Appalachian Today

2024 — App State’s 125th year was marked by resilience, progress and opportunity

Dec. 20, 2024

Milestones from App State’s 125th anniversary year include new pathways to expand education access, record support for research funding, the continued improvement of campus facilities and recovery from Hurricane Helene — a historic natural disaster.

Hellbender heroes: App State team continues nearly 20 years of research to help protect NC’s giant salamanders
Dec. 18, 2024
Dr. Michael Gangloff and his team work to monitor the populations and habitats of the eastern hellbender, which was proposed for inclusion on the endangered species list in late 2024. The team’s efforts are part of nearly 20 years of research aimed at protecting N.C.’s giant salamanders.
App State earns national recognition as a top 10 Food Allergy-Friendly College
The Spokin ranking honors App State’s efforts to provide a campus dining experience designed for all
Dec. 10, 2024
App State has been recognized on a national scale for its efforts to provide a safe and inclusive campus dining experience for all. The university is ranked among the nation’s top 10 Food Allergy-Friendly Colleges according to Spokin, a food allergy app and lifestyle platform.
App State team’s beehive monitoring system buzzes toward market with NCInnovation support
The monitoring system could help decrease honeybee die-off, improve hive production
Dec. 9, 2024
A $641,951 NCInnovation grant awarded to App State’s Dr. Rahman Tashakkori and his research team will support the commercialization of four components of the team’s Beemon Hive Monitoring System — an innovative tool designed to decrease honeybee hive die-off and increase hive production.
App State named a national and world leader in business education for 2024–25
App State’s Walker College of Business, business degree programs have been recognized by US News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine, Fortune magazine and Forbes magazine
Nov. 25, 2024
App State has earned national and international acclaim for its Walker College of Business and business degree programs. The university was featured in the 2024–25 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Fortune magazine, Forbes magazine and CEO Magazine.
125 years: App State Founders Day commemorates university’s legacy of education access, innovation and excellence
With the Founders Bell ringing, 9 new members were inducted into App State’s Bell Ringers Society
Nov. 22, 2024
App State celebrated its seventh annual Founders Day on Nov. 21 to commemorate its founders, B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty, and the first day of classes held at Watauga Academy in 1899. Nine new members were inducted into the university’s Bell Ringers Society as part of the day’s events.
App State students, faculty and staff volunteered to help neighbors after Hurricane Helene
Nov. 27, 2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, App State students, faculty and staff stepped up to help those in need — both on and off campus, and during and after the disaster. Read the stories of seven Mountaineers who share how they responded to and volunteered to help others during the historic storm.

Perseverance pays off: Over 1,500 App State graduates achieve degrees this fall

John Blackburn awarded honorary doctorate for support of the university and High Country communities

Dec. 17, 2024

More than 1,500 Mountaineer students celebrated their graduation from Appalachian State University in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus during the university’s Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies, held Dec. 13.

Events

Jan
18
Studio Saturdays: Comic Art Storytelling with Dr. Craig Fischer and Jennifer Garonzik
High Country Humanities and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This workshop for youths, led by App State's Dr. Craig Fischer and BRAHM's Jennifer Garonzik, explores how comics’ mix of words and pictures can tell any story. It will begin with Dr. Fischer offering three tips for creating cool comics. Then, participants will write and draw a four-panel comic strip and fulfill the other requirements for the Girl Scouts’ “Cadette Comic Artist” badge. However, youths do not need to be Girl Scouts to participate.
Jan
27
Community Resilience Forum
Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
6 - 7:30 p.m.
In late September 2024, our community and region experienced the most extreme weather disaster of our lifetimes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, members of our community have worked together in extraordinary ways, helping each other to get through challenges and begin to recover from storm damage. We all caught glimpses of the care, connection and strength that are at the heart of our community’s resilience. Join us at this forum to get a fuller picture of this, and to learn from some of the people whose leadership has made, and continues to make, an enormous difference in the post-climate disaster well-being of our community.
Feb
5
Research and Creative Activity at Appalachian
Office of Research and Innovation
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
2 - 6 p.m.
The Office of Research and Innovation, with support from Hayes School of Music and University Libraries, is excited to host the sixth annual Research and Creative Activity at Appalachian event. This event celebrates all research, scholarship and creative endeavors of Appalachian State faculty and staff. Join us for oral presentations, posters, art pieces and performances. Light refreshments will be served.
Feb
6
“Drawing to Tell Stories” with illustrator Christine Nishiyama
High Country Humanities
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
6 - 7 p.m.
Local illustrator Christine Nishiyama is the author and/or illustrator of seven books, including the four-book series “Layla and the Bots,” published by Scholastic. During the interactive workshop, Nishiyama will speak about her experiences as a professional illustrator and will introduce the craft to participants of all ages. The event is free and open to the public.
Feb
7
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9
App State Alumni Winter Weekend
Alumni Association
Feb. 7 - 9, 2025
There’s nothing like winter in the High Country. The crisp mountain air, fresh tracks on the ski slopes, and the warmth of good company — especially when shared with fellow Mountaineers — make this season special. Join us for Winter Weekend — a celebration of Appalachian favorites and the best of Boone and beyond.
Feb
25
Climate Resilience Forum
Pathways to Resilience
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
As climate change increases the damage associated with hurricanes, heatwaves, floods, droughts and fires, communities must work together and with local, state, and federal agencies to adapt in ways that minimize harm from extreme events and facilitate post-event recovery. Join us for a free and open-to-all program to learn from two climate resilience experts: Brock Long, Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting, and Ashley Ward, Director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability.

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News & Features

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In the News

Harvard Recognizes Innovators in Early Education
GlobeNewswire
How to Prepare for Your First Job Post-Graduation [staff featured]
U.S. News & World Report
Dark skies advocates seek celestial views away from human-made lights [faculty featured]
WFDD
A triumphant day for App State was a reminder to Western NC residents: ‘This is home’
The Charlotte Observer
Luke Combs, Eric Church help raise millions for WNC with concert [alumni featured]
Business North Carolina
After Helene, App State football returns to Boone as Western NC searches for normalcy
The Charlotte Observer

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Research & Arts

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Awards & Honors

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Webcams

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Speakers Bureau

Are you interested in engaging a member of Appalachian's faculty or staff for a news media interview or a speaking engagement? Find speakers bureau members’ biographies, list of topics they can discuss, links to their research and more.

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UNC System Board of Governors approves App State's new Doctor of Nursing Practice hybrid program

The program, launching in fall 2026, will develop the next generation of rural health care leaders

Nov. 20, 2024

In fall 2026, App State will launch a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program, designed to educate family practice nurse practitioners and respond to health care provider shortages, especially in rural areas. The program has been approved by the UNC System Board of Governors.

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