Appalachian Today

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.

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 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.

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.

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.