Appalachian Today

App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future

NC Gov. Stein speaks at commencement ceremony to honor Mountaineer resilience

May 13, 2025

More than 4,200 Mountaineer graduates, along with family, friends, faculty and staff, celebrated Spring 2025 Commencement at App State during six ceremonies held May 9–10 on the Boone campus. Special guest N.C. Gov. Josh Stein congratulated graduates on their achievements and their resiliency in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Rock garden and lab expanded at App State after Helene cleanup
Now featuring 4 new boulders, the garden remains a key teaching tool for students
July 1, 2025
App State’s Fred Webb Jr. Outdoor Geology Lab, also known as the “Rock Garden” — a resource for geology students, researchers and K–12 school groups — has been fully restored after the damage it sustained from Hurricane Helene. The garden now features more than 50 boulders, including several new specimens.
Appalachian Energy Summit exceeds 2025 goal with $2.37 billion in statewide avoided energy costs
App State realizes over $90 million in avoided utility savings
June 30, 2025
At App State’s 14th annual Appalachian Energy Summit, N.C. State Energy Office representatives announced that, since 2002–03, the UNC System and its partners have collectively avoided $2.37 billion in energy costs, exceeding the 2025 goal of $2 billion.
Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren appointed vice chancellor of research and innovation at App State
June 27, 2025
Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren has been appointed vice chancellor of research and innovation at Appalachian State University, announced Chancellor Heather Norris on Friday, June 27. The appointment is effective July 1.
App State researchers uncover hidden history at Fort Defiance
June 23, 2025
Ground-penetrating radar and App State interdisciplinary detective work have revealed 105 graves of enslaved people at Fort Defiance, adding new layers of history to the Lenoir-area landmark and confirming generations of family stories.
App State awarded $367,088 National Science Foundation grant for telescope upgrades at Dark Sky Observatory
The research facility provides faculty, students with state-of-the-art tools
June 6, 2025
A $367,088 National Science Foundation grant is funding major upgrades to the 32-inch telescope at App State’s Dark Sky Observatory. The upgrades will provide faculty and student researchers with an enhanced view, and a deeper understanding, of the cosmos.
App State nutrition students empower Watauga’s young athletes to use food as fuel for athletic performance
43 middle school student-athletes from 6 schools participated
June 5, 2025
Over 40 local middle school student-athletes took part in App State’s Fuel Your Game Watauga program this spring, learning how proper nutrition can boost athletic performance. App State nutrition graduate students engaged the students in discussions on food groups and shared nutritional facts.

Peabo Bryson

An Appalachian Summer
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.

Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson celebrates 50 years in music. Viewed in touring and pop culture as one of music’s iconic vocalists, Bryson has earned two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, eight Grammy nominations, five gold albums, 25 top 20 singles, and six #1 singles. His newest album, “Missing You,” is his 20th.

Events

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16
23rd Annual Martin and Doris Rosen Symposium
July 10 - 16, 2025
The 23rd Annual Martin and Doris Rosen Symposium, supported by the Claims Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, the Martin and Doris Rosen Symposium Endowment, and the local Jewish community, will be held at the Appalachian State University. This year’s theme is “Rescue during the Holocaust: The Power of Courage.” We will explore exciting and emotional stories of rescue during the Holocaust to better understand the dire situation of European Jews leading up to, during, and after the Holocaust.
Jul
13
Heather Headley with Western Piedmont Symphony
An Appalachian Summer
Sunday, July 13, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley, accompanied by Western Piedmont Symphony and a 12-piece choir, performs a selection of popular tunes from the Broadway and pop songbooks. “Heather Headley is among the top singers with a vocal that absolutely astounds with its intensity… This woman is one of the great entertainers of the day, on record and on stage.” – Billboard Magazine
Jul
16
Peabo Bryson
An Appalachian Summer
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson celebrates 50 years in music. Viewed in touring and pop culture as one of music’s iconic vocalists, Bryson has earned two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, eight Grammy nominations, five gold albums, 25 top 20 singles, and six #1 singles. His newest album, “Missing You,” is his 20th.
Jul
19
Alonzo King LINES Ballet: “Deep River”
An Appalachian Summer
Saturday, July 19, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Alonzo King LINES Ballet travels to Boone with a soulful work created in collaboration with Grammy Award®-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran. At the forefront of artistic innovation in ballet, the celebrated San Francisco-based company is recognized for its impeccable technique, captivating dancers, and rich visual works.
Jul
23
The 5 Browns
An Appalachian Summer
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
7:30 p.m.
The 5 Browns are a classical ensemble consisting of five pianos whose repertoire ranges from beloved concert hall staples to lesser known works.
Jul
26
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes
An Appalachian Summer
Saturday, July 26, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop – Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. Thirty years later, Pink Martini still tours the world, singing in 22 languages at opera houses, concert halls, film festivals, museums, and fashion shows.

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Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris named chancellor of Appalachian State University

Norris assumes role with more than 2 decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise

Feb. 27, 2025

Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris has been named App State’s next chancellor, effective March 1. University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans made the announcement upon election by the UNC Board of Governors of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System on Feb. 27.

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Boone, NC 28608
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