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. Pettyjohn served as vice chancellor for nine years.

In his position, he will oversee development operations, the Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc., and Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving.

Before his tenure as Chief of Staff, Edwards was dean of the Walker College of Business for nine years, was chair of the Department of Accounting for 13 years, and first joined the business faculty in 1981. He has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in accounting from Appalachian and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Prior to working in higher education, Edwards was an auditor for Ernst & Ernst, now Ernst & Young.

Edwards said he is honored to step in to this position at such a critical time for the university. “We have just begun major construction on the new Beaver College of Health Sciences which presents exceptional giving opportunities. We are also moving toward millennial campus status which will open the door to public/private collaboration and innovation,” Edwards said. “Support from the Appalachian community — leadership, alumni, faculty, staff and students — is essential if we are to continue to build our resources for scholarships and professorships. The Advancement team is skilled and motivated. I am excited about what we can accomplish.”

For giving opportunities visit: http://give.appstate.edu

• “His ability to guide and motivate staff, his broad and deep institutional knowledge and his balanced leadership style will make this transition an easy one. I expect great things from Randy and his team.”

  – Chancellor Sheri N. Everts

Messages

• Remarks from the December 8, 2023 Meeting of the Board of Trustees

  Friday, December 8, 2023

  Thank you, Chair Ricks, and good afternoon, everyone!

  With one week until December Commencement, we’re looking ahead to App’s 125th birthday, as we reflect on an incredible 124th year.

  But before I begin my remarks today, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock in October.

  As Chancellor of our university for 10 years, from 2004 to 2014, Ken established the university as a leader in undergraduate research, grew our academic enterprise significantly in the areas of health care, establishing the College of Health Sciences, opened a new building for the Reich College of Education, led significant growth in the nexus of energy, the environment and economics, and moved our athletics programs to the Sun Belt Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision, all while growing enrollment and solidifying our reputation as a national leader in undergraduate education.

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• Remarks from the September 29, 2023 Meeting of the Board of Trustees

  Friday, September 29, 2023

  Thank you, Acting Chair Ricks, and good afternoon!

  It's hard to believe it's nearly October already! It's been a very busy beginning to the semester, and I thank you all for the many events you have joined us for since the semester began just over a month ago.

  The first day of classes represents new beginnings for students, faculty and staff, and it's always full of promise and excitement.

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• Important Budget Update

  Friday, September 22, 2023

  Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

  Budget news from Raleigh is once again, excellent for App State, and we extend our sincere thanks to our legislators for securing important appropriations specifically for our Boone and Hickory campuses, as well as key compensation increases for university employees.

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