View larger image — Visitors at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Linville take in a view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak — an elevation of 5,295 feet above sea level. Photo by Marie Freeman

Peterson’s recognizes App State as top-20 school for outdoor enthusiasts

“The presence of watersheds, rivers, forests, rock outcrops and highly diverse animal and plant communities, essentially in our backyard, can be thought of as a natural laboratory.”

Dr. Ece Karatan, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Biology and incoming vice provost for research

By Jessica Stump

Posted June 18, 2019 at 10:25 a.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Whether you’re an aspiring geologist or a mountain biker, a budding archaeologist or a kayaker, Appalachian State University and its Blue Ridge Mountains setting likely offer an adventure — both academic and recreational — for every lover of the great outdoors.

“The presence of watersheds, rivers, forests, rock outcrops and highly diverse animal and plant communities, essentially in our backyard, can be thought of as a natural laboratory.”

Dr. Ece Karatan, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Biology and incoming vice provost for research

Peterson’s — the world’s leading educational services company — named Appalachian in its “The 20 Best Colleges for Outdoor Enthusiasts” list, published May 1. The university placed as No. 13 out of the 20 recognized schools nationwide, which were ranked based on their proximity to the outdoors, as well as the academic and recreational opportunities they provide.

A research-rich environment

“The Southern Appalachian region represents the center of biodiversity for many plants and animals in North America and also has the highest forest coverage. The presence of watersheds, rivers, forests, rock outcrops and highly diverse animal and plant communities, essentially in our backyard, can be thought of as a natural laboratory,” said Dr. Ece Karatan, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Biology and incoming vice provost for research.

“Faculty members from diverse disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geological and environmental sciences, and geography and planning take advantage of the unique location of Appalachian in their research programs. Courses in many Appalachian departments incorporate opportunities to study these natural resources and … provide unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities for students.”

The varied terrain that surrounds Appalachian in the Western North Carolina region — from mountains to meadows, along with the area’s waterways, is rife with research opportunities for the university’s students and faculty. Additionally, the wildlife and vegetation native to the High Country make for diverse research subjects.

Myriad outdoor research projects are in progress at Appalachian year-round. Recent projects include a Beemon hive monitoring system to understand the health and behavior of honeybees and the development of an outdoor recreation database through a partnership between Appalachian’s Healthy Outdoor Play and Exercise (HOPE) Lab and Park Rx America.

For those students who are interested in pursuing career fields that engage with the outdoors, Appalachian offers several degree programs in environmental studies and recreation management. The following are just a few examples:

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Learning through outdoor exploration

The Western North Carolina region is home to the more than 100 miles of biking and hiking trails, some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River, including the approximately 6,884-foot Mount Mitchell, and, according to the National Park Service, one of the oldest rivers in the world — the 320-mile New River.

“Many students list the outdoor location as one of the reasons they choose to attend Appalachian. By participating in our programs, students learn more about themselves.”

Rich Campbell ’90 ’96, associate director of Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs

In its online list, Peterson’s highlighted Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs, which is part of the university’s Division of Student Affairs. Outdoor Programs offers outdoor gear rentals at affordable prices and a variety of different outdoor adventures for Appalachian students, as well as faculty, staff and their immediate family.

“Many students list the outdoor location (of Boone) as one of the reasons they choose to attend Appalachian,” said Rich Campbell ’90 ’96, associate director of Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs. “Our program serves as an easy and affordable way to discover some of these amazing outdoor resources found in our community.”

Campbell, who holds a B.S. in recreation management and an M.A. in student development from Appalachian, said Outdoor Programs participants have traveled extensively throughout North Carolina and the Southeast, exploring both the state and region by hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, caving, whitewater rafting and kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking.

“By participating in our programs, students learn more about themselves. We offer opportunities to challenge students, in a supportive atmosphere, and that allows for significant growth and development,” he said. “Through those challenges, students develop an ability to persevere, manage adversity and achieve success — skills often found through hard work.”

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Mountaineers on Boone’s outdoor advantages

“App State is located in the perfect place for outdoor adventures. The wilderness is, in fact, right in our own backyard. In Boone, I am less than a 25-minute drive from breathtaking hikes with spectacular waterfalls, massive boulders to climb and, of course, a ride along the unparalleled Blue Ridge Parkway. It is truly one of the most beautiful locations in the United States.”

