App State honors 14 students, faculty and staff at inaugural Awards of Distinction ceremony

Dr. Maryam Ahmed is a professor in App State’s Department of Biology, where she has been a faculty member since 2010.

Ahmed is also a virologist whose area of research focuses on how viruses interact with different host cells for the development of cancer therapies. Her professional background includes work in immunology, cancer biology and infectious diseases.

She was selected for the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award after being nominated by her peers, who took into consideration her quality of teaching and prolonged commitment to App State.

The nomination letter sent by Ahmed’s colleagues to the UNC Board of Governors states, “She has expertly translated her strong background in research to a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and student engagement learning outcomes.”

Ahmed received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her doctoral degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Emily Daughtridge, professor of dance studies in App State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, was selected for the Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award after being nominated by her colleagues, App State students, administrators and alumni.

One nominator said, “With dance and music, Daughtridge invites students to involve themselves in deep learning — the kind of learning that changes lives.”

At App State, Daughtridge teaches modern dance technique, yoga, composition and improvisation, choreography, collaborative process, dance history and more. She also co-founded and teaches a cross-disciplinary study abroad program in Cuba and regularly choreographs for the Appalachian Dance Ensemble.

Daughtridge earned bachelor’s degrees in choreography and performance and in studio art from UNC Greensboro and holds a Master of Fine Arts in dance performance from The Ohio State University. She has also earned certifications in multiple movement practices.

Dr. David Koppenhaver is a professor in App State’s Department of Reading Education and Special Education, where he has been a faculty member since 2004.

Norris said, “Dr. Koppenhaver has had a long and illustrious career at App State. His research focuses on literacy in individuals with high-intensity needs who include — among others — children with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and Rett syndrome. His teaching and research have contributed to improved understanding, enhanced teaching methods and new diagnostic assessments.”

Koopenhaver has co-authored five books, many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, three national reports and online training modules for teachers. He has also authored beginning reader books, and, in 2019, he published the best-selling methods book “Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write.”

Koppenhaver holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as multiple North Carolina teaching certifications for grades K–12.

Dr. Maggie Sugg is an associate professor and the departmental honors director in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning.

Provost Norris said, “Maggie is an expert on research at the intersection of geography, climate and health. Her research provides insights into the cause of environmental health diseases — highlighting both at-risk populations and the place-based conditions that lead to adverse health outcomes.”

Sugg has received approximately $1 million in external funding in the last two years. Her research has been funded by several federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She is also the recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER award, which is the foundation’s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty.

Sugg holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s and doctoral degrees in geography, all from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Dr. Pablo Chialvo, lecturer in App State’s Department of Biology, joined the department as a research associate in 2019 and became a lecturer in 2020.

As chair of the department’s Inclusive Excellence Committee, Chialvo seeks to harness his expertise and apply it to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

He has been an active participant in App State’s Transforming STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative, which implements inclusive practices in STEM courses, and has developed a Teaching Strategies course for graduate students.

In 2022, Chialvo received the College of Arts and Sciences’ Non-Tenure Track Faculty Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching.

He holds doctoral and bachelor’s degrees in entomology, from the University of Georgia and University of Florida, respectively, and graduate certificates in university teaching (UGA) and antiracism in education (University of North Carolina at Charlotte).

Dr. Laura Ammon is an associate professor in App State’s Department of Philosophy and Religion and has served as director of the Watauga Residential College program since 2021.

One nominator — a first-year App State student — said, “Dr. Ammon has devoted herself to creating a freshman experience unlike any other. Students are never without the resources, support systems and professional guidance they need to comfortably navigate college life.”

At App State, Ammon offers services outside of teaching in several capacities, including as an executive board member of the Residential College Society and as an affiliate faculty member in the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Webster University, a master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in religion from Claremont Graduate University.

A two-time App State graduate, Beth Holcomb ’02 ’14 is the director of campus activities at App State. Before stepping into her current position, Holcomb served in both an associate and assistant capacity of the role.

One nominator highlighted the positive impact Holcomb has made on the App State Community: “As a mentor, supervisor, educator and colleague, her efforts and initiatives have elevated the transformational Appalachian Experience for thousands of our students.”

Holcomb has won numerous awards during her time at App State, including an Outstanding Staff Award, an Outstanding Organization Advisor Award, a Student Staff Leadership Award and an App State Recreation Management Outstanding Alumna Award.

Holcomb holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation management and a master’s degree in college student development, both from App State.

App State senior Christian Martin, of Winston-Salem, is on track to graduate from App State in May with a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education-social studies and language arts. He is a student teacher at Central Wilkes Middle School.

