BOONE, N.C. — This academic year, 11 first-year students at Appalachian State University have been selected as recipients of the Chancellor’s Scholarship — App State’s oldest and most academically competitive merit-based scholarship, designed for students with ambitious academic goals. 2024–25 marks the 40th anniversary of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program.

This four-year program of study covers full institutional costs (tuition, fees, room and board, and book rental). Additionally, Chancellor’s Scholars are provided with numerous classroom and experiential research opportunities, as well as academic mentoring in a living-learning community and study abroad opportunities.

“This newest class of Chancellor’s Scholars is driven by intellectual curiosity, leadership and a commitment to service,” said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “I am excited to see these scholars thrive at App State and look forward to their positive contributions to both the campus and local community.”

Chancellor’s Scholar Maggie Mull, of Canton, is “ecstatic about the unique undergraduate research opportunities at App State,” she said, adding that the Chancellor’s Scholarship will allow her to pursue her career goals — without financial burden.

App State feels “like a family, a home away from home,” Mull said. “I knew I would be accepted and valued immediately.”

Bright Uwakwe, a Chancellor’s Scholar and international student at App State, said, “Getting an education in the U.S. would have been impossible without the support of the Chancellor’s Scholarship.”

Uwakwe said he is looking forward to being part of App State’s close-knit community and engaging in leadership opportunities to expand his network and grow — both personally and professionally — while working to achieve his academic and professional goals.

For Chancellor’s Scholar Audrey Hylkema, the Chancellor’s Scholarship has allowed them to attend their No. 1 school, they shared.

“After connecting with other App State students, I know that it is the perfect choice for not only my education but also for me as a person,” said Hylkema, who is from Seneca, South Carolina.

Chancellor’s Scholars have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, ambitious academic goals, leadership, service and creativity. During their time at App State, the scholars serve as leaders both within App State’s Honors College and across campus.

2024–25 Chancellor’s Scholars

Brody Bell, of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a history-applied and public history major.

Jillian Bogart, of Siler City, is a nursing major with a minor in Spanish for the health and helping professions.

Jadyah Dancy, of Apex, is double majoring in sociology-family and intimate relationships and political science-legal studies, with a minor in Spanish.

Jayeleigh Drake, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, is a biology major, with minors in business and Spanish.

Audrey Hylkema, of Seneca, South Carolina, is a biology major.

Jeffrey Morris, of Denver, is a political science-legal studies major.

Maggie Mull, of Canton, is a physics-astronomy major.

Amauris Peña, of Lenoir, is a music education-choral music education (K–12) major.

Emma Sue Shingleton, of Red Oak, is a nursing major.

Bright Uwakwe, of Lagos, Nigeria, is an apparel design and merchandising major, with minors in marketing and studio art with a concentration in fibers.

Diego Verdecchia, of Lexington, Kentucky, is an environmental science-natural resources major.

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Degrees

Scholarships at Appalachian

Appalachian State University offers students the opportunity to receive a world-class education at an affordable rate, with an average of $25 million awarded to incoming, current and transfer students each year based on need, as well as academic and athletic achievement. On average, about $4.9 million in outside aid is awarded to App State students annually. App State’s Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships assists students in learning about and applying for these university scholarship opportunities and also shares information about non-App State scholarships.

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Why choose App State?

Through its nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and online programs, App State prepares students to become globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities. Strengthen your academic focus, discover your passions and take the next step in your life’s journey.

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The Honors College

More than 500 students are enrolled in Appalachian State University's Honors College, which serves a diverse group of high-achieving, high-potential, highly motivated students from all majors. The Honors College helps students develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills; promotes interdisciplinary inquiry; and nurtures cultured and caring exchanges of ideas. The college’s enhanced academic experience prepares students for success in graduate or professional school and for leadership roles in their lives, communities and careers.

Learn more

About Scholarships at App State

Appalachian State University offers students the opportunity to receive a world-class education at an affordable rate, with an average of $25 million awarded to incoming, current and transfer students each year based on need, as well as academic and athletic achievement. On average, about $4.9 million in outside aid is awarded to App State students annually. App State’s Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships assists students in learning about and applying for these university scholarship opportunities and also shares information about non-App State scholarships. Learn more at https://scholarships.appstate.edu.

About the Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is Appalachian State University’s oldest and most academically competitive merit-based scholarship. It is awarded to the highest achieving students who have earned entry into App State’s Honors College. The scholarship is designed for students with ambitious academic goals — those who seek graduate or professional post-baccalaureate degrees to become physicians, Ph.D. holders and more. Chancellor’s Scholars enter a four-year program of rigorous study that covers full institutional costs (tuition, fees, room and board, book rental) and provides study abroad opportunities beginning in the first year, numerous classroom and experiential research opportunities and academic mentoring in a living–learning community. The scholarship is open to any major. Learn more.

About the Honors College

More than 500 students are enrolled in Appalachian State University's Honors College, which serves a diverse group of high-achieving, high-potential, highly motivated students from all majors. The Honors College helps students develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills; promotes interdisciplinary inquiry; and nurtures cultured and caring exchanges of ideas. The college’s enhanced academic experience prepares students for success in graduate or professional school and for leadership roles in their lives, communities and careers. Learn more at https://honors.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

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.