“Wayne’s influence is felt throughout our campus. His longstanding leadership and involvement have had a powerful impact on this campus — one from which we continue to benefit every day.”

Kenneth Peacock, former chancellor of Appalachian

Wayne Sumner ’75, president of Jackson Sumner & Associates (JSA) and alumnus of Appalachian State University, was bestowed the highly prestigious and honorable Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Dec. 4, 2017, at JSA’s annual Christmas party.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society’s website states that the award is “among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.” The society is responsible for compiling and preserving the history of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award program and is the custodian of the Roaster and Directory of award recipients.

Sumner has demonstrated his love and commitment to his community by serving as former chairman of the Boone Rural Fire Protection Board, providing donations to several local nonprofit organizations and offering continued support of Appalachian.

In 2012, Sumner received the Outstanding Service Award from Appalachian for his service and support of the university and the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. His personal contributions and fundraising efforts on behalf of the university have helped send students and faculty to study at Lloyd's of London and supported the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Distinguished Professorship in Appalachian’s Walker College of Business.

Sumner was awarded again in 2013 with the opening of the Wayne L. Sumner Broadcast Studio — the new home of WASU Radio, Appalachian’s completely student-run radio station. As a student at Appalachian, he was a charter member of WASU and the fourth person on the air when the station began broadcasting in 1972.

Sumner founded Jackson Sumner & Associates (JSA) in Boone, North Carolina, in 1981. The company opened a new office in 2016 that included a medevac landing zone to better service rescue efforts on the east side of Watauga County. This facility, complete with landing lights and windsock, has saved lives and is accessible to medevac use 24/7. Additionally, JSA raises several thousand dollars every year for local charities, which are selected by the employees each year.

Sumner, a native of Wallace, North Carolina, and current resident of Boone, graduated from Appalachian with a Bachelor of Science in business administration.

Other recipients of this highly reputable award include fellow North Carolinians Maya Angelou, Andy Griffith, Michael Jordan, Hugh Morton and Oprah Winfrey.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling nearly 5,000 students, including more than 4,500 undergraduates across 11 majors, the Walker College of Business has the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment in the University of North Carolina System. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more about App State’s Walker College of Business at https://business.appstate.edu.

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.