Jared Mark, a senior political science–pre-professional legal studies major from Raleigh

“Studying geology in Boone is almost like looking at the entire world in one place. The geographical position of Appalachian promotes the perfect setting to learn about earth sciences in general … and the hands-on skills acquired cannot be reconstructed or mimicked in the classroom. This is why Appalachian surpasses many larger and other well-known institutions with respect to its geological and environmental department — it is the same reason why I chose to become a Mountaineer.”

Bryson Honeycutt, a junior geology–quantitative geoscience major from Alexander

“The opportunities that students have in recreation around Boone are things that people in other places just dream about. Students … grow and learn together in a way I haven’t seen elsewhere.”

Kristian Jackson, senior lecturer in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education (RMPE)

“Every weekend I get to go on a new adventure! No mountain view is the same; each view is unique and spectacular in its own right. So far, my top three hiking trails are Elk Knob State Park, Howard’s Knob and Moses Cone Fire Tower.”

Justina Ruscio, a senior apparel design and merchandising major from Charlotte

“Appalachian State University is geographically the highest university east of the Mississippi River, at 3,300 feet, and this offers students the opportunity to study high-elevation ecosystems, such as the endangered spruce-fir ecosystem, which contains rare and endangered species. Approximately 70% of the Southern Appalachian Mountains are forested, making it one of the most forested regions in the country.”

Dr. Howard “Howie” Neufeld, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Biology

“Many of the research and creative endeavors that occur across campus relate to issues or concerns within the High Country area. The projects range from observing fish in local rivers, investigating environmental effects on trees and plants — as well as on rock formations — to focusing on people and encouraging them to be active in the outdoors. Participating in research projects provides students with skills that are sought after from both employers and graduate programs.”

Dr. Rebecca “Becki” Battista, interim director of the Office of Student Research and professor in Appalachian’s Department of Health and Exercise Science

“Boone is a wonderful place year-round, but I especially enjoy the late fall and winter months when the cold weather rolls in. I highly recommend getting outside and participating in winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Engaging in these activities during the winter can enable students to keep an active, healthy lifestyle, meet new people and gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors.”

Hunter Burkitt, a junior communication studies major from Summerfield

Regional outdoor attractions at a glance

Three regional ski resorts feature a combined 247 skiable acres and offer skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, lessons and more for cold weather lovers.
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway snakes along the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and Western North Carolina, providing over 50 hiking trails, more than 20 overlooks, 13 lakes, as well as camping and picnic areas.
Grandfather Mountain State Park, located near Linville, features more than 12 miles of trails along the mountain’s ridgeline and its highest point — over 5,900 feet — at Calloway Peak, as well as camping at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system.
The Greenway Trail in Boone, an approximately 4-mile paved path, is open to walkers, runners and cyclists, and can accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers. Several resting benches, picnic tables and shelters are available along the trail.
Boone’s 185-acre Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park offers eight bike trails that vary in length — from just under 1 mile to nearly 4 miles — and skill level, as well as shelters, picnic areas and a playground.

Outdoor Programs

Outdoor Program’s mission is to promote discovery through student-powered adventure. Outdoor Programs believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, that adventure is essential to a life well lived and that people learn and grow through challenge. Outdoor Programs designs and provides education and development opportunities that engage the whole person intellectually, inter-personally, and physically.

Learn more

Kristian Jackson connects humans and the environment — by building trails and a legacy

April 2, 2019

The senior lecturer in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education taps into his passion for mountain biking to teach students while enriching the community.

Read the story

About the Division of Academic Affairs

The Division of Academic Affairs is responsible for student learning and success at Appalachian State University, including oversight of the university’s challenging academic curriculum, active classroom environments, and close collaboration between faculty members and students on scholarly activities. Academic Affairs encompasses the degree-granting College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Reich College of Education, Walker College of Business and Hayes School of Music; as well as the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School, the Honors College, University College and 12 other units that support the innovative, interdisciplinary and integrative academic experience for which Appalachian is known. Learn more at http://academicaffairs.appstate.edu.

About the Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.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, 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.