BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris was formally installed as the eighth chancellor of Appalachian State University on Oct. 3 — a milestone moment in the university’s 126-year history. Norris assumed her role as App State’s chancellor on March 1, after being elected to the position by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors.

The ceremonial event — held in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus — formally recognized and celebrated the beginning of Chancellor Norris’ leadership tenure at App State. UNC System President Peter Hans presided over the installation and brought greetings to the chancellor on behalf of the state’s public universities. Hundreds of App State students, staff, faculty, alumni, university friends and leaders — both past and present — were in attendance. Also present were visiting UNC System chancellors and delegates, as well as Norris’ family, including her husband, Robert, a 1987 alumnus of App State and retired App State staff member, her daughter, Emma, and her father, David Hulburt.

“I’m thrilled to be here today as we celebrate the start of a new and promising era for this university and give our wholehearted support to a leader who has already proven her mettle through a time of historical trial for this place,” said Hans, referencing Hurricane Helene, which hit the Western North Carolina region in September 2024.

He continued, “We often reveal our truest selves in times of deepest stress, and Chancellor Norris showed a toughness and generosity of spirit that speaks to the very best of Appalachian State. … I can assure you that all of North Carolina is looking to the future of this great university with excitement and appreciation.”

With her husband and daughter joining her on stage, Norris received the charge of office from Hans and was sworn in by North Carolina District Court Judge Rebecca Eggers-Gryder ’83, who administered the oath of office. Before formally announcing Norris as App State’s chancellor, Hans invited UNC System Board of Governors member and App State alumnus C. Philip Byers ’85 to present Norris with the chain of command and university medallion, which represent the trust and authority invested in the chancellor by the university’s governing body. App State Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Neva J. Specht presented Norris with the university mace.

In her inaugural address, Norris described her role within the App State Community as “a dream come true,” sharing that she is wholeheartedly committed to honoring the university’s 126-year legacy of education access, innovation and excellence.

“Our role is one of powering human potential — educating people with the right mix of skills, creativity, tenacity and patient humility to meet an unsettling world with confidence,” Norris said. “The promise of being a Mountaineer is that none of us will face that future alone. We’re all here today with a shared hope — a shared conviction — that this university can shape the world for the better, just as it has for an extraordinary 126 years.”

In closing, and addressing the Appalachian family, Norris added, “As we look to our future, without a doubt, we will have more opportunities than ever to fulfill our mission of academic excellence and student success, all while leading with innovation and research that make a direct and lasting positive impact in our local communities.” Visit App State’s Chancellor Installation page to read Norris’ full remarks.

The installation ceremony

During the ceremony, several university, System and community leaders brought greetings to Chancellor Norris on behalf of their respective organizations.

Wendy Floyd Murphy, chair of the UNC System Board of Governors, congratulated Norris on beginning a “new and exciting chapter” at App State.

“(App State) will play a critical part in educating a new generation — one of the most important tasks before us as our young people face the challenges of an increasingly technological world,” Murphy said. “This university requires a leader who understands that task, who believes in the overall mission and who can think strategically about App State’s future within the UNC System. I can think of no better person for the job.”

Describing Norris as “the perfect person at the helm to move us forward,” App State Board of Trustees Chair and alumnus Mark E. Ricks ʼ89 said, “We have the best faculty and staff in higher education. Now, we've got the best leader in higher education, and I couldn’t be more proud to say thank you — and welcome — Chancellor Norris.”

In his greetings, David Jackson ʼ00, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “Your leadership and actions have shown a profound respect for the people and history rooted in our Appalachia culture, and some of your best work has come from gathering others to show how campus and community can unite and ensure those values of hard work, tenacity and love for place live on for generations.”

Guest speaker Charlie King ʼ74 ’75 — a two-time App State alumnus and former interim president of Norris’ alma mater, James Madison University — highlighted his and Norris’ shared background “in business, a focus on the intentional growth of our institutions and a commitment to cultivating a strong student body, ready to make a difference in their own communities.”

In his closing remarks, Hans thanked Chancellor Norris and the App State Community for “showing us what’