In this photo, students of Dr. Steve Hageman, professor of invertebrate paleontology and paleoecology, are learning about the processes of fossil preservation in a Principles of Paleontology Lab class. Thank you to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for this photo.
Message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris
App State’s first week of spring semester classes is a time of renewal and forward momentum, full of refreshed aspirations, eagerness to engage in learning, collaboration and relationship-building, and, for those graduating in May, anticipation mixed with a twinge of pre-nostalgia. I hope you’ll take a few moments to watch this video that captures the spirit of this first week.
Yesterday, I welcomed area business leaders to the ninth annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, held on our Boone campus by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Economic Development Commission. As he has done for many years at this event, Dr. Harry Davis — professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance in the Walker College of Business and a renowned expert on economics and banking who is highly sought after for his expertise — delivered a regional economic forecast to those in attendance.
At App State, we take seriously our role in contributing to the local, regional and state economies, and we’re committed to collaborating with the Town of Boone, Watauga County, chamber organizations and others to ensure the university continues to support and help sustain our community in meaningful and lasting ways. Our collaborations have contributed to economic development: from elevating the arts and support of cultural tourism, to building proud championship athletic programs that represent our region around the world, to developing and implementing innovative research that is having significant, meaningful impacts in our communities.
This afternoon, I will join Walker College of Business faculty and staff at their spring semester meeting. As I began this academic year in my new role as interim chancellor, I wanted to make sure I was visiting with units across the Boone and Hickory campuses, including each of our academic colleges, to express my appreciation for all that you do each and every day to uphold our mission. I recognize the incredible impact of your teaching, research and service and your significant efforts supporting the success of our students, which contribute incredible benefits to the communities, state and region we serve.
With basketball season in full swing, we continue to cheer on the men’s and women’s teams, both of which are on the road, playing against Sun Belt East Conference rivals. It’s been an exciting season, with both teams currently in the top five in the Sun Belt standings, and we’re looking forward to home games next week. We’ll also be rooting for the wrestling team as they host matches Sunday against No. 11 Virginia Tech and Monday against Duke, after a big win over The Citadel this past Sunday.
On Monday, the university will be closed in observance of the state MLK Day holiday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy inspires us to collaborate in service to our community, and students will honor that tradition through dedicated efforts planned in January and February, including on Saturday, Feb. 15, when the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership will hold its third annual Mobilize the Mountains Day of Service. During this event, student volunteers will work alongside local nonprofit organizations to honor Dr. King Jr.’s legacy of service. The Days of Service, held throughout the academic year, are an outgrowth of the university’s former MLK Challenge, which began in 1999 and was held for many years on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, becoming a model for campuses nationwide.
I wish you all a great holiday weekend and look forward to continuing the momentum of the semester on Tuesday!
Heather Norris
Interim Chancellor
Pictured, from left to right: On a cold and snowy day, students showed up to support our basketball teams during a doubleheader on Jan. 11 and were rewarded with double wins against Coastal Carolina and James Madison; Students haven’t missed any opportunities to enjoy the recent snowfalls, with numerous Mountaineers flocking to Sanford Mall this week to enjoy the snow on App State’s Boone campus; On Jan. 16, I was pleased to welcome business and civic leaders to the Boone campus for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s ninth annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, featuring our own Dr. Harry Davis as the keynote speaker. Thank you to Chase Reynolds and Kyla Willoughby in University Communications, as well as the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, for capturing these photos.
