the air, and we look forward to seeing many of you at our homecoming celebrations.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 10.13 – Appalachian’s football team earned two top 25 national rankings this week in the midst of an 11-game winning streak!
  • 10.15 – Media outlets often look to Appalachian faculty and staff to author articles and serve as experts. I am so proud of how they showcase our university locally, regionally and nationally.
  • 10.18 – Mountaineer homecoming celebrations date back to the 1930s. It is so fun to see how we have grown and changed over the years, while keeping true to our roots.

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  Accolades for the Appalachian Community in Action

  Friday, October 11, 2019

  Appalachian is distinguished by academic excellence and community engagement.

  We started this week with a well-deserved academic accolade: the Sun Belt Conference recognized Appalachian for having the highest student graduation rate in the conference. Congratulations to the graduates, faculty, staff and others who have helped our university earn this prestigious honor.

  The Appalachian Community routinely collaborates with and gives back to the local community and beyond, often to the benefit of our student volunteers as much as to the causes and organizations. These service experiences help our students further develop critical problem-solving skills, underscore the influence of individual efforts and affirm the value of “doing good.”

  Within the division of Student Affairs, Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) coordinates service opportunities throughout the year, including Alternative Service Experiences (ASE). Appalachian also supports civic engagement and service-learning as a complement to our rigorous academic programs. In its “Best Colleges” rankings for 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian 14th in the nation in the Service Learning category — proof positive that our university believes deeply in the power of community engagement.

  Appalachian organizes hundreds of service opportunities each year that present real-world experiences with communities facing challenges locally and abroad, and prepare Appalachian students for a lifetime of engagement.

  In the classroom and in the community, it is great to be a Mountaineer.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 10.03 – Appalachian staff enjoy networking during our regularly held Staff Connect events. Our university appreciates all staff do to aid Appalachian’s success!
  • 10.04 – Faculty Club is a great way for our educators to relax and reconnect. They work hard inside and outside the classroom to help Appalachian students succeed.
  • 10.07 – Our university was honored as having the highest student graduation rate in the conference, and one of our women’s tennis players was recognized for her nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year.
  • 10.09 – Appalachian triumphed over the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to mark our football team’s first conference victory on the road this season. Appalachian is now 5-0!
  • 10.10 – Members of the Appalachian Community gathered in Charlotte to learn more about the Beaver College of Health Sciences and the Mountaineers who are leading the health care industry.

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• 

  Making Family Connections, Earning Top Rankings

  Friday, October 4, 2019

  Appalachian’s Family Weekend welcomed hundreds of parents and families to campus for a first-hand look at their students’ Appalachian Experience. The weekend’s festivities included an alumni legacy reception, a breakfast with career services programming, a football game tailgate and a volunteer workday for the App Builds a Home project with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. Over the weekend, university staff captured candid thoughts and insights from Mountaineer families and compiled them into this delightful video.

  Our university’s competitive advantages are well documented and supported through recognitions in national publications. Each honor attests to the quality of education provided to students by our world-class faculty and staff. Here are a few of the most notable recent accolades:

  • Appalachian ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” for 2020.
  • Forbes magazine included Appalachian in its 2019 listings of “America’s Top Colleges” and “America’s Best Value Colleges.”
  • Appalachian was named in MONEY magazine’s “2019–20 Best Colleges Ranking,” The Princeton Review’s “2020 Best Colleges: Region by Region” web feature as a “Best in the Southeast” and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine’s “Best College Values” for 2019.

  A particularly meaningful recognition, U.S. News & World Report ranked Appalachian second among Southern universities in the Best Colleges for Veterans category. As of this fall, Appalachian enrolls more than 380 veterans and active-duty military members, and our university holds their service to our communities and country in the highest esteem. It is critical that we provide the necessary resources for these students, and Appalachian’s status as a Military Friendly® School affirms our success in doing so.

  Thank you to the entire Appalachian Community for celebrating our many distinct offerings.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  September in review

  • Sharing Appalachian’s Successes
    Posted September 26, 2019
  • A Commitment to Student Achievement
    Posted September 11, 2019

  Social media highlights

  • 09.27 – The Chancellor’s Academic Leadership Development Program met for a lively work session. University leaders had the opportunity to answer questions submitted by the participants.
  • 09.27 – Appalachian’s ducks are getting some social media attention for their Mountaineer spirit!
  • 09.27 – We had a terrific Family Weekend, even with a little rain. One of the highlights was celebrating our legacy families — alumni whose children are current students.
  • 09.28 – Mountaineer football fans, including many Family Weekend participants, flocked to The Rock for the sold-out game.
  • 09.28 – After an unexpectedly long weather delay, the Mountaineers secured their first conference victory. Congratulations to all who supported this win — coach Drinkwitz, the team and the fans. Appalachian football is 4–0!

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September 2019

• 

  Sharing Appalachian's Successes

  Snapshot of September board meetings

  Thursday, September 26, 2019

  Last week, I participated in the UNC System Board of Governors meeting and also had the opportunity to engage with committees. Sharing university updates and achievements with this influential group of leaders is important for our future.

  Earlier this month, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees held their September meeting with a full agenda, including committee meetings for business affairs, student affairs, academic affairs, audit and athletics. At the full board meeting, three new and three reappointed trustees were sworn in by North Carolina District Court Judge Rebecca Eggers-Gryder ’83. It is an honor to welcome John Blackburn, James “J.K.” Reaves ’93, Kimberly Shepherd ’97, Thomas Sofield ’76, Mark Ricks ’89 and DeJon Milbourne to this esteemed board.

  Advocating for Appalachian here and across the state, especially in Raleigh, is an important part of my work. I continually affirm Appalachian’s position as the premier public undergraduate institution in North Carolina and took the opportunity to elaborate on this statement in my remarks to the Board of Trustees.

  It is vitally important we build infrastructure to help power the human potential on our campus. Our current construction projects total more than $250 million and represent the largest infrastructure investment in the entire UNC System. Each of these projects supports and elevates our educational mission.

  As we improve these spaces on our campus, university staff are working diligently to ensure as seamless an experience as possible for the students who are living and learning alongside construction. Appalachian has resources in place to support these initiatives, as well as our continued slow and steady enrollment growth.

  Our university is thriving because of the hard work, dedication and strategic vision of the Appalachian Community. Collectively, we are realizing the dream of our founders to increase access to a stellar education.

  Thank you for contributing every day as we work together toward our goals.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 09.09 – It was my pleasure to meet with Faculty Senate and host an annual gathering for them at Appalachian House.
  • 09.11 – Appalachian is fortunate to have an incredible team of Student Ambassadors who serve our university as official representatives.
  • 09.12 – It was a pleasure to collaborate with representatives from the Greater Boone and Watauga County communities during one of our regular Town and Gown meetings.
  • 09.12 – In case you missed it, Appalachian’s Food Resource Hub was called out in a recent opinion piece in The New York Times.
  • 09.13 – New and reappointed trustees were sworn in during the Sept. 13 Board of Trustees meeting.
  • 09.19 – Our university’s beloved ducks shared their prediction for Appalachian’s football game against UNC-Chapel Hill. This tweet was so popular, it even garnered an on-air mention during the televised game.
  • 09.21 – Our Mountaineer football team and coach Drinkwitz achieved a historic win against UNC-Chapel Hill, cheered on by Appalachian's stellar fans.

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• 

  A Commitment to Student Achievement

  Appalachian’s academic mission guides success

  Wednesday, September 11, 2019

  Last Thursday was a great day of celebration! We explored Appalachian’s history during our Founders Day festivities, which included a research showcase with poster presentations by faculty, staff and students, a panel discussion with former Appalachian administrators, the dedication of a new statue of co-founder Lillie Shull Dougherty and the ringing of the Founders Bell for the first time. It was wonderful to see generations of Mountaineers gather to honor our beloved university.

  As we celebrate our history, we also recognize our recent achievements. Our official enrollment numbers show we welcomed 19,280 students this fall.

  Because of our focus on strengthening the culture of diversity and inclusion on our campus, it is meaningful to note nearly one in five of the first-year population is underrepresented and a record 17.4% of the total population is racially/ethnically diverse. Between 2014 and 2019, Appalachian has increased its total underrepresented student population by 47%.

  Retention is a key performance indicator for universities across the nation. At Appalachian, our first- to second-year retention rate is 87.8%, well above the national average, and among underrepresented students, our retention rate is 87.2%, up from 82.3% in 2018.

  These figures reflect both our commitment to admitting students who are poised to thrive at Appalachian and our dedication to providing resources that help students succeed once they are here.

  As I shared in my remarks on the state of the university last week, funding is tight for academic institutions, and the landscape for higher education is uncertain. Our university is healthy, and we are approaching a landmark enrollment rate of 20,000. Tuition revenue has a direct and immediate impact on our bottom line — increased revenue leads to increased resources: for classroom resources, for salaries and additional personnel, for innovative and creative teaching and research endeavors.

  We are focusing on the future, firmly rooted in our past and guided by our academic mission.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 08.30 – I had a great time cheering on the women’s soccer team during their game against Duquesne.
  • 08.31 – It was a treat to attend the Hall of Fame breakfast with the legendary Jerry Moore and our newest inductees.
  • 08.31 – The Appalachian football season opener was filled with great food, great company and a Mountaineer victory!
  • 09.03 – I shared a tribute to university friends Hughlene and Bill Frank at the opening night of the Visiting Writers Series.
  • 09.05 – We celebrated Founders Day with an afternoon of festivities, including inducting the inaugural class of the Bell Ringers Society.
  • 09.07 – Our Mountaineer football team earned its second win of the season, marking the first 2-0 opener since 2010!

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August 2019

• 

  Celebrating Appalachian’s History

  Our legacy informs our future

  Friday, August 30, 2019

  The beginning of the new academic year is an excellent time to celebrate our university’s rich history and traditions. We hosted Black and Gold Convocation earlier this week, and on Founders Day — Thursday, Sept. 5 — our 120-year legacy of innovation and educational leadership will be on full display for the Appalachian Community, with an afternoon of events that celebrate our Mountaineer spirit.

  We host this event annually to honor the first day of classes at Watauga Academy in 1899 and to recognize our founders — B.B. and D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty. We also will inaugurate a new tradition during which 12 members of the Appalachian Community will ring the Founders Bell for the very first time and be inducted into the Bell Ringers Society.

  The principles set forth by our founders guide us as a forward-thinking university that excels at scholarship, research, sustainability and global engagement. Examining our past reminds us of our resiliency and our commitment to increasing access to education for all. By embracing the university’s history and the ties to our mountain home, our graduates leave Appalachian with an enduring love and respect for our region and the values they have seen put into practice here.

  I hope you will join us for Founders Day. It is sure to be a memorable event.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  August in review

  • Ensuring Success
    Posted August 26, 2019
  • Summer Accomplishments
    Posted August 17, 2019
  • Cultivating Exceptional Leaders
    Posted August 9, 2019

  Social media highlights

  • 08.26 – The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork celebrated its first day of classes on Monday. I know it will be another terrific year!
  • 08.28 – I hosted the annual SGA Cabinet dinner at Appalachian House. What a great night meeting with these exceptional student leaders and their advisors.

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• 

  Ensuring Success

  Support and resources for lifelong gains

  Monday, August 26, 2019

  We’re now into the second week of classes, and the Appalachian Community is settling into the consistent rhythm of the fall semester — classes, studying, campus activities and exploring our mountain location. Appalachian academics are rigorous and designed to push students to think critically and creatively. The beginning of each semester is always a good time to review the robust resources our university provides that help all students succeed.

  These offerings — many of them guided by our stellar faculty — include early academic interventions, wellness and prevention services, financial aid assistance and career counseling, and contribute to Appalachian’s impressive retention rate, which is about 20% above the national average. We help students establish a foundation for success that lasts a lifetime. Evidence of this, our alumni, nearly 97,000 of whom reside in North Carolina, boast a college debt repayment rate that is 20% above the national average.

  Tomorrow is Appalachian’s Black and Gold Convocation, a time when the Appalachian Community gathers to officially commence the new academic year — a time to celebrate and appreciate our rich history and traditions. This year’s event holds particular importance because 2019 marks our university’s 120th anniversary of educational leadership. I’m thrilled to welcome home our guest speaker — 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Harry L. Williams ’86 ’88 ’95, a respected higher education advocate who serves as president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

  The success and well-being of our Appalachian Community are always our top priority.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 08.19 – I enjoyed seeing students heading to their first day of classes. Our campus is full of positive energy!
  • 08.22 – I shared a terrific interview with @appstate_FB’s @CoachDrinkwitz. I am looking forward to our first home football game on Saturday!
  • 08.22 – I was delighted to visit with the educators at the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork. They are committed to elevating the experience of each and every student.
  • 08.24 – The second class of the @appstatepolice Academy has officially graduated, and 100% have passed their examination to become certified North Carolina police officers. Congratulations!

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• 

  Summer Accomplishments

  Completed construction and invaluable internships

  Saturday, August 17, 2019

  What an exciting week at Appalachian! We welcomed to campus approximately 3,000 new students and their families during move-in weekend, and we officially opened Appalachian’s newest parking facility, located between Frank and Eggers residence halls, that offers 477 well-lit parking spaces. The parking deck is a key milestone as we build additional infrastructure to support our educational mission. For the latest campus construction updates, I encourage you to visit the Appalachian’s Future website. It features a construction update podcast about our residence halls and gives progress notes, answers frequently asked questions and shares interesting facts about the buildings’ design and construction.

  Our campus is energized by the students arriving for the new academic year, and I am always delighted to hear what they accomplished over the summer months. More than 7,000 students enrolled in one of our two Summer Sessions. Others gained important professional experience through internships. According to Appalachian’s Career Development Center, on average, 80% of students report they’ve completed an internship either on or off campus. A few examples:

  • Physics major Kara Snow was one of 11 students from across the state to be awarded a North Carolina Space Grant internship. She spent her summer in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences working with OpenSpace — a NASA-funded software designed to visualize the entire known universe.
  • Cellular/molecular biology major Andy Mendoza worked this summer as a biostatistics and computational biology intern at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, conducting research to identify false positive signals from a chemical toxicity library.
  • Grace King, a communication, electronic/media broadcasting major, was one of 50 students chosen nationally for the Television Academy Foundation’s 2019 Internship Program. She traveled to Burbank, California, to intern in the comedy scriptwriting department at ABC Entertainment.

  Appalachian’s rigorous academic programs and multitude of career resources, along with the dedication of our staff and faculty, prepare students to adapt to a variety of professional experiences and thrive in critical workforce areas after graduation.

  I am ready to start the 2019–20 academic year. Now and always, it’s great to be a Mountaineer!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 07.30 – We gathered to celebrate the university’s newest parking facility, which is officially open for use.
  • 08.16 – I enjoyed greeting new and returning students and their families during move-in day. So much excitement!

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• 

  Cultivating Exceptional Leaders

  Professional development for all ages

  Friday, August 9, 2019

  At Appalachian, we pride ourselves on being leaders in the disciplines we teach. Here are a few recent examples of our commitment to cultivating leadership:

  • It was my pleasure to welcome guests to Appalachian for the eighth annual Appalachian Energy Summit. Experts, policymakers and students from across North Carolina and beyond discussed and strategized sustainability goals, affirming Appalachian’s and our sister institutions’ dedication to resiliency and energy efficiency. I am proud that, as a result of the collective efforts of this group, campuses of the UNC System — together with industry partners — have avoided more than $924 million in utility costs. I’m pleased that Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students have been the driving force behind this symposium of scholarship and innovation.
  • Awarded each year, the Chancellor’s Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) provides avenues for selected Appalachian faculty and staff to augment their leadership abilities through mentorship and professional development. Notably, this year’s class of participants is the largest cohort to date, with the most areas represented.
  • We also engage prospective students in leadership opportunities. Last month, we welcomed 24 high school juniors for the 2019 Martha Guy Summer Institute (MGSI) for Future Business Leaders. Over the past seven years, more than 40% of MGSI participants have chosen to attend Appalachian, a testament to the efficacy of the experience.

  Summer is coming to a close, and there is much to look forward to this year. I am thrilled that next week, I will welcome guests to the opening of the new parking deck, and greet new students and those returning to campus as we begin the 2019–20 academic year.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 07.30 – The UNC System Office congratulated the Appalachian Police Department on its Agency of the Year Award from the North Carolina Police Executives Association.
  • 07.31 – I shared an update after a special session of the Board of Trustees regarding HB 389 and the future demolition of Appalachian’s Justice Hall.
  • 08.03 – It was a pleasure to see photos of patrons enjoying The Temptations concert — the final event of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 35th season.

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July 2019

• 

  Safety, Due Diligence and Housing

  Trustees act on HB 389, demolition of Justice Hall

  Wednesday, July 31, 2019

  Last Thursday, after much thought and deliberation, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees met and approved a resolution allowing the university to seek permits to sell alcohol at athletics facilities. North Carolina House Bill 389, signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper on June 26, allows the state’s public universities to sell beer and wine at their athletics facilities. Approval by the trustees for the university to seek alcohol sales permits is required by North Carolina statutes.

  I appreciate the due diligence on the part of our trustees and university staff to ensure we can meet the needs of our university, continue to positively contribute to the local economy and enhance the already outstanding Mountaineer fan experience. Throughout this review, we have prioritized the safety and security of our university community, and we will continue to do so as we work through the logistics related to implementing alcohol sales at our athletics venues.

  Research on universities that sell beer and wine at athletics facilities shows significant decreases in alcohol-related arrests and incidents after implementation. Our own experience with the Rock Garten hospitality area outside the north end zone of Kidd Brewer Stadium, which since 2018 has sold limited quantities of alcohol to attendees, has met with positive reviews from fans and the university community.

  Also, on Thursday, the board approved the demolition of Justice Hall, a 67-year-old building used for student housing. The demolition, scheduled to begin next summer, is necessary to complete the third phase of our residence halls project. The board’s approval is required for demolition of any university building.

  As always, we are committed to recovering as much of the building’s items of value as possible. This project, like the others now in progress on our campus, will be documented on the Appalachian’s Future website.

  These are exciting days at Appalachian. We are less than a month away from welcoming a new class of Mountaineers. We have made tremendous progress on many of our infrastructure projects. The new parking deck will be open soon, and I think the orange cone count around campus is actually diminishing! Thank you for your patience.

  I appreciate our trustees’ leadership and the commitment to the university and our academic mission exhibited by our faculty, staff and students.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  July in review

  • Recognizing Outstanding Scholars
    Posted July 25, 2019
  • Living and Learning in the Blue Ridge Mountains
    Posted July 12, 2019

  Social media highlights

  • 07.26 – It's great to see the UNC System sharing stories about our partnerships with North Carolina vintners.
  • 07.27 – An Appalachian Summer Festival’s Rosen Sculpture Walk is always a favorite of mine — I enjoy learning more about the sculptures and the artists who created them.
  • 07.29 – I welcomed university and industry partners to the 8th Appalachian Energy Summit on Monday. The work resulting from these summits has saved UNC System campuses and industry partners more than $920 million dollars in utility costs!

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• 

  Recognizing Outstanding Scholars

  Elevating the future of the Appalachian Community

  Thursday, July 25, 2019

  At our inaugural Appalachian Scholarship Celebration, I had the pleasure of welcoming scholarship recipients and the generous donors who have opened the doors to higher education for them. Their stories, and the stories of so many other students, serve as reminders of the significance of an Appalachian education.

  Our university has long fostered an open and accessible pathway to education for all, and scholarships are vital to continuing this legacy. More than 38% of our academic scholarship recipients identify as being first-generation college students, 41% are low-income students and 38% are defined as coming from rural counties.

  We are committed to supporting and expanding the populations we serve, and elevating our scholarship offerings, including the Chancellor’s, Diversity, Fleming and Plemmons scholarships.

  We are proud of these remarkable students and of those recipients who came before them. As scholars and alumni, they enrich the Appalachian Community and communities far and wide. For instance:

  • Lauren Hempen, an English major with a creative writing concentration, traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of an Alternative Service Experience. She is a 2016 Diversity Scholar and serves as an Appalachian Student Ambassador.
  • Appalachian’s Student Government Association President DeJon Milbourne, who is now entering his second term, is a quadruple major in finance and banking, risk management and insurance, accounting and economics. He is also a 2016 Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholar.
  • Alumna Emily Fedders ’19, who graduated in May with a B.S. in geology, was an award-winning member of the Appalachian women’s cross-country team and a 2015 Chancellor’s Scholar. Notably, Emily won the Outstanding Student Presentation Award at the 2018 American Geophysical Union’s Fall Meeting.

  We delight in the many successes and contributions of our scholarship students — while they attend Appalachian and later in their careers. I am also appreciative of the many donors — which include 114 of Appalachian’s faculty and staff — who offer thousands of our students opportunities to expand their education and make their mark on the world.

  Scholarship funds elevate the future of the Appalachian Community for generations to come.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 07.12 – I had the honor of visiting with Martha Guy during a luncheon for the high school scholars attending the 2019 Martha Guy Summer Institute.
  • 07.12 – Staff Connect is a time for our dedicated staff members to enjoy time with their colleagues.
  • 07.13 – An Appalachian Summer Festival's Patti LaBelle concert was a fun evening that brought together universities and communities from across the region.
  • 07.19 – I was delighted to welcome donors and students to the inaugural Appalachian Scholarship Celebration.
  • 07.20 – Honoring the founders of An Appalachian Summer Festival was a meaningful and delightful way to celebrate the festival's 35th season.

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• 

  Living and Learning in the Blue Ridge Mountains

  A natural setting for exceptional learning

  Friday, July 12, 2019

  Our home in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers infinite opportunities for exploration, and we recently received external validation to that point. Peterson’s — the world’s leading educational services company — named Appalachian in its “The 20 Best Colleges for Outdoor Enthusiasts” list. The university placed 13th out of the 20 recognized schools nationwide, which were ranked based on the academic and recreational opportunities they provide.

  At Appalachian, outdoor recreation builds on the foundations set by our academic programs — simultaneously nurturing the growth of the Appalachian Community. Whether our students and faculty are on a mountaintop, in a classroom, on the banks of a river or on an athletic field, important learning is taking place.

  Our academic offerings also make good use of our living laboratory — rich with watersheds, rivers, forests, rock outcrops and highly diverse animal and plant communities — and engage students and faculty with the outdoors. The recent Appalachian-produced documentary about Moses Cone's Flat Top Manor gives an intimate look at one such local landmark and highlights the experiential education received by our students.

