Appalachian Journal: A Regional Studies Review — an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal published by App State’s Center for Appalachian Studies — marks its 50th anniversary this academic year. The journal features scholarly works, reviews and poetry focused on the Appalachian Mountains region.

For nearly 65 years, App State’s herbarium has served as a vital record of the flora biodiversity in the Southern Appalachian Mountains region. Faculty and students engage with its 30,000 specimens for teaching, research and plant conservation.

App State’s Office of Diversity offers a monthly read-aloud program to students at the university’s two lab schools: the Academy at Middle Fork and the Academy at Elkin. Reading themes include Black history, disabilities awareness, military appreciation and more.

This spring, App State will host six esteemed authors — including a former U.S. poet laureate — as part of its 2022–23 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series. The authors will read from their work and deliver talks on the craft of writing.

App State’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service — now called Mobilize the Mountains — was held Feb. 18, with more than 50 students volunteering for a day of reflection, education and service. Mountaineers have been taking part in this event for more than two decades.