Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact

Appalachian alumnus Mark Ricks ’89 commits $10 million to support Mountaineer Athletics

View larger image

Underneath a thank you message, Yosef flashes the #1 in front of University of North Carolina Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, Chancellor Sheri Everts, Mark Ricks ’89, and close to 300 university supporters, student-athletes and coaches representing every university athletics program. Photo by Marie Freeman

By Elisabeth Wall
Posted Nov. 9, 2017 at 3:57 p.m.

BOONE, N.C.—At a ceremony in Holmes Convocation Center, Appalachian State University announced a commitment of $10 million to support the university’s A Mountaineer Impact initiative. Chancellor Sheri Everts and Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced the commitment from Mark Ricks, a 1989 alumnus of the university. The commitment represents the university's largest outright gift to date.

Appalachian’s A Mountaineer Impact initiative provides essential resources for Appalachian Athletics.

“Our student-athletes are among the most academically successful in the nation,” Everts said. “This generous gift will ensure the continued excellence of a program that will attract sought-after student-athletes and provide them with resources and opportunities so they can make a difference at our university and beyond.”

View larger image

Appalachian alumnus Mark Ricks, a 1989 graduate of the criminal justice program in the College of Arts and Sciences, announced a commitment of $10 million to support the university’s A Mountaineer Impact initiative. The commitment represents the university's largest outright gift to date. Photo by Marie Freeman

The announcement was made Thursday, Nov. 9, at an event attended by nearly 300, including student-athletes representing every university athletics program.

“Appalachian State University means the world to me, and I’m so pleased to be able to accelerate the progress of App State Athletics,” Ricks said. “The trajectory of the program under Doug Gillin and the entire department is worth our investment, and I’m blessed to be able to make an impact to carry that momentum forward. I encourage other Mountaineer supporters who can give to please step up. Our time is now. Together we can help grow Appalachian Athletics and support the success of the coaches and student-athletes of our great university.”

Ricks is an Appalachian graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the university’s College of Arts and Sciences. He is the owner of Double Wood Farm, an equestrian sanctuary for retired show horses, in Bluemont, Virginia. He was director of global protective operations at Mars Inc. in the Washington, D.C. metro area from 2005-2017.

View larger image

Chancellor Sheri Everts and Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced a $10 million commitment from Mark Ricks (center), a 1989 alumnus of the university. The commitment represents the university's largest outright gift to date, and will benefit the university’s A Mountaineer Impact initiative. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

(L-R) Head Football Coach Scott Satterfield with Chancellor Sheri Everts, Mark Ricks ’89 and Director of Athletics Doug Gillin. Photo by Marie Freeman

A Mountaineer Impact, the initiative for which the gift is designated, was launched in February, after Gillin completed a comprehensive review and evaluation of the university’s athletics programs. The project goal is to provide a solid financial foundation for the university’s athletics programs by raising, over a five-year period, commitments of $60 million in private support. Funds will be used to establish and endow scholarships, construct and enhance facilities and underwrite program needs to increase opportunities for comprehensive excellence for all student-athletes.

Comprehensive in nature, the initiative is designed to impact every Mountaineer student-athlete and sports program.

“We are so pleased to announce this historic commitment to Appalachian State University,” Gillin said. “We can't thank Mark Ricks enough for his generosity to his alma mater and our athletics program. This is a tremendous leadership gift toward our overall goal for A Mountaineer Impact.”

View larger image

(L-R) Head Football Coach Scott Satterfield, Appalachian Board of Trustees Chair James M. Barnes, Appalachian Board of Trustees member Robert C. Hatley, Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Barbara Howard, University of North Carolina Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, Chancellor Sheri Everts, Mark Ricks ’89, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, Appalachian Board of Trustees member Carole P. Wilson and Appalachian Board of Trustees Vice-chair John M. Blackburn. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

(L-R) Senior Associate Athletics Director Brian Tracy, Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Hank Foreman, Appalachian Board of Trustees Chair James M. Barnes, Appalachian Board of Trustees member Robert C. Hatley, Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Barbara Howard, University of North Carolina Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, Chancellor Sheri Everts, Mark Ricks ’89, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, Appalachian Board of Trustees member Carole P. Wilson, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees Vice-chair John M. Blackburn, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell P. Kruger, and Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Randy Edwards. Photo by Marie Freeman

With this gift, the university has now raised $27 million toward the $60 million goal.

“Private support creates opportunities for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level with all the tools necessary for success in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community,” Gillin added. “We have aspirations to be successful at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics, and this serves as a substantial commitment toward that effort. The Mountaineer family continues to provide tremendous support as we build upon the rich tradition of excellence on the mountain, and we look forward to our continued growth locally, regionally and nationally.”

App State Launches A Mountaineer Impact Initiative
App State Launches A Mountaineer Impact Initiative

Appalachian State Athletics launched A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence Initiative, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced.

After a comprehensive review and evaluation of the athletics program, needs of over $60 million have been identified. Comprehensive in nature, the initiative is designed to impact every Mountaineer student-athlete and sports program. A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence will construct and enhance athletic facilities, provide critical scholarship support, impact the overall athletic experience for student-athletes and fans, while strengthening campus and community engagement.

Read the story
Ricks did not make big donation to be in spotlight
Ricks did not make big donation to be in spotlight
Watauga Democrat
Nov. 10, 2017

Mark Ricks does not seek the spotlight. Ricks, who donated a $10 million gift to his alma mater Appalachian State on Nov. 9 at the Holmes Center, would rather just stay in the background instead of be the center of attention.

Read the story

About Mountaineer Athletics

More than 400 student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports at Appalachian State University, and dedicated fans love to cheer them on. App State's championship football team has enjoyed unprecedented success at the highest level of Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision) with seven bowl wins in its first 10 years at the FBS level and four Sun Belt Conference championships. The Mountaineers were a dominant force in the Southern Conference for more than 40 years before moving up in 2014. App State student-athletes in all sports pursue daily comprehensive excellence in academics, competition and community involvement. All varsity teams compete in the Sun Belt Conference, except for field hockey (MAC) and wrestling (SoCon). For more, visit https://www.appstatesports.com.

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.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Athletics
  • Gifts and Grants

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Athletics
  • Gifts and Grants

Other Recent Posts

  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
  • 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
    12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat