It was a pleasure to meet recently with our Appalachian Student Ambassadors. Whether providing special tours or assisting with major events, the Ambassadors serve as essential partners to the Alumni Association, the Office of Admissions and the Office of the Chancellor. Their enthusiasm and dedication to welcoming visitors and serving our campus community represent the very best of our student body. Thank you to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for this photo.
Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: September 11, 2026
Today, members of our campus community are taking time to observe and reflect on the events of 9/11, 25 years later. Cadets in App State’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the Mountaineer Battalion, gathered at 6 a.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium for their annual 9/11 Memorial Workout, while Health Promotion for Faculty and Staff is hosting memorial workout sessions throughout the day. These opportunities to come together offer a meaningful way to remember those affected by 9/11 and honor the sacrifices made that day.
The commitment to honoring others extends to how we conduct ourselves daily as members of a university community. Through a thoughtful and collaborative process, General Counsel and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Integrity Kristen Bonatz and Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer Brad Boswell led the creation of App State’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. This comprehensive framework reflects our collective commitment to uphold standards of integrity, ethics and professionalism across every facet of university life. I encourage everyone in our university community to take a few minutes to become familiar with these principles and consider how they guide our work and interactions each day.
As we look ahead to Constitution Week, our ongoing work to safeguard free expression was recently recognized with a green light rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, along with a College Free Speech Ranking of eighth in the nation and first in North Carolina. On Thursday, our designated Free Speech Responsible Officers, Senior Vice Provost Jamie Parson and Interim Vice Provost Jeff Cathey, shared an annual notice reinforcing App State’s continuous commitment to affirming freedom of speech and expression, maintaining open forums and supporting civil dialogue. I encourage you to review key policies and resources available on App State’s Free Speech and Expression website. And on Monday, the campus community is invited to take part in App State’s annual reading of the U.S. Constitution.
Our focus on academic quality and experiential learning continues to earn national distinction. In the Walker College of Business, our programs have once again earned top accolades for the 2026–27 academic year from leading national publications, including The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, CEO Magazine, Fortune and Forbes. These honors showcase the faculty mentorship, rigorous curriculum and professional preparation that define our business degree programs.
Earlier this semester, 200 refurbished laptops were distributed to first-year, first-generation students enrolled at our Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. This was made possible through an ongoing partnership between App State and E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), a Charlotte-based nonprofit computer refurbisher. Since 2022, App State has donated nearly 3,000 devices for refurbishment and distribution to E2D — 1,100 of which have been distributed within Watauga County. Giving these devices a second life in the hands of first-generation Mountaineers is a tangible example of resource stewardship and the value of regional partnerships.
Fall delivers a vibrant lineup of cultural and athletic events for the Mountaineer community to enjoy. App State’s 2026–27 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series brings notable authors to the Boone campus to engage directly with aspiring writers. Through readings, craft talks and workshops, students gain direct access to established literary voices. Three events remain in the fall series, scheduled for Sept. 17, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4.
Our App State Athletics teams are also off to a strong start this fall, with Soccer extending an unbeaten streak to seven consecutive matches on Thursday, tying the longest unbeaten streak in program history. Field Hockey has advanced to 4-1 on the season after a 6-1 win over Queens Wednesday night. And check out this video to see highlights of the fan atmosphere at Kidd Brewer Stadium last Saturday, when the App State Football team won its home opener by defeating the Maine Black Bears 55-3.
There is a lot to be proud of at App State — in the work happening across our campuses, the achievements of our students and faculty, and the many ways Mountaineers show up for one another. I’m grateful to be part of this community and excited for all that lies ahead.
Heather Norris
Chancellor
From left to right: For 2026–27, multiple publications have recognized App State among the best schools in the nation — and across the world — for business education. Students in App State’s Walker College of Business are pictured in March 2026, taking part in a study abroad program in London; Novelist and award-winning reporter Irina Zhorov will come to the Boone campus this fall as part of the Visiting Writers Series; and App State Soccer team members celebrate during a 2-0 win over ETSU Thursday evening. Thank you to the Walker College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences and Raul Maristany for providing these images.
