BOONE, N.C. — The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies at Appalachian State University has appointed Dr. Marie Hoepfl, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment (STBE), as its new associate dean. Her appointment began July 1.

“The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies is excited to welcome Marie,” said Dr. Mike McKenzie ’99, dean of the graduate school. “Marie has been a leader and an advocate for graduate study at Appalachian for several years as demonstrated by her involvement as a graduate program director and chairing the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Committee.”

In her new role, Hoepfl will work with McKenzie on initiatives in graduate education and represent the graduate school on university committees and councils.

She will also coordinate the assessment and review of graduate programs; plan and implement workshops for graduate program directors; and act as an advocate for graduate education — both for programs offered on Appalachian’s main campus and App State Online programs.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with and advocate on behalf of the many excellent graduate programs housed at Appalachian,” Hoepfl said. “As a longtime graduate program director, I will be able to apply that experience toward assisting programs and program directors, and helping to oversee and expand our professional development offerings for graduate students.

“We have great staff members here in the graduate school providing services related to recruitment, admissions, graduate student life, records and more, and I look forward to working alongside them in support of graduate education at Appalachian,” she added.

Previously, Hoepfl served as graduate program director for the STBE department and as the department’s assistant chair during the 2006–07 academic year and from 2008–14. She was interim department chair for the 2007–08 school year and coordinated the department’s technology education program from 1997–2005.

Hoepfl, who joined Appalachian’s faculty in 1997 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2000 and professor in 2006, holds an Ed.D. in technology education and an M.A. in education administration from West Virginia University. She earned a B.S. in industrial education from Miami University.

She has achieved several awards throughout her career, including the School of Graduate Studies’ 2018–19 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the 2015 Outstanding Teaching Award conferred by Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts, and a 2017 Appalachian State University School/College Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by the University of North Carolina University System.

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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 the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology. Learn more at https://stbe.appstate.edu.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.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.