Appalachian Innovation Scholars Program applications due Jan. 23, faculty and staff eligible to apply

By Elisabeth Wall

Posted Jan. 12, 2017 at 10:40 a.m.

BOONE, N.C.—Heads up, Appalachian State University faculty and staff. Are you conducting innovative research? Working creatively to solve problems, create lasting institutional change or benefit the community? Do you have an idea that promotes sustainability in the areas of economics, equity and the environment?

You may be eligible to receive support of up to $10,000 through Chancellor Sheri N. Everts’ Appalachian Innovation Scholars Program, launched fall semester of 2016. Applications are due Monday, Jan. 23.

In announcing the program last fall, Chancellor Sheri N. Everts said the Appalachian Innovation Scholars Program will provide support for faculty and staff engaged in innovation within their discipline. Innovations could be related to teaching, research, service, community engagement, economic development or any combination thereof, she said. “Providing more resources for Appalachian’s stellar faculty and staff has been a chief priority for me,” she said. “I am pleased to prioritize funding in support of innovative research and practice by faculty and staff. The Appalachian approach to innovation is multidisciplinary and building upon that approach will greatly enhance our reputation as a national leader in higher education.”

Acting Chief of Staff Hank Foreman said the grants are intended to provide maximum flexibility and may be applied specifically to support expenses related to each project, for example: purchase of equipment, software, research materials such as laboratory supplies and print/electronic publications; travel directly associated with research or project activity; course buy out (one per semester and subject to department chair approval); and hiring of student assistants. The number of programs funded will depend on the budget requirements for the recommended awards, Foreman said.

Everts’ intention in establishing the program, Foreman said, was to complement other innovation initiatives at the university, such as those offered through the Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEE), the Office of Sustainability, the Office of Research, AppLab, Integrative Design Experience (IDEX) and others.

Applications should include a narrative of the project and detailed budget and will be reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff from the Innovation Campus Working Group. Recommendations for support are provided to Academic Affairs and the Office of the Chancellor. Scholars will be notified of selection by Friday, Feb. 17.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.