Dr. Brooke Christian, a professor and research mentor in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, will enter her 10th year as a faculty member at the university this fall.

Christian teaches courses in biochemistry and research methods and has mentored 34 undergraduate students in her research lab. She also advises chemistry and fermentation sciences majors and was the 2021–22 recipient of App State’s Excellence in Academic Advising Award.

“A distinctive quality that sets Dr. Christian apart is her genuine love for teaching,” said one of Christian’s nominators. “Dr. Christian embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator and compassionate individual who consistently goes the extra mile for her students.”

Dr. Ellen Lamont is an associate professor in App State’s Department of Sociology and coordinator of the department’s honors program.

Since 2014, Lamont has developed and taught 10 courses on topics related to her fields of expertise in sociology. She also teaches honors seminars in the Honors College and has served as a thesis mentor to numerous Honors College students. She was inducted into the App State College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2018, and in 2019, she was named the college’s Teacher of the Year.

In a nomination letter for Lamont, one of her colleagues wrote, “Dr. Lamont’s pedagogical approach has earned her considerable recognition, and her commitment to teaching and student development extends far beyond her own classroom.”

Dr. Lisa Curtin, a North Carolina licensed psychologist, is a professor in App State’s Department of Psychology and director of the university’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

Curtin has authored and been cited in multiple publications for her research on rural mental health services, addictive behaviors, integrated care, and social factors and body image.

“To know Dr. Curtin is to know a truly gifted and compassionate instructor,” wrote one of Curtin’s students in their nomination letter. “She enters every single class with a smile and truly makes you feel as though you are welcome in her classroom. Dr. Curtin has enriched the lives of both students and citizens of the state of North Carolina through teaching and research.”

Ben Good is a senior lecturer in App State’s Department of English and oversees the Directed Self-Placement component of the university’s writing program. Good, who has been named Most Helpful Faculty four times since he started teaching at App State, has been teaching courses in rhetoric and composition at the university since 2016.

One of Good’s nominators said, “I have had the privilege to work with Ben as a colleague for several years now and can honestly say that few are as innovative, compassionate and adept at understanding what students need as Ben Good. He is the living embodiment of our program’s vision and represents the collective pedagogy we all work so hard to achieve. Ben has become the best example of what educators are capable of here at App State.”

Dr. Jordan Hazelwood is an associate professor in App State’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. She has worked clinically as a speech-language pathologist since 2007 at multiple medical centers and is a board certified specialist in swallowing disorders. In 2022, Hazelwood won the Outstanding Teacher Award in App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences.

In their nomination letter for Hazelwood, one of her colleagues wrote, “Jordan implements evidence-based, innovative teaching strategies into her classrooms. I have heard her students in the hallways praising her teaching and genuinely enjoying her classes. She consistently earns high evaluation marks from students.”

Dr. Ellen Key is a professor in App State’s Department of Government and Justice Studies and director of the department’s honors program. She has been a faculty member in the department since 2012.

Key was inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2019 and was recognized among App State’s Most Helpful Faculty and Staff in the 2018–19 and 2019–20 academic years.

In a nomination letter for Key, one of her former students shared that her first class at App State was taught by Key. “Dr. Key provided a warm and welcoming classroom for everyone. She is very passionate about political science and everything it entails, and the excitement is seen through her teaching. She creates realistic scenarios to help explain difficult concepts and is accepting of any student’s perspective.”

Dr. Leah Sherman is a senior lecturer and director of undergraduate laboratories in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. She has been a faculty member in the department since 2003 and currently teaches courses and labs in analytical physics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherman was part of the Online Teaching Excellence Institute, which was instrumental in reorganizing physics labs to be taught online.

“Dr. Sherman cares so deeply for her students and spends so much time with them, one-on-one, to help them understand the class information,” said one of Sherman’s nominators. “She is also highly organized and creative with her teaching strategies. Her dedication to not only the content of her classes but also to the content of the lab is extraordinary.”

