Appalachian Today

High-quality academics, innovation and value secure App State’s spot among America’s top schools for 2025–26

US News names App State a top 5 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support

Sept. 29, 2025

Six national publications — including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine — have recognized App State among the best schools in the nation, and the Southeast, for 2025–26. The publications lauded the university for its academics, innovation and value, among other aspects.

Dr. Erin Peters develops virtual reality and web features for the Met's popular Egyptian exhibit
The project allows App State students to explore the intersection of art, history and technology
Dec. 11, 2025
App State’s Dr. Erin Peters has helped bring new life to the layered history of the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur — the subject of the Met’s “Dendur Decoded” virtual reality experience. Her work on the project provides opportunities for App State students to explore their classroom studies in a real-world context.
Educating generations: App State’s Lucy Brock program marks 85 years of preparing children and future educators to thrive
Dec. 10, 2025
For over 85 years, App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory has provided the highest quality of education and care for regional children — while also functioning as a professional preparation site for future Mountaineer educators. The lab, which uses research-based practices, serves nearly 600 students annually.
App State's Office of Rural Promise fortifies student and teacher success in North Carolina
Dec. 8, 2025
App State’s newly launched Office of Rural Promise fosters regional connections and supports growing programs that advance the success of students and educators in North Carolina schools. It serves as a strategic driver supporting the university’s research and innovation enterprise.
Passport, please! — App State ranks 4th nationally for study abroad participation
Faculty and alumni share their international learning experiences
Dec. 4, 2025
App State ranks No. 4 nationally among master’s institutions for study abroad participation, according to the latest “Open Doors Report.” Here, App State students and faculty share how living and learning overseas expanded their worldview and supported their growth as individuals.
App State named a top 5 school nationally for service members, veterans for 2025 — Military Times
Dec. 3, 2025
App State has been recognized among the nation’s top higher education institutions for military service members and veterans, ranking as a top five school named to Military Times’ 2025 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list.
How App State makes and communicates weather-related operations decisions
Nov. 20, 2025
Representatives from across Appalachian State University work together to make decisions about in-person classes and campus operations when bad weather is on the way.

21,798 Mountaineers enroll at App State for fall 2025

Online and transfer enrollment records drive strategic growth across university, while Boone enrollment remains steady

Sept. 5, 2025

This fall, App State enrolls 21,798 Mountaineer students, a 1.1% increase over last fall and its largest undergraduate population to date. Fall 2025 enrollment at App State was boosted by a 28% rise in online students and the highest-ever number of transfer students.

Events

Dec
12
Fall 2025 Commencement
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
Dec
15
Sustainability & Climate Literacy Course (Re)Design Workshop
Pathways to Resilience
Monday, Dec. 15, 2025
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This workshop’s purpose is to support the development of Gen Ed SCL courses; preference will be given to faculty who will work on courses that can also meet the requirements of one of these Gen Ed designators: Fine Arts, Historical Studies or Literary Studies. We also aim to inspire/foster faculty creativity around teaching about climate, expand the circle of faculty who are teaching about climate, and build community among these faculty.
Jan
28
Internship Expo
Career Development Center
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Are you looking to gain experience through an internship? Come to the Internship Expo and meet large, small, non-profit, for-profit, government, local, statewide, and national organizations seeking interns. All majors and all class years are welcome.
Feb
14
Margo Price
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
7:30 p.m.
For nearly a decade, Margo Price has created a lane where independent-minded, insurgent country music can exist and thrive alongside the mainstream. Now she’s back with an exquisite, timeless album that reconnects with her roots. At its core, Hard Headed Woman is about that furious instinct to never waver — especially when our values and future are so clearly on the line. It’s country music as only Price can make it: free of rules, cherishing tradition, hard headed but with a delicate beating heart.
Feb
20
Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
7:30 p.m.
For over 50 years, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.
Feb
25
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Mar
1
oh to be pure again
Department of Theatre and Dance
Feb. 25 - March 1, 2026
During one hot Texas summer at a Charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls’ cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. A visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture that's obsessed with purity. By Kira Rockwell.