HICKORY, N.C. — Dr. Amy Wood has been named director of corporate and community relations in Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement, effective Sept. 18.

In this role, Wood, who is based at App State’s Hickory campus, is primarily responsible for identifying and fostering partnerships with business and corporate entities in and around the Hickory and Catawba Valley communities, and working with these entities to create and implement mutually beneficial strategies that provide student engagement, faculty partnerships, research opportunities and other activities that strengthen App State’s relationships with area companies, industry and community leaders.

Wood also works with departments across the university to coordinate and strengthen corporate and community relationships and to increase philanthropic corporate support for App State and its Hickory campus, in particular.

“Amy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having established and grown programs throughout her career,” said App State Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Jane Barghothi.

Prior to joining App State, Wood worked at Lenoir-Rhyne University for more than two decades, serving most recently as assistant provost for graduate education.

“During her time at Lenoir-Rhyne, Amy grew graduate enrollment by more than 500%, led the development, launch and administration of branch campuses in Asheville, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, and developed a program that created strategic relationships with regional employers throughout the Catawba Valley,” said Barghothi. “At App State, she is working within our division to create and grow corporate and community partnerships for the students at our Hickory campus.”

Wood holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University, a Master of Arts in mental health counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Ph.D. in mental health counseling from UNC Greensboro.

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App State Hickory Campus

In the heart of the Catawba Valley, App State offers the appeal of a small college with the prestige of the Southeast’s premier public undergraduate institution. From the Watauga Academy of 1899 to the App State of today, the mission has remained the same: to provide access to education. This vision now extends to the Greater Hickory area.

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App State alumnus and Hickory native Ron Woods has donated five scholarships to support students at the App State Hickory campus. The students, selected for their academic achievements, were recognized during halftime of App State’s inaugural Hickory Hoops Classic game on Dec. 21.

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About University Advancement

Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement supports and encourages the university’s mission by engaging alumni, friends and the greater community. University Advancement staff help connect these constituents with Appalachian through one-on-one contact and special programming, thereby securing the resources necessary to create the best possible learning environment for Appalachian students and to positively impact the community, region and state. The division incorporates the offices of Alumni Affairs, Development and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. Learn more at http://give.appstate.edu.

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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.