  As often as possible, Appalachian designs outdoor recreation offerings to have lifelong benefits. For instance, more than 240 students participate each summer in First Ascent, a wilderness orientation program for incoming first-year and transfer students, and more than 40 students are trained to become outdoor adventure trip leaders through Outdoor Programs’ Instructor Development Program. Our students thrive in these programs and feel daily the impact of our incomparable location on their lives and studies.

  The Appalachian Experience is all the better because of our location in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Social media highlights

  • 07.01 – I shared a photo taken by our university photographer of a breathtaking sunrise over @appstate’s campus.
  • 07.01 – Dr. Baker Perry and Dr. Anton Seimon represented our world-class faculty on the peaks of Mount Everest.
  • 07.10 – The educators at the App State Academy at Middle Fork excel as teachers and as students earning advanced degrees, always with the goal of elevating the experience for our mini-Mountaineers.
  • 07.11 – I enjoyed a wonderful evening with An Appalachian Summer Festival’s Advisory Board and their friends at @chetola_resort.

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June 2019

• 

  Sharing Appalachian’s Accomplishments

  Marks of distinction across the university

  Friday, June 28, 2019

  I value meeting with our Board of Trustees throughout the year, and I take the opportunity to share with them our updates and achievements — ranging from infrastructure to Mountaineer successes. Our esteemed Trustees advocate daily on behalf of Appalachian’s faculty, staff and students, and we are appreciative of all they do for our university. Significant work takes place during these meetings, like the one held June 21 which included:

  • An update on the university’s strategic plan, “The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a Just and Sustainable Future 2014-2019.” The University Planning and Priorities Council held more than a dozen listening sessions last year to gather input for the next iteration of the strategic plan, which will be drafted in the 2019-20 academic year.
  • Approval of an increase to the Appalachian Heights funding authorization to address existing issues related to pipes, ductwork and dehumidification. Built in 1996, the facility is structurally sound and these renovations will extend the life of the building for 20–30 years.
  • An update on the renovation of Sanford Hall. The renovation — which is expected to extend the life of the building by as much as 40 years — is getting underway and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. Appalachian excels at completing projects on time and on budget.
  • An informational presentation on North Carolina House Bill 389, which allows for controlled consumption of beer and wine in athletics venues at UNC System schools. Research on universities that sell beer and wine at athletics facilities shows significant decreases in alcohol-related arrests and incidents after implementation. Board of Trustees approval would be required in order to change our current policy, and I appreciate the Trustees' thorough review of the options available to Appalachian.

  These meetings also afford me the opportunity to share the tremendous success stories I witness every day. On this occasion, I recounted the internationally recognized work of two Appalachian faculty who recently scaled Mount Everest as part of a National Geographic research expedition. Geography professor Dr. Baker Perry was on the team that installed the two highest operating automated weather stations in the world, and faculty researcher Dr. Anton Seimon was on the team that recorded what we believe to be elevation records for at least two insect species. Visit Appalachian Today for the latest details. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Perry also solved a critical technical crisis at more than 27,000 feet with a shovel and a roll of duct tape — true Appalachian ingenuity!

  You are welcome to read my full remarks here. I will share an update with you after each meeting of the Trustees.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  June in review

  • A Reflection on Some Key Points of Pride
    Posted June 7, 2019
  • Honoring the Appalachian Experience
    Posted June 14, 2019
  • Celebrating 35 Years of An Appalachian Summer Festival
    Posted June 22, 2019

  Social media highlights from late June

  • 06.21 – @EducationNC shared the important work that took place at @appstateacademy this year.
  • 06.21 – What a terrific evening listening to humorous storytelling by keynote speaker Bobby Cremins at the @appstatesports Legends Gala.
  • 06.25 – Congratulations to the winners of the Walker College of Business’ 2019 Sywassink Awards for Excellence.

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• 

  Celebrating 35 Years of An Appalachian Summer Festival

  World-class arts in the High Country

  Saturday, June 22, 2019

  Next week we’ll launch the 35th annual An Appalachian Summer Festival with headliners like Patti LaBelle, Lily Tomlin, North Carolina Black Repertory Company and the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble. The festival cultivates diverse and vibrant arts that enrich our campus and region. With help from many generous donors and support from our local community, it has become a broad and eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film that still stays true to its founding principle of promoting young, American artists.

  Many thanks to the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, whose tireless work on this annual celebration creates a lasting impact on Appalachian’s arts legacy in the High Country and has been recognized by national media, including Southern Living and The New York Times.

  Concurrently, Appalachian presents the annual Cannon Music Camp, now in its 51st year — a prestigious, highly intensive, three-week course in performance and music theory designed for top-tier high school musicians. This week, 220 participants will arrive on our campus and begin private lessons and daily rehearsals with faculty of the Hayes School of Music. This experience serves as an ideal opportunity to showcase the full scope of Appalachian’s preeminent academics and faculty.

  I’m delighted that this year 44 former Cannon camp musicians auditioned for and were accepted into the Hayes School of Music. I look forward to welcoming them to the Appalachian Community in fall 2019.

  As a complement to these marquee events, Appalachian’s Department of Theatre and Dance hosts the Cre8tive Drama Day Camp and Summer Dance Series — two shining examples of how our future arts professionals learn beyond the classroom during their time as Mountaineers.

  An Appalachian Summer Festival, Cannon Music Camp, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the countless other arts enrichment opportunities that take place on our campus during the summer months exemplify Appalachian’s commitment to nurture growth and change, inspire engagement, expand perspectives and create life-changing experiences for students and the region.

  I hope you are able to take advantage of the arts at Appalachian this summer and throughout the year.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from mid-June

  • 06.14 – Boone was named as one of the five most beautiful college towns in America — something we certainly already knew!
  • 06.13 – Time spent with our state's legislators allows me to advocate for Appalachian.
  • 06.13 – The university's Board of Visitors advises and assists on public policy matters that impact the university and helps communicate Appalachian's mission and accomplishments.

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• 

  Honoring the Appalachian Experience

  Excellence at every age

  Friday, June 14, 2019

  We recently celebrated a convergence of generations: the graduating fifth grade class of the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork and the 50th reunion of Appalachian’s Class of 1969. These two events are compelling reminders that Appalachian exists on a continuum — preparing, engaging and educating students for a lifetime as Mountaineers.

  Much of that work begins through early engagement with our youngest scholars. As I recently shared, students at the Academy at Middle Fork are making tremendous strides. This forward progress was evident last week at the academy’s graduation ceremony, when all 48 graduating fifth grade students were greeted with cheers and congratulations from a room packed with their parents, families and educators. This momentous occasion marked the students’ first Appalachian degree, and I hope to see them cross the stage in Boone in 2030 — if not sooner.

  As the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state, our commitment to students — of any age — continues long after they receive their degrees. The annual Black and Gold Reunion Weekend is one such way we show our appreciation to our graduates.

  The reunion festivities commenced with the induction of about 40 members into the Black and Gold Society, which encompasses more than 400 alumni, and a celebration of the 50th reunion of the Class of 1969. The weekend also featured tours that showcased the growth and development of our campus.

  Across generations, Appalachian welcomes students who seek to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens. I invite you all to visit the Appalachian’s Future website and follow along as we continue to build our infrastructure and empower human potential.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from early June

  • 06.06 – It was my pleasure to host @appstatepolice at the Appalachian House for a celebration of the hard work they do every day to keep our campus safe and secure. They are setting the standard for police in the state!
  • 06.07 – It was a pleasure to celebrate the end of the school year and the graduation of the @appstateacademy fifth graders during the Academy at Middle Fork field day!
  • 06.07 – I extended a warm welcome to those returning to campus for the Black and Gold Reunion Weekend.
  • 06.11 – I enjoyed spending time with @AppStaffSenate, and I appreciate their service to the university and community.
  • 06.11 – What a fantastic year for @appfoodservices! This group gives of their time and talents so others can celebrate in style. I was honored to recognize their many accomplishments and endless dedication.

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• 

  A Reflection on Some Key Points of Pride

  Retention, graduation and success

  Friday, June 7, 2019

  Boone is a great place to spend the summer, and many of our students and faculty continue their academic work throughout the summer. About 65% of our students take at least one summer class during their time at Appalachian. More than 7,000 students are enrolled in one of our two Summer Sessions, taught by more than 500 faculty.

  Taking summer classes can be a valuable strategy that pays off for our students in more ways than one. Four- and five-year graduation rates are much higher for students who attend Summer Sessions, saving our students both time and money.

  With our first Summer Session of 2019 underway, it is a good time to reflect on how the hard work of our students, faculty and staff reaps dividends for our university and our state. These are facts and figures I share regularly with our university stakeholders — they leave little room for debate about how our students benefit from the Appalachian Experience:

  • Appalachian’s retention and graduation rates are well above national and state averages. Of our first-year class, 87.2% achieve second-year status — nearly 20% above the national average.
  • In the last year, more than 7,600 of our students engaged in experiential learning, including internships, at approximately 1,950 sites — a tribute to our faculty and staff and to the employers who engage with our students.
  • Our students are also in high demand in the workplace after graduation. Nearly 70% report employment within one year of graduation. One-third report enrolling in a program of advanced study.
  • Appalachian students and alumni pay down their college loan debt at a rate that is 25% higher than the national average.

  These statistics are the product of the diligence and efforts of our faculty, staff and students, and are part of what makes Appalachian the premier, public undergraduate university in the state. Take pride in this level of achievement. Every day, I share how these figures increase the already high value of an Appalachian education. I encourage you to do the same.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from late May

  • 05.22 – Our graduates are sought after by employers for their work ethic, professionalism, adaptability and passion. Here’s to their great success!
  • 05.24 – We marked our campus monument in honor of those who died in service to their country for Memorial Day.
  • 05.26 – I am so appreciative of the hard work that takes place on this campus throughout the year.
  • 05.30 – Our student-athletes broke a new university record — from May 2019 to the end of April, they spent 10,474 hours in community service.

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May 2019

• 

  A Special Thank You to Staff

  Year-round dedication and service

  Sunday, May 26, 2019

  The campus will remain quiet for a few more days before the start of our first summer session. Faculty, staff and students deserve a break from the excellent work accomplished throughout the academic year. I find the first few weeks of summer a good time especially to recognize the more than 1,900 staff members who work steadily, and quite often behind the scenes, year-round.

  A walk across campus is testimony of the planning and execution put in by our landscaping crew — the rhododendrons are particularly beautiful now. This story on the intentional conservation measures taken for one of the university’s oldest trees is just one example of the many efforts we employ to sustain the natural beauty of our campus.

  Our Environmental Services staff is completing some deep cleaning and repairs while traffic is low in campus offices and residence halls. This team keeps the university clean and safe, and has committed to making an extra ecological effort to use Green Seal-certified products to reduce environmental impacts and protect human health.

  The Belk Library and Information Commons staff continues to serve the campus academically over the summer and also experiences an increase in visitor traffic. The library serves the community as well as campus, and visitors can check out books and take advantage of the many additional resources and programming.

  Our orientation team is leading orientations for our incoming class with help from a terrific student group of Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs). Between now and August, SOULs will introduce the Appalachian Experience to more than 4,500 new first-year and transfer students. SOULs provide our newest Mountaineers a glimpse into life at Appalachian, answer thousands of questions and serve as friendly and compassionate peer leaders to incoming students and families.

  Orientation is a busy time for the University Bookstore as well. In addition to adding inventory and stocking up on new Appalachian gear, staff members work with incoming students, explaining how to order books and outlining our book rental program — which, incidentally, is nearly eight decades old!

  Between June and August, the Office of Conference and Camp Services expects around 8,000 elementary through high school students and visiting adults on campus. These guests come for a range of activities — from academic and athletic camps to the annual Appalachian Energy Summit. These individuals benefit from the expertise of our faculty and staff who lead and teach these conferences and camps throughout the summer, while also enjoying our facilities and logistics provided with the highest level of quality by our capable staff.

  Monday is Memorial Day, a day of recollection and a reminder of the immense sacrifice men and women in uniform have made for our country. On Tuesday, faculty, staff and students will begin summer classes. As you all prepare for a new session, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you who makes up the Appalachian Community for your hard work and dedication — all year long!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

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• 

  What a Year!

  2018 – 2019

  Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Almost 4,000 students crossed the stage last Friday and Saturday during commencement. This is an exciting and memorable time for these scholars and their families. I want to especially thank the members of our excellent faculty and staff for your passion and dedication, and for your mentorship that helped our students reach this important juncture.

  How quickly this academic year passed! In August, students in the Beaver College of Health Sciences moved into Levine Hall, our newest and largest academic facility to date and the first project funded by the Connect NC Bond to be completed.

  We celebrated Founders Day and the dedication of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plots and Garden. The Appalachian Community pulled together to assist as across the state, we coped with hurricanes Florence and Michael. When a record-breaking and beautiful snowstorm blanketed the High Country, our campus again rose to the challenge, supporting one another and managing with Mountaineer resiliency.

  We traveled to New Orleans and left as the Sun Belt Conference Champion, securing our fourth win in four straight bowl appearances for an undefeated bowl record.

  The Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork welcomed its first group of mini-Mountaineers and this spring reported excellent end-of-year grades. The academy’s fifth graders achieved an 81% increase from their fourth grade scores on their “winter check-in” pre-assessments for the North Carolina End-of-Grade Reading Comprehension Test.

  In March, a pivotal visit from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors gave us the opportunity to showcase the exciting construction and concepts developing on our campus, and illustrate the many ways we are helping shape education in our state — from kindergarten through college.

  The May 2 #iBackAPP event again exemplified the lifelong support and commitment our alumni have for Appalachian, generating more than $180,000 with solid participation from our faculty, staff and students. Thank you to each member of the Appalachian Community who made the day such a tremendous success.

  Whatever your summer brings — summer studies, internships, sabbaticals, new jobs or new landscapes — I wish you all the best. Thank you for another terrific year.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  April in review

  • Full STEAM Ahead
    Posted April 20, 2019
  • Tomorrow’s Mountaineers Today
    Posted April 6, 2019

  Highlights from my Twitter

  • 04.24 – Our mini-Mountaineers from the Academy at Middle Fork had a big visit to campus. It was a treat having the Academy Ambassadors at the Appalachian House.
  • 04.25 – The Durham Award went to Dr. Martha McCaughey this year for her advocacy of first-year students. Thank you, Martha, for your hard work and dedication.
  • 04.25 – Staff Connect drew a great crowd. I was pleased to see so many of you enjoying time with your peers.
  • 04.26 – The Folk and Dagger band added a festive dimension to Faculty Club.
  • 04.28 – The softball team’s Senior Day game is always a great way to kick off the season.
  • 04.29 – As we close an impressive academic year, it was my pleasure to host a Faculty Senate reception.
  • 05.07 – Horse Helpers of the High Country are supportive members of Appalachian’s sustainability community. I was glad to be part of their solar barn ribbon-cutting.
  • 05.08 – We celebrated the terrific partnership between Appalachian and the greater Boone community. With community support, our students were able to participate in more than 17,000 hours of service-learning off campus!
  • 05.11 – It is always my sincere pleasure to congratulate the newest members of the Class of 2019.

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• Standing with UNCC

  Wednesday, May 1, 2019

  Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with our friends, loved ones and colleagues at UNC Charlotte. We grieve for the victims of this tragedy and their families, as well as the entire Niner Nation. Today, and in the challenging days ahead, Mountaineers are in solidarity with UNC Charlotte and those affected by this devastating violence.

  Sadly, campus shootings are too frequent, and when they take place, especially so close to home, they expose the vulnerability we all feel, and can cause anxiety that adds to end-of-semester pressures. Members of our university leadership have reached out to our colleagues in Charlotte to offer support and assistance and there is support for Mountaineers at home if needed.

  I would like to remind you of some key resources that are available to you. I encourage you to utilize them if you need to talk, need help, and/or would like further information:

  • Student Counseling Services offers services 24 hours a day
  • Counseling for Faculty and Staff offers free and confidential counseling, consultation, seminars and guidance for making referrals to colleagues or employees
  • Appalachian’s Emergency Management team provides information, resources and workshops to help you respond more quickly and effectively should the need arise.

  On this sad day for our university system and state, please know that there are many people at Appalachian who are here for you.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

April 2019

• 

  Full STEAM Ahead

  Engagement in science, technology, engineering, art and math

  Saturday, April 20, 2019

  Outreach and community engagement are key to The Appalachian Experience. They are also central to our efforts to increase enrollment and achievement for low-income and rural students. Our science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) initiatives also bolster interest in critical workforce programs in these fields.

  I am proud to highlight below just a few of your many efforts — as volunteers, teachers and mentors — that speak to your dedication and the broad impact you are having in these important areas:

  • Saturday, April 6,149 teams of adults and K–12 students gathered in Holmes Convocation Center for the Appalachian SumoBot Competition. Dr. Eric Marland organized this event with support from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the North Carolina Science Festival and ECR Software. Additionally, students from many departments helped run the competition. The robots are built by contestants and must be programmed to act independently of humans.
  • Appalachian’s STEAM Expo will be held at Holmes Convocation Center Tuesday, April 30. More than 2,500 students and teachers will visit over 40 STEAM-related booths, including an interactive “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” exhibit from the Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES).
  • Team Sunergy’s first solar car, Apperion, is on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as part of the 2019 Triangle SciTech Expo. Almost 4,000 visitors attended the expo Saturday, April 13. The car will be on display at the museum for the next year.
  • In June, as part of the Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative, Appalachian will offer a series of graduate courses designed to prepare faculty in community colleges for teaching astronomy, and will also provide summer research experiences for community college students in mathematics and physics. This project will ultimately lead to an increase in community awareness of NASA-developed science content and will improve student learning across grade levels in science and mathematics.

  These events and initiatives are but a small sampling of your community outreach promoting STEAM involvement and interest. Appalachian faculty, staff and students are engaging broadly with community members in the surrounding counties and across the state. Building these relationships is one more way you are ensuring our place as the premier, public undergraduate institution in North Carolina.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from my week

  • 04.06 – The Alumni Council was on campus Saturday, April 6. It was my pleasure to give them an update on our university. They are great ambassadors in their communities and across the state.
  • 04.06 – The Henderson Springs LGBT Friendraiser was a great event. I had the pleasure of celebrating afterward with supporters Bo Henderson and Ed Springs.
  • 04.08 – Sen. Ballard, Rep. Russell and I had the opportunity to spend a morning with eighth graders from Mabel and Bethel schools. What an impressive group of students!
  • 04.09 – It was fun being in Charlotte with the 2019 Athletics Spring Tour. We have a loyal contingent of fans and alumni.
  • 04.10 – It was my pleasure to host a reception for the Women’s Cross-Country Team at the Appalachian House and to celebrate their incredible season as the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Champions.
  • 04.13 – Esther and Jonathan Feather have been devoted leaders for the Parents and Family Association. I appreciate their hard work and dedication.
  • 04.15 – The student-athletes on the Women’s Tennis Team have had a terrific season. Congratulations on being top seed for the Sun Belt Tournament and for all of your other accomplishments — on and off the court.

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• 

  Tomorrow's Mountaineers Today

  Collaboration is key to success at Appalachian’s lab school

  Saturday, April 6, 2019

  Our youngest Mountaineers — those who attend our lab school in Walkertown — are doing very well. The Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork is one of nine schools in North Carolina selected to partner with a state university to advance literacy. The academy is approaching the close of its first full year with positive reports all around.

  Dr. Robin Groce, our director of planning and implementation for the lab school, reports the academy’s fifth-graders achieved an 81% increase from their fourth-grade scores on their “winter check-in” pre-assessments for the North Carolina End-of-Grade Reading Comprehension Test.

  The support and engagement of the students’ families, the surrounding community and the academy’s staff are major factors for these impressive outcomes. Kudos to every individual who touches the lives of these young learners.

  From the outset, parents and families have been visibly supportive — high attendance at the August 2018 Open House has continued through the First Academy Curriculum Night in October 2018, the Fall Festival in November 2018, Parent Night in February and a Family Literacy Night in March that included storytelling, read alouds and student presentations.

  The academy features a full faculty of 29, including eight Appalachian graduates — seven of whom hold master’s degrees. Additionally, one faculty member holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and 15 are currently enrolled or are enrolling in advanced degree programs at Appalachian. The academy also receives expertise and guidance from an on-campus team and advisory board.

  Collaboration with the Winston-Salem community includes partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Old Salem Museums and Gardens, Winston-Salem State University, and many community churches, banks and businesses.

  The collective enthusiasm for learning at the academy is evident in this short video. These mini-Mountaineers are tomorrow’s leaders, and many of them have their eyes on Appalachian.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from my week

  • 04.04 – Coach Angel Elderkin and her team have gone the distance! Congratulations to our WBI champions — the Appalachian women’s basketball team.
  • 03.30 – Appalachian represented! What a terrific showing of support at the Walk to Defeat ALS!

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March 2019

• 

  An Opportunity to Shine

  Hosting our Board of Governors

  Friday, March 29, 2019

  Our university made a very positive impression on an important group of visitors last week.

  Members of the UNC System Board of Governors were our guests for their two-day meeting. This was the first time the board, which holds every other meeting on one of the system campuses, has met on our campus since 1999 — a time when our enrollment was 12,000. This visit allowed us to showcase how we have changed — not only in numbers, but also in the ways we teach the leaders of tomorrow and serve the state of North Carolina today.

  During the visit, the governors had time to interact with individual students; deans, along with students, faculty and staff, shared accomplishments from their colleges as well as updates on their research and special projects. You can watch the video we prepared for them, which shows how Appalachian is helping shape the education of young people in our state — from kindergarten through college.

  We were sure to share our enrollment numbers, our retention rates and other accolades that support our position as the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state. We also advocated for funding appropriate for a university of our size and stature.

  With help from Student Ambassadors, we took members of the board — as well as colleagues from other system campuses — on a campus tour. We showed them Sanford and Wey halls and their level of disrepair. We took them to Levine Hall so they can see how we deliver a building on time and on budget when given state resources, and we showed them the site of the Innovation Campus so they can envision what is in our future.

  There are two important takeaways from this experience.

  The first is how very proud we can be of this institution and the people who were most visible: the young cadets and police officers who provided the necessary security; all of the Mountaineers who provided extraordinary service throughout the visit; the deans, faculty, staff and students who helped showcase the important work taking place in our colleges and divisions; and each of you who helped us extend an Appalachian welcome to the governors during their stay.

