Appalachian Today

At the App State Academy at Middle Fork, instead of a single teacher handling all responsibilities for one classroom for one grade, a collaborative team of academy educators supports student learning across two combined grade levels.

Tommy Guy ’07 said the out-of-the-box thinking he learned as a Mountaineer has been fundamental to his success since graduating from the university. Now Guy — who works at Microsoft as a principal architect for Copilot AI — remains an engaged member of the App State Community, investing in students and programs across the university.

App State assistant professor Dr. Ashley Adams is conducting research on soil biotic communities across rangelands in California — work that is vital for sustaining one of the world’s top agricultural producers. Her work is part of a $7.9 million USDA investment to promote soil health.

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.

App State’s Aspire Appalachian program for transfer students has earned recognition as a 2025 myFutureNC Champion for Attainment for its dedication to expanding access, success and completion for adult learners across North Carolina.