Caitlin Langley, a senior sustainable development-environmental studies major from Prospect Hill, has served in the United States Army Reserve throughout her college career, having deployed twice since beginning her studies at App State. A first-generation college student, Langley will graduate in May.

As a student assistant in App State’s Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center, Langley advocates for other students and strives to make everyone feel welcome in the space. She also serves as the first woman president of the Student Veterans Association and has organized numerous community-building events to recruit a wider number of veterans, including women, to get involved in the center’s activities.

“Caitlin’s willingness to work behind the scenes for the benefit of the veteran student body is unparalleled,” said one of her nominators. “Her leadership has been steadfast throughout her time at App State.”

Langley also participates in and leads a wide variety of outreach, such as visiting App State’s lab schools and collaborating with Boone’s Hunger and Health Coalition to ensure Watauga County residents have firewood to heat their homes throughout the winter.

Kaitlyn Mills, of Kernersville, will graduate from App State in May with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology. She is a student in App State’s Honors College and Watauga Residential College.

A Plemmons Leadership Scholar, Mills is “passionate about supporting others and giving back to her community,” said one of her nominators.

Through her engagement with App State’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Mills has served as a site leader during the university’s Days of Service, directing groups of her peers in volunteer efforts at local nonprofits. She has also been a peer leader for programs of App State’s Alternative Service Experience, which engages students in service experiences in local, national or international communities.

Currently, Mills is working under the direction of App State professor Dr. Kevin Zwetsloot to complete her honors thesis, which explores how the human gut microbiome affects eating disorders and mental health.

Outside of her studies, Mills works part time as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation facility in Boone.

She is a recipient of the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship and has been named to the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists numerous semesters.

Abby Silvers, of Cherryville, is a senior English-professional writing major with a minor in psychology. After graduating in May, Silvers plans to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs administration at App State.

During her time at App State, Silvers has “genuinely capitalized on every opportunity to serve her fellow Mountaineers,” said one of her nominators, adding, “She always finds a way to rise to the occasion, collaborate with those around her to find a creative solution or go out of her way to impact someone else positively.”

Silvers is a member of App State’s Student Government Association and has served on SGA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

As an intern supervisor in New Mountaineer and Family Engagement at App State, Silvers helps oversee orientation operations and has worked to create training materials for Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders. This past summer, she worked with App State’s Office of Sustainability to lead student volunteers on a cleanup initiative in Boone.

Throughout 2022 and 2023, Silvers worked part time in Plemmons Student Union, serving as a student supervisor, information desk attendant and operations assistant. She is an Appalachian Excellence Scholarship recipient.

Scott Haynes is director of operations at App State’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, a role through which he oversees all details for event operations, maintains the center’s calendar of events and serves as the audio system tech and manager for live events. Haynes is also president of Haynes Event Productions Inc., which he co-founded with his wife, App State alumna Kathleen Haynes ’06, in 2010.

Over the past decade, Haynes has worked with and engineered events for a wide variety of artists, including James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, The Temptations, Bruce Hornsby, John Anderson and Lily Tomlin.

“Scott has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities throughout his tenure, including vision, integrity and compassion,” said one of his nominators. “Under his guidance, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts has flourished as a hub of creativity, cultural exchange, and intellectual discourse.”

Eddie Simmons teaches as an adjunct lecturer in App State’s Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education and is associate director of facilities and operations in University Recreation.

“During his 28-year tenure, Eddie has provided leadership to University Recreation staff in a variety of ways,” said one of Simmons’ nominators. “His ability to grow and develop student and professional leaders has significantly enriched student life and learning, both outside the classroom.”

Another nominator shared that Simmons was actively involved in the planning process for the student recreation space at App State’s Hickory campus. “Eddie recognizes that campus recreation is an integral part of the student experience and that it promotes wellness on multiple dimensions,” the nominator said.

Simmons was the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award, awarded by App State’s recreation management academic program, in 2015.

