This week, we are honoring more than 4,300 App State graduates as part of our Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, held May 7–9 on the Boone campus. Pictured, from left to right, are five standout representatives of App State’s Class of 2026: Austin Wray, of Lenoir; Beth Neal, of Sparta; sisters Masa Al Horani and Seleen Al Horani, originally from Jordan; and Daniel Russom, of Boone. Thank you to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for taking commencement photos and creating this photo collage.
Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 8, 2026
Congratulations to the newest graduates of Appalachian State University! Yesterday evening marked the beginning of our Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, which continue today and tomorrow, with a total of seven commencement celebrations honoring more than 4,300 Mountaineer graduates.
Graduates, I am extremely proud of each of you — of your personal and professional growth — as you begin this exciting new chapter in your lives. Your App State education has prepared you to excel in your chosen fields and to make meaningful and important contributions to your communities. I know that as Mountaineers you will embrace new challenges ahead, seize your opportunities and make your mark on this world.
Among our spring graduates are 3,635 undergraduates and 672 graduate students, 658 of whom completed their degrees through App State Online — including our Flight Path programs tailored for working adults — and 69 of whom are graduates representing our Hickory campus. The geographic footprint of this class is rather impressive: Our graduates represent 94 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 40 states in the nation and 49 countries around the world.
Additionally, we celebrated 90 military-affiliated graduates, 101 Mountaineer student-athletes and 1,161 first-generation students — comprising 32% of our undergraduate class — who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. And yesterday, we held a special commissioning ceremony for 12 Mountaineer Battalion cadets who took the oath of office to become second lieutenants in the United States Army. This video shares highlights of the event. From our youngest graduate at age 18 to our oldest at 69, these individuals remind us that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor.
Every student crossing the commencement stage arrives with a unique story of persistence. The following graduates exemplify the character and ambition of App State’s Class of 2026:
- Daniel Russom, a Watauga County native and first-generation student, will graduate this afternoon, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance and banking from the Walker College of Business. Daniel has worked as an electrician since he was 16, including full time throughout college, and launched his own electrician business last fall. A self-taught builder, he constructed his own home while working full time and managed to repair and remodel it after it sustained damage from Hurricane Helene — all while maintaining his studies. He has also purchased his first airplane and is working toward obtaining a private pilot license to support his business travel.
- Beth Neal graduated yesterday, earning her Master of School Administration from the Reich College of Education. She pursued her degree through App State Online and received support through the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program — a competitive, merit-based scholarship program for educators pursuing leadership in the state’s public schools. A longtime educator with nearly 25 years of experience, Beth serves as assistant principal at Sparta Elementary School. After graduation, she plans to continue in her current role as assistant principal, with aspirations of becoming a principal in the future.
- Austin Wray will graduate this evening, earning his bachelor’s degree in health care management from the Beaver College of Health Sciences. An App State Online: Flight Path student, Austin transferred to App State from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. He worked as operations manager at his family’s urgent care practice in Boone before attending App State and stayed close to home to care for a family member while pursuing his degree. After graduation, and with the help of his faculty mentor, Dr. Ashley Parks, Wray plans to secure an internship in the health care industry. He also aims to obtain further certifications offered through the Walker College of Business.
- Masa and Seleen Al Horani, sisters and undergraduate researchers, will graduate tomorrow morning, each earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a certified chemist concentration from the College of Arts and Sciences. Among their numerous achievements: They are departmental honors students, best poster award winners at the 2025 American Chemical Society meeting and holders of top leadership roles in the American Chemical Society student club. Both graduates contributed to impactful journal articles co-authored with their mentor, Dr. Petia Bobadova, on research into dyes with applications ranging from biomedical imaging to solar cells. Masa is headed to graduate school to pursue further studies in chemistry. Seleen is leaning toward clinical applications of chemistry and is examining her options upon graduation.
During yesterday’s ceremony, I had the distinction of awarding an honorary Appalachian State University degree to Mountaineer and award-winning country music singer/songwriter Luke Combs, bringing his App State journey full circle. A native North Carolinian and multi-platinum artist, Luke's rise to the global stage began during his time as an App State student from 2008 to 2012. His career has followed a record-breaking trajectory, from playing local Boone venues to selling out stadiums across North America and Europe. Beyond his chart-topping success and industry accolades, Luke has distinguished himself through a profound commitment to his roots. Most recently, he organized and co-headlined a massive benefit concert that raised over $24.5 million for Western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. By pairing global influence with a heart for service, Luke exemplifies the spirit of a true Mountaineer.
The macebearers for our commencement ceremonies are seven distinguished faculty members whose teaching, service, scholarship and mentorship have fostered the growth and aspirations of countless Mountaineers. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. James Goff, Dr. Marie Hoepfl, Dr. Steven J. Hageman, Dr. Cathy McKinney, Dr. Mark Lewis, Dr. David Dickinson and Dr. Melissa Gutschall. These scholars represent the dedication to discovery and student success that define an App State education. Visit the App State Commencement website to learn more about these faculty members.
This weekend’s celebrations are made possible by a vast network of support. We extend our deepest thanks to the parents, families and friends who have supported our graduates every step of the way — with a special recognition of the Mountaineer moms celebrating with us this Mother’s Day weekend. Our gratitude also goes to the university staff who keep our campuses running smoothly — including those whose meticulous planning and work ensure commencement is a success — and the faculty whose teaching and mentorship have been a constant source of inspiration for our graduates.
To the Class of 2026, as you begin your next chapter, we invite you to stay connected with your alma mater through the Office of Alumni Engagement. And remember that, wherever you go, you carry the Mountaineer spirit with you. We look forward to seeing all you will accomplish.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
Heather Norris
Chancellor
Clockwise, from top left: We are celebrating more than 4,300 App State graduates during this week’s seven Spring Commencement ceremonies, including these three elementary education graduates — Kallie Patten, left, Hannah Brackett, center, and Laura Sweeney — who were honored at our Thursday evening ceremony; It was an absolute privilege to bestow an honorary degree upon Mountaineer and award-winning country music singer/songwriter Luke Combs at Thursday’s ceremony; Crossing the commencement stage is always an exciting moment for our graduates, and Abby Silvers, pictured after receiving her diploma cover, wears her excitement well. Abby earned her master’s degree in student affairs administration; Jake Cannon is one of 12 Mountaineer Battalion cadets and App State graduates who have been commissioned to serve as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Jake and his peers took the oath of office and were pinned by their loved ones during our Thursday commissioning ceremony. We are honored to recognize these graduates for their commitment to our nation. You can see many more commencement photos captured by our University Communications team on App State’s Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts. Thank you to University Communications Photographer Chase Reynolds for capturing these meaningful moments in the lives of our latest graduates.
