Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris
With the rush of the end of the spring semester and commencement celebrations over, we’re already beginning our preparations for the semesters ahead.
On Monday, faculty, staff and students received, via email, a campus operations update detailing summer operation schedules, construction updates and campus resources for those learning and working on our campuses this summer.
As we look to the future, I’d like to take a moment to focus on appreciating the many people who ensure the success of our students and our university.
Today, at our annual Staff Appreciation Event at the Holmes Center, we recognized App State staff, who are fundamental to the university’s operational success. Our staff proudly foster an environment that enhances the learning and working experience for students, faculty and one another. It is because of you that this university runs beautifully, efficiently and effectively. Thank you for your unwavering service to our institution.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to our dedicated faculty, as well, for their steadfast dedication to our students and many remarkable achievements this year. Last week’s commencement ceremonies are a testament to your commitment to our students, and as we celebrate them, we celebrate you as well. Your efforts have been key to preparing our graduates to thrive — wherever their journeys may take them.
Earlier this month, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week, we took the opportunity to celebrate teachers and health care professionals who work on campus and in the community, delivering pastries as a small token of our appreciation for their incredible contributions to the quality of life for everyone in our community.
To the educators in Watauga County Schools, App State’s Child Development Center, our two Academy lab schools and App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Lab, we recognize and deeply appreciate you for answering the call to educate and empower our future generations. We’re proud to prepare and support teachers who make profound impacts in their local communities, both in and out of the classroom.
To App State’s nursing faculty and the M.S. Shook Student Health Service staff, thank you for your dedication to resilience, innovation and compassion — in education and on the front lines of care, for educating and preparing the next generation of nurses and health care professionals, and for your commitment to improving health and enhancing the quality of life on our campus.
I’m proud to be part of a community in which we see our professions not just as the jobs we go to every day, but as daily opportunities to change lives, build community and give back each day while coming to work. Thank you for your role in this incredible community of teaching, research, creative endeavors and service.
Heather Norris
Interim Chancellor
Today I had the pleasure of catching up with staff during the university’s annual Staff Appreciation Event. Camaraderie, conversations and food — with “tastes from around the world” as this year’s theme — filled the Holmes Center, and it was a pleasure to take a little time to celebrate our staff. Thanks to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for capturing staff smiles in this photo.
From left to right: Teachers hold such important roles in shaping the futures and ensuring the success of students. During Teachers Appreciation Week, we took time to treat our area educators, delivering sweets made by the university’s Grandview Catering to local schools. Each Faculty Club gathering reminds me that it’s always inspiring to be in the same room and share ideas with App State faculty, and this latest event was no different. App State’s nursing faculty and Shook Student Health Service staff are dedicated to the health of our campus community and to preparing quality nurses and health care professionals. We celebrated them during National Nurses Week with cookies as a token of our appreciation. These moments were documented by Heather Brandon, Chase Reynolds and Anna Gaugert in University Communications.