During his time at App State, Martin has served the Mountaineer community through numerous leadership roles, including an undergraduate student coordinator for the Multicultural Center, a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader, an undergraduate student intern in the Office of Diversity, director of diversity and inclusion for the Student Government Association, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the Pi Nu Chapter of NPHC’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and chair of the Appalachian Educators Club’s Diverse Abilities Committee.

“Christian’s reach and impact extend far beyond these mountains. He is a catalyst for positive change in others and demonstrates a commitment to continued self-growth and exploration within the realm of leadership,” a nominator said.

App State senior Rylan O’Connor, of Raleigh, is set to graduate in May, earning his bachelor’s degree in electronic media/broadcasting and a minor in leadership studies.

“Rylan is a true leader among leaders. He brings a wave of positive energy wherever he goes, and he is passionate about supporting people, about leadership and about making a positive impression in this world,” a nominator said.

A Plemmons Leadership Scholar, O’Connor was named student coordinator for his scholar peers in 2020–21, a position requiring demonstrated leadership and organization.

He is the creator and producer of “The Spotlight” and has served as producer of “Religion in Life” and associate producer of “Up Late App State” — all programs of App State’s student-operated TV station, AppTV.

Additionally, O’Connor serves as a DJ and promotions intern for App State’s student-led radio station, 90.5 WASU-FM, and as a broadcast assistant for App State Athletics.

Adam Adcock ’02 is the research and lab operations manager in App State’s Department of Art, overseeing the daily physical operations of the department’s various studios and classrooms. He joined the department in 2007 as an adjunct instructor and assumed his current position in a full-time capacity in 2013.

Several of Adcock’s colleagues nominated him for the Staff Excellence Award, highlighting his efficiency and innovation in assisting the Art department with its transition of studio, lab and office spaces in Wey Hall to their temporary homes in East Hall — in preparation for the Wey Hall renovations taking place this spring and slated for completion by the fall 2024 semester.

Adcock earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from App State in 2002 and holds a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from East Carolina University.

Sarah-Davis Cagle ’06 ’19 is director of enrollment analytics and customer relationship management solutions in App State’s Division of Enrollment Management. She started working in the Office of Admissions immediately after graduating from App State and has continued her career in enrollment management for the past 16 years.

Several of Cagle’s colleagues nominated her for the Staff Excellence Award, acknowledging the important work she has done to assist multiple App State departments, colleges and offices.

One nominator said, “Sarah-Davis is, without doubt or question, one of the most collegial, efficient, responsive, innovative, hard-working and service-oriented individuals at Appalachian State University.”

Cagle joined App State’s Staff Senate in 2020 as a senator, was elected as chair-elect for the 2021–22 academic year and serves as Staff Senate chair for the 2022–23 academic year.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a graduate certificate in strategic communication, both from App State.

Amy Roberts joined App State’s staff in 2004 and is the senior director of finance and systems for campus services. Her responsibilities include the preparation and oversight of budgeting, financial reporting and analysis for Campus Dining, the University Bookstore, Parking and Transportation, Conference and Event Services, the AppCard Office and the University Post Office. She previously held the positions of associate controller, assistant controller and director of special funds accounting.

Several of Roberts’ colleagues nominated her for the Staff Excellence Award, highlighting her efficiency and innovation and her superb customer service.

Since joining Campus Services, Roberts has been involved in initiating a number of new innovations, including mobile food ordering, touchless dining hall entry, online photo submission for IDs, digital textbook rentals, license plate readers for parking permits and much more.

App State senior Ella Brose, of Cary, is a Diversity Scholar and an Honors College student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in global studies.

Several of Brose’s peers nominated her for the Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award, highlighting her strong leadership on campus and beyond. One nominator said, “Ella is an exemplary student with a strong work ethic, initiative, passion and inspiring leadership qualities. She is a leader among leaders.”

Brose joined App State’s Public Health AmeriCorps team in October 2022 as a public health corps implementation specialist. She is also president of App State’s Alpha Phi Omega Tau Beta Chapter, as well as a Community Fellow in the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, where she leads students through community service and campus event planning.

Brose, who is scheduled to graduate from App State in May, plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

App State senior and nursing major Sharon Donahue, of Candler, was nominated for the Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award by several of her peers, who noted her leadership as one of her many outstanding qualities.

Donahue joined the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS) during her first year at App State and has held APPS leadership roles for the past three years — including her current role of vice president of development. Through APPS, she developed an impactful leadership program that she was invited to present at a national conference this year.

She has also served as a Trailhead Experience student guide with App State’s CEL Office and as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader for the Office of Academic Advising and Orientation.

Donahue is slated to graduate from App State in May and has already accepted her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse at a hospital in Atlanta.