Dr. Baker Perry, a National Geographic Explorer and professor in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, is among a handful of climate scientists working at the world’s highest elevations to understand climate change impacts on critical water sources that sustain millions of people. He is also a senior scholar in App State’s Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics.

Over the past several years, Perry has helped lead the installation and maintenance of some of the highest weather stations in the world — from the Tupungato volcano in Chile, to the peak of Nevado Ausangate in Peru, to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, in Nepal. Since 1999, Perry has led 16 study abroad trips to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, where students have learned about climate change, glaciers, water resources and local culture.

“What makes Dr. Perry a great nominee for this award is his continuous involvement and supervision of students,” said one of Perry’s nominators, adding, “He clearly enriches the lives of students outside the classroom.”

Dr. Alan Needle is an associate professor in App State’s Department of Public Health and Exercise Science and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. He has taught at the university since 2013.

Needle has been awarded nearly $200,000 in internal and external grant funding for research in sports medicine — particularly the impacts of ligament injuries on the nervous system. He aims to apply his findings toward therapies that clinicians can use to reduce reinjury risks and improve quality of life. Needle has published over 50 manuscripts at App State and has presented 60 scientific and invited presentations at regional, national and international conferences.

One of Needle’s nominators said, “Dr. Needle has established himself as a nationally and internationally known scholar in his field” who is “sought out by professional journals and organizations,” which "speaks to the sustained and high-quality work that Dr. Needle produces.”

Needle’s other accolades include a 2020 UNC Board of Governors School/College Award, the 2021 Beaver College of Health Sciences Research and Scholarly Endeavors Award and the 2024 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award from the Williams School of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Will Canu is a professor in App State’s Department of Psychology, where he has taught since 2007.

Throughout his career, Canu has been a principal or co-principal investigator on internal and external grants totaling over $1 million. His other research projects have garnered $2 million in grant-funded support. Canu’s research is primarily related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With a focus on better understanding ADHD in adulthood, he has published two books, three edited book chapters and 50 articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals and has made over 160 presentations at professional conferences. His publications have been cited more than 2,000 times.

“He has consistently demonstrated exceptional research performance, and the quality, quantity and impact of his research output has been outstanding,” said one of Canu’s nominators. “His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of ADHD. It is not at all hyperbole to say that his work is quite literally shaping the field of clinical psychology.”

Outside of his ADHD research, Canu has published research on other clinical topics, including the psychological impacts of mountaintop coal removal mining and the trait of anxiety sensitivity.

Carla Ramsdell is a practitioner-in-residence in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, where she has taught since 2008. Ramsdell is a registered professional mechanical engineer who worked in the industry for 15 years before joining the university’s faculty. At App State, she exclusively teaches courses in the General Education curriculum and is a past winner of University College’s Faculty Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching.

Ramsdell has developed a variety of courses revolving around physics and sustainability, including The Physics of Food and Cooking. In this course, students explore the scientific concepts that underlie everyday cooking, including how to heat and cool food, which foods have greater impacts on climate change and how to cook with solar energy.

“Carla is an extremely engaging speaker and presenter,” said a nominator and colleague. “During most classes she brings in a cart full of equipment used to demonstrate the core principles of living and cooking sustainably. These activities engage the students in an active capacity.”

Ramsdell has also developed multiple activities for students outside the classroom, including the annual Community FEaST event and Cooking with Purpose initiative.

Dr. Michael Krenn is a professor in App State’s Department of History, where he has taught since 2001. Krenn previously served as chair of the department and was director of App State’s General Education program from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, he was faculty coordinator for the First Year Seminar program from 2011 to 2013.

Throughout his career, Krenn has taught courses specifically designed for first-year students. His areas of teaching include U.S. history, U.S. diplomatic history, the Vietnam War, Gilded Age/Progressive Era, First Year Seminar, and boxing and American culture.

“To say that Michael has made sustained and significant contributions to the freshman experience on our campus would be an understatement,” said a nominator. “I think it would be difficult to find someone who has had a similar impact on our first-year students.”