  Second, we placed our university on the map for many of these individuals — individuals who make critically important decisions about our future. They now have a key frame of reference for making these decisions.

  It’s a great time to be a Mountaineer. We were able to share that message loud and clear.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  March in review

  • Voter ID Update
    Posted March 14, 2019
  • Innovation and Opportunity
    Posted March 22, 2019

  Highlights from my week

  • 03.26 – The Community Leaders Breakfast is always a great networking and sharing opportunity. Great to see so many of you at App House.
  • 03.25 – I’m so proud of our Women’s Basketball team. I’ve enjoyed watching them advance to the postseason WBI Final Four. Come cheer them on as they go up against Campbell on Saturday!
  • 03.25 – They took their time, but the ducks are in the house. It’s nice to see they are settling in.
  • 03.25 – Saturday is the App State Walk to Defeat ALS. I hope to see many of you at the starting line.
  • 03.25 – Owens Field House is coming down — a big step forward at The Rock.
  • 03.25 – Dr. Andrew Koricich’s research on recruiting rural students is vital to our ability to engage and increase access for North Carolina students.
  • 03.22 – It is a great pleasure to announce the 2018–19 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars. I am proud of all the teams who applied.

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• 

  Innovation and Opportunity

  Collaborative research, critical thinking and workplace readiness

  Friday, March 22, 2019

  This week we announced the 2018–19 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars — six multidisciplinary teams were awarded close to $10,000 each to support their proposed research. The winning projects demonstrate diverse perspectives on issues important to our campus and community — and important to the world. It is rewarding to see faculty and staff work collaboratively and involve students in projects that promise positive, impactful social and economic outcomes.

  Providing our students with the opportunity for meaningful, hands-on research is beneficial for those seeking higher academic degrees and also for those beginning a career. In a recently published article on Appalachian's website, representatives from IBM, Western Youth Network, SkyLine and more give testimony to the value of hiring Appalachian graduates.

  Research projects and achievements are regularly highlighted on our news and events website Today.appstate.edu. Three of recent note:

  • Research by Dr. Howie Neufeld and three collaborators — one a former graduate student — reveals smog (ozone) has dropped over the past several years to its lowest levels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since measurements began in the mid-1980s.
  • “From the Appalachians to the Andes” follows two groups of students led by Appalachian professors Dr. Baker Perry and Dr. Jeremy Ferrell on a Peru study abroad expedition; an impressive video gallery lets you trek with the students at 18,000 feet.
  • Research fairs and symposia provide faculty and students with the opportunity to present research and network with colleagues from other institutions. We represented well at the 2018 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, with students presenting research on topics including water quality, volcanic destruction and glacier recession.

  The first copies of the 2019 Appalachian Magazine have arrived and will soon be available in racks on campus. You may read the digital version here. Our largest edition ever, this year’s compendium of articles, college updates and key initiatives reflects the excellence and achievements of our faculty, staff and students, and is a fitting tribute to each of you and your hard work.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from my week

  • 03.12 – Congratulations to New River Light and Power Co. for being awarded a 2018 Public Power Award of Excellence.
  • 03.13 – What a win at the SunBelt tournament for the women’s basketball team! It was great fun cheering them on in New Orleans.
  • 03.16 – I arrived back on the mountain in time to judge some terrific floats in Boone’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. My fellow judges and I had some hard choices to make.
  • 03.21 – The Mountaineers advanced to the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitational. Good luck against Marshall next week!

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• Voter ID Update

  Thursday, March 14, 2019

  I’d like to dedicate this week’s newsletter to update you on our campus’ current status in regard to North Carolina’s voter identification law. This law requires photo identification to vote in person in North Carolina and, upon approval from the state's Board of Elections, allows North Carolina students and employees to use their institution-issued identity cards as valid voter identification.

  Pursuant to Session Law 2018-144, Appalachian State University submitted letters of attestation March 13 to the North Carolina State Board of Elections (SBOE) seeking approval of the university’s employee and student IDs as Voter IDs. The letters may be viewed using the links below.

  Letters of attestation sent to SBOE on March 13, 2019:

  • Request approval to use Appalachian State University employee identification cards as voter identification (PDF 241K)
  • Request approval to use Appalachian State University student identification cards as voter identification (PDF 145K)

  The Appalachian Community places enormous value on the civic engagement of our faculty, staff and students. I appreciate the hard work of our campus staff who have been diligently working on this process. We will continue working closely with the county and state boards of elections to ensure the members of our community have the knowledge and resources to exercise their legal right to vote.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

February 2019

• 

  Finding Balance

  Take time to refresh, recharge and renew

  Thursday, February 28, 2019

  Appalachian students are about to take a short breather and it is well deserved. All of us utilize this time in different ways: Some will remain in the area and work or use the quiet time for research and regrouping; some will give their time and talents to an Alternative Service Experience project; some will catch a few rays, catch up with loved ones or simply catch up on sleep.

  However you spend this time, I want to remind our students, especially, that faculty and staff are here for you. We fill our days thinking of ways to be better teachers and mentors; to make this campus safe, clean and beautiful; to purchase, prepare and provide good food to keep you healthy and feeling at home; and to envision and build new classrooms, more efficient residence halls, and spaces for study and quiet reflection.

  A dedicated group of faculty, staff and students ensure the well-being of the Appalachian Community as a whole. Your mental and physical health and your academic success are paramount. Many of you can recount instances when you’ve reached out and found the support and help you need — I hear those stories regularly. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the services at hand, many of the myriad resources available can be found here.

  Faculty and staff, your dedication is seen in the success of our students and the support you give one another. This is truly a caring, concerned community and I am thankful to be part of it.

  Have a safe Spring Break and return refreshed and recharged — there’s so much more to come!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Feburary in Review

  • Leading the Way
    Posted Feb. 9, 2019
  • Academic Excellence and Opportunity
    Posted Feb. 5, 2019

  February Highlights

  • 02.26 – The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce excels at developing strong leaders for the community. I appreciate being invited to speak at their most recent session.
  • 02.25 – We are fortunate to share such a strong relationship with the greater Boone and Watauga communities. Town and Gown meetings are positive and forward thinking.
  • 02.22 – Our Appalachian Ambassadors represent us to prospective students. The opportunity to hear from university leadership was invaluable. Thanks to the students and leadership for your participation.
  • 02.22 – As we work to recruit and retain underrepresented students, this group’s input is so important. Thanks to the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment.
  • 02.20 – The Asheville Alumni Chapter is very connected and active. I enjoyed a great evening with them in Asheville.
  • 02.20 – Our Student Government Association senators are an engaged and engaging group. I enjoyed our working lunch.
  • 02.14 – On Valentine’s Day, I welcomed Sen. Ballard and Reps. Horn and Fraley to our lab school in Winston-Salem. Our young Mountaineers loved their new App State T-shirts.
  • 02.14 – It’s official! New resident halls are underway. I signed the final paperwork with RISE for the largest building project in our university’s history.
  • 02.13 – The director of our building sciences program spoke on radio station WFDD about his student project — building a living space for adults with autism. Our faculty, staff and students are making a real difference in Western North Carolina.

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• The Right to Vote

  Education and encouragement for civic engagement

  Friday, February 22, 2019

  A new voter identification law in North Carolina would allow the state’s students to use their institution-issued identity cards as valid voter identification.

  At Appalachian, we have been both proactive and transparent as we continue our work to understand the many aspects of this state law. Many staff members are engaged in these efforts — our goal is to assure our students have legally recognized identification in order to vote.

  I have engaged in many discussions — with legal counsel, members of the Student Government Association, faculty, staff and my colleagues in the system — about the legal aspects and responsibilities presented by this law. The exchange of ideas and issues is the very basis of critical thinking and discovery cherished by this university.

  Our institution places enormous value on the civic engagement of our faculty, staff and students. Our focus during this process is and will continue to be on learning everything we can about this new law, and the ongoing education of our students and the greater Appalachian Community. We will work closely with the county and state boards of elections to be certain we educate and enable our students to assert their legal right to vote.

  We will continue to explore, to evaluate and to educate. We will look to all constituents to inform our actions, and we will promote civic engagement at every level.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• Acknowledging our Past

  Informing the future

  Monday, February 18, 2019

  Many colleges and universities across the country have audited or are in the process of auditing the content of their yearbooks in order to be transparent about images and language that are inappropriate and offensive. Appalachian staff members began this process in early February and completed it late last week.

  Our yearbook, The Rhododendron, was published by members of the senior class almost every year from 1922 to 2006.

  As early as 1930, the yearbook contains racist images and photos of students wearing blackface as late as 1985. No instances of anyone in Ku Klux Klan costumes were found.

  The cultural appropriation and blatant prejudice and insensitivity displayed in these instances are hurtful and offensive. They will remain as historical documents — not reflective of our values, but reminders to be vigilant in our efforts to be both inclusive and transparent. We have added language to our yearbook website to be clear on this point.

  This examination of our history, both our shortcomings and our accomplishments, will inform our path forward. We will continue to develop and allocate resources to build and sustain a diverse campus culture, and we will be diligent in our efforts to understand, respect and accept a broad spectrum of cultures and viewpoints.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Leading the Way

  Setting the bar for rural-serving institutions

  Saturday, February 9, 2019

  On Thursday, along with Dr. Andrew Koricich — an assistant professor in the higher education program in our Reich College of Education — I addressed the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) pre-conference meeting of provosts and other campus representatives.

  We were asked to lead the discussion on rural-serving institutions, sharing challenges and best practices for regional stewardship.

  Rural service is not a new concept for our university: Watauga Academy was founded to improve access to education for the rural residents of Western North Carolina.

  In 2017, Appalachian entered into an agreement with the UNC System to continue prioritizing recruitment and retention of low-income and rural students. Doing so requires both strategic planning and tactical execution.

  Both Andrew and I grew up in rural communities and are keenly aware of the particular challenges first-generation, small-town and rurally located students encounter when attending postsecondary institutions. Appalachian’s student demographics are revealing. In the 2017–18 academic year:

  • 68 percent of Appalachian students received some type of aid.
  • 30 percent of undergraduates were recipients of Pell Grants.
  • 2,405 students (around 12 percent) were at or below the federal poverty guidelines.

  As we fulfill our promise to recruit higher percentages of rural and first-generation college students, I am proud of our efforts to ease the transition to college for these students. Data show that, once enrolled, these students thrive academically, taking the courses they need to graduate and passing classes at high rates. As a group, they stay on track for excellent four- and five-year completion rates.

  We have strong support systems and initiatives in place. Contributions from each of you — faculty, staff and students — factor greatly in our leading role as a rural-serving institution. Your ideas are key as we develop strategies and tactics for improvement. Our staff excels at advising, preparation and early intervention, and our faculty understand the importance of the rural context in which we live and work. Student peer support bolsters resiliency and retention.

  Rural service also includes service to our community, state and region. Appalachian contributes positively to quality of life in the High Country and beyond; prepares professionals for positions in critical job categories; and adds to the economic well-being of the region and state. In 2012, economists in Appalachian’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis estimated that the university’s annual economic impact was worth $560 million to the local economy and supported approximately $36 million in additional taxes to local governments.

  Of the nearly 127,000 App State alumni, more than 75 percent live and work in North Carolina, contributing to our state’s growing economy. While these numbers are critical to the local economy, they do not begin to capture the broader impacts to society at large that arise from the academic mission of the university. Our new Innovation Campus will allow us to foster collaborative opportunities for students, investors and businesses throughout the region with an emphasis on creative and innovative thought and research.

  Rural service is not a trend for Appalachian. It is our legacy from our founders, the Dougherty brothers and Lillie Shull Dougherty. It was the underlying purpose of Watauga Academy, of Appalachian Training School, of Appalachian State Teachers College. We are leading by example.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from my week

  • 02.01 – Our Faculty Senate Chair, Dr. Barbara Howard, shared great examples of our faculty's accomplishments with us today.
  • 02.01 – I'm proud Appalachian has earned Gold as a Military Friendly® School. We are honored to serve those who serve for us.
  • 02.06 – The Beaver Scholars program will support our students with a commitment to health care careers and will bolster the health care services throughout the state for years to come. Thank you, Don and Vickie Beaver!
  • 02.07 – It was an honor to share our experience as a rural-serving institution with colleagues at AASCU's 2019 Academic Affairs Winter Meeting.

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• 

  Academic Excellence and Opportunity

  Students, faculty, staff and alumni stand up, stand out

  Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  Because of the dedication of faculty and staff and the quality of our students, Appalachian is consistently lauded by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and many other national publications and guides.

  Appalachian offers small classes; innovative, interdisciplinary and integrative curriculum; and mentorship from faculty, staff and fellow students. Opportunities abound for active learning, outreach and professional advancement.

  I hear so many stories of your achievements and of alumni engagement. Some recent examples of how many of you are making a difference and contributing in this community and around the world include:

  • Two interior design students from the College of Fine and Applied Arts were recently recognized by PAVE in New York City for a retail display design.
  • Cara Hagan, assistant professor in Appalachian’s Department of Theatre and Dance, has won Best Southern States documentary at the Southern States Indie Fan Film Fest.
  • Assistant Director Ben Asma and the team in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services have established a Collegiate Recovery Community that supports continued recovery and overall holistic well-being while in college.
  • Salisbury city manager Lane Bailey ’87 ’89 is an international volunteer, setting an example at home and in Israel, China, Denmark and Tanzania.

  There are countless examples of your hard work and dedication. You are the reason we are the premier, public undergraduate institution in North Carolina. We have much to be proud of as we continue to excel in 2019.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Montly highlights

  • 01.15 – Lunch with SkyLine’s CEO and executive director of competitive operations was an opportunity to share ideas with some of our partners committed to improving quality of life in the High Country.
  • 01.16 – Our students regularly share their Appalachian Experience through the university’s Instagram account — a wonderful way to see the university through their eyes.
  • 01.24 – One of our alumni, Pritzker Fellow Crystal Kelly, is building a model for improved early childhood care in Watauga County that could be used as a national model.
  • 01.25 – I enjoy collaboration and discussion with our N.C. Sens. Ballard and Berger and other key players in education about preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
  • 01.28 – Service is a proud tradition for the Appalachian Community and our contributions to the area and state are significant.
  • 02.01 – I visited our Academy at Middle Fork with members of the Student Government Association. It is so promising to see the work our educators are doing to prepare these young, future leaders.

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January 2019

• 

  Making a difference in our community

  Volunteers, service and outreach

  Saturday, January 26, 2019

  Service in and for the community and surrounding counties is a proud tradition for our students, staff and faculty. Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) calculates volunteers from Appalachian donated more than 1.1 million hours between the 2004–05 and 2016–17 academic years. This month:

  • Staff Senate is coordinating a coat and blanket drive to stock our free store and benefit families in the High County. Locations for donations can be found here. This is one of many Staff Senate activities that make a difference in our rural communities.
  • More than 200 students, faculty and staff participated in Appalachian’s 20th annual MLK Challenge — a model that has been adopted throughout the state and nation.

  Appalachian’s impact on the communities we touch is significant: We teach, learn and volunteer in our schools; intern and collaborate with our health care centers; buy local food and products; and support and staff our nonprofit organizations, all the while developing a workforce of critical thinkers who go on to contribute locally and globally.

  Each of you contributes to the Appalachian Experience. You provide the impact stories I share as I advocate for our university across the state and beyond. Thank you for fostering the Mountaineer spirit.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Building infrastructure update

  As the premier, public, undergraduate institution in North Carolina, we are building our infrastructure so our physical spaces keep pace with our slow but steady growth, innovative pedagogy and research. Keep abreast of our progress on a number of projects here.

  The $191 million residential hall project that will provide close to 2,200 additional beds is moving along at a steady pace. Beginning this week, updates will be posted each week here.

  Highlights from My Week

  • 01.19 – Our women’s basketball season is in full swing. I loved cheering them on — you can catch the game against Little Rock, Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2:00 p.m.
  • 01.21 – Did you know an Appalachian staffer created the model for the MLK Challenge 20 years ago? On Monday, 200-plus volunteers made a difference, despite plunging temperatures.
  • 01.24 – Quality child care is crucial for our community. Pritzker Fellow Crystal Kelly and her team are developing early childhood programs for our county that may serve as models nationwide.
  • 01.25 – I enjoy collaboration and discussion with our N.C. Sens. Ballard and Berger and other key players in education about preparing tomorrow’s workforce.

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• 

  Success in the New Year

  Academic excellence, self care and preparation are key

  Saturday, January 19, 2019

  January at Appalachian brings with it new class schedules, New Year's resolutions... and snow and ice. Keeping up with academic obligations and staying safe and healthy can require some support. This is a good time to familiarize - or re-familiarize ourselves with the many resources in place for students, faculty and staff.

  If winter weather is on your mind, our Emergency Management team has assembled emergency preparedness resources you can use to plan and prepare. During times in which the university is not operating under normal conditions, you can find the latest information, including weather-related class and work schedule changes, at www.appstatealert.com and on the university homepage.

  You can read more about how we make inclement weather-related decisions here.

  As we balance academic, work and life challenges, many resources are available:

  For students:

  • The Appalachian Cares website offers a clearinghouse of wellness, health and safety resources. Key resources include: Wellness and Prevention Services, Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services. The Dean of Students Office also serves as an important resource for providing students with assistance.
  • Academic resources include the Office of Student Success and the Disco Student Learning Center, which offer assistance for students who need a intermittent or regular assistance in meeting their academic goals.

  For faculty and staff:

  • A wide variety of resources can be found on the Health Promotion, Counseling for Faculty and Staff and Human Resources websites.
  • For those who wish to improve job performance or prepare for career advancement at Appalachian, Human Resources also offers professional development workshops and assistance.

  The Center for Academic Excellence also offers teaching and learning resources for the entire Appalachian Community, including professional development, best practices and events that support equity and inclusiveness for faculty, staff and students.

  Through these and many other resources, the Appalachian Community builds resilience while providing support - an excellent approach to begin a new year.

  Best wishes for the holiday weekend, and to those of you participating in Monday's day of service, reflection and education honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I look forward to learning about and sharing your experiences with campus next week.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 01.14 – I was pleased to share plans for expanding the Child Development Center — so critical for our Appalachian Community.
  • 01.15 – Lunch with Skyline’s CEO and Executive Director of Competitive Operations was an opportunity to share ideas with some of our partners committed to improving quality of life in the High Country.
  • 01.15 – It was my pleasure to welcome everyone to a new semester. It’s going to be a great year!
  • 01.16 – Our students regularly share their Appalachian Experience through the university’s Instagram account - a wonderful way to see the university through their eyes.

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• 

  Welcome Back!

  It’s going to be a great year

  Saturday, January 12, 2019

  This is going to be a great year!

  More than 550 new students will be joining classmates, faculty and staff for the first day of classes Monday. Welcome! At the same time, our December graduates are starting anew and, if history proves, will successfully land at their first destination in 2019 — be it a new job or postsecondary education.

  We have much to anticipate in 2019. A few of the projects that are top of mind:

  • Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research — A final report from the feasibility study is expected to be complete by the end of January. A variety of stakeholders have been interviewed to determine the best mix of labs, conservatory, meeting space and gardens.
  • Kidd Brewer Stadium north end zone project — Demolition of Owens Field House is expected to begin in mid-to-late February. Construction for the new parking deck at the site of the old Winkler building, now underway, is expected to be completed in early fall 2019.
  • New residence halls — Work will continue on this project to replace seven residence halls. The first phase is expected to begin at the Winkler site in February, with 912 beds ready for occupancy in the fall of 2020.
  • The Academy at Middle Fork — Our teaching team reports a successful and impactful first semester. Students are excited to participate in the upcoming second Hiker's Harvest — an innovative group play day that helps set schoolwide behavior expectations.
  • Child Development Center — Plans are underway to more than double the capacity of the Child Development Center that serves Appalachian faculty, staff and students. A project feasibility study, which is expected to be complete in May 2019, will pave the way for additional expansion.

  Each of these projects ensures a better future for Appalachian and the best possible Appalachian Experience for our faculty, staff and students. The reward for temporary construction obstruction will be much needed parking and enhanced facilities.

  As we begin a new year, I am excited about these projects and will continue advocating for Appalachian’s faculty, students and staff. In my conversations with legislators, donors, alumni and members of the Board of Governors, I continue to share the extraordinary stories of your successes and to advocate for the additional resources necessary to support a university of our size and caliber.

  We are the premier, public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina. We are more than 19,000 students strong, our faculty and staff are extraordinary and our alumni are making a difference around the world.

  It is going to be a great year!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

December 2018

• 

  Resiliency

  The Mountaineer spirit that sustains

  Friday, December 14, 2018

  Tomorrow, about 1,600 graduates will cross the stage at commencement. I am confident their Mountaineer spirit will sustain them — at home, at work and in their communities.

  As we look toward 2019, I appreciate what each of you contributes to the Appalachian Experience.

  To faculty: You work 24/7 to offer our students opportunities for career-building, life-changing, hands-on research. You inspire critical thinking and provide exposure to cultural and intellectual diversity. I am proud of the caliber of education and individual attention you provide our students, and for your diligence and determination.

  To staff: Your support is unparalleled and critical to our mission. Your inventiveness and spirited engagement are especially evident when there is more than 15 inches of snow blanketing the campus. Thank you.

  To students: You are making real and powerful differences in the world and are following in the footsteps of the alumni who have come before you — who have been doing so for nearly 120 years.

  And to our graduates who tomorrow will join the more than 126,000 alumni who are living, working and contributing to their communities across the world, remember you will always be a part of an ever-growing Appalachian Community.

  Commencement ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow in the Holmes Convocation Center. You can watch them livestreamed here and on AppTV’s Facebook page.

  Have a safe and restful holiday.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 12.12 – Our collaboration with CCC&TI is opening access and making it easier for students to transition seamlessly to our university.
  • 12.11 – We celebrated the close of fall semester Tuesday with all of our faculty and staff at a holiday reception. You have all earned a relaxing and renewing break.
  • 12.08 – Winter storm Diego dumped more than 15 inches of snow on our campus and surrounding area. While it was beautiful to see, it presented a challenge for exam week — but one we met head-on! Thanks to all.

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• 

  Preparing for major snow event

  The safety of the Appalachian Community is our first concern

  Friday, December 7, 2018

  With the possibility of a significant winter weather event on the horizon, preparations are underway on campus. We are accustomed to winter weather, and while it presents challenges, we prepare so we can manage safely, expertly and efficiently.

