Cullen, of Hickory, graduated from the College of Fine and Applied Arts with a Bachelor of Science in interior design.

Having established her own interior design business, Form and Function Co., in the spring of 2023, Cullen already has over two years of professional experience in her field of study.

While at App State, in addition to a rigorous academic schedule and involvement in multiple extracurricular activities, she found great success in her business — initially through local Airbnb design projects, and more recently, through high-end residential designs.

Cullen plans to earn her certification through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification to become an accredited interior designer and take on Form and Function Co. full time.

“It was a lot to balance in school,” she said, “but I’m excited that I can now take everything I learned and pour everything I’ve really wanted into my business.”

Cullen added that the biggest joy in owning her business is the ability to create spaces where clients feel comfortable and can thrive in a functional space.

“A lot of empathy is present in the design industry, as you have to put yourself in your clients’ shoes,” she said. “It’s been so rewarding to positively impact people’s lives.”

Cullen credits her success and work ethic to her parents, particularly her father, who immigrated from England and started his own business when he moved to the U.S.

“He told me to take every opportunity you get and to work hard because nothing is handed to you,” she said. “I definitely took that to heart during my academic career.”

One of those opportunities was getting involved in the American Society of Interior Designers, with Cullen serving as president of the App State chapter. Through the organization, she was able to network at national conferences, including in New York City, and lobby for interior design legislation in Washington, D.C.

Among her many other accomplishments, Cullen and one of her classmates won the 2024 NEWH Green Voice Design Competition for their sustainable solutions project for a hospitality design. She was also an awardee of the 2024 PAVE Global Student Design Competition, where she partnered with Ulta Beauty for a store redesign project to attract Gen Z shoppers.

Cullen said she plans to move to Charlotte to expand her business.

“You’re never too young to make your dreams happen,” she said. “If you really have the passion for something, you can make it work.”

Dameron, of Granite Falls, is an inaugural student of App State’s Hickory campus who graduated from the Beaver College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in health care management. Dameron transferred to App State from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

“I was a high school dropout,” said Dameron, who earned her GED at the age of 18. “I was not focused on my future at that time. Now, I’m a mom in my 30s, and I want to be settled into my career for my kids. As a first-generation student, I know I’m being a positive influence for them, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”

Dameron said the timing of the opening of App State’s Hickory campus was perfect because the campus is close to home, which allowed her to fully pursue her education while also maintaining a work–life balance.

“Finding that balance can be difficult, just because we have so much going on in our personal lives, but my professors went above and beyond to try to accommodate my schedule,” she said, adding that Dr. Trent Spaulding, associate professor and director of the health care management program, and Dr. Ashley Parks, assistant professor in the health care management program, made a particularly strong impact on her App State education.

Outside of the classroom, Dameron was president of App State’s Future Heath Care Executives club, she completed an internship at Abernethy Laurels — a continuing care retirement community in Newton — and she worked as a peer tutor coordinator at the Hickory campus location of App State’s Student Learning Center. She is the 2025 recipient of the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ Student Health Care Management Leadership Award.

Dameron said that working with Cathy Bell, coordinator of academic services and student success at the Hickory campus Student Learning Center, was her biggest source of inspiration during her time at App State.

“Cathy is the most caring person I’ve ever met,” Dameron said. “She was much more than just a boss. She always looked out for me and made sure I was doing OK in all aspects of my life. I’m going to miss her, but we gained a friendship that will last a lifetime.”

As for her biggest source of motivation, Dameron said without a doubt that it was her four children and her husband.

“My youngest daughter said that when she grows up she wants to be just like me and go to App State,” said Dameron. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Dameron’s advice for other first-generation students who are considering college: “No matter what stage of life you’re in, even if you don’t know what path you’re on, college will help you gain the knowledge you need and put you on the right path.”

Dunham, of Charlotte, graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and minors in chemistry and medical humanities.

Dunham initially came to App State to study cellular and molecular biology, with plans to attend medical school. However, after shadowing physicians and reflecting on her experiences, she discovered a passion for public and community health. Now, she sees an opportunity to apply her studies in anthropology to explore how lifestyle, habits and behavior patterns influence health — demonstrating how degrees in the humanities can lead to diverse career paths.

