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.

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.
Teaching with heart, vision and an eye for innovation: App State's Dr. Charlie Chen
A Q&A with the university's 2025 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award winner
April 3, 2025
In this Q&A, Dr. Charlie Chen, App State’s winner of the 2025 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award, reflects on his 22-year career at the university. The annual award is given to one outstanding faculty member at each UNC System school. Six additional App State faculty have been recognized by the board with campus-based awards.
App State-based research alliance awarded $7.2M to launch Rural Talent Lab in 5 states
The Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges project aims to advance higher education, workforce development in rural communities
March 26, 2025
Supported by a $7.2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group, the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, housed at App State, will work to advance higher education and workforce development in rural communities over the next four years as part of its Rural Talent Lab project.

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
23
Earth Week Open Mic Night
Friends of Copal AA
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
6:30 - 10 p.m.
This event is a fundraiser for the New Dawn Middle School in Copal AA, Guatemala, where handmade textiles from Copal AA and hand-me-down clothes will be sold. There will also be materials to create sustainable crafts like terrariums. New Dawn is a middle school that focuses on the education and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, displaying a deep appreciation for the Earth as a community experiencing the first-hand effects of climate change.
Apr
24
Yom HaShoah
Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
Thursday, April 24, 2025
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
On Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), Appalachian State University's Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies (CJHPS) will hold a public reading of the names of Jews murdered during the Holocaust. The reading will take place in the outdoor square between Appalachian’s Belk Library and Information Commons and the Campus Store in the Plemmons Student Union. If there is inclement weather, the event will occur inside the Belk Library and Information Commons.
Apr
24
Climate Stories Showcase Opening Reception
Climate Stories Collaborative
Thursday, April 24, 2025
5 - 8 p.m.
The Climate Stories Showcase is an opportunity to give artistic expression to the complex, often daunting, sometimes awe-inspiring ways the changing climate impacts our local and global communities. The showcase will exhibit works of artistic expression related to climate change by students and—for the first time this year—faculty. The showcase will feature creative works in a variety of media, including 2-D, 3-D, digital video, sound, performance, creative writing, short theatrical works, and book/ zine projects.
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
26
Spring 2025 Open House (Hickory campus)
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Open House is your opportunity to learn more about App State. Meet faculty and current students, tour campus, and learn more about financial aid, scholarships, the admissions process, and what student life at App State is really like.
May
9
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10
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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