  The safety of our faculty, staff and students is our top priority. We have been preparing since last week for this event and putting into place safety protocols we have developed and practiced. As standard practice, we work with numerous agencies, including the National Weather Service and response agencies across the region, to determine the best course of action for our university community.

  Across our university, staff from Emergency Management, Physical Plant, Food Services, Housing, Parking & Traffic and many other areas are preparing for the potential impacts of this storm.

  Earlier today, you received a message from Emergency Management Director Jason Marshburn detailing many of the preparations our campus has underway, sharing important information about how to prepare for possible severe weather and about how to stay informed regarding schedule changes for exams and upcoming university events.

  Exams originally scheduled for next Monday were moved up or are being offered online. I recognize the challenges this has caused, particularly for students and faculty, and appreciate the “can-do” spirit of the Appalachian Community.

  As we watch the weather forecast closely, please monitor appstatealert.com and check your email for updates from our Emergency Management team. If you are traveling, please check forecasts and travel conditions along your route.

  We will keep you informed as the situation develops.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

November 2018

• 

  Traditions of Excellence

  Chancellor's Innovation Scholars and Appalachian Mountaineers

  Friday, November 30, 2018

  We have a longstanding tradition of excellence in the classroom and in athletics. I am proud to celebrate the entire Appalachian Experience.

  Applications are open for the Chancellor's Innovation Scholars Program. I am pleased to share that, since 2016, this program has funded 10 projects at $10,000 each. You can read more about the previous awardees and their impressive projects here.

  The program supports teams of faculty and staff thought leaders who are working creatively and entrepreneurially to:

  • Address challenges facing higher education.
  • Create lasting institutional change.
  • Provide community and societal benefits.
  • Establish opportunities that increase student engagement.
  • Promote broad-based sustainability.

  More details about the program and the application process can be found here. I look forward to reading all of your creative and engaging ideas.

  Because of the Mountaineers’ top spot in the Sun Belt East Division, we have the distinct honor of hosting the inaugural Sun Belt Conference Football Championship Game on Saturday. We are proud to be the home team for this historic athletic event. I hope to see many of you there sporting your Black and Gold as we go up against the West Division champions, Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns.

  Our Student Government Association is sponsoring a Pack the Rock Poster Contest. The game will be broadcast live at noon on ESPN, so this is a great opportunity to show our Mountaineer pride.

  As the end of the semester nears, I wish everyone a safe and productive week, and Go App!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  In review

  • An Appalachian Fall
    Posted Oct. 17, 2018
  • Appalachian Autumn
    Posted Oct. 25, 2018
  • The Value of Community
    Posted Nov. 2, 2018
  • Freedom
    Posted Nov. 9, 2018
  • Supporting Success
    Posted Nov. 21, 2018

  Highlights from My Week

  • 11.24 – Friends from the General Assembly joined us for our win over Troy (21-10) to take the Sun Belt East Division Championship.
  • 11.26 – I was honored to speak in Dr. Andrew Koricich’s American Higher Education class. These students will make a difference for education in the future.
  • 11.27 – Rankin Science West flood mitigation was the topic for this meeting with some of the Faculty Senate members. Great problem solvers!
  • 11.28 – Preparation for the inaugural Sun Belt Football Championship Game is underway. Let’s get out our Black and Gold.

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• 

  Supporting Success

  Sharing your perspectives and advocating for our campus

  Wednesday, November 21, 2018

  As Chancellor, one of my chief roles is to share your stories and advocate for our campus. This month, I spent time with the UNC Board of Governors and had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Appalachian’s students, faculty and staff.

  In my capacity serving on the Board of Governors’ Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, I had the privilege of hearing from student veterans across the state earlier this month. Our coordinator of student veteran services, Eric Gormly, brought information about a peer support network for military individuals transitioning to a campus environment to the attention of the committee, which is chaired by Judge William Webb. Eric is working with me to explore what it takes to launch this program successfully on our campus and across the UNC System.

  For veterans who are raising families, day care options are vitally important and a priority as we progress on plans for improved and expanded facilities. Forty-six percent of post 9/11 veterans are 18–34 years of age. This group is a major consideration as we continue to bolster our student veteran resources, which have earned Appalachian its Military Friendly® School status. On average, these veterans achieve higher educational attainment than earlier generations and the general U.S. population. We are committed to making this campus a welcoming one for them.

  I am working to share other initiatives important to Appalachian statewide. I shared the critical value of opening doors to higher education for all qualified students in a recent blog post.

  I serve as co-chair of the Postsecondary Committee for My Future NC — an organization committed to building a statewide education plan, uniting stakeholders to best allocate resources, and building public awareness and engagement around key educational issues. While we continue to promote slow and steady growth at Appalachian, we are committed to increasing enrollments and retention for rural, first-generation students.

  First-generation, legacy, veteran, international — however you have found your way to Appalachian, it is my honor to advocate for you every day. My best wishes to each of you, as well as our faculty and staff, for a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 11.16 – Our win over Georgia State on Saturday advanced our Bowl Game opportunities! Our last home ballgame, which will determine our post-season fate, will be against Troy on Nov. 24. To leverage our home team advantage, we want lots of Mountaineer support! Please attend if you can.
  • 11.16 – The “Paint Your Peace” event sponsored by our Student Government Association was a great chance to see our students express their positivity and talent.
  • 11.15 – The Watauga Women in Leadership event was extremely well attended and an enthusiastic crowd welcomed speaker and Appalachian alumna Kim Shepherd, CEO of SkyLine/SkyBest.
  • 11.15 – Lunch with our Student Government Association senators was rewarding and productive. This is an energetic and passionate group of students.
  • 11.14 – The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts does an incredible job of programming. The Ballet Forklórico’s performance was outstanding. I enjoyed seeing some members of the Hispanic Student Association there.

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• 

  Freedom

  To speak up, to serve, to teach

  Friday, November 9, 2018

  With Veterans Day on the horizon, I am aware of the many freedoms we are afforded: Our right to express our opinions; our privilege to vote; our choice to serve; and our opportunity to change lives. I’d like to share a few events and examples of human service that celebrate these freedoms:

  • Many of our graduates have or do serve in the military. About 300 of our students and many of our alumni are veterans. Fifteen of our student veterans were called to action in preparation of Hurricane Florence, when Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency. We count among our alumni the esteemed Maj. Gen. Edward Reeder Jr. ’81, for whom our Student Veteran Resource Center is named; founder and four-year leader of Team Sunergy Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18, who spent six years serving in the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the U.S. Army Special Operations; and this year’s Distinguished Alumnus, Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley ’84, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). We will celebrate their, and others’, service at the Veterans Day commemoration on Monday, Nov. 12.
  • Next week, Appalachian continues its “Say What?” series with a weeklong schedule of events designed to explore challenging issues around freedom of speech. Members of Appalachian’s Student Government Association, faculty and staff have put together a program that includes conversations, panel discussions, speeches and forums on topics from activism, to constitutional law, to the civic engagement of our students. You can add your voice to the discussion by submitting topics for discussion here.
  • An update on the dedicated work taking place at our laboratory school in Winston-Salem, the Academy at Middle Fork: The first quarter of our first year at the school is complete, and the teachers who are leading this transformative project — many of them Appalachian graduates — could not be more enthusiastic.

  Best of all, a regular chorus from the children is they want to go to “the college up the Mountain.”

  “I want to be a Mountaineer!” they say.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 11.06 – Our Appalachian Ambassadors seemed to be right at home playing with my dogs, Pearl and Olive, at a dinner at Appalachian House. A pleasure for all involved!
  • 11.07 – Student Veteran Resource Center Director Eric Gormly and incoming Student Veterans Association President Grayson Farmer joined me at the Board of Governors meeting this week. I am proud to serve with Gov. William Webb, who chairs the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and does so much to support student veterans.
  • 11.09 – We are so proud of our student veterans and all of those who serve. It’s an honor to recognize them on Veterans Day.

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• 

  The Value of Community

  Accolades for Appalachian, solidarity

  Friday, November 2, 2018

  The value of our university’s educational environment and community engagement is in large sum the reason Appalachian has been recognized by a number of national publications and ranking programs recently. U.S. News and World Report, MONEY magazine, Forbes magazine and The Princeton Review have recognized Appalachian for its academics, value, innovation and veteran services, to name a few distinctions:

  • Forbes magazine named Appalachian in its third annual “America’s Best Value Colleges 2018” list.
  • Appalachian is among schools chosen by The Princeton Review for its “Best in the Southeast” section of its website feature “2019 Best Colleges: Region by Region,” which was announced in August. The schools were unranked.
  • Appalachian took top spots in U.S. News and World Report’s “2019 Best Colleges Rankings,” released in September. The university was recognized for its academics, value and innovation, placing second in the Most Innovative Schools category among Southern regional universities, in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.

  We have much to be proud of, including the people and values of our community at large.

  I was honored to participate in a community gathering to decry violence and mourn the loss of lives in Pittsburgh over the past weekend. This was a communitywide show of solidarity against violence and hate. As we mourn the loss — in Pittsburgh and across our nation and world — we can all determine to be proactive promoters of peace and discourse that close cultural gaps rather than broaden them.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 11.01 – Lunch yesterday with Appalachian's Black Faculty and Staff Association was a great opportunity for discussion and exchange about inclusion initiatives for our campus. The group's hard work is helping us move in the right direction.
  • 10.30 – I enjoy hosting the breakfasts for community leaders at Appalachian House. We are a group bound by our goals for the High Country and our commitment to quality of life in the region.
  • 10.26 – Faculty Club is a terrific opportunity to network, share ideas and gather socially. My goal for these events is to provide a venue and a time for faculty to take time out of their busy schedules for this purpose.
  • 10.26 – Lunch with the Hispanic/Latino Faculty and Staff Association was both insightful and fun. Love the mug they gave me that reads “Siempre aqui para ayudarte.” (Always here to help you!)
  • 10.24 – The Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) is an example of human empowerment on our campus. It was a pleasure meeting with Walker College of Business Dean Heather Hulburt Norris and this year’s ADLP participants.

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October 2018

• 

  Appalachian Autumn

  FEaST, families and alumni returning home

  Thursday, October 25, 2018

  Family Weekend was a reminder of how far our Appalachian Community extends. It was wonderful to see so many visitors on our campus, including our Family of the Year, and the Alumni Council and past presidents who gathered for a meeting Saturday morning. The council members are ardent ambassadors of Appalachian and share our stories proudly across the state and beyond. I appreciate their dedication to their alma mater.

  On Monday, I joined chancellors from the other University of North Carolina System institutions for lunch with Gov. Cooper in Raleigh. I had the opportunity to share details with him about our changing physical infrastructure and five-year goals to empower human potential. We are documenting both on a new website called Appalachian’s Future, where you can find the latest updates on construction and details about our growth and change.

  Food, engagement and storytelling were the order of the day for the FEaST banquet on Sanford Mall. It was gratifying to see so many participate. This free, zero waste, locally sourced meal is an annual effort to raise awareness about sustainable food and action. Thanks to the team at AppalFRESH for organizing this event.

  Last week was National Transfer Student Week. One-third of our undergraduate students enter as transfers from another four-year university, a community college or the military. Thanks in large part to the Office of Transfer Services, we are recognized nationally for the support we provide our transfers. The completion rate for transfer graduates coming to us from community colleges is more than 20 percent above the national average. In light of our efforts to make a four-year college education accessible to all, I am particularly proud of the work of our faculty and staff to support student success.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 10.22 – We’re so proud of our student-athletes. Appalachian was ranked 25th in the nation by AP for college football. Go Mountaineers!
  • 10.16 – The new Watauga County Community Recreation Center, slated to open in 2020, is testimony to the county’s commitment to health and wellness. It was a pleasure to attend the groundbreaking of such a great investment in our community’s quality of life.

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• 

  An Appalachian Fall

  Between two storms, the Appalachian Community comes together

  Wednesday, October 17, 2018

  The homecoming events last month engaged a broad spectrum of the Appalachian Community. There was much to celebrate: an epic win over the South Alabama Jaguars, four inspiring Alumni Award winners, a celebration of the new National Pan-Hellenic Council Plots and Garden and the 50th Anniversary of Collegiate Athletics for Women at our university. A huge thank you to the hundreds of staff and faculty whose planning and performance made this celebration one of the most memorable.

  Thanks to each of you for your patience and citizenship during the last two storms. Hurricane Florence passed us by, but we are still reaching out to our sister universities who did not fare as well. Two storm stories about our student veterans and a student-athlete who stepped up are inspiring and indicative of the community engagement we have come to expect from our fellow Mountaineers.

  The rain and wind from Hurricane Michael were a short-lived threat to some in our state and community, but again, we were spared major destruction and our community is safe. The potential for flooding last week was tremendous. Thanks to the research and hard work of our landscape/grounds and maintenance crews. Their planning and preparation averted flooding in some of the most vulnerable campus sites.

  I am looking forward to the fall colors. Professor Howie Neufeld, Appalachian’s “Fall Color Guy,” is frequently sought out by media for his predictions. He says the warm weather has delayed the fall color change. I hope the best is yet to come!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  In review

  • Preparing for Hurricane Florence
    Posted September 12, 2018
  • Florence, a New Facility & Recognizing our Finest
    Posted September 25, 2018
  • Keeping our focus on inclusiveness
    Posted October 2, 2018

  Highlights from My Week

  • 10.05 – This Faculty Club event might have been our last outside. It’s always great to catch up with the educators who make such a positive impact on our @Appstate students.
  • 10.05 – Beautiful day for another successful Class Cab with members of @AppStateSAAC! Giving our students an unexpected lift between classes gives me a chance to hear about what they’re thinking.
  • 09.29 – Congratulations to the 48 student-athlete alumni representing nine different sports who earned a Scholar Athlete Ring for academic excellence. Since its 2014–15 transition to the Sun Belt Conference in all but two sports, Appalachian has paced the league in academic performance among its student-athletes.

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• Keeping our focus on inclusiveness

  Tuesday, October 2, 2018

  Last month, we celebrated two key milestones for Appalachian: the 50th Anniversary of Women’s Sports on our campus, and the ribbon cutting for the National Panhellenic Plots and Garden. This month, we will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the university’s LGBT Center.

  These events celebrate just a few important events in Appalachian’s history of inclusivity. On our campus, we have an intentional, institutional commitment to inclusive excellence. This work is sometimes easier than at other times, but because we do intentional work across our campus every day, we can rise to the challenge to lead from where we are – no matter where we are – as members of the Appalachian Community.

  As we strive for inclusive excellence of all members of Appalachian’s Community, the unfortunate reality is our university regularly manages instances of hatred, bigotry and ignorance that attempt to stoke fear and anxiety and divide and factionalize our community. You may be aware of some of them and you may not. These incidents are, unfortunately, all too common on college campuses.

  Our institutional commitment first and foremost is to the safety and security of our students.

  With this in mind, I want to take a moment to let you know the university response process when expressions are made on our campus that target any group who are members of the Appalachian Community:

  • We investigate.
  • We put together a response team.
  • We evaluate risk to our community. All decisions are made with safety considerations top of mind.
  • We reach out immediately to find and assist students who might be in need of support. If necessary, we expand this to faculty and staff as well.
  • We communicate. Initially we do this through small meetings, one-on-one conversations and responses to inquiries. We broaden communications as necessary, sometimes widening messages to include our entire campus community. We are very intentional about communications in order not to lend legitimacy and publicity to acts or speech that might intensify. College campuses are often targets for outside groups that seek a broader venue.

  Most importantly, we educate – proactively. Both in and beyond the classroom, we provide opportunities that break down barriers that divide our community and other communities.

  Our Appalachian Community comes together to support one another every day.

  Here’s what you can do:

  • If you feel unsafe, contact App State Police.
  • If you are aware of any students who may be affected who have not reached out for support, please help us by encouraging them to reach out to the Dean of Students Office in room 324, Plemmons Student Union. They can go in person, call 828-262-8284 or email dos@appstate.edu.
  • Report instances of bias.
  • Reach out to our Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Willie Fleming, who can provide guidance, support, referrals and educational resources.
  • Take advantage of educational opportunities and programs and engage in class discussions.

  Together, we can all learn more, do more and be more.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

September 2018

• 

  Florence, a New Facility & Recognizing our Finest

  Appalachian days — before and after the storm

  Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  After a brief hiatus for Hurricane Florence, we are back on schedule.

  Some of our students and their families are still suffering in the wake of the storm and several of our sister universities remain closed. Our entire campus is keeping those who are working to recover from the aftermath of the storm in our thoughts. Some guidelines for assisting those less fortunate than we can be found here.

  We were extremely fortunate to weather Florence with little impact. Many thanks to our Emergency Management team, App State Police, Physical Plant workers and those employees who are required to keep the university going during even the direst of emergencies. The foresight and continuous training of those who assume the enormous responsibility during such events are greatly appreciated.

  On Friday, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the new Levine Hall of Health Sciences, our university’s newest and largest academic facility. This state-of-the-art facility was funded in large part by the Connect NC Bond, which was supported by a 2-to-1 margin by the citizens of our state. This was a vote of trust and we are pleased to be able to rise to this challenge by facilitating a response to the critical health care needs in the rural areas of our state.

  Our official enrollment numbers show we welcomed 19,108 students overall and our largest incoming class. We have increased our total underrepresented student population by 35.4 percent since 2014. Among the first-year population, that increase has been 56.2 percent. We are balancing our strategy of slow and steady growth with access for all who are prepared to succeed, and ensuring the highest quality educational setting by developing both our physical infrastructure and empowering human potential. We have launched a new website that details both of those initiatives.

  The work of our faculty and staff is exemplary. I was pleased to be part of honoring several faculty and staff at the Fall Semester Faculty and Staff Meeting. These individuals represent the more than 3,000 faculty and staff who share a dedication to teaching, mentoring and supporting our students. Thank you for your work, your dedication and your commitment.

  We are beginning a week of homecoming activities and I look forward to seeing many of you on our campus.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 09.13 – A tour of campus confirmed preparations for the potential storm. I also had a chance to visit with some of our faculty about the environmental challenges Florence might present. We were well prepared and able to provide the necessities for the 3,000-plus students who stayed on campus and for those off-campus residents who sought shelter.
  • 09.19 – Meetings with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown and Student Government Association President DeJon Milbourne provide insight and often generate action on student ideas and concerns.
  • 09.20 – We kicked off the ceremonies around the official ribbon-cutting of the new Levine Hall with a reception in the facility’s beautiful grand hall. It was a great opportunity to visit with so many of the people who made this project a reality.

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• Preparing for Hurricane Florence

  The safety of the Appalachian Community is paramount

  Wednesday, September 12, 2018

  Like most of the Eastern seaboard, we are closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Florence and putting into place safety protocols we have developed and practiced.

  While it is not yet clear we will experience severe weather in our area, across our university, Emergency Management, Physical Plant, Food Services, Housing, Parking & Traffic and many other areas are preparing for the potential impacts of very severe winds and rain.

  We recognize many of our students are from areas that are likely to experience more significant impact from the storm than we are likely to feel in Boone. This was the impetus for this week's class cancellation. We are working with numerous agencies, including the National Weather Service, as well as response agencies across the region, to determine the best course of action for our university community, and to provide shelter for those in need.

  Yesterday, you received a message from Emergency Management detailing many of the preparations our campus has underway, providing extensive information about how to prepare for possible severe weather, and sharing important information about how to stay informed about schedule changes for classes and university events this week.

  The safety of our campus community is our highest priority. Please monitor appstatealert.com and check your email for updates from our Emergency Management team.

  We will be sure to keep you informed as the situation develops.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

August 2018

• 

  Celebrating Three Academies

  Honoring the past, valuing the present and preparing for the future

  Friday, August 31, 2018

  Dr. Dougherty’s statue is in place, the landscaping complete and the final brick has been laid. Wednesday, Sept. 5, we celebrate Appalachian’s inaugural Founders Day on the new plaza in Durham Park.

  One hundred and nineteen years ago on that day, B.B. Dougherty, his brother D.D. and D.D’s wife, Lillie Shull Dougherty, opened the Watauga Academy with a dream of providing an education for the children of North Carolina’s lost provinces.

  As the Academy, Appalachian State Teachers College and ultimately Appalachian State University, we have weathered a depression, two world wars, a flu epidemic, the 1940 flood and Hurricane Hugo. Throughout, our institution has never wavered in its mission to provide the opportunity for students to further their education.

  Monday of this week, we began a partnership with an elementary school in Winston-Salem: the Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork. Our youngest students — grades K– five — started classes led by a principal and staff of predominately Appalachian graduates, and a number of student teachers will hone their skills at the academy over the course of the next five years.

  Last weekend, our first Appalachian State University Police Academy — featured in my Aug. 3 newsletter — graduated 21 new cadets. This endeavor will place a number of college-educated and experienced cadets into the state’s law enforcement ranks for years to come.

  The Doughertys’ dedication to education thrives at Appalachian and that is what we celebrate next week. I hope to see you there.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Highlights from My Week

  • 08.28 – Great lunch with our friends in the Center for Judaic, Holocaust & Peace studies and the guest speaker, recent graduate Megan Holtkamp.
  • 08.30 – I was so touched yesterday when the students at Middle Fork Academy gave me Jo Witek's book "In My Heart," signed by every student and teacher. What an incredible day!
  • 08.30 – Back on the mountain, it was a pleasure to host the new Student Government Association cabinet and their advisors for dinner at AppHouse.

  August in review

  • Officers for Tomorrow
    Posted August 3, 2018
  • Community Partners
    Posted August 10, 2018
  • Becoming a Mountaineer
    Posted August 17, 2018
  • Pathways to Diversity
    Posted August 26, 2018

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• 

  Pathways to Diversity

  Inclusive excellence and change

  Sunday, August 26, 2018

  This week we welcomed more than 19,000 Mountaineers to campus — a body of students reflective of our greater society, alike in their desire to achieve and diverse in their opinions, beliefs and backgrounds.

  Developing a more diverse and inclusive campus is not a new concept at Appalachian. The university has worked formally since the mid-90s to bring attention and respect to previously marginalized groups. At 16 percent ethnically diverse, we have seen a steady increase in the diversity of our student population over the past 10 years.

