Appalachian Today

App State's Dr. JP Jameson honored for advancing rural mental health care across Western NC

Jameson receives UNC System’s 2025 James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service

Feb. 27, 2026

Dr. John Paul “JP” Jameson, App State professor of psychology, has received the 2025 Gov. James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service from the UNC System Board of Governors. The award recognizes Jameson's work to improve access to quality mental health care services for rural communities across Western North Carolina.

App State’s annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors is April 22
Keynote speaker Amelia Bruce Leicht ’19 will share insights from her student research journey
April 9, 2026
Join App State on April 22 for the 29th annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors. Free and open to the public, the event showcases App State student research and creative work across disciplines and the impact of faculty-mentored scholarship. Keynote speaker and alumna Amelia Bruce Leicht ’19 will share how her App State Experience helped launch her career in medical research.
Empowering resilience: App State graduate student creates disaster-ready drinking water system
Bradley Del Vecchio’s design earned him 1st place in App State’s 3MT Competition
April 8, 2026
Leveraging his renewable energy technology studies, App State graduate student Bradley Del Vecchio developed a solar-powered system to provide clean drinking water during natural disasters. Witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Helene inspired his award-winning design, which can produce up to 100 gallons of drinking water per day.
Off the map in Mongolia: App State geology students explore origins of ancient mass extinction
Their work is part of DAGGER research group expeditions led by Dr. Sarah Carmichael
March 31, 2026
App State students and alumni are driving global discovery through intensive geology expeditions in remote Mongolia. Collaborating with the international DAGGER research team, led by App State professor Dr. Sarah Carmichael, they conduct rigorous field research aimed at solving one of geology’s most enduring mysteries.
Growing Well: App State clinic expands access to specialized pediatric care in Northwestern NC
$2M Vaya Health grant supports clinic’s expansion this spring
March 30, 2026
Specialized pediatric care is now closer to home for High Country families thanks to App State’s Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic, which provides expert diagnosis and treatment for children with developmental delays. With $2 million in funding support from Vaya Health, the clinic will expand its operations this spring, including at App State’s Hickory campus.
App State maintains national top 10 ranking as a Military Friendly® School
March 27, 2026
For the 17th consecutive year, App State has been designated a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY, with 2026–27 marking the university’s fourth consecutive top 10 ranking from the organization. The honor recognizes App State for its support of military-affiliated students, helping them succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Olympic atmosphere: App State alumna Morgan Gulisano ’18 sets the stage for hospitality at the Games
March 20, 2026
App State alum Morgan Gulisano ’18 serves as operations lead for a creative team behind hospitality spaces at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Learn how App State’s commercial photography program fostered her creative lens, which she uses to lead an international design team.

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.

Events

Apr
11
Spring Open House (Boone campus)
Saturday, April 11, 2026
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.
Apr
14
Yom HaShoah Name Reading
Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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 program is free and open to the public, and seating will be available.
Apr
14
The Purpose and Passion of StoryCorps: Discussion and Q&A
Common Reading Program, University Forum Lecture Series
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
2 - 3:30 p.m.
The Common Reading Program is delighted to welcome StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark to App State, in conjunction with the adoption of the StoryCorps book “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work” as the common reading book for 2025-2026. In this talk, Sandra will speak about the history, mission, and impact of StoryCorps, as well as her hope for the future, even in the face of crippling losses in federal financial support across all of American public media and broadcasting. Sandra’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Apr
15
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19
Once Upon a Mattress
Department of Theatre and Dance
April 15 - 19, 2026
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer
May
7
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9
Spring 2026 Commencement
May 7 - 9, 2026
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
Jun
27
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Aug
1
An Appalachian Summer Festival
Summer 2026
Presented by Appalachian State University’s Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.