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  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted July 2
    Appalachian State University will test its Boone campus siren warning system at 11:55 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Examples of the tones that are used in an emergency or during tests can be heard online by visiting the Siren Warning System webpage on App State’s Emergency Preparedness website. Learn more

Appalachian student recognized by NISTS as National Transfer Student Ambassador

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Jevaughney “Jay” Francis, an industrial design major at Appalachian State University. He has been named as one of four 2019 National Transfer Student Ambassadors by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Photo submitted

National Transfer Student Week
Oct
15
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National Transfer Student Week
Oct. 15 - 19, 2018

The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) has declared the third week of October as National Transfer Student Week. This week allows us to celebrate transfer students and their advocates who help(ed) them navigate the transition from one institution to another.

Learn more
By Linda Coutant
Posted Oct. 16, 2018 at 12:32 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Jevaughney “Jay” Francis, a sophomore industrial design major at Appalachian State University, has been named as one of four 2019 National Transfer Student Ambassadors by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS).

Francis, who came to Appalachian from Wake Technical Community College in fall 2017, was selected through a national competition recognizing outstanding transfer students. Nominees were asked to submit a letter of recommendation, resume and both a written and video response describing their transfer journey, advocacy efforts on behalf of transfers, and how their personal interests match the ambassador opportunity.

His story and commitment to education separated his application from the rest, according to Dr. Janet Marling, executive director for NISTS.

Originally from Jamaica, Francis moved to Raleigh with his family in 2007.

“From a young age, education has always been the focus of my life,” he said in his video submission. “I believe as humans we never stop growing and learning. I believe we can always learn from others. Other transfer students may not have the exact same life experience as me, but they can take motivation from my life values and experience.”

According to a NISTS news release, Francis had a specific major in mind but was disappointed to learn late in the enrollment cycle he did not have the prerequisite skills. He ultimately began his journey at Wake Technical Community College, where he grew academically and personally and eventually learned that the key to success is asking for and accepting help.

Francis encourages new students to get out of their comfort zones and create meaningful connections to others, according to NISTS. “Yes, transfer students are in a new, unfamiliar environment,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean they can’t put their best foot forward.”

At Appalachian, Francis is studying industrial design with a concentration in product design. He has been part of a residential learning community for transfers and serves as a Transfer Student Mentor, known for his charisma and passion for helping others.

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This year’s Transfer Student Mentors at Appalachian include Jevaughney “Jay” Francis, seated front row center. Transfer Student Mentors assist incoming transfer students by providing information and helping them become connected with the Appalachian Community and campus. Photo submitted

Transfer Student Mentors assist incoming transfer students by providing information and helping them become connected with the Appalachian Community and campus. They also visit community colleges, lead campus tours, reach out to admitted students, and support Transfer Student Orientation and transfer student events. In the process, the mentors develop skills in leadership, mentorship, communication and public speaking, and strengthen their sense of identity as a member of the Appalachian Community. Among his mentor responsibilities, Francis oversees the program’s Instagram account, which includes “transfer tips” — advice for incoming and current students.

Francis was nominated for the award by Jane Rex, Appalachian’s director of transfer services.

“Jay’s unique background and educational pathway enable him to understand and value a wide variety of student experiences. As a result, Jay is able to develop meaningful connections with the students with whom he interacts,” Rex said.

“Making connections early on in the transfer process is key to a smooth transition to Appalachian and Jay took advantage of every opportunity to become involved when he transferred to Appalachian. His knowledge of the transfer process and his unassuming and friendly approach makes all students feel welcome at Appalachian.”

Francis will be honored Feb. 13, 2019, during the opening session of the 17th Annual Conference of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the Intercontinental Buckhead hotel in Atlanta.

Transferring to Appalachian
Transferring to Appalachian

For transfer students, Appalachian State University offers a seamless transition and a community dedicated to their success

Oct. 15, 2018

One-third of undergraduate students at Appalachian State University enter the university as transfers from another institution.

Read the story
National Transfer Student Week
Oct
15
↓
→
19
National Transfer Student Week
Oct. 15 - 19, 2018

The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) has declared the third week of October as National Transfer Student Week. This week allows us to celebrate transfer students and their advocates who help(ed) them navigate the transition from one institution to another.

Learn more

About NISTS

Through education, research and advocacy, the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) brings together higher education practitioners, researchers, faculty, policymakers and administrators to explore the pressing issues and obstacles related to transfer student success. The organization equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to actively advocate for transfer students, challenge the status quo and reach beyond specific roles to develop holistic, inclusive and seamless student experiences. Learn more at https://www.nists.org

About Transfer Admissions and Engagement

Transfer Admissions and Engagement at Appalachian State University supports students through all stages of their transfer journey, including admission counseling and pretransfer advising, credit evaluation, transitional assistance as they begin at App State and through involvement and retention efforts during their App State education. The office serves undergraduate transfer students studying on the main campus in Boone as well as App State Online students who complete their classes fully online or at an off-site location. The services and resources provided by Transfer Admissions and Engagement ensure the university’s transfer student population finds academic and social success at App State. Learn more at https://transfer.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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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

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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
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