  I would especially invite students, staff and faculty new to our campus to visit the Multicultural Center in Appalachian’s Plemmons Student Union. A few diversity and inclusion initiatives you might find of interest:

  • The Homecoming weekend dedication of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plots and Gardens, a long-anticipated gathering space for our African-American sororities and fraternities.
  • The Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment.
  • The Inclusive Excellence team that is part of our Center for Academic Excellence (CAS), which supports faculty as they incorporate diversity and inclusion into curricula and personal interactions.

  You will find more information, resources and opportunities to participate on the Diversity and Inclusion website.

  Monday, Aug. 27, one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility and organizational change, Dr. Damon Williams, will give a public, TED Talk-style presentation on Appalachian’s campus.

  Dr. Williams’ public talk will be followed by private sessions with a variety of university groups designed to explore pathways to diversity, equity, inclusion and change. The CAS has arranged for special Inclusive Excellence Institute open-door sessions with Dr. Williams for students, staff and faculty during his time on campus.

  Your university is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of our students, faculty and staff — an inclusive campus, diverse in thoughts, perspectives and cultures, is crucial to our abilities to learn, think and grow. I am proud to lead an institution where all Mountaineers are valued, respected and supported.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Becoming a Mountaineer

  Community, communication and service

  Friday, August 17, 2018

  Over this weekend, approximately 3,700 new students will settle in at Appalachian for the first time. Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you! This is an important step in your lives and we are eager to be part of it.

  Those of you who are new to Appalachian: Your returning classmates, staff and faculty will tell you, becoming a Mountaineer is more than moving in and attending class. We share a deep appreciation for this community — and each other — that is palpable. You’ll discover it in a number of ways: a door held open, a concerned email, an unexpected invitation. I hope you embrace the community and find ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and opportunities to serve.

  During the year, I regularly communicate with students, staff and faculty, and monthly with all of our alumni, friends and fans. I invite staff and faculty to join me at their respective monthly gatherings, and when students choose to share their thoughts and ideas, I know they will find doors — and minds — open across campus.

  Two upcoming events clearly reflect the Mountaineer values we celebrate:

  • Our speaker at the Black and Gold Convocation on Monday is the mother of Matthew Shepard — the victim of a hate crime in 1998. She has used her personal tragedy to advocate compassion, inclusion and understanding.
  • The 18th Big Sale opens at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The evolution of a student’s ‘big idea,’ the sale is a way to re-source residence hall items collected each spring. The Big Sale has donated more than $230,000 in scholarships and minigrants to nonprofits since it began in 2001.

  Our newest students will have fresh ideas to contribute to the Appalachian Community as they learn from those of you returning what it means to be a Mountaineer.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Community Partners

  Shared values, common goals

  Friday, August 10, 2018

  At its 69th annual meeting Aug. 2, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce honored Appalachian’s solar vehicle team with its everGREEN Award for Sustainability. This is one of many examples of positive exchange between ‘town and gown.’ We are fortunate to share common values with the chamber, local business and the greater Boone community.

  • The Boone Town Council and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners have adopted resolutions calling for 100 percent clean energy and green jobs for the state of North Carolina and the United States by the year 2050.
  • The Chamber of Commerce’s strategic plan prioritizes enhancing the quality of education in our community and building links between educational institutions and employers.

  In turn, Appalachian is committed to this community. Through community outreach efforts such as Appalachian and the Community Together and our Civic Engagement Program, our students, faculty and staff work with community partners in a myriad of ways.

  Our volunteer and educational efforts positively impact area schools, health care, agriculture, the elderly and quality of life.

  We also are supportive of the area’s economic mission. In 2017 alone, Appalachian’s Small Business Technology Development Center provided almost 3,500 hours of free counseling, assisted clients in starting 14 new businesses and obtained over $10 million in loans and equity investments.

  Together, through collaboration and partnership, we have created a close-knit community of Mountaineers that embraces and nurtures residents, faculty, staff and students.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Officers for Tomorrow

  New program trains student police cadets

  Friday, August 3, 2018

  Appalachian recently launched a police development program that prepares students to become certified police officers in North Carolina. Ours is the only university other than Indiana University, which piloted the program, to offer such an opportunity.

  The program:

  • Offers our students yet another job market advantage for post-college success.
  • Provides the Appalachian Police Department additional personnel for security coverage of campus, particularly during large campus events.
  • Expands and improves the relationships between App State Police and the greater community.

  And, as we strive to continue to engage more rural and first-generation students in the university experience, this program offers a unique and attractive opportunity.

  Our law enforcement leadership is clear: Policing is a profession that requires leaders, thinkers and innovative ideas to facilitate positive reform.

  Appalachian is an institution that supports the development of critical thinking, effective communication and responsible citizenship in its students.

  What a brilliant match.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  July in review

  • Leadership for Good
    Posted July 27, 2018

  Learn more

July 2018

• 

  Leadership for Good

  The Appalachian Energy Summit and Team Sunergy

  Friday, July 27, 2018

  On Monday, July 30, some of the brightest minds in the energy arena from academia and industry will gather on our campus for the seventh annual Appalachian Energy Summit.

  “Leadership for Good” is the theme of this year’s summit. The leadership of the attendees — groups of students, teachers and industry leaders have convened twice each year since 2012 — has resulted in an extraordinary reduction in energy use across the UNC System. To date, more than $499 million in energy costs to the citizens of our state have been avoided, with a projected savings of $1 billion by 2020 and $2 billion by 2025.

  Because of this group’s collective effort, Appalachian’s 2016–17 energy reductions could power 2,160 average North Carolina homes for a year. Our reduced water usage would fill 8 million standard-size bathtubs. Leadership? Yes!

  Our solar vehicle team also takes its leadership role seriously and is working to change the future of transportation. Team Sunergy recently overcame amazing odds and secured podium positions in both the American Solar Challenge (ASC) and the Formula Sun Grand Prix.

  The team’s Cruiser Class car is a prototype of a road-ready automobile most would be eager to drive. And drive it they did — some 1,700 miles across a portion of the Oregon Trail for the ASC.

  I am proud to be part of the Appalachian Community — people who live like they mean it. So many of our faculty, staff and students are intentional about their commitment to protecting the resources we have and securing a better future for us all.

  Leadership for good! It’s definitely the Mountaineer way.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  A ‘Welcome’ and ‘Good Luck, Team!’

  ROSE is off to the races, General Counsel Meggett joins App State

  Tuesday, July 3, 2018

  On June 22, Appalachian’s solar vehicle team (SVT), Team Sunergy, unveiled its second solar car. ROSE — an acronym for Running on Solar Energy — is a two-passenger Cruiser Class car built for practicality and comfort and adaptable to the road as an energy-smart transportation alternative.

  I’ll be joining the team and ROSE at the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP), which begins July 6. This year the FSGP, the qualifying race for the American Solar Challenge (ASC), takes place in my home state of Nebraska. I look forward to celebrating the team’s accomplishments with them and sharing a few Nebraska customs. You can follow the team as they compete over the course of this month, culminating in a 1,700-mile race across part of the Oregon Trail.

  This student-led team is an outstanding example of our university’s commitment to sustainability, undergraduate research, multidisciplinary collaboration and the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our Mountaineers! The team designed and built this car from the ground up and has been lauded by peers and partners for hard work, innovation and perseverance.

  Congratulations to Team Sunergy — and all of the faculty, staff, community partners and supporters who are helping these extraordinary student leaders as they change the model of efficient transportation.

  Among others, legal counsel has been a valuable asset for Team Sunergy. Our new university general counsel, Paul Meggett, has seamlessly begun his work here and is eager to meet the Appalachian Community. Please join me in wishing Paul a warm welcome. He is an important addition to Appalachian’s leadership team and we are very glad to have him.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  June in review

  • Inclusive Excellence
    Posted June 1, 2018
  • Increasing Access
    Posted June 8, 2018
  • Camp Appalachian
    Posted June 15, 2018
  • An Appalachian Summer
    Posted June 28, 2018

  Learn more

June 2018

• 

  An Appalachian Summer

  Beyond the performance – a gateway to our campus

  Thursday, June 28, 2018

  An Appalachian Summer Festival kicks off next week with “something for everyone” — from the youth film series, to classical music ensembles, to Kool and the Gang. The festival also includes a rich variety of educational opportunities.

  Now in its 34th season, the festival provides a gateway to the university and our community, attracting visitors from across the state and nation. This year’s first-day sales were higher than ever — a testimony to the diligent and inspired work of the Office of Arts Engagement.

  The festival, like so many of our programs, would not be possible without private support — 57 percent of the budget is covered by contributed income; the remaining 43 percent is funded by ticket sales. This support from our donors ensures a continued commitment to both quality programming and affordable ticket pricing.

  More than 8,000 school children from the region attended performances on campus last year. In addition to the performances, students often visit the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, tour the campus and enjoy meals in our dining hall — experiences that broaden their own expectations about a future that includes a college education.

  Arts programming at Appalachian extends far beyond An Appalachian Summer Festival. Performances presented by the Hayes School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance showcase students and their teachers, as well as world-renowned master artists and performers. Exhibits and showcases from the Department of Art in the College of Fine and Applied Arts celebrate the traditional and expose us to exciting new ideas and platforms.

  With great appreciation for our staff, faculty and student workers, as well as the artists and our supporters, I look forward to attending many of the events over the next months. I hope to see you there!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  N.C. State Budget Finalized

  Thursday, June 21, 2018

  On Tuesday, June 12, the General Assembly finalized the 2018–19 state budget, which will take effect July 1.

  Several provisions impacting Appalachian State University were included in the budget:

  • Compensation: Yesterday, you received a message from Human Resources sharing information about legislative increases for state employees. While I am heartened to see our legislators recognize the importance of compensation increases for our hardworking faculty and staff, I recognize we will be facing resource challenges in order to equitably implement raises, particularly for our lowest paid employees. While there is still much to be determined, I am committed to seeking solutions that will meet the intent of the legislation — to pay a fair wage to all employees in the state of North Carolina.
  • Sanford Hall renovation: Sanford Hall accommodates every Appalachian student for at least one class before graduating. Those of you who work and study in this building are reminded daily the extent to which the building is in need of renovation. During the 2017–18 academic year, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees and the UNC System Board of Governors approved our proposal for funding renovations to the building. While the funding model of using student fees to update the building is not ideal, Vice Chancellor Paul Forte was able to offset the student fees to a large extent, and the General Assembly approved our using these funds for the renovation. This was the final step in the approval process. We are on track to begin renovations in May of 2019.
  • Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork: Our legislators continue to recognize the importance of responding to our funding needs as we work toward opening the Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork in August. In her State of the University remarks in Asheville this spring, President Spellings called attention to our work at the academy as helping to fulfill the legislature’s vision for centers of innovation, research and teaching excellence. As we learn more about the funding needs for the academy, our lawmakers are responding to these needs.

  Earlier this month, UNC Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers and Appalachian Board of Trustees Chair James Barnes joined me in making visits to our legislators in Raleigh. We participated in a number of productive conversations, including a meeting with House Speaker Tim Moore. Later in the day, during the full legislative session, Moore recognized our delegation and extended the House’s “courtesy of the gallery.”

  Our state lawmakers are supportive of Appalachian and our strategic goals, and Byers and Barnes are both strong advocates for our university. I appreciate their championing Appalachian and am encouraged by their confidence in the work we do for the citizens of our state.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Camp Appalachian

  A taste of the college experience

  Friday, June 15, 2018

  The summer energy on Appalachian’s campus is expectant and exciting. Students — transfers and recent high school graduates enrolled for the first year at Appalachian — cycle through for orientation, and hundreds of middle and high school campers are here, many experiencing life on a college campus for the first time.

  Cannon Music Camp, which is supported by the Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust, is celebrating its 50th year, and its anniversary reunion is scheduled for July 6–8. This camp has developed into one of the most reputable summer music programs in the United States and is a showcase for young, talented musicians, providing them with professional performance opportunities and engagement with Hayes School of Music faculty who foster their love of and commitment to the arts.

  Many of our camp experiences offer similar benefits. The Youth Academic and Athletic Camps, which are managed by the Office of Conference and Camp Services, attract hundreds of students each summer. From Forensic Science to Anatomy and Physiology, the academic camps provide a true higher education experience, and our athletic visitors enjoy our impressive athletic facilities in Football, Softball and Baseball camps, among many others.

  These small tastes of college can be the tipping points that influence the life choices of young people. Even a few days of the university experience can spur these students to explore the possibility of pursuing a college education.

  Beyond the positive experience of living and learning at a university, thanks to our Housekeeping and Food Services staff, our summer visitors enjoy clean and safe residence halls and a myriad of dining choices. We can all appreciate their hard work and dedication.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Increasing Access

  Recruitment, retention and reaping the rewards

  Friday, June 8, 2018

  Last week, UNC System President Margaret Spellings praised the General Assembly for “short session budget adjustments [that will allow the University to] build on the UNC System’s strongest budget in a decade.”

  As the N.C. General Assembly continues its budgeting process, I’m heartened to see our legislators recognize the importance of compensation increases for our hardworking faculty and staff.

  Key to our strategic mission, the budget reflects support for initiatives around student success, including retention and recruitment of students for whom earning a college degree is a challenge. While Appalachian compares most favorably in affordability reviews, the cost of an Appalachian education is challenging to many and out of reach for some.

  We continue to focus our fundraising efforts on providing need-based and merit-based scholarships that open doors to the Appalachian Experience.

  Our Early Intervention Team, Upward Bound program and services and scholarships supported by the Student Learning Center attract the kind of students who want to achieve, stay enrolled, graduate and go on to be productive and proactive citizens.

  The outcomes are impressive. At 89 percent, the overall retention rate to reach sophomore status at Appalachian is 20 percent above the national average.

  The UNC System has recently implemented an online dashboard to provide real-time performance data for all UNC System campuses as we work toward meeting goals specific to the System’s strategic plan. You can view Appalachian’s page here.

  Appalachian is on track to meet — if not exceed — these goals, which is due in large part to established programs designed to support our students emotionally, academically and financially.

  The success stories of our students are inspiring and rewarding — they are testimonies to the value of higher education.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Inclusive Excellence

  Engaging our community in diversity, equity, inclusion and change

  Friday, June 1, 2018

  The 2nd Annual Summer Diversity Inclusion Infusion Institute will take place this month, with a full class of 60 faculty and staff participants. The workshop provides tools for introducing inclusionary practices and relationships that support a state of being valued, respected and supported.

  While these 60 members of our community are attending the immersive Summer Institute, I encourage each of us to consider how we can share in this collective responsibility. This particular workshop is part of our commitment to foster a socially just and equitable culture. It is incumbent upon us all to find ways to make our community one that offers every member the same opportunity to thrive.

  In August, we will welcome Dr. Damon A. Williams to our Appalachian Community to facilitate conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and change. Dr. Williams is one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility and organizational change. He will be on campus Aug. 27-29, meeting with senior university leadership, Student Affairs, Admissions and student retention professionals, Alumni Affairs, research staff, Equity, Diversity and Compliance staff, Sustainability staff, International Education and Development staff, Diversity Champions and student leaders, among others.

  Please mark your calendars now to attend his public address to our campus Aug. 27, which promises to be an engaging conversation about diversity, equity, inclusion and change.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  May in review

  • The Final Stretch
    Posted May 4, 2018
  • Congratulations! Spring 2018 Commencement
    Posted May 9, 2018
  • Appalachian Away (or Stay)
    Posted May 18, 2018
  • Memorial Day Commemoration
    Posted May 25, 2018

  Learn more

May 2018

• 

  Honoring the Fallen

  A Memorial Day tribute

  Friday, May 25, 2018

  America’s annual Memorial Day weekend is often considered the beginning of summer. It is also a somber day — a reminder of the immense sacrifice men and women in uniform have made for our country since its birth.

  Appalachian has a long history of commemorating Memorial Day.

  This Memorial Day, in recognition of the significance of the federal holiday, the university will be closed; however, to honor this important day, a commemorative wreath has been placed at the Veterans Memorial, located at the west side of the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building.

  Appalachian’s Joseph Bathanti has also shared one of his poems, a tribute to those who have fallen. A dedicated advocate for our country’s veterans, Joseph is a professor of creative writing in Appalachian’s Department of English, the inaugural McFarlane Family Distinguished Professor in Interdisciplinary Education and North Carolina poet laureate emeritus.

  I hope you will take a moment to read the poem, reflect on the meaning of the day and spend it as you deem appropriate.

  May we be ever mindful of the risks taken and sacrifices made by our armed forces every day.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  The Appalachian Community is invited to attend a ceremony held by the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America at 11 a.m. Monday, May 28, at the Boone Mall.

  Learn more
• 

  Appalachian Away (or Stay)

  Summer is abundant with global experiences abroad and at home

  Friday, May 18, 2018

  As summer begins, some exciting global adventures are about to commence for members of the Appalachian Community.

  Study abroad programs on the summer calendar:

  • The Department of Geography and Planning and the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment have excursions to Peru focused on climate change research and sustainable water practices.
  • The Department of Anthropology is opening a new field school at the University of Quintana Roo in Chetumal, Mexico. Students will be learning intensive Mayan and ethnographic research methods and living in Mayan host homes.
  • Professors from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Department of Cultural, Gender and Global Studies will be leading an international class on the study of wolves in conjunction with the University of Innsbruck.
  • The Walker College of Business is offering short-term study abroad courses in Japan, Brazil, Bermuda, China and France. Students traveling to Brazil will partner with the Sustainable Amazon Foundation to observe logging operations and evaluate the global impact of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Participants will also visit Rio de Janeiro to study the aftermath of the 2016 Olympics and the environmental legacy of the games.
  • The Beaver College of Health Sciences’ study abroad program in Costa Rica will explore Costa Rican social welfare systems and social work, involve an exploration of cultural humility via immersion into the local culture and include an active learning opportunity with a local children’s shelter.

  Each year, Appalachian awards about $130,000 in student scholarships for study abroad. Reach out to the Office of International Education and Development and start planning for future adventures.

  There are opportunities for global engagement that do not require a passport. We have the honor of hosting the Mandela Washington Fellows — a group of young African leaders — for the third consecutive year. The fellows and the Vietnamese Student Academy, a cadre of middle and high school students, will arrive on campus in June and leave in July.

  We can interact with our guests in a number of ways — host in our homes, attend public events or sign up to be an International Friend. The value of these cultural exchanges is immeasurable.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Congratulations!

  Celebrating leadership, learning and service

  Wednesday, May 9, 2018

  We’re almost there! Tomorrow and Saturday, nearly 3,600 spring 2018 graduates will join a group of alumni more than 120,000 strong. I look forward to congratulating many of you as you cross the stage to your next exciting destination.

  Last week, representatives from Tesla and Palmetto, two of the top solar energy companies in the world, were on our campus recruiting. They were at Appalachian, they said, because they were looking for leaders. They certainly came to the right place! Appalachian tracks where its graduates go and notes high success rates — 86 percent of the 2015-16 undergraduate students and 93 percent of graduate students were either employed or enrolled in postsecondary education within a year of graduation.

  Those impressive numbers are due in large part to the extraordinary faculty who dedicate their lives to our students’ success. In March, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees conferred emeriti status on 26 individuals and a number of faculty received promotion and/or tenure. Our students look every day to the thinkers, the doers, the leaders across our campus for knowledge, assurance and guidance. It is imperative we reward and retain the best possible faculty available.

  Behind the scenes are the amazing staff who sustain this university — negotiating contracts, balancing budgets, preparing our food, maintaining our buildings and grounds, scheduling, counseling and caring for the Appalachian Community.

  The recently initiated Staff Shout Out program provides a small way to recognize those who rise above. Here’s my personal shout out to each of you: Thank you for your untiring efforts and accomplishments!

  For those of you moving along or just taking some time off campus for the summer — good luck and safe travels. To the rest of you, here’s to another glorious season in the High Country.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  The Final Stretch

  Taking care of ourselves and others

  Friday, May 4, 2018

  Exam period begins today, and our students will be burning the midnight oil! It’s easy to be overwhelmed this time of year — last-minute reports and studies, finalizing internships and plans for the summer, moving in or out, saying goodbye to friends and the familiar.

  Here’s a reminder of the many resources available through the Division of Student Affairs. Take care of yourselves. Check out this resiliency toolkit. Consider a study break and celebrate the arts in the High Country. Tonight, the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is celebrating its 15th Anniversary, and the Town of Boone hosts its First Friday art crawl.

  Tomorrow I will be speaking at the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity during National Women Build Week. Women in Watauga County have donated more than 1,300 hours toward the completion of 27 Habitat homes. Amazing!

  Through efforts across so many platforms, women enhance the quality of life in the High Country. I’d like to name a few organizations run for and by women, and thank them for the tremendous difference they make every day:

  • the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge;
  • Watauga Women in Leadership — which Barbara Armstrong, then director of operations at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, and I started in 2014 to empower High Country women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers;
  • Appalachian’s Women’s Center — the only completely volunteer-run women’s center in the state;
  • Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture; and
  • the Hunger and Health Coalition.

  I’m also pleased to report members of Appalachian’s football team — led by assistant head coach Mark Ivey — will be building Habitat homes over four weekends in June. Go Mountaineers!

  We can all be proud of our support of the community over the years. Through Appalachian and the Community Together, our students, faculty and staff have volunteered more the 1.1 million hours of service over the past 13 years. I hope that even as some of you prepare to move on from Appalachian, your commitment to service will stay with you.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

April 2018

• 

  Health care, research, recruiting

  Meeting – and exceeding – performance goals

  Friday, April 27, 2018

  In March, Appalachian received approval from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to establish a Doctor of Psychology program, with a primary goal of training students in clinical psychology to serve rural populations. We plan to begin admitting students in fall 2019.

  J. Tyler Ramsey ’16, pictured above, is one of many of our graduates making headlines with research in the health sciences arena.

  I bring your attention to these two items as they are illustrative of our pledge last fall to meet certain UNC System strategic goals over the next five years. Among our performance goals — increasing enrollment among rural and low- income students, as well as in critical workforce programs such as health care, STEM and teacher education.

  I am proud to report we are ahead of the performance goals set for us in seven of the nine areas. I am confident we will meet, if not exceed, these goals as they are consistent with our founders’ mission to increase access to education for those students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to achieve a college education.

  April in review

  • Global Learning
    Posted April 4, 2018
  • Sustaining for tomorrow
    Posted April 6, 2018
  • Opening Doors
    Posted April 13, 2018
  • Keeping Students Safe
    Posted April 20, 2018

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Student Safety

  Keycards, cameras, connections & Appalachian Cares

  Friday, April 20, 2018

  We are celebrating the last 10 days of Earth Month, and this afternoon’s music fest at the Duck Pond has historically been both a celebration of our beautiful campus and a reminder to care for our people and our planet.