Krenn was the 2013 recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Donald W. Sink Family Outstanding Scholar Award and held the I.G. Greer Distinguished Professorship in History from 2005 to 2007.

Kimberly Anthony works as an administrative support specialist for App State’s University Recreation, where she has served since 2020.

Anthony’s daily work involves providing high-quality customer service, positive interactions with participants and being a team player. She has served on several search committees within University Recreation, as well as with the Student Affairs Education, Engagement and Development Council.

In their nomination letter, one of Anthony’s colleagues wrote, “In the time she has been working with us, Kimberly has consistently demonstrated her commitment to inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging for everyone who works in our department. She is someone who is a helper — and she has proven over and over again that she is dedicated to helping others. We are so fortunate to have her within our department.”

Anthony said that in her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking with her husband and three teenage children.

Karen Fletcher joined App State’s Office of Research and Innovation in 2015 as director of grants resources and services.

Fletcher is an administrative member of the University Research Council, represents the Office of Research and Innovation as a communications liaison and serves as a member of the implementation committee for App State’s Strategic Plan for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities. She is also co-chair of the NC Advancing Collaborative Research Experiences steering committee that facilitates relationships among research development professionals in the University of North Carolina System.

One of Fletcher’s nominators, a colleague, said, “Karen is the epitome of collegiality. She truly wants the best for the people she works with but also expects excellence. Karen constantly reminds us how much we are valued members of the team, and feeling valued by leadership is one of the most important elements of any job.”

Among her many accomplishments, Fletcher developed the App State PREParation for Appalachian Research Experiences mentoring program, which is now in its seventh year.

Diana Nelson, who joined App State’s staff in 2010, has held a variety of administrative and advising roles within the College of Arts and Sciences and Beaver College of Health Sciences. Since 2020, she has served as executive director of the College of Arts and Sciences Advising and Support Services Hub.

According to one of Nelson’s nominators, Nelson’s role requires her to have in-depth knowledge of over 90 major programs of study, dozens of minors and certificates, the General Education program and the university’s academic rules and regulations.

“For the College of Arts and Sciences, she personifies staff excellence, exemplifies a dedication to student success and is as close to irreplaceable as there is,” the nominator added.

Nelson also currently serves on several university committees, including the Undergraduate Advising Council and the College of Arts and Sciences Council, and is among the university’s DegreeWorks Power Users.

Samantha Williams joined App State’s staff in 2007 and has served as department administrator in the Department of Computer Information Systems since 2016. Previously, she served as the default prevention coordinator in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Williams is an advisor for the Women in Technology student organization in the Walker College of Business and also assists with Appalachian Information Technology Professionals. She is co-creator of the App State Cyber Summit — a one-day professional development event that dedicates all proceeds to student scholarships.

“The success of the Cyber Summit, involving the participation of around 100 individual companies and over 300 attendees, reflects her adeptness at coordinating efforts with external stakeholders,” said one of Williams’ nominators. “Her collaborative spirit and ability to bring diverse parties together for a common cause underscore her commitment to fostering positive relationships and achieving shared goals.”

Williams joined App State’s Staff Senate in 2019 and currently represents App State as a delegate on the University of North Carolina System Staff Assembly.

Lanie Karstrom is the sustainability outreach director in App State’s Office of Sustainability, where she has been on staff since 2022.

In her position, Karstrom has overseen more than 30 student Sustainability Ambassadors to engage in many large-scale campus sustainability and resilience initiatives, including Earth Month activities and leading volunteers in zero waste drives, which, this year, diverted nearly 30,000 pounds of waste from the landfill through recycling and composting efforts after major sporting events.

One of Karstrom's nominators said, "Lanie has a very empathetic way of approaching her sustainability initiatives. She is very forward about her mission to make App State as sustainable as possible, and she forms genuine relationships."

