Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris named Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris has been named interim provost and executive vice chancellor for Appalachian State University. Dr. Darrell Kruger stepped down from the position on Feb. 8.

“Heather’s career of service to Appalachian, her passion for the continued success of the university and her stellar reputation combine to make her an excellent choice for interim provost and executive vice chancellor, and I thank her for stepping into this position,” said Chancellor Sheri Everts.

Norris has served as dean of the Walker College of Business since July 2016. She joined the Walker College of Business faculty in the fall of 2003 in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance. She was named assistant dean for undergraduate programs in 2005, associate dean for undergraduate programs and administration in 2008, senior associate dean in 2012, acting dean in 2014, and interim dean in 2015. Prior to her time at Appalachian, she served on the faculty at Bowling Green State University, Pennsylvania State University and West Virginia University.

Norris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from James Madison University and a master's and a Ph.D. in finance from Penn State University.

Everts said Kruger will be assigned to special projects within the Chancellor’s Division. “I support Darrell in his decision, and I know everyone in the Appalachian Community joins me in extending appreciation to him for his leadership and service to the university,” she said.

A national search for provost and executive vice chancellor will be established in fall 2020.

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About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, 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 more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.