  Tomorrow, we will host hundreds of prospective students at our 2018 Spring Open House. As they move through the day, they will hear about the close-knit Appalachian Community, the strong rapport between faculty, staff and students, our small class sizes and the many unprecedented opportunities for undergraduate research.

  One topic resonates especially with prospective parents — our long-standing commitment to student safety. We recently announced plans to install keycard access to all campus buildings, the placing of additional cameras in key areas and the installation of door locks inside every classroom.

  To improve campus safety and provide better service to the university community, our campus police are seeking input from students, faculty and staff during twice-weekly “Cop Connect” listening sessions held each Tuesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. in Roess Dining Hall.

  We are about to conclude a week of wellness and prevention awareness workshops, seminars and training around mental health. There is still an opportunity to participate in a campus walk Saturday, April 21, in support of suicide prevention. This is an important and hope-inspired walk that will benefit local and national initiatives around suicide prevention and awareness.

  Walking, listening, sharing — our approach to student safety is proactive. Appalachian Cares is a 24/7 source for wellness, health and safety information, resources and support for the entire campus.

  Indeed, Appalachian does care.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  ---

  P.S. Thanks to everyone who participated yesterday in #iBackAPP! You really stepped up — preliminary numbers show 2,471 donors contributing more than $174,300. I'll share the final figures next week. Your support makes an immeasurable difference for all of our students, enabling programs and resources that help define the Appalachian Experience.

  Learn more
• 

  Opening Doors

  Resources and services for greater access

  Friday, April 13, 2018

  Scholarships, work-study programs and financial aid make it possible for many of our students to attend Appalachian. Common access to a college education is a university priority, and our faculty and staff work diligently to make that a reality. While merit- and needs-based scholarships provide the most obvious assistance — we award more than $4 million each year in scholarships — I’d like to highlight a few additional resources and services:

  • The Office of Transfer Services facilitates students’ transition to the university — from making sure students will be able to transfer the maximum number of credits, to helping students find housing, to securing local employment. Preston MacDonald, a Central Carolina Community College graduate and current Appalachian student, recently told us: “Appalachian State shines in its ability to focus on maintaining a comfortable mentoring environment.”
  • April 9-13 is Student Employment Appreciation Week — an opportunity to share your appreciation with a student worker you encounter. Student employment assists students in obtaining part-time job opportunities on and off campus through the Federal Work-Study and Student Temporary Work programs. On average, more than 4,000 of our students secure on-campus jobs each year.
  • Our students graduate in less time than most college students — 73 percent for Appalachian versus 49 percent nationally. Simply attending summer school can shorten the time required to complete a degree, and there is financial aid available for those who qualify.
  • For some of our students, the unexpected auto repair or family crisis can mean the difference between finishing or not finishing the semester. For these students, the Division of Student Affairs oversees a Student Emergency Loan program and can facilitate short-term loans, gap scholarships or small grant funding to help students through times of crisis.
  • And, for those for whom resources are tight, the Appalachian Community pitches in. The Office of Sustainability maintains a food pantry and free store with food, clothing, basic hygiene items, home goods and school supplies. Resources are stocked by individuals, as well as by student, staff and faculty food drives.

  Helping one another is part of the Appalachian Experience. Thursday, April 19, is #iBackAPP Day, an opportunity to pay it forward. This one-day fund drive combines gifts large and small from thousands of alumni, students, parents and friends to support students on Appalachian’s campus with what they need when they need it. These flexible funds have supported students with scholarship support, travel assistance, funding for internships and emergency meal money. Will you back App?

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Sustaining for Tomorrow

  Earth Month: a reminder of our mission

  Friday, April 6, 2018

  During April, we celebrate Earth Month on Appalachian’s campus and in the community. The goal for this annual celebration is to heighten awareness of our commitments to sustainability as outlined in our strategic plan and showcased in the 2018 edition of Appalachian Magazine.

  Earth Month also affords us the opportunity to shine the spotlight on issues we can address proactively. I’m proud to share an example of how sustainable responsibility has allowed the university to avoid $37 million in energy and water usage costs from 2002-17.

  Our reputation as leaders and innovators in sustainability opens doors for our graduates to industries that are doing business for good. And, in a time when institutions of higher education are facing enrollment challenges across the nation, our commitment to sustainability places our university – and our innovations – in high demand.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Global Learning

  Opportunities at home and abroad

  Wednesday, April 4, 2018

  Greetings from China!

  I am accompanying a delegation from Appalachian on a fast-paced excursion to China. We are visiting universities with which we have longstanding relationships — including Beijing International Studies University and Shaanxi Normal University. On the trip are University of North Carolina Board of Governors member Philip Byers, Appalachian State University Board of Trustees Vice Chair John Blackburn, Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Hank Foreman, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown and Walker College of Business Dean Heather Norris.

  For more than 20 years, Appalachian has had healthy and productive engagements with universities worldwide — from Brazil to Mexico to Australia — and we are eager to continue and expand these types of collaborations.

  • With study abroad opportunities on nearly every continent, Appalachian students have access to approximately 200 foreign sites in 52 countries for short-term, semester, summer and year-long programs of study.
  • Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, associate vice chancellor of international education and development, received a Reciprocal Exchange Award — a component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders — and will travel to Nigeria in April to conduct two grant writing workshops.
  • Just two weeks ago, Chief Sustainability Officer Dr. Lee Ball and Dr. Barbara Howard, associate professor and program director in the Reich College of Education and faculty senate chair, traveled to Russia to begin an informal exchange with the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, also known as Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University (NovSU).
  • Each year, Appalachian awards about $130,000 in student scholarships for study abroad — an increase in funding of 136 percent since 2012-13.
  • There also are many opportunities for global learning that do not require a passport. Students can share international experiences here on campus through such programs as Global Exchange, the International Friendship Program, iPALS, the upcoming Diversity Celebration and the Global Film Series, to name a few.

  I look forward to sharing outcomes and educational opportunities that result from this exciting journey.

  ---

  Appalachian will participate Wednesday evening, April 4, in a nationwide commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death 50 years ago. Beginning at 7:07 p.m., the university chimes will ring 39 times — signifying Dr. King's age at his death. Members of the Appalachian Community are invited to congregate by 7 p.m. on Sanford Mall for this collective moment in honor of Dr. King's legacy. I will be with you in spirit.

  ---

  March in review:

  • Beyond Spring Break
    Posted March 9, 2018
  • Shining a Light on Research
    Posted March 16, 2018
  • What Makes a Mountaineer?
    Posted March 23, 2018

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

March 2018

• 

  What Makes a Mountaineer?

  Individuals with purpose

  Friday, March 23, 2018

  Our students bring to the Appalachian Experience a broad array of interests and talents. They come from varied backgrounds and cultures. But, as a whole, they are united in doing important work now that will affect the future in positive ways. Our faculty and staff are committed to providing academic challenges and community engagement that instill within students a desire for continuous, positive change. These are a few examples:

  • Students in Appalachian’s Physics and Astronomy Club were recognized nationally for their work to develop a laser prototype with an edible component — using solutions made from beet juice, tonic water and turmeric to add color to the laser’s visible beam of light.
  • In the fall 2017 semester, 22 student-athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA. Two-thirds of our student-athletes made the Appalachian Athletics academic honor roll, which requires students to have a minimum GPA of 3.25 while being enrolled in at least 12 hours of coursework.
  • Student veteran Jake Keller gave three of his Hayes School of Music faculty a special honor last month when he presented them with a Patriot Award from the National Guard and Reserve. The faculty members had helped his classmates surprise Jake with money for a guitar so he could teach lessons and share the value of music therapy while he is deployed in Iraq.

  It is also my pleasure to share this news from the Honors College: Dean Jefford Vahlbusch reports an all-time high in the number of applications by high-achieving students to join the Honors College for fall 2018 — well over 1,600! Of the 450 who were invited to join the college, 24 percent are students of color.

  To all of you Mountaineers — thank you for choosing Appalachian. You make us proud.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Shining a Light on Research

  Sharing the news of our creative and scholarly work

  Friday, March 16, 2018

  External funding fuels Appalachian’s ability to conduct research, instruction and outreach projects that benefit citizens of the state, region and beyond.

  Grant writing is challenging and competition is fierce. Groundbreaking research at Appalachian is being funded almost daily, with the potential to impact issues that include water quality, sustainability, health and nutrition, critical thinking, global studies, meteorology, technology and teaching strategies, just to name a few.

  In order to share more broadly, stories about Appalachian’s externally funded grants are now published on Appalachian Today and distributed to regional media each week.

  Kudos to our faculty, and the hardworking staff and graduate and undergraduate students who assist them, as well as to the Office of Research, which provides support for these creative and scholarly endeavors.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  P.S. March threw us a curveball this past week: ice and snow on Monday and a huge snowfall midweek. Marie Freeman, university photographer, captured the scene on campus — from budding cherry trees earlier this month through Wednesday’s major storm.

  Learn more
• 

  Beyond Spring Break

  Service, staying well and enriching our minds

  Friday, March 9, 2018

  Welcome back! I hope you are refreshed and restored after a well-deserved spring break. Special thanks to those of you who took this time to serve in communities — from the High Country, to Puerto Rico, to Ecuador.

  We are only nine weeks from commencement, and the university’s calendar is filled with a rich array of cultural and academic offerings detailed in the events section of Appalachian Today. Exhibits at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, the Sustainability Film Series, the Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series and a myriad of other concerts, lectures and visiting speakers offer enriching, entertaining and intellectually challenging opportunities for learning.

  We are fortunate to have so much so close at hand. As schedules allow, I hope to enjoy these events with you.

  As your calendars fill and papers and projects come due, please also take advantage of the many health and wellness opportunities the university provides — exercise, training, counseling and healthy, fresh foods.

  Our beautiful Appalachian Community affords us many opportunities to flourish! And spring is officially just around the corner — but in Boone, you never know!

  February in review

  • The Appalachian Mission
    Posted February 12, 2018
  • Leading by example
    Posted February 16, 2018
  • Rewarding Innovation
    Posted February 28, 2018

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

February 2018

• 

  Rewarding Innovation

  5 Appalachian scholars’ ideas could change our world

  Wednesday, February 28, 2018

  Our latest Innovation Scholars awards advance projects with inspiring intentions:

  • getting children outside early and often;
  • documenting our local history and broadening the audience for it;
  • finding sustainable solutions for unnecessary food waste;
  • developing an alternative fuel for renewable energy; and
  • exploring the financial upside to social justice, ecology and economics.

  Grants totaling close to $50,000 for these inventive ideas were awarded last month, when we named our five Innovation Scholars: Kevin Gamble and Drs. Richard Christiana, Beth Davison, Tammy Kowalsczyk and Nicholas Shaw. Their projects tap into the diverse talents and expertise of faculty and students from a variety of disciplines and have the potential to change our world.

  Please join me in extending congratulations and appreciation to these dedicated and talented faculty.

  ---

  Evan H. Ashby Jr., M.D., known by many in the Appalachian Community as Doc, passed away Feb. 14, 2018, in Hillsville, Virginia. He tirelessly served our university for more than 30 years from 1969-1991. Dr. Ashby was known for his warmth and humor, professionalism and dedication to our students' well-being. He will hold a special place in the hearts and history of Appalachian.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Leading by example

  First in the nation for National Board certifications

  Friday, February 16, 2018

  This year, Appalachian celebrates its 50th year as a university. From our beginnings in 1899 as Watauga Academy, we have excelled at preparing our students to teach — and to be the best at what they do.

  Appalachian continues to lead the nation in the number of alumni who have earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), with 616 additional teachers gaining the endorsement in 2017. That is a statistic for which we can be extremely proud.

  Our alumni are having immeasurable impact in classrooms across this nation. We respect and encourage those students who are the teachers of tomorrow, and applaud the faculty and staff who are preparing them for the task.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  The Appalachian Mission

  Action, assessment and accessibility

  Monday, February 12, 2018

  Key to our university’s mission is accessibility to all who desire a college degree. Appalachian's five-year performance goals in the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan focus primarily on rural and low-income student recruitment and retention. I am proud to report we are well on our way to meeting, if not exceeding, those goals.

  In looking forward, Appalachian is "sustaining for tomorrow" – we have exciting plans for expansion and improvement of facilities on campus. You can read about those plans here.

  January in review

  • Welcome 2018!
    Posted January 5, 2018
  • Reaching Out – access and accessibility
    Posted January 12, 2018
  • Great Moments – Dr. King and Levine gift
    Posted January 19, 2018
  • Collective extaordinariness — UNC System brand and Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork
    Posted January 24, 2018

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

January 2018

• Action and Assessment

  Fostering diversity of thought, belief and community

  Tuesday, January 30, 2018

  As many of you know, we suspended a member of the men’s tennis team and his coach after the men’s tennis match on Sunday, Jan. 28.

  As Director of Athletics Doug Gillin stated, their behavior was counter to the values of Appalachian's athletics program, and antithetical to the university’s commitment to creating a community that values diversity of thought, belief and community.

  I remind us all of our mission to create global leaders who are critical thinkers, effective communicators and who understand the responsibilities of community engagement.

  Every day, I see examples of our student-athletes and their coaches embodying academic excellence and discipline, as well as principled and honorable behavior. In support of our university mission, it is important to ensure they are receiving the guidance and mentorship they need to be successful.

  Therefore, I have tasked Doug Gillin and Chief Diversity Officer Willie Fleming with engaging a third party to provide an independent assessment of and guidance regarding the diversity and inclusion practices in our athletics programs.

  Our entire student body deserves an environment that fosters and supports their academic and personal development. Your university leadership is committed to ensuring this environment at all levels.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Collective Extraordinariness!

  Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork

  Wednesday, January 24, 2018

  The new branding for the UNC System launched this week includes a tagline: Individually Remarkable, Collectively Extraordinary.

  For so many of us who work in the UNC System, this is much more than a tagline. Take, for example, the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, which will open for the 2018-19 school year in August. The Academy will be a living laboratory of educational research, collaboration, outreach and impact that will be life-changing for more than 300 K-8 students who will be reminded daily that a college education can become their reality.

  Both the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools superintendent and the Academy principal are Appalachian graduates, advancing work that is critical for our state: teachers teaching teachers; children and the community in partnership with our university; research and educational innovation; curriculum development with the potential to elevate outcomes for the citizens of North Carolina; and long- and short-term economic impact.

  With a goal of opening a pathway to a college education for all students, the Academy embodies a number of key initiatives that compose the UNC System’s strategic plan.

  Individually remarkable, collectively extraordinary? Absolutely!

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Great Moments

  Honoring Dr. King and a gift with enduring impact

  Friday, January 19, 2018

  What a hand the weather dealt us for the first week of classes! It’s rare we Mountaineers let the weather slow us down, but this past week the snow and cold had a tight grip on the entire state. Today the sun is shining — and so, a heartfelt “Welcome back!”

  Tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 20, temps are predicted to rise — a boon for the hundreds of our students, like those pictured above, who will volunteer for the 19th annual MLK Challenge. The actions brought to life by the MLK Challenge have had and will continue to have tremendous social and personal impact.

  The Leon Levine Foundation’s gift, announced this week, to the Beaver College of Health Sciences will also have remarkable and long-lasting impact. Our newest facility — The Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences — will expand our opportunities for education and outreach, and our graduates, over the course of their careers as health professionals, will have immeasurable impact on the lives of others. This investment in our students will elevate the future of health care in our state. For this, we are extremely grateful.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Reaching Out

  Access and achievement for low-income and rural students

  Friday, January 12, 2018

  Increasing enrollment and achievement for low-income and rural students are top on my 2018 list of to-dos. Last September, I signed an agreement with UNC System President Margaret Spellings affirming Appalachian’s commitment to these goals, as well as to developing critical workforce programs such as health care, STEM and teacher education. That agreement, part of the UNC System’s strategic plan, merits our best efforts, and we will strive to meet and surpass the success metrics the system's plan has outlined.

  These initiatives are ambitious, but they are achievable, and they are consistent with our founders’ mission to increase access to education for those students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to earn a college education. We are positioned well to achieve these goals, and we have amazing success stories to tell — just this week on today.appstate.edu, we featured a profile on ACCESS scholar and State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) intern Jordan Boles, one of many students gaining a top-notch education despite the challenges of paying for college and the bold choice to be a first-generation college student.

  Keeping college affordable has always been a priority at Appalachian. Our tuition rates are very competitive, yet affording an Appalachian education is a hardship for some, and out of reach for others.

  As we focus on telling our stories and securing scholarship funds, you — our faculty, staff and students — are our best champions. Please join me in sharing your Appalachian experience whenever and wherever you can.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Welcome 2018!

  Friday, January 5, 2018

  I’m looking forward to seeing the students, faculty and staff return and anticipate another amazing semester. In the coming months, I’ll continue sharing stories of service and community engagement, student success, our continued efforts toward increasing scholarships, and our dedicated commitment to being a most excellent and diverse institution.

  This may be a first

  Pictured above: Michael Solter ’17 was one of the 1,475 students who graduated Dec. 16 and three of his siblings are also enrolled at App State. Parents Alan and Amy Solter, of New Bern, call the students the “Quad Squad”: from left to right, Kjersti is a health care management major slated to graduate May 2020; Elizabeth “Lily” is anticipated to graduate May 2021 and studies international business; Mike is pursuing a job in finance and banking in the Greater Raleigh area; and Caitlin, who is also pursuing a finance and banking degree, is slated to graduate May 2018.

  December in review

  • Eastern Band of the Cherokee flag installed in Plemmons Student Union - Posted December 8, 2017
  • December Commencement: A celebration of achievement, great expectations for the future - Posted December 16, 2017
  • Until the New Year - Posted December 21, 2017

  I hope you’ll consider making today.appstate.edu your home page to keep up with all that’s happening in the Appalachian Community.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

December 2017

• 

  Until the New Year

  Time now for rest, renewal and reflection

  Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Appalachian loves a snow day! The campus was blanketed with a beautiful snow recently, and while it complicated exams, we weren’t deterred for long, as witnessed in this winter photo album.

  Our campus will quieten soon for the winter break. We welcome the time for rest, renewal and reflection. I hope each of you will find time to recharge as well.

  I look forward to 2018 and the wide-open energy generated by the return in January of our faculty, staff and students. Until then, my best wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday.

  Learn more
• 

  December Commencement

  A celebration of achievement, great expectations for the future

  Friday, December 15, 2017

  Tomorrow I have the privilege of presiding over two commencement ceremonies on our campus.

  Congratulations are in order for the 1,123 undergraduate students and 352 graduate students who will move on from their Appalachian Experience to make real and powerful differences in their communities and beyond.

  The rich and rewarding relationships they have forged with friends, faculty and staff will sustain them for years to come. And the values they have embraced, their ability to think critically and the desire to live sustainably will have exponential impact on the lives they touch every day.

  With great expectations for their futures, I wish the newest Appalachian alumni the very best.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  PS- Find out more about commencement, and how to watch via our livestream or Facebook Live video streaming.

  Learn more
• 

  A Cherokee Flag in Plemmons

  A permanent place of prominence

  Friday, December 8, 2017

  Our first big snowfall is blanketing the campus — you may enjoy reading the story published last winter about how our capable and dedicated Physical Plant workers help us cope with the snow.

  On Wednesday, Dec. 6 at a ceremony attended by more than 250 in person and another 100 via livestream, Appalachian took steps to begin publicly symbolizing this sentiment on our campus by placing the flag of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in its permanent home in Plemmons Student Union. In recognition of our five-year partnership with Cherokee High School, as well as in acknowledgment of the cultural heritage and presence of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in this part of the state, the flag is positioned in a place of prominence, along with the American, Chinese and Israeli national flags.

  Recently, the Town of Boone Mayor Rennie Brantz declared November as Native American Heritage Month. I applaud the work the town is doing to continue making our surrounding community a more inclusive environment for all.

  Both the flag raising and the declaration by Mayor Brantz are only small steps in our journey to achieving inclusive excellence at Appalachian and in the community. Thank you all for walking – and working – alongside us.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

November 2017

• 

  A Community of ‘Doers’

  Engagement does make a difference

  Tuesday, November 21, 2017

  On Thursday, we will take a break to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us will join our families to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Some of our international students have accepted invitations from friends and local families to experience this most American of holidays.

  Others in the community are not so fortunate.

  Food insecurity and hunger are real in the High Country. Also real is the compassion and engagement of so many in our Appalachian Community, who are determined to expose, educate about and address this and other social justice issues.

  Just last Friday, Appalachian’s Staff Senate sponsored AppKids, a shopping day for less fortunate children in the area. This was the 37th year we have reached out to those in need — 90 children from the nine Watauga County Schools participated and 125 volunteers stepped away from their daily demands to transport, shop and share time with a child from the area, thanks to generous donations from our campus and community.

  Many of our AppKids volunteers have been participating for years; some have been coming back each year for decades. They tell me getting to know and learn from their young shopping partners is an experience they look forward to all year.

  The Appalachian Community is one that cares, one that engages, one that is enriched by the exchange of thoughts, ideas and compassion. For this, I am so very thankful.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Stream, Study, Surf

  Wi-Fi networks extended to cover entire mall

  Wednesday, November 15, 2017

  We heard you, and now Sanford Mall has full Wi-Fi coverage.

  The new Wi-Fi system provides coverage from Anne Belk Hall to Sanford Hall and is powerful enough to handle large groups and high traffic during class change times.

  The new system extends coverage for the existing Wi-Fi networks: asu, asu-secure and asu-visitor. On a number of occasions, I have heard students advocate for outdoor connectivity. I reached out to the Divisions of Academic and Business Affairs and they made it happen. Installation took some high-tech know-how and hard work — so special thanks to members of the ITS Infrastructure and Physical Plant teams.

  And, now that we’re all superconnected, please follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Honoring Service

  Sustaining a powerful and long-standing commitment to veterans and their families

  Friday, November 10, 2017

  We celebrated Veterans Day with a moving ceremony on campus today, Nov. 10. Col. Ralph L. “Bo” Clayton III, a 1988 Appalachian graduate, was our speaker. His military career is most impressive and we are extremely proud of his Appalachian roots and for the Military Science and Leadership students on our campus he inspires.

  This is also the first anniversary of the opening of our Student Veteran Resource Center. We are privileged to have 302 veterans and active-duty military personnel on our campus today. I am honored these students who have served our country so unselfishly have chosen Appalachian. I am thankful, too, for the faculty and staff that strive every day to instill a culture of service in all of our students.

  The High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is holding a ceremony at the Boone Mall, Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. All are invited.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Excellent Ambassadors

  Tweedy ’89, Freed ’09 and Sofield ’76 recognized

  Monday, November 6, 2017

  As is the tradition over Homecoming weekend, the Alumni Association recognized our outstanding alumni.

  This year’s winners of the Young Alumni Award, the Award for Outstanding Service and the Distinguished Alumni Award are exemplary individuals who have earned recognition among their fellow alumni because they are stellar representatives of our university through their work, service and philanthropy.

  We have more than 120,000 living alumni, many of whom remain connected and supportive of their beloved alma mater — even while earning advanced degrees, starting new businesses and building distinguished careers both at home and abroad. Every day, our passionate and successful alumni enhance the value of an Appalachian degree.

  So, thank you, Mountaineers, for being excellent ambassadors for what this special place is all about. And our deepest appreciation to this year’s awardees — Sarah Freed ’09, Dale Tweedy ’89 and Tommy Sofield ’76 — for their gift of inspiration.

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

October 2017

• 

  Flood Aftermath Action

  Assessing impact, providing support

  Wednesday, October 25, 2017

  Our community members affected by Monday’s flood are at the forefront of our thoughts and concerns.

  Because those we count on in any crisis were prepared and proactive, the impacts to our campus were quickly mitigated. Some of our off-campus students and community members did not fare as well. Homes in the area have been affected, and a number of student apartments are currently unfit for occupancy. We are working with the county to assess the impact to all members of our off-campus community.

  Support for students, faculty and staff — both on and off campus — is available.

  • Flood assistance is available for students, faculty and staff today, Oct. 25, from 3 - 8 p.m. and tomorrow, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. in Room 322 (Trout Lake) of Plemmons Student Union. Staff and members of the American Red Cross will be on site to assess needs and provide referrals and resources.
  • For all students, the Office of the Dean of Students is open and eager to assist you — so reach out and let them know if you need assistance. Call 828-262-8284 or email dos@appstate.edu.
  • For faculty and staff who are managing unforeseen expenses, Human Resources manages an Emergency Loan Fund (PDF 167K) to assist employees with interest-free loans of up to $750. If you are an employee in need of this or any other type of assistance, reach out to Human Resources. Call 828-262-3187 or email bryande@appstate.edu.

  We appreciate the response of Human Resources and the Office of the Dean of Students, and we are thankful for the overall well-being of our campus community.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  A Black Mountain College Experience

  Dome building on Sanford Mall tomorrow and Friday

  Wednesday, October 18, 2017

  This Thursday and Friday kick off the 2018 Black Mountain College Semester. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, a geodesic dome professional will provide two workshops on the campus mall. Everyone’s invited to learn about the design principles of Buckminster Fuller, a noted Black Mountain College luminary who gave the dome its name, and the basics of dome construction. Friday’s workshop – same time, same place – will be dedicated to building the 10-foot domes recognized for being strong, light and efficient structures analogous to nature’s own designs.

  This is the first of many workshops, exhibits and lectures developed by the Center for Appalachian Studies, Professor of Creative Writing and North Carolina Poet Laureate Emeritus Joseph Bathanti, and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts to explore BMC’s influence within the Appalachian region. Come to the 'happenings' on the mall and dive into the Black Mountain College experience.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  A Home for the ‘Divine Nine’

  NPHC Plots and Gardens project

  Thursday, October 5, 2017

  Wearing of the Black & Gold. The annual homecoming Blood Drive. The King Street parade. The alumni breakfast and tailgating. All of these are long-established traditions around homecoming at Appalachian. This weekend, hundreds of alumni and their families will come back “home” to celebrate their personal traditions.

  It is my pleasure to announce the launch of a new tradition, a long time in the making. A site on our campus for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plots and Gardens project will be dedicated Saturday morning. The space will serve as a formal gathering space for “The Divine Nine,” the historically black Greek letter organizations that make up the NPHC. At the ceremony, which is open to the public, an architectural drawing of the design will be unveiled.

  It is time. It is our time.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Postscript - Alumna Mary Black Pritchett ’43 joined me for the Wake Forest – AppState game, Sept. 23. Listen to a short memory she shared about her time on campus.

  Learn more

September 2017

• 

  Honoring our Past

  Marking a fuller, richer version of our history

  Friday, September 29, 2017

  For years, the graves of over 160 African-Americans laid in the open field below Old Boone Cemetery behind Appalachian State University’s Cone Residence Hall unknown and mostly forgotten. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Junaluska Heritage Association, Appalachian’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Town of Boone and many others throughout the Appalachian Community, the bodies resting there will be honored by a single marker, slated to be unveiled Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. The public is invited and I hope to see you there.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Constitution Week

  Pausing to consider our past, present and future

  Friday, September 22, 2017

  On Wednesday, Constitution Day, a group gathered on Sanford Mall while students, faculty, staff, community members and local and state elected officials took part in a relay-reading of the U. S. Constitution.

  Our constitution is the oldest and the shortest governing document of any nation today. The content is remarkable. As one of the readers, I was moved by the exercise and I am glad we take time each year to consider, however briefly, the document that, despite its flaws and contradictions, has guided our democracy for almost three centuries.

  In a “Dave by the Bell” podcast recorded on campus Wednesday, students selected at random were asked what ‘we the people’ meant to them. Their answers are varied and thoughtful, some optimistic, others not as much. But I venture none would argue that “we the people” do have the right, afforded by our constitution, to debate, to disagree, to defend and to be defended.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  What stories does our campus tell, and how can we broaden them?

  Addition, rather than subtraction, will be Appalachian’s approach

  Saturday, September 16, 2017

  How can our campus space reflect the diversity of our population and tell a fuller story of our history?

  Last week, Robert Haswell, geographer, political activist and former member of the Democratic Party of Parliament and African National Congress in South Africa, visited campus and shared his experiences meeting and working with Nelson Mandela. Among the stories he shared was one about transforming Pietermaritzburg from a city of monuments and place names celebrating Victorian colonialism and British influence to one that more fully reflects the city’s true history – including the abuses, arrests, and triumphs of Gandhi and Mandela.

  What does this have to do with Appalachian?

  As cities and institutions, particularly across the South, consider history, monuments and place names, we must also do so at Appalachian. One lesson we can learn from Pietermaritzburg is that addition, rather than subtraction, delivers a powerful message. This is an important part of embracing our commitment to inclusive excellence.

  I am convening a working group of students, faculty, and staff that will be looking at the multi-layered history and heritage of our campus - including the names of buildings and streets, the markers and monuments that currently tell the story of our place. This group is charged with making recommendations about how we protect, promote and rethink what messages our surroundings convey, and more, what they do not.

  Our rich Appalachian heritage is defined by the populations of Scots-Irish, German and French who settled in Western North Carolina, but not singularly so.

  North Carolina natives have history and traditions in this state dating back more than 10,000 years. Through his Gadugi initiative, Dr. Allen Bryant is working to bring that culture deserved exposure and to facilitate admission to our university for Cherokee students. He is not alone in his efforts.

  Since the early 1980s, Appalachian Studies scholars have highlighted the heritage and traditions of African Americans in the region, including Boone’s historically black community of Junaluska.

  Next month, the Junaluska Heritage Association will unveil a long-overdue marker in the historic black section of the Old Boone Cemetery, behind Cone Residence Hall, on Howard Street. I am pleased to note many Appalachian students are among those working on this project.

  This is the kind of engagement we want on our campus – to expose rather than deny; to invite rather than exclude, to build up rather than tear down. We will celebrate a fuller, richer version of our history by telling all the stories, embracing and recognizing that we must dig deeper to understand the complete stories of our past and how we came to be where we are as an institution today. We can begin by adding to our narrative – shining the brightest light on those left far too long in the shadows.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Considering Safety

  Through a national lens, a different perspective on health, safety and wellness

  Thursday, September 7, 2017

  This week is health, wellness and safety week at Appalachian. From our annual Walk for Awareness to the Health, Wellness and Safety festival to the numerous prevention training programs— a variety of educational and communal events fill our calendars and a myriad of resources are in place to promote our community’s well-being.

  Sadly, safety is tenuous. For some, a sense of security that feels solid one day can seemingly evaporate the next.

  We are seeing the impact of the larger political environment mar the sense of security for our nation’s “Dreamers.” The ramifications of the President’s recent announcement about ending DACA will be far-reaching across the state and nation. Congress now has the opportunity to ensure the safety and security of these U.S. residents who have known no other home. They provide valuable contributions to our society, and deserve the same opportunities as their peers.

  At Appalachian, we have a working group, established last spring and made up of faculty, staff and students, who are monitoring the impact these decisions are having on our campus and providing expertise, guidance and perspective as we teach and learn amidst uncertainty.

  We strive to provide support, resources and information to the members of our community who may be experiencing fear and uncertainty related to their citizenship status. Regardless of immigration status, our university will continue to dedicate resources to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the Appalachian Community.

  As we navigate national political challenges, we also feel for those who are suffering in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. As the Eastern Seaboard braces for Irma, even in our mountain location, we are preparing.

  Our community seeks to help those in need. Disaster recovery efforts will be ongoing for some time, and Student Affairs is working with student groups to be sure their volunteer efforts are effective and meaningful.

  I maintain our collective voice is the strongest. We can be protective, prepared and proactive.

  I am ever mindful of and thankful for the staff, faculty and students – and for the community organizations with which they collaborate – who keep us prepared; who are watchful; who work so hard to provide the tools we need to cope should our situation – personal or collective – change.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

August 2017

• 

  Appalachian Assets

  Eight reasons to celebrate, investigate, participate

  Wednesday, August 30, 2017

  As we move into the holiday weekend, let’s celebrate a few of the great things our amazing university has accomplished and has to offer:

  1. About 3,300 new first year students and 1,300 transfer students joined our community this fall, many of whom gathered at Kidd Brewer Stadium following Convocation for the photo above which, by the way, had more hits on social media than any AppState post ever;

  2. As of Tuesday, Aug. 29, Appalachian is one of only 35 institutions nationwide to earn the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education’s (FIRE) “green light” rating for protecting student and faculty free speech;

  3. An array of seasoned leaders (including nine new deans), faculty and staff primed to guide, teach and learn alongside the largest and most diverse campus population ever;

  4. An amazing cadre of new and returning scholarship students – from ACCESS to Wilson – eager to expand their horizons and ours;

  5. More than 400 clubs and organizations to challenge and engage our students to become effective contributors to our community;

  6. A comprehensive campus safety and wellness program with resources and professionals available for students, faculty and staff;

  7. A campus committed to sustainable living that goes far beyond recycling and solar panels (Prepare to think and act more sustainably!);

  8. A university-operated Food Services committed to providing affordable, local, healthy food and a Bake Shop dishing up amazing cakes, pies and cookies.

  P.S. We had so many requests for the “No Hate App State” stickers we shared during move-in that we printed a second batch. Pick one (or more) up for free at the welcome and information desks in Plemmons Student Union.

  Learn more
• 

  No Hate at App State. Pass it On.

  We can be a model of justice and fairness

  Friday, August 18, 2017

  Welcome, everyone!

  Today, we can all revel in the controlled chaos of move-in and look forward with great expectations to this Fall 2017 semester. In the days ahead, I will share with you a list of things to celebrate and embrace at Appalachian. But for now, on my mind - and likely on yours - are the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and their aftermaths.

  While no single message or interaction can suffice as a response, I affirm that there is no place for hate on our campus. Members of our Appalachian Community will stand together against violence, discrimination, injustice and racism of any stripe. And, through discussion and discourse, argument and exchange, our campus community can find common ground for addressing difficult social and intellectual issues.

  I would ask each of you to consider how you can share in this collective responsibility, because it is incumbent upon us all to find ways to make our community one that offers every member the same opportunity to thrive.

  Together, we can make this campus a source of innovative thought – a place that embodies inclusiveness and embraces sustainability. We can be a model of justice and fairness. Our message is simple. No hate at App State. Pass it on.

  Sheri N. Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more
• 

  Introducing the 2017 Chancellor's Scholars

  Stellar scholars earn a rigorous, transformational and interdisciplinary Appalachian Experience – debt free

  Wednesday, August 9, 2017

  Next week we’ll welcome our largest group of students ever, among them 10 remarkable new students who are Chancellor’s Scholars, Appalachian’s oldest and most academically competitive merit-based scholarship. These students typify the expectations I have for all of our students: academic excellence, an innovative spirit, a global curiosity and a commitment to community and service.

  Those of you who are already part of the Appalachian Community can attest to a rigorous student experience: a challenging academic curriculum, participatory classroom environments and close collaboration between faculty and students. Undergraduate research is the norm, not the exception, and innovative, unexpected collaborations across disciplines shape and expand minds ready to contribute in the world.

  The Chancellor’s Scholars will join a campus committed to academic excellence. I hope you will get to know them and many of the other first-year students – each of whom have stories and perspectives to share. As Appalachian continues to grow at a slow and steady pace, this is our largest incoming class and also our most diverse. Reach out to the person beside you in class, the dining hall or relaxing on Sanford Mall. There is so much to learn – inside and outside the classroom.

  Learn more
• 

  Live like you mean it

  On Being Appalachian - Living intentional, sustainable lives

  Friday, August 4, 2017

  A few weeks ago, a story about Drs. Jim and Jennifer Westerman – respected members of our faculty – was published on our university’s website and subsequently picked up by the Watauga Democrat. That story was the first of an Appalachian Magazine series profiling members of the Appalachian Community who “live like they mean it” – folks who are intentional about the sustainable choices they make each and every day.

  I have the privilege of interacting daily with people from our community who exhibit extraordinary character: our university leaders who regularly are called upon to make difficult decisions that affect us all; our excellent faculty who challenge and broaden our thinking; university staff who orchestrate the critical behind-the-scenes details; and the students who choose Appalachian because they genuinely want to make a difference, now and for the future. 

  As we are about to start a new academic year, I challenge each of you, myself included, to ask ourselves each morning, “How might I build a more sustainable future? How can I live like I mean it?”

  Learn more

July 2017

• 

  Points of light

  Meet the 2017 Mandela Fellows

  Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  For the second time in two years, the Mandela Washington Fellows – highly accomplished and promising young professionals ages 25 to 35 – have been engaged with the Appalachian Community for a good part of the summer break.

  Appalachian is one of only 38 institutes of higher learning selected to host these remarkable guests. Our participation is reflective of university priorities in sustainability, global outreach and community engagement. The exchange is positive for both the student participants and the Appalachian Community.

  In the short time they are with us, the Mandela Fellows have opportunities to sample the generosity of the hosts from our community and benefit from the powerful commitment of our faculty, staff and regional leadership. In return, the students’ high expectations, enthusiasm and aspirations give us hope for a brighter future and inspire us. Kudos to the Office of International Education and Development and Drs. Jesse Lutabingwa and Brian MacHarg, co-directors of Appalachian’s Mandela Fellows’ program, for their dedication to and enthusiasm for making the fellows’ stay a valuable.

  Please take a minute to learn more about the fellows. They are truly points of light in our community and theirs.

  Learn more
• 

  Art Works

  An Appalachian Summer Festival and Rosen Sculpture Walk

  Tuesday, July 18, 2017

  For more than three decades on our campus, July has been rife with art offerings – exhibits, workshops and world-class performances. This Saturday’s Rosen Sculpture Walk, which is free and open to the public, is special for several reasons. In addition to the 10 sculptures on the walk, we’ve added two additional installations: Alison Ouellette-Kirby’s “Instead” can be seen at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and “Nature’s Quintet,” by Stephanie Sailer, brings public art to Appalachian House. Also, we are fortunate to have award-winning sculptor Gregory Elliot, who selected the sculptures for the 31st Rosen Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, with us to share his insights on this wonderful group of artwork.

  Our 33rd An Appalachian Summer Festival is in full swing as well, offering an eclectic and diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.

  We are so very fortunate to have exquisite facilities like the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on our campus – both support and enhance the university’s role as a key educational, cultural and service resource for our region and beyond.

  Bravo, art lovers and supporters!

  Learn more
• 

  High Energy

  6th Appalachian Energy Summit Concludes

  Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  This week, some of the world’s most brilliant minds in energy policies and practices gathered here for the 6th Appalachian Energy Summit. Fittingly, the summit opened just hours after our solar vehicle team took second place at the international Formula Sun Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

  With this year’s summit, we are building on past successes and focusing on the importance of inclusiveness in perspectives, policy and practice in order to advance our goals of avoiding energy costs, reducing carbon use, and furthering social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

  Monday night’s keynote speaker was former head of the Environmental Protection Agency Gina McCarthy. She is known as a gifted communicator and strategist – with a talent for making environmental issues nonpartisan. Tuesday evening, we heard from urban revitalization strategist Majora Carter. Members of the solar vehicle team were recognized at today's plenary session.

  This is a great time to be a Mountaineer.

  P.S. Both of our summit speakers recorded podcasts while on campus. Look for them to be posted here soon.

  Learn more
• 

  Team Sunergy

  Racing for our sustainable future

  Wednesday, July 5, 2017

  Appalachian’s solar vehicle project, established in the fall of 2013, is the ultimate example of interdisciplinary study at Appalachian and our commitment, at every level, to sustainability. Against great odds, student-led Team Sunergy has conceived, designed, tested, competed and prevailed at the national level with their solar vehicle, Apperion.

  We applaud their drive and ingenuity and wish them luck in Austin, Texas, July 6 - 8. As you know, endeavors like these run on more than sunshine and ingenuity. Please consider supporting this team as they advance our sustainable future in renewable energy.

  Learn more

June 2017

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  Diversity Scholars

  Joining our most diverse first-year class ever

  Wednesday, June 28, 2017

  This incoming first-year class is on course to be the most diverse ever to attend Appalachian with close to 18 percent identifying as underrepresented. Our Appalachian mission statement is clear: “We promote a spirit of inclusion… we bring people together in inspiring ways... developing individuals who embrace diversity and difference.”

  I am inspired by the 10 new diversity scholarship students who will join us this fall. Their dedication to service, engagement and academic excellence is an example for us all.

  In welcoming this special group, it occurs to me that on this campus, every day affords each of us an opportunity to reach out to people we do not know and to learn from their life experiences. Let’s each give an Appalachian welcome to a new face today, and every day that follows.

  Learn more
• 

  Innovative Leadership

  Expectations are high, opportunities abound

  Wednesday, June 21, 2017

  Leadership at Appalachian is committed to this proposition: At Appalachian, we will demonstrate sustainability-focused innovation – at the confluence of the environment, equity and economics – through our teaching, research, service and operations. Above all, we are dedicated to student success.

  With new leadership at the helm of nearly every college, my expectations are high. This academic leadership team will effect positive change here on our campus and in the greater community.

  Please reach out to and welcome our new deans. Read about each of them here and support them as they work toward our common goals.

  Learn more
• 

  BCHS Topping Ceremony

  Final beam in place, workers honored

  Wednesday, June 14, 2017

  The Beaver College of Health Sciences building project is the first underway of those funded by the Connect NC Bond package and we have met a milestone.

  Construction is at the halfway mark, approximately one year since the groundbreaking last June. (The timelapse photo above runs from January 12 to June 2, 2017.) The efforts of the craftworkers, who were honored at the topping ceremony last week, Appalachian’s Planning, Design and Construction team, Rodgers Builders Inc., and the architects LS3P Associates Ltd. are to be applauded.

  But the big story is the impact we will have on health care in this state and beyond. In his speech at the ceremony, Senior Vice President of LS3P Associates Ltd. Paul Boney asked the craftworkers “to imagine the discoveries, the great things that are going to happen here over the next 100 years because of you.”

  Just imagine!

  Learn more
• 

  Say What? Examining Freedom of Speech at App State

  The conversation continues as we review policies

  Thursday, June 8, 2017

  In March, our campus came together and took on the challenge to hold deep and important conversations around the First Amendment and freedom of expression. Appalachian proactively explored issues of free speech, academic freedom and respect for differences of opinion and beliefs faced by college campuses across the nation. The conversations we had were rich and interesting, and we are continuing to be proactive over the summer months.

  During the spring events and after, questions around free speech zones on campus indicated we might need to revisit our policies around “free speech zones” and our facility policies. In fact, there are no free speech zones, as all of our campus grounds are open to free speech. In some of our most popular gathering areas where spaces are often in demand, we encourage people to schedule their events. And, there are restrictions in place to ensure we do not disrupt our university’s core mission of education; to ensure safety; and to take into account practical matters such as demands on staff, city noise ordinances and the ability to sell goods and services to our students.

  That said, we acknowledge some of the language in our facility policy is subject to interpretation and could be confusing. We are examining our facility use policies with a goal of making them easier to understand and of achieving green light status with FIRE (The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.)

  Faculty Senate Chair and Department of Communication Professor Paul Gates said in a talk during the March events, “Universities should be the home of ideas.” I agree completely. I welcome your thoughts.

  

  Sheri Everts, Chancellor

  Learn more

May 2017

• 

  A Seat at the Table

  Appalachian invited to participate in U.S. Senate Roundtables on Appalachia

  Wednesday, May 31, 2017

  Appalachian has a “seat at the table” for U.S. Senate-level bipartisan discussions around issues and initiatives impacting the 13-state Appalachia region.

  From May 1 through June 20, a task force led by U.S. senators is gathering leading experts around the country and the Appalachian region for four separate roundtable discussions organized around these themes: education and the workforce; entrepreneurialism and job creation; energy and infrastructure; and rural health. Our expertise and contributions are making a difference.

  Learn more
• 

  Understanding War

  Faculty team wins $100,000 NEH grant, student veterans needed to lead discussions

  Wednesday, May 24, 2017

  Congratulations to Dr. Valerie Wieskamp, Department of Communication; Dr. Lynn Searfoss, Department of English; and Dr. Clark Maddux, Watauga Residential College for securing a $100,000 National Endowment of the Humanities grant.

  Their project “Blurred Boundaries: The Experience of War and Its Aftermath,” will explore the ways in which texts, photographs and films illuminate warfare: the U.S. Civil War and the Vietnam conflict.

  Student veterans are being recruited now to lead the discussions on campus next fall and spring. Interested student veterans should submit a resume and letter of interest before June 15 to blurredboundaries@appstate.edu.