“Have faith in yourself,” Dunham said. “I had to overcome doubts when I switched my major to anthropology while on the pre-med track. I trusted my plan.”

Dunham’s time at App State has been marked by her commitment to both academic excellence and service. During her senior year, she was president of the university’s Health Professions Club, of which she has been a member for the last three years and has worked as a health professions peer advisor, helping fellow students navigate their career paths. She also served as a student employee in the Office of International Programs throughout her entire undergraduate career.

Dunham shared that her academic journey was shaped by three influential professors — Dr. Juhee Woo, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Dr. Matthew Ruble, senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, and Dr. Sophia Dent, assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. Woo’s sociology course on health inequalities helped Dunham question her initial career path, she shared, and Ruble’s medical ethics class solidified her decision to work outside the traditional medical system. Dent’s human osteology course helped her discover her aptitude for anthropology. “I learned to trust myself more,” she said of these pivotal classroom experiences.

Beyond academics, Dunham embraced the App State Community and found particular enjoyment in attending football games. “My greatest memory will probably be watching everybody storm the field when we beat Coastal Carolina in 2021,” she said. “The sense of community here is something special.”

As Dunham prepares for her next chapter, she will complete a Public Health AmeriCorps fellowship, working with regional first responders, before pursuing a master’s degree in medical anthropology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. For her graduate studies, she plans to focus on community health work, examining how acknowledging and respecting varied cultural beliefs, values and practices is crucial for addressing health disparities and supporting individuals’ health and well-being.

For Dunham, her educational journey at App State was defined by “giving my best academically and showing up for professors who put in real effort for their students,” she said. “That’s something different about App State — the professors here actually care, and I’ll always carry that commitment to excellence with me.”

Fuentes-Paredes, of Yadkinville, graduated from the Walker College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in digital marketing.

Fuentes-Paredes is a first-generation student who grew up in a rural town. She said when she visited Boone for the first time as a junior in high school, she watched a beautiful sunrise with her friends, and from that moment, she knew App State was where she needed to be.

“I’m very family oriented, and I’m the first to go to college, so I didn’t want to be too far away if my family needed me,” said Fuentes-Paredes. “I also knew the business program here is one of the best, so it felt like a perfect fit.”

Fuentes-Paredes said her culture and Spanish community were an important part of her life back home, so she made it a point to make the same type of connections in Boone, and with a big impact.

She was a student associate intern at the Boone location of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, where she worked on call campaigns and with nonprofits on community outreach events for underrepresented or low-income families, offering bilingual support to those in need.

“I realized through this internship that helping the Spanish community is one of my passions,” said Fuentes-Paredes. “I grew up on a lower income, and a lot of the programs that I helped out with are programs that I remember going to as a kid. Being someone that would go and get help, and now being the person that goes out and helps, has been very fulfilling.”

Fuentes-Paredes also worked as the social media manager for AppTV, and she was involved with the Buenos Días Boone program — the station’s first bilingual show for Spanish-speaking communities that covers local and global news, as well as entertainment and cultural news.

“This also helped me realize I want my career path in marketing to be based within the Spanish community,” she said. “There are a lot of Hispanic businesses that don’t get much representation because they are scared of putting themselves out there. I would love to be the person they can trust to support and market their businesses.”

During her senior year, Fuentes-Paredes was part of Walker College’s Walker Fellows program, through which she served as a representative for the college at events and as an ambassador for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“It was a wonderful experience and a reminder of what I will miss the most — the App State Community,” she said.

Green, an Asheville native, graduated from the Beaver College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in public health, along with double minors in exercise science and chemistry. Green, who was also an Honors College student, used her time at App State to hone her passion for health sciences and community service.

Initially an exercise science major, Green’s interests evolved. “I became interested in the policy and ethics behind medicine and health,” Green said. Her eventual decision to pursue medicine led her to add chemistry as a second minor while maintaining her focus on public health.

“I no longer was just interested in the systemic aspect of health, but I really enjoyed individual patient care,” Green explained. “Going into my junior year is when I realized I wanted to be pre-med and wanted to become a physician.”

While at App State, Green was a student observer in the radiology department at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and she also volunteered with Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit providing free health care services in rural underserved areas. These experiences solidified her desire to work in primary care for underserved populations, she shared.

Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, which affected her hometown, have only strengthened Green’s resolve to serve, she said. “I really want to be someone who could be a tangible help to people,” said Green, adding that she looks forward to applying her education to make a difference in health care access for rural communities.

Her academic achievements include completing a senior honors thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Seitz, associate professor in the Department of Public Health and Exercise Science, whom Green credits as a significant influence on her academic journey. Green also found inspiration through Dr. Leslie McKesson ’93 ’09 ’16, an affiliate faculty member in App State’s Honors College, whose 2023 Honors College seminar “Antebellum Slavery in Appalachia” culminated in a collaborative project where the students’ work was displayed at the Burke County Courthouse.

Beyond academics, Green embraced the App State Community, taking part in numerous clubs and activities, including the Swim Club, intramural sports and Reformed University Fellowship ministry. She also worked as a campus tour guide and served as a LEAD (Learning Enhancement Across Disciplines) tutor for the course Principles of Biochemistry. “I tried to get super involved and meet people,” she said of her approach to campus life.

As Green prepares for her next steps — applying to medical school and completing a Public Health AmeriCorps internship focused on emergency response and disaster preparedness — she reflects on her time at App State with appreciation. “College has certainly been a great experience. I’m super glad I came to App State, and I feel like I really was able to create a home here for myself.”

Hicks, from Concord, graduated from the Hayes School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Science in music industry studies-manufacturing and merchandising, as well as a minor in general business through the Walker College of Business.

After initially coming to App State to study marketing, Hicks discovered he could continue his true passion for music by learning about and understanding how musical instruments are crafted and marketed. As a trumpet player trained in multiple styles and performing with various ensembles, he found ways to combine his musical talents with his academic pursuits, participating in orchestra, jazz and marching band throughout his time at App State.

“What I really like about the curriculum here is I’ve been able to play in so many different ensembles,” Hicks said. “I’m really trained in any kind of trumpet playing.”

He completed an internship at Greg Black Mouthpieces in Mount Holly, a custom mouthpiece manufacturer for brass instruments founded by Hayes School of Music alumnus Greg Black ’82, and has secured a second, 12-week internship with the company this summer. Hicks said he hopes to begin his career at the company, following his summer internship.

Hicks’ academic honors include receiving the Joe Phelps Trumpet Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in the trumpet studio and provides the recipient with a new instrument — his choice, a piccolo trumpet. Hicks credits Dr. James Stokes Jr., his trumpet professor, as being a significant influence on his academic journey.

“He’s just an amazing human being. I look up to him so much,” Hicks said of Stokes. “He’s been a professional trumpet player for 40-plus years. Everyone knows him.”

Beyond academics, Hicks embraced the App State Community, joining two music fraternities: Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha. He also served as section leader for the Marching Mountaineers’ trumpet section. “When I came here, I had one friend, and then I got to the marching band and I had 40 in the trumpet section immediately,” he said.

As Hicks reflected on his time at App State, he said he remembers fondly the performances and game days that defined his college experience. One highlight was performing the trumpet solo for “House of the Rising Sun” in a downpour during the 2023 Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl in Orlando, which was won by the Mountaineers football team. “It was an awesome experience out there,” he said.

Carrying the Mountaineer spirit with him, Hicks is ready to take on his next challenge. “The university has done so much for me,” he said. “I encourage future and current Mountaineers to get out there and do as many clubs as you can. Everyone should have a place to be — to fit in — and that’s where I really found who I am.”

Rhodes, of Mooresville, graduated from the Reich College of Education with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, with a concentration in psychology.

“I’ve been heavily interested in being a teacher my entire life,” said Rhodes. “I chose App State because it was extremely evident that the school’s programs prepare you not only for the classroom as a teacher but also as a leader.”

Rhodes made the most of his opportunities in Reich College, as a member of the Appalachian Educators club — serving as committee chair his sophomore year and president his junior year — as well as a member of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars. He was also part of the NC Teaching Fellows program.

“All of these experiences gave me some of my favorite memories at App State,” he said. “It was a beautiful time in my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Rhodes finished his student teaching at East Mooresville Intermediate School this spring semester, where he taught general curriculum to fourth grade students.