Dr. Nate Weigl is senior director of App State Transfer Admissions and Engagement, as well as the interim lead for First Year Recruitment and the Campus Visit Experience in App State’s Office of Admissions. Prior to his work in the Division of Enrollment Management, Weigl taught in the Department of Mathematical Sciences for eight years.

According to one of his nominators, Weigl has been instrumental in leading a team of App State employees who develop innovative and creative approaches to strengthen enrollment at the Hickory campus, including the Hickory Pop Ups initiative, with these small-scale events reaching dozens of communities in the region.

“Nate was unwavering in resolve to figure out how these events could work, and helped staff understand that even by helping only one family, it was a win,” the nominator added.

Alan Byrd is operations superintendent for App State’s New River Light and Power (NRLP), where he has worked since 1998.

Byrd oversees the daily operations of linecrews and maintains infrastructure that delivers electricity to approximately 9,000 customers at App State’s Boone campus, the town of Boone and surrounding areas. He also carries out a variety of other duties, including safety training and oversight of vehicle repair work.

“Alan Byrd is the epitome of leadership,” a nominator and colleague said. “Alan’s unwavering commitment to continuous learning and growth, coupled with his dedication to coaching and mentoring others, sets him apart as an exceptional leader in our organization.”

The nominator noted that one of Byrd’s standout qualities is his willingness to volunteer in the community, stating that he is a regular at public outreach events, including Watauga County Emergency Fest and Hardin Park Elementary School’s Eagle Fest.

Byrd is a second-generation lineworker who followed in his father’s footsteps. His career as a lineworker dates back to 1993, when he started working for Pike Electric.

Jessica Guggenheimer joined App State’s staff in 2018 and currently serves as executive director of advising and academic support in the Beaver College of Health Sciences.

In addition to guiding staff toward successful completion of institutional, college and individual goals, Guggenheimer has led or contributed to three different Beaver College strategic plans, and she assists with enrollment management on a variety of levels — from recruitment events to class seats management. She is also part of the Undergraduate Advising Council, through which she has worked on a new centralized advisor training platform.

“Jessica leads with kindness, professionalism, integrity and respect for others,” said one of Guggenheimer’s nominators. “I know I can always count on Jessica to respond to needs and issues that arise, anticipate and prevent problems, and seek innovative solutions.”

Among her many accomplishments, Guggenheimer received recognition as an Inclusive Excellence Champion for her leadership with App State’s Inclusive Excellence Liaison Program in 2020.

Emory Maiden has worked at App State since 2010. He currently serves as interim director of academic technologies in Information Technology Services.

Throughout his career, Maiden has supported technologies for teaching and learning and has contributed significantly to both Learning Technologies and Academic Technologies.

“Throughout Emory’s tenure at App State, he has consistently exemplified qualities that not only align with, but also elevate the positive image of App State,” a nominator said. “Anyone who knows Emory, knows he is a true ambassador of our institution. Emory has proven to be a dedicated, innovative and forward-thinking professional, embodying the spirit of excellence.”

The nominator also noted Maiden’s efforts to both acknowledge and celebrate team success, stating, “Whether it be a successful technology implementation, a collaborative project or an innovative solution to a complex problem, he takes the time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the team.”

Esme Hernandez-Alvarez, of Durham, is a senior building sciences major with a focus on construction management and a minor in general business.

As a member of App State’s Honors College, Hernandez-Alvarez has maintained a 3.93 GPA and has made the Chancellor’s List each semester from 2021 to 2023.

Hernandez-Alvarez currently serves as treasurer for the Student Builders Association and as co-director of App Builds a Home (ABAH) — a campus partnership with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to help local families build safe and affordable homes.

Under Hernadez-Alvarez’s leadership, the partnership has raised more than $120,000 over the last two academic years to build its fourth and fifth homes in Watauga County, according to an ABAH advisor.

“You will not find a more dedicated student and compassionate leader than Esme,” one of Hernandez-Alvarez’s nominators said. “She sets the standard for the rest of the team and does it with steady determination and humble leadership.”

Herandez-Alvarez expects to graduate with departmental honors this December.