  We look forward to this enlightening series and applaud our dedicated faculty for their superb achievement.

  Learn more
• 

  Testing Ourselves

  Emergency exercise provides preparedness assessment

  Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  Appalachian conducted a full-scale emergency exercise on campus Tuesday, May 16. The elaborate operation, involving more than 100 participants, was an active shooter simulation on campus. The exercise was designed to test the responses and preparedness of people, equipment and resources – from the Chancellor’s Cabinet to emergency personnel to communications – during an emergency.

  This exercise is a potent reminder of the value we place on the safety and well-being of everyone in the Appalachian Community, and a testimony to the forethought and effort that regularly goes into ensuring we are prepared.

  Special thanks to the Department of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management for organizing this valuable drill and for the cooperation and participation by University Police, Boone Fire Department, Watauga Emergency Medical Services, Watauga County Rescue Squad, Watauga Medical Center and local law enforcement and media agencies.

  Please remember that in case of any true emergency, the most accurate and up-to-the-minute resource for information is at http://emergency.appstate.edu.

  Learn more
• 

  Congrats to international Food Solutions Challenge winners

  App State duo’s concept for fueling a corn chip makers’ fleet with used corn oil takes 2nd place

  Wednesday, May 10, 2017

  Seniors Kelsey Simon and Ali Moxley placed second in the international Food Solutions Challenge, held during the Global Food Solutions Conference April 19-21 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  Their food solution converts used frying oil from corn chip production to biodiesel to fuel a chip company’s transportation fleet. The team had only two and a half weeks to create this video and a pitch for the competition. One more win for the Mountaineer way – innovative thinking on your feet. Congratulations! I can't wait to see what other smart ideas are on the horizon.

  Learn more
• 

  Welcome the 2017 Wilson Scholars

  And (shameless plug!) show your support through #iBackApp

  Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  I am proud to introduce the six outstanding Wilson Scholars who this fall will join the 2021 graduating class at Appalachian. Our most prestigious, merit-based scholarship, the Wilson Scholars Program was established in 2013 with a generous donation from 1975 alumni Carole and Brad Wilson. Scholarship funding is crucial to our efforts to continue attracting talented and engaged students like these. Keeping college affordable has always been a priority at Appalachian. Our tuition rates are very competitive and our graduates' college loan debt is comparatively low. Last year, Appalachian saw a 33 percent increase in merit-based scholarships, but affording an Appalachian education is still a hardship for some, and out of reach for others. Tomorrow, May 4, is our annual #iBack App alumni campaign. I proudly ask for your support on behalf of all of our remarkable scholars.

  Learn more

April 2017

• 

  Appalachian Innovation Scholars

  Our first panel of winners

  Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Our faculty seriously engage in sustainable ideology and action. I recently awarded more than $50,000 to our first panel of Appalachian Innovation Scholars. This scholars program was initiated to complement other innovation initiatives at the university, such as those offered through the Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE), Office of Sustainability, Office of Research, AppLab, Integrative Design Experience (IDEX), and The Center for Entrepreneurship.

  Please take a minute to read my op-ed recently published in Higher Education Works about innovation in education.

  Learn more
• 

  Team Sunergy

  Racing the sun: a vision for the future

  Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  A few weeks ago, Team Sunergy surprised me by unveiling its solar car’s new look – part of the team’s preparation to compete in Austin, Texas this July. The black and gold wrap looks fantastic! Last summer, this interdisciplinary team of Appalachian students raced Apperion for the first time – and, on a national stage. Team Sunergy placed third in the Formula Sun Grand Prix and sixth in the American Solar Challenge, going up against reputable engineering schools like the University of Michigan, Northwestern University and Polytechnique Montréal.

  Learn more
• 

  Who, How and What About Immigration?

  A road map

  Thursday, April 13, 2017

  Recently we launched a website to provide clear and concise information about how Appalachian fits into our country’s changing immigration landscape. This website will answer many questions you may have, but I want to be clear - you need not question these fundamental precepts:

  • Our institution's top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.
  • We greatly value the international and immigrant members of our community and the contributions they bring to our campus. They have – and will continue to have – the support of this institution, which welcomed them to the United States.
  • Our campus should be a welcoming environment for all members of our community, and no one should feel afraid on our campus. We will continue to dedicate top-level attention and resources to this end.
  • Our learning objectives, our Quality Enhancement Plan and our dedication to developing the global competence of our students remain unwavering.

  Learn more
• 

  The Upside of Education

  Spellings celebrates North Carolinians’ “universal faith in education and opportunity”

  Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  UNC President Margaret Spellings wrote recently: “The impact of education echoes across generations, enriching us all.” If you haven’t already, please take time to read her March 30 OpEd in the Raleigh News & Observer. It is inspiring and uplifting. (Photo courtesy of Jill Knight)

  Learn more
• 

  The Art of Teaching

  Educational leaders share thoughts on challenges and solutions in K-12 schools and community colleges

  Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  How we teach continues to be a matter of discussion and a cause for collaboration. Read what a recent panel of educators from Appalachian’s doctoral program had to say about the art of teaching. A superintendent said he engages his teaching staff in “moonshot thinking.” Let’s all try a little of that. Imagine the places we might go!

  Learn more

March 2017

• 

  Strong Leadership

  Welcome a new vice chancellor and two deans

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Congratulations are in order for three outstanding new appointees! J.J Brown, vice chancellor for student development, Dr. Neva J. Specht, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Dane Ward, dean of libraries, were all recent selections from national searches for these critical positions. Both J.J. and Neva already have records of dedication and service to our university. Dane comes to us from Illinois State University. We are honored to have each of them.

  Learn more
• 

  Through March 31

  Examining freedom of speech at App State

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  A decision made recently by the president of the University of Washington to honor the first amendment rights of a controversial speaker ended in volatile protests and some violence. At Appalachian, we too face daily the challenge of balancing a respect for and obligation to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution with an institutional culture of respect for thought, belief and community.

  I want to make certain you are aware of a series of workshops, speakers and events taking place through the end of this month around freedom of speech.

  Please visit http://diversity.appstate.edu/saywhat and be part of this important conversation.

  Learn more
• 

  An Aetosaur Named Archie

  Meet App State’s ‘dino-sorta’ and the students who made him

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Geology and art students are collaborating to construct a life-size model of a prehistoric reptile that roamed North Carolina 230 million years ago. The Triassic aetosaur’s frame is based on a handful of bones discovered in 2015 in eastern North Carolina. Geology professor Dr. Andy Heckert led the team that discovered and identified the bones. Lauren Waterworth, J.D., geology lecturer on environmental law, and Travis Donovan, sculptor and visiting assistant professor, are helping a team of students figure out how to bring “Archie” to life.

  Learn more
• 

  Teacher of Excellence

  Tracy Wilson Smith honored by UNC Board of Governors

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Dr. Tracy Wilson Smith, professor in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University, has been recognized by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors as among the most outstanding faculty, and is one of 17 recipients to receive its 2017 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. As a professor and assistant chair in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Tracy’s contributions to our students – and education in general – are far reaching. The teachers she mentors, instructs and encourages go on to do the same in classrooms across our state and country. She is truly the embodiment of what the Dougherty brothers envisioned when they established our institution more than 100 years ago. We are so proud to have Tracy as a Mountaineer!

  Learn more
• 

  App State, NRLP and A Very Big Idea

  ROI grant from UNC GA funds groundwork for utility-based laboratory

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  With Research Opportunities Initiative (ROI) funding from the UNC General Administration, Appalachian will be able to leverage its university-owned electric utility. New River Light and Power (NRLP), which has been serving Appalachian and the Boone community since 1915, will now become a collaborative platform for conducting energy-related research. This is a logical next step for advancing sustainable energy and best practices that started with the Appalachian Energy Summit six years ago. Congratulations to Dr. Jeff Ramsdell, professor of sustainable technology and the built environment and director of the Appalachian Energy Center, NRLP General Manager Ed Miller, and their colleagues here and at UNC Charlotte for securing this grant and for their vision for developing this UNC system asset.

  Learn more
• 

  Are you watching what we're watching?

  Tune into our construction webcam

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Did you know you can stream construction of the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ new home across from Watauga Medical Center on Deerfield Road? Slated for completion in Fall 2018, our project is the only Connect NC bond-funded initiative underway. Thanks, North Carolina, for saying “yes” to the bond.

  Learn more

February 2017

• 

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Let's do More with More

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  For too long, efficiency has meant doing more with less. My mantra for 2017 is let’s do more with more, specifically in these areas: increased support for faculty, staff and the academic experience; dedication to wellness, health and safety; redoubled funding efforts to support professorships, scholarships, facilities and professional development; and resolve for sustainable and affordable enrollment.

  Learn more
• 

  On the Mountain

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  On Jan. 27, the provost, faculty senate chair, several vice chancellors and I shared our state-of-the-university remarks at the Spring Faculty/Staff meeting. Our thoughts and priorities were clearly in sync – predictably so, as they reflect the metrics for success set forth in the university’s Strategic Plan 2014-19.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement Corner

  News from Randy Edwards, interim vice chancellor for advancement

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  Construction of the Beaver College of Health Sciences facility is moving along nicely. Recently, we installed a webcam so you may view the progress firsthand. Support for the college is crucial to accessible and excellent health care in our state.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Faculty

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  I am proud to recognize two of our faculty for the Appalachian Theatre and Therapy Project. Dr. Angela Losardo, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Dr. Derek Davidson, Department of Theatre and Dance, combined their expertise to develop a therapeutic intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

  Learn more
• 

  On the Bookshelf

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  Our University Bookstore has a featured section for published works by Appalachian faculty. For others with aspirations of writing, are you aware of the University Writing Center?

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  New hires/faculty and staff (Dec. 6–Jan. 25)

  Monday, February 6, 2017

  Please help welcome our newest members to the Appalachian Community, and join us for Staff Connect and Faculty Club in February.

  Learn more
• State of the University: Chancellor and leadership address faculty and staff Jan. 27

  Friday, February 3, 2017

  Appalachian State University’s chancellor, provost, faculty senate chair and several vice chancellors gave a state-of-the university address Friday, Jan. 27, in Plemmons Student Union.

  Learn more

December 2016

• 

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Congratulations are in order...

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  On Dec. 10, I presided over two graduation ceremonies and watched 1,396 confident students take their first steps into a world they will impact in many ways.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement Corner

  News from Randy Edwards, interim vice chancellor for advancement

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  In November, we were pleased to announce the election of five new members to the Appalachian State University Foundation Board of Directors: Stephanie Billings ’92 of Greensboro, Dr. Kimberly Jones Green ’98 ’01 of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bryan Haas ’82 of Boone, Allen Lockwood Jr. ’93 of Charlotte, and Steven Price of Blowing Rock.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: Thank You For Being Late: an optimist’s guide to thriving in the age of accelerations by Thomas L. Friedman

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  As 2016 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the high and low points of the year. I am particularly thankful for your kind expressions of concern and consideration as I was battling some health issues. The upside of poor health is it offers the opportunity to recognize and embrace moments to reflect. I think New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman’s “Thank You for Being Late” is a good reminder to do just that: slow down, step off the merry-go-round, reflect and reimagine. Friedman’s aha! moment was when he realized his friend’s tardiness to a shared breakfast had given him time to just sit and think. I hope you will take time over the holidays to relax with your family and friends and maybe heed Friedman’s advice for a calmer, decelerated 2017. – Sheri N. Everts

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Faculty

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  For more than seven years, Dr. Michael Mayfield has served as vice provost for undergraduate education at Appalachian where he has shepherded two major General Education curriculum revisions. A seasoned and enthusiastic educator, he is returning to the classroom as an associate geography professor in January. His influence and guidance as vice provost will impact the university for many years, and students in and out of his classroom will benefit from his efforts on their behalf.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Food Services Staff

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  The accomplishments and contributions of our more than 1,700 staff members are, quite frankly, the backbone of this institution. Without them, budgets and timetables would go amok, there would be no parking, no cleared sidewalks, no amazing landscaping, no salad bars or mocha lattes – no websites, email or newsletters for that matter! Director of Food Services Pam Cline shares her career path, industry trends and how Appalachian State University’s sustainability initiatives impact her work.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Food Services Staff

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  The accomplishments and contributions of our more than 1,700 staff members are, quite frankly, the backbone of this institution. Without them, budgets and timetables would go amok, there would be no parking, no cleared sidewalks, no amazing landscaping, no salad bars or mocha lattes – no websites, email or newsletters for that matter! Food Services Supervisor John Welborn extends a more than 60-year family legacy by working in Sanford Commons at Appalachian State University.

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  Friday, December 16, 2016

  Our newest staff members (hired between Oct. 31 and Dec. 5) are listed below. We are thankful to have them and appreciate all the dedicated staff and faculty who make this university the wonderful place it is. Happy holidays to you all!

  Learn more

November 2016

• 

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Commitment to sponsored student research and funding opportunities

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  The options for student research at Appalachian State University are robust and include opportunities within the university’s colleges as well as community-based research projects designed around student interest and community needs.

  Learn more
• 

  100th anniversary of the National Park Service

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  This August, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary. Today more than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 400-plus national parks, monuments, battlefields, scenic rivers and similar areas, and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement Corner

  News from Randy Edwards, interim vice chancellor for advancement

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  News from Randy Edwards, interim vice chancellor for advancement.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: Perfume River by Robert Olen Butler

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  Robert Olen Butler’s novel, “Perfume River,” examines family ties and the legacy of the Vietnam War through the portrait of a single North Florida family.

  Learn more
• 

  On the Mountain

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  We were honored to host so many loyal and enthusiastic alumni, fans and friends over the course of the week of Homecoming 2016 – Oct. 17-22.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Teaching and research farm

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  The Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm at Appalachian State University’s Blackburn-Vannoy property is a gem hidden in the hills of Ashe County.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Faculty

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  Dr. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce, an associate professor in the Department of Geology, has recently published research around the age and formation of the largest assemblage of Homo sapiens footprints discovered to date, in the shadow of the Ol Doinyo L’engai volcano in Tanzania.

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  Wednesday, November 2, 2016

  A warm welcome to our newest staff members.

  Learn more

September 2016

• 

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Enrollment continues slow and steady upward trend; diversity numbers continue climbing

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  Enrollment continues slow and steady upward trend; diversity numbers continue climbing.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  A national leader in the movement to promote healthy eating, Afro-vegan chef and equity advocate Bryant Terry is the author of “The Inspired Vegan” and the critically acclaimed “Vegan Soul Kitchen.” We can all learn from this global-kitchen philosopher as we consider a more sustainable world.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: The Authority of the Book

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  Are we at the end of the era of the printed book? Perhaps, but the explosion in self-publishing argues that the printed/made book is more potent than ever.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Faculty

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  When considering which of the many deserving faculty members to spotlight this month, I imagined instead the 154 new faculty who are quickly approaching the middle of their first semester with us.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement Corner

  News from Randy Edwards, interim vice chancellor for advancement

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  I am proud to announce the North Carolina Banking Association (NCBA) is partnering with Appalachian’s Walker College of Business (WCOB) to establish the Harry M. Davis Distinguished Professorship in Banking.

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  We are pleased to announce the following staff additions to the Appalachian Community.

  Learn more
• 

  On the Mountain

  A Message from the Chancellor

  Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  We are proud to welcome the biggest, brightest and most diverse first-year class ever to our campus and anticipate an extraordinary fall semester.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Faculty Awards

  Friday, September 9, 2016

  At the university’s fall semester opening meeting for faculty and staff, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger presented six members of Appalachian State University’s faculty with excellence in teaching awards. The late August gathering took place in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on Appalachian’s campus.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Staff Awards

  Friday, September 9, 2016

  During the university’s opening meeting for faculty and staff for the fall semester, four members of the university’s staff also were honored with awards recognizing their exemplary service, commitment, collegiality and leadership to the university community. Director of Human Resources Mark Bachmeier presented the 2016 Staff Excellence Awards to Livelle Leon Rodriguez, Barry Sauls, Lori Townsend and Tom Van Gilder, who were chosen by a review committee from a pool of 59 nominations.

  Learn more

August 2016

• 

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  We are one of 357 universities and institutions with the respected community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation, and community engagement is one of our nine top-tier initiatives.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement corner

  From the desk of Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Randy Edwards

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Twelve students recently completed a 17-day journey to Hot Springs, South Dakota, finishing a nearly 2,000-mile solar car race in sixth place overall and winning three international awards with their solar vehicle, Apperion.

  Learn more
• 

  Fall semester begins with three new deans

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Three of the university’s academic colleges are beginning the fall semester under new leadership. Dr. Melba Spooner serves as dean of Reich College of Education (RCOE). Phyllis Kloda serves as dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and Dr. Heather Hulbert Norris serves as dean of the Walker College of Business (WCOB).

  Learn more
• 

  On the mountain

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  On Friday, Aug. 12, University Housing once again managed a seamless move-in day for more than 2,500 freshman and transfer students.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Ronson’s book has much to teach us about the complexities of human interactions.

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Change is expected and embraced on our campus. New staff, administration and faculty bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our community. Please help welcome our newest members to the Appalachian Community, and stop by Staff Connect and Faculty Club to say hello, invite them to join you in a meal, a conversation or professional development opportunity, or share one of your favorite local spots or traditions.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Best of Boone

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Earlier this month, Watauga County posted a Best of Boone video about our region to YouTube.

  Learn more
• 

  Spotlight on: Laura Parker, recent graduate

  Tuesday, August 23, 2016

  Shout out for Laura Parker, a 2011 graduate of Appalachian State University’s Master of Arts program in romance languages and 2004 graduate of Appalachian’s English and French undergraduate programs, who was recently named the North Carolina French Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (NC-AATF).

  Learn more

July 2016

• 

  Taking global learning beyond study abroad

  From the desk of Chancellor Everts

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Global learning is one of Appalachian State University’s major strategic initiatives. Appalachian graduates become globally competent through classroom and out-of-classroom experiences, including study abroad, as their personal and professional lives most certainly will include colleagues, clients and neighbors from different cultures.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” explores the clash between a small county hospital in California and a refugee family from Laos over the care of a Hmong child diagnosed with severe epilepsy.

  Learn more
• 

  On the mountain: Appalachian hosts 25 Mandela Washington Fellows

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  For six weeks over the summer, Appalachian State University will host 25 young leaders from 19 African countries for a series of workshops and networking sessions as part of the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship Institute.

  Learn more
• 

  Faculty spotlight: Dr. Unal Boya

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Dr. Unal Boya, professor of marketing in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University, is a native of Turkey and a citizen of the world.

  Learn more
• 

  Chancellor Sheri N. Everts’ vision for Appalachian State University

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  At Appalachian, we put students first, always, and together we are building a bright future. Ultimately, the reason Appalachian’s stellar faculty and staff come to work every day is to realize this vision.

  Learn more
• 

  Advancement news

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Dr. Randy Edwards, who has served as the Chancellor’s Chief of Staff for the past two years, has been appointed Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement following Susan Pettyjohn’s retirement last month.

  Learn more
• Welcome to Appalachian!

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Change is expected and embraced on our campus. New staff, administration and faculty bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our community. Please help welcome our newest members to the Appalachian Community, and stop by Staff Connect and Faculty Club to say hello, invite them to join you in a meal, a conversation or professional development opportunity, or share one of your favorite local spots or traditions.

  Learn more
• Spotlight on: Global Symposium and Leadership awards

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Appalachian State University will host the fourth annual Appalachian Global Symposium in November during the nationwide International Education Week. This year’s symposium theme will be Global Learning, Global Sustainability, and Global Diversity and will feature class projects, travels, research and collaborations between faculty, staff and students.

  Learn more
• Spotlight on: Board of Trustees International Research Grant

  Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Each year Appalachian’s Board of Trustees awards grants to support international research at Appalachian.

  Learn more

June 2016

• 

  Nigerian chooses Appalachian for sustainability program; dreams of making a difference at home

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  Peter Thompson ‘16, a native of Nigeria, wants desperately to make this world a more honest, sustainable and less polluted place.

  Learn more
• 

  Faculty spotlight: Dr. Lee F. Ball Jr.

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  Dr. Lee F. Ball Jr. assumed the position of Interim Director of the Office of Sustainability little over one year ago. Working with his team, Ball has checked off a number of items on his bucket list and added a few...

  Learn more
• 

  On the Mountain

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  President of the University of North Carolina Margaret Spellings came to the High Country in mid-April, as part of her 100-day tour of the state and 17 institutions in the system.

  Learn more
• 

  University bookshelf: Oil and Honey by Bill McKibben

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  The keynote speaker of the 5th Annual Energy Summit is 2013 Ghandi Peace Prize winner Bill McKibben, an American environmentalist, author, and journalist who has written extensively on the impact of global warming.

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  Sustainability

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  During the short time our students are with us, it is a top priority for the faculty and staff to educate them about the three Es that must co-exist in a sustainable world: environmental protection and resource conservation, economic prosperity and continuity and social well-being and equity.

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  Team Sunergy: Appalachian State University Solar Vehicle Team

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  Members of the Solar Vehicle Team with The Apperion, on Sanford Mall on Earth Day. The team will compete in a pre-qualifier for the American Solar Challenge this July.

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  Spotlight on: Wild Turkey Awards

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  Each year Appalachian’s Sustainability Council’s presents the Wild Turkey Awards to honor members of the campus community who have made significant contributions to sustainability.

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• University Changes

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  We welcome our newest members and extend our best wishes to those who are departing.

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April 2016

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  On the road

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  Over the past two months Chancellor Everts and other university leaders traveled across the state speaking to various stakeholders about the Connect NC bond referendum March 15.

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  University bookshelf

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  “Mindset, the New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck and “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Death and How it Changed America” by Michael Eric Dyson.

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  Faculty spotlight: Dr. Ece Karatan

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  Kudos to Dr. Ece Karatan for being awarded her second National Institutes of Health grant for her research on cholera.

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  In the media

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  Recently Chancellor Everts joined Neal Charnoff, NPR reporter at WFDD (Winston Salem and Boone), to discuss diversity initiatives at Appalachian.

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  On campus

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of Appalachian’s student body, members of the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment hosted a postcard-writing event Feb. 10 in Plemmons Student Union.

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  Providing a ‘welcoming and safe’ campus

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  Keeping Appalachian a “welcoming and safe” place requires constant vigilance, exploration and innovation.

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• University Changes

  promotions, new faces, farewells

  Monday, April 4, 2016

  We welcome our newest members and extend our best wishes to those who are departing.

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