The Appalachian State University campus is currently operating under EMERGENCY conditions.
University Operations Update: Oct. 2, 2024
For App State Boone and Hickory campuses, classes will not meet until after Tuesday, Oct. 15. Adverse Weather Condition 3 (Closure) has been extended through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Residence halls, dining facilities and campus medical facilities remain operational. If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Off-campus students, faculty and staff in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767). Read full message
Posted at 3:56pm on October 2, 2024.
App State honors 14 students, faculty and staff at inaugural Awards of Distinction ceremony
“It is always a pleasure to recognize members of the App State Community who strengthen the university for our students, faculty, staff and the communities of the High Country.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts
By Jessica Stump
Posted April 28, 2023 at 1:16 p.m.
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University honored 14 students, faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence in serving the university at its inaugural Awards of Distinction ceremony, held April 27 in the Grandview Ballroom of Kidd Brewer Stadium’s north end zone facility.
“It is always a pleasure to recognize members of the App State Community who strengthen the university for our students, faculty, staff and the communities of the High Country.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts
“It is always a pleasure to recognize members of the App State Community who strengthen the university for our students, faculty, staff and the communities of the High Country,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts.
The honorees and their awards:
Dr. Maryam Ahmed — University of North Carolina Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award.
Emily Daughtridge — Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. David Koppenhaver — Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.
Dr. Maggie Sugg — Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.
Dr. Pablo Chialvo — Wayne D. Duncan Appalachian State University Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship.
Dr. Laura Ammon — Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award.
Approximately 120 individuals attended the ceremony, including awardees, along with their families and App State colleagues, as well as App State leadership — both past and present, and benefactors of the awards.
Chancellor Everts conferred the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity and the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and App State Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Heather Hulburt Norris also presented several awards: the Wayne D. Duncan Appalachian State University Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship, the Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs J.J. Brown opened the event and also conferred the Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award and W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion.
Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Alyson Ebaugh presented three App State staff members with Staff Excellence Awards.
Read on to learn more about the awards and this year’s recipients.
UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award
The UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 1994 to underscore the importance of teaching and to encourage, identify, recognize, reward and support good teaching within the UNC System. Every year, one faculty member from each of the System’s 17 constituent institutions is selected for the award, which comes with a $12,500 cash prize.
Dr. Maryam Ahmed
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.
The university-level App State Excellence in Teaching Award, which includes a $1,500 cash prize, is conferred annually as part of the UNC Board of Governors award program and recognizes an App State faculty member for their innovative teaching methods in the classroom, making a difference in the way students learn.
Emily Daughtridge
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.
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.”
Koppenhaver holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as multiple North Carolina teaching certifications for grades K–12.
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.
Wayne D. Duncan Appalachian State University Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship
The Wayne D. Duncan Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship is conferred to a full-time App State faculty member in recognition of their innovative and successful teaching in the university’s General Education program. The award’s eponym, Wayne D. Duncan, served as past chairman of App State’s Board of Trustees and University Foundation Board of Directors and is now an emeritus member of the latter.
Dr. Pablo Chialvo
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).
Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award
The Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award is conferred to a full-time App State employee who has contributed significantly to improving the first-year experience at App State. Durham served App State for 39 years before retiring in 2004 — as an assistant professor of mathematics, as well as in various administration and leadership roles, including vice chancellor for academic affairs, provost, executive vice chancellor and acting chancellor.
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.
The W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion — named in honor of App State’s second president, Dr. William H. Plemmons — recognizes the time, energy, skills and commitment of students, faculty, student affairs educators and staff who excel in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students at App State.
Beth Holcomb
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.
“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.
Conferred by the Office of Human Resources, the Staff Excellence Award honors App State staff members for their exemplary service, commitment, collegiality and leadership to the university community.
Adam Adcock
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.
The Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award recognizes App State students who have distinguished themselves through the exemplary leadership they consistently provide to their student peers and to App State programs and organizations. Brooks served as App State dean of students (1971–85) and was a strong supporter of out-of-class learning to foster student development.
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.
App State’s chancellor and provost honored two faculty members with 2022 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity awards at the Oct. 21 Research and Creativity Activity at Appalachian event.
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.
“It is always a pleasure to recognize members of the App State Community who strengthen the university for our students, faculty, staff and the communities of the High Country.”
App State’s chancellor and provost honored two faculty members with 2022 Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity awards at the Oct. 21 Research and Creativity Activity at Appalachian event.
Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.
The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:
Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.
The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources: