Appalachian Today

Congratulations Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, Chancellor

Feb. 27, 2025

On Feb. 27, 2025, the UNC Board of Governors elected Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris as the next leader of Appalachian State University. Norris has served as interim chancellor since April 2024. Her career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community, and she brings more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise to her role as chancellor.

Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
April 25, 2025
Dr. Neva J. Specht has been appointed executive vice chancellor and provost of Appalachian State University, announced Chancellor Heather Norris on Thursday, April 24. The appointment is effective May 1.
$2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
April 24, 2025
A nearly $2 million, six-year grant awarded to App State by the National Science Foundation will boost academic and scholarship support for more than 50 Mountaineer students pursuing STEM degrees. Eligible students will receive up to $8,500 in scholarship funding per year, for up to four years.
App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
April 15, 2025
App State has been designated a 2025–26 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY for the 16th consecutive year, receiving its third consecutive top 10 ranking from the organization. The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation for the second year in a row.
Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
MBA, applied data analytics programs will feature the new tracks, beginning this fall
April 15, 2025
This fall, App State’s Walker College of Business will launch new artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations as part of its master’s programs in business administration and applied data analytics — with an aim to prepare graduates for career success in an increasingly AI-driven business world.
12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
Raised funds to support nearly 300 university programs
April 14, 2025
During the 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving, App State celebrated contributions from more than 3,100 donors spanning 45 states and six countries. Their gifts support numerous programs and initiatives across the university, elevating the App State Experience for students, faculty and staff.
App State opens Mofford and Giffin Food Hub at its Hickory campus
Funds for the food pantry were donated by local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin
April 7, 2025
App State has opened a new food pantry — the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub — at its Hickory campus. A vital resource for Mountaineers who are experiencing food insecurity, the new pantry was made possible by a generous donation from local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin.

Spring 2025 Commencement

May 9 - 10, 2025

Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.

Events

Apr
24
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27
She Kills Monsters
Department of Theatre and Dance
April 24 - 27, 2025
When Agnes loses her younger, teenage sister Tilly in an accident, she joins Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign to try and connect with her lost sibling. But instead of simply playing a game, she finds herself catapulted into an action-packed D&D world. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. It is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Apr
28
Year-End Celebration at Boone campus
Office of the Chancellor
Monday, April 28, 2025
12 - 2 p.m.
Chancellor Heather Norris invites students, faculty and staff to a Year-End Celebration! Pizza - Treats - Fun. Sanford Mall, Boone Campus. Rain location: Cascades Foyer, Plemmons Student Union.
May
1
2025 Biology Research Day
Department of Biology
Thursday, May 1, 2025
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us for a day full of celebrating biology students’ research, success, and achievements. The day will feature student poster presentations, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael, student awards, and a closing reception.
May
2
ARTtalk: Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Friday, May 2, 2025
5 - 6 p.m.
Danielle Eady is the Program Director at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF). Her professional experiences are in in curatorial and educational departments; she is passionate about supporting the places that give creative people the time and space to work and experiment. At OSGF, Danielle facilitates and administers all things related to the foundation’s artist programs, residencies, and fellowships.
May
4
Resounding Resistance: Folk-Infused Classical Music, 1937-1945
High Country Humanities
Sunday, May 4, 2025
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
App State’s High Country Humanities — with support from North Carolina Humanities and the Watauga Arts Council — is pleased to present a public listening workshop, followed by a free concert. The listening workshop celebrates the 80th anniversary of the “Asheville Concerto” (“Piano Concerto No. 3”) by Béla Bartók (1881-1945). After a fifteen-minute intermission, there will be a free public concert, sponsored by a Grassroots Grant from the Watauga Arts Council.
May
9
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Spring 2025 Commencement
May 9 - 10, 2025
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.

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In the News

College Student Leaders Championed Democracy in 2024
Forbes
States Where Unemployment Claims Are Decreasing the Most [faculty featured]
WalletHub
How Niche Programs Are Saving Higher Education
Forbes
App State alum entrepreneur becomes official designer for Heisman blazer [alumni featured]
The Appalachian
Norris wants to continue building relationships as chancellor
Watauga Democrat
App State's new chancellor visits Hickory for a celebratory reception
Hickory Daily Record

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App State earns R2 designation for high research activity and doctorate production

University’s commitment to applied research benefits students, communities and industries

Feb. 13, 2025

App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.

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