BOONE, N.C.—Carson Rich, a 2017 graduate of Appalachian State University, is one of four recent University of North Carolina system graduates selected to serve University of North Carolina General Administration (GA) as a Presidential Scholar.

The Presidential Scholars serve a one-year appointment and provide a wide range of professional functions for GA. The position has regular interaction with senior leadership and members of the UNC Board of Governors and will also work to help research, write, and implement policy.

“The Presidential Scholars program allows some of our most talented graduates to hone professional skills and gain real working experience in higher education,” said President Spellings. “Scholars also have the unique opportunity to explore and understand the inner workings of an institution that has helped transform our great state.”

Rich of Weddington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He also served as Appalachian’s student body president for two years. He and the other scholars began working at GA July 17. The scholars benefit GA, in Chapel Hill, by providing perspectives of recent UNC graduates.

“I value my work with Carson during his time at Appalachian and always found him to be a responsible and proactive representative for his classmates,” Chancellor Sheri N. Everts said. “His perspective and contributions to the GA could influence policies and strategies positively impacting future UNC system students. I hope this experience will further inspire him to dedicate his skills, time and energy supporting educational opportunities in our state.”

The scholars will have “a voice at the table,” Rich said. “It is so inspiring and exciting to see how much the individuals at GA value the perspective of a recent graduate from one of the UNC system’s excellent and diverse institutions.”

Scholars were selected among May 2017 UNC system graduates who demonstrated leadership skills, strong motivation, intellectual curiosity, and were not afraid to take risks. Previous scholars had projects assigned from all GA departments including legal, advancement, academic affairs and communications.

The three other scholars, also 2017 graduates, are:

• Elizabeth Boney of Fuquay-¬Varina, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Carolina University; and
• Farris Smith of McGee’s Crossroads, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UNC Wilmington;
• Katie Stanley of Greenville, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from East Carolina University.

About the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina is a multi-campus university dedicated to serving our state and its people through world-class teaching, research and scholarship, and outreach and service. The oldest public university in the nation, UNC traces its roots to the state’s 1776 constitution, which held that “All useful Learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted in one or more Universities.” Today, nearly 225,000 students are enrolled on 16 university campuses across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics, the country’s first public, residential high school for gifted students.

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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