BOONE, N.C. — Each November, America celebrates Veterans Day. Who within the Appalachian Community are veterans?
Nearly 300 Appalachian State University students self-identify as veterans — representing active duty, reserve/guard, separated from military and retirees. Appalachian’s ROTC program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, enrolls 127 students. Appalachian alumni include top-ranking officers and personnel at all levels across the military branches.
Here are a few examples of the Appalachian Community’s connection with the military:
Students
Nov. 7, 2018
The global studies major recommends Appalachian to other veterans, based on her personal experience and Appalachian’s national recognition as a Military Friendly® School.
Nov. 8, 2018
Dylan Harris and Alexandra Stivers, both Navy veterans, are majoring in the health sciences: Harris in nutrition and foods, and Stivers in nursing.
Meet some of the women and men studying military science and leadership through the Mountain Battalion. Established in 1969, the program provides students with training to develop self-discipline, physical stamina and poise, as well as the organizational and motivational skills that contribute to success in any career.
Alumni
Oct. 11, 2018
Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley ’84 has earned a rank attained by less than half of 1 percent of Army officers. He became the 21st director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in October 2017 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Appalachian’s Alumni Association in September.
July 23, 2013
A retired two-star major general with the U.S. Army, Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr. '81 was commissioned as an Army officer through Appalachian’s ROTC program. He served 34 years in the military, deploying to more than 30 countries. Appalachian’s Alumni Association presented him with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
A Military Friendly® School since 2010
Since 2010, Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded Appalachian the designation of Military Friendly® School.
The designation places Appalachian in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.
For the 2018–19 academic year, Appalachian made Victory Media’s Top 10 list for Military Friendly® Schools, ranking No. 9 among large public universities.
- Admissions and Academics
-
- Veteran and military orientation.
- Transfer credit.
- Priority registration.
- Grant opportunities.
- Scholarships.
- Student veteran library resources.
- Honor cords at graduation.
- University support
-
- Coordinator of Student Veteran Services Eric Gormly.
- The Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center in Plemmons Student Union, which opened on Veterans Day, 2016.
- A Student Veteran Services website detailing how Appalachian guides the transition from service to education, and through graduation and beyond.
- A Military Affairs Committee, which advises university administration on policies, practices and environments.
- Clubs and Organizations
-
June 1, 2018
Poet Jehanne Dubrow's work conjures up provocative and sensual imagery that frequently pushes against long-held notions of the role and contributions of the military spouse.
Nov. 9, 2017
The Student Veteran Resource Center in Plemmons Student Union provides key services and important connections.
Nov. 11, 2016
The center is named for Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr., a 1981 Appalachian graduate.
Nov. 12, 2018
Army Capt. Joseph Callaghan, a training officer and instructor with Appalachian’s Department of Military Science and Leadership (ROTC), thanked all veterans at the annual ceremony held on Appalachian’s campus at the Veterans Memorial
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