“It was both challenging and rewarding,” he said. “Being able to be under the guidance of very knowledgeable and capable educators in a school that is really focused on their kids was beautiful — I’m not ready for it to end, but I’m excited for the next steps.”

Rhodes said his expectation is to go straight into the classroom this fall, and that he is currently job searching; he has had a few interviews and job offers already. He said he eventually wants to enroll in graduate school for counseling and then pursue a doctoral program in educational leadership, adding that his background in psychology has already made for a well-rounded education.

“Taking classes in psychology has made me a lot more cognizant of how my students respond and behave,” he said. “I had a chance during my internship to sit down and check in with students and to create behavioral intervention plans for some kids. It was truly magnificent to be able to guide them and see them grow as people first, and as students second.”

As for others considering App State and a future in education, Rhodes offered the following advice: “Be your authentic self and soak it all in. Enjoy your classes, enjoy the stress and enjoy the people around you who are experiencing the same emotions. Build up your community and enjoy the beautiful people and campus of App State.”

Dr. Carol Babyak, an analytical chemist, joined App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences in 2004. She has received grant funding from the National Science Foundation, NC Biotechnology Center and The Nature Conservancy, and, with her students, has published original research in various journals, including Chemosphere, the International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Spectroscopy Letters, and Forensic Chemistry. Babyak was inducted into the College of Arts and Sciences’ Academy of Outstanding Teachers in 2008 and received the college’s Outstanding Advisor Award in 2007-08 and 2015-16 and its Inclusion Award in 2020-21. Her favorite part of the job is teaching students in the classroom and mentoring them in research, as well as following their careers as physicians, engineers, professors and chemists, she shared.

Dr. Cheryl Lee, a former middle and high school family and consumer sciences teacher, joined App State’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in 1994. She is currently a professor in the Department of Media, Career Studies and Leadership Development. Lee teaches courses in adolescent development and career and technical education and her research focuses on curriculum, teaching methods and service-learning. For the past 31 years, Lee has served as a teacher educator, preparing students to enter the field of education. She will retire from App State on June 30.

Dr. Clark Maddux, a veteran of the U.S. Army, taught at Michigan State University, Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University before joining App State in 2012, as director of academic service-learning. In 2014, he accepted a faculty position in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Maddux has been awarded numerous research fellowships, including a National Endowment for the Humanities educational program grant with colleagues from App State’s communication and English departments, and he is volume editor of the “Biblia Americana” series. The greatest joy of his professional life, he shared, has been teaching and working with the students of App State’s Watauga Residential College, a student and faculty community that fosters creativity, thoughtfulness and civic engagement through experiential, inquiry-based learning. Maddux served as director of the college from 2014 to 2021. He will be retiring from App State at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

Richard Sparks is a two-time graduate of App State, earning a bachelor’s degree in health care management in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration in 1978. Over the years, he remained actively engaged with the university and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001, an Outstanding Service Award in 2010 and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2016. After retiring from a 40-year career in health care administration, Sparks joined the Walker College of Business faculty in 2017 to teach graduate courses in leadership, ethics and executive skills — an experience he finds rewarding, he shared. The spring 2025 semester is his final semester of teaching at App State.

Dr. Heather Thorp began her career at App State in 2006 as a project manager focused on methamphetamine treatment at the Institute for Health and Human Services (now known as the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness) in the Beaver College of Health Sciences. She currently serves as field practicum director in the college’s Department of Social Work, a role she founded in 2009. Thorp received her doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in expressive arts education, inquiry and leadership from App State in 2022, having previously earned a graduate certificate in expressive arts from the university in 2014. In addition, she is a licensed clinical social worker and registered expressive arts therapist and has taught social work and expressive arts therapy courses at App State. Thorp holds multiple professional memberships and has presented at numerous local, national and international conferences.

Kim Wangler joined App State’s Hayes School of Music in 2005 and has served as director of the music industry studies degree program for the past 20 years. Under her leadership, the program has undergone significant curriculum advancements, including an emphasis on experiential learning and entrepreneurship, as well as creating strong connections between students and industry professionals. Wangler has played a significant role in the development of music industry studies as an academic field by serving as the inaugural board member representing this area with the College Music Society. She is also a long-standing member of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association Board of Directors.