BOONE, N.C.—Dr. Brian Raichle has been named chair of the Appalachian State University Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment after serving as interim chair for the 2016-17 year. His appointment was effective March 1.

Raichle earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and his B.S. from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, both in physics. Before coming to Appalachian in 2000, he held positions as visiting assistant professor of physics at Western Carolina University and as assistant professor of physics at Morehead State University.

“I’m honored to be asked to serve this amazing department,” Raichle said. “The faculty are world class and the students are passionate, creative and hard working. I look forward to promoting game-changing initiatives in applied research and service learning, and will strive to strengthen and promote the department’s leadership role in sustainability.”

Raichle is both a teacher and researcher focusing primarily on renewable energy initiatives. In addition to securing numerous grants for the department, he received the 2013 Fine and Applied Arts Outstanding Teaching Award.

“As a new chair, Brian brings many talents and much energy to the department and will be a tremendous advocate for the faculty and students,” stated Phyllis Kloda, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “Under his leadership, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment will continue along its path to innovate and grow. I’m pleased to have Brian continue as part of our leadership team.”

About the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology.

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, cost-effective education. 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.

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