BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Michael “Mike” McKenzie ’99, interim associate provost and chief research officer at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), will be the next dean of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies at Appalachian State University. His appointment will become effective July 1.

McKenzie replaces Dr. Max C. Poole, who served as dean of the graduate school since 2014 and retired in April.

“I look forward to working with Mike as he serves the entire campus community through the significant work of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies,” said Dr. Darrell P. Kruger, provost and executive vice chancellor at Appalachian. “His extensive experience in a variety of areas and roles will help advance the school’s mission of supporting the academic and professional development of our graduate students.”

McKenzie has held the position of interim associate provost and chief research officer at WSSU since 2017. He is also professor of exercise science in WSSU’s School of Health Sciences, and has served in a number of other roles at the university, including associate dean for student research, chair of the exercise physiology department, director of the university’s honors/scholars program and director of undergraduate research.

Originally from Niagara Falls, New York, McKenzie moved to Raleigh for high school. He holds a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Appalachian (1999) and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Florida. McKenzie earned his doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine.

McKenzie will be responsible for administering graduate education at Appalachian, including oversight of graduate program review, analysis of curricula and monitoring of national trends in graduate education.

He also will facilitate other activities associated directly with graduate students, including recruitment, advising, commencement, student orientation, professional development, graduate teaching assistant training, faculty development, financial support for graduate students and scholarly activities.

About graduate education at App State

Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at https://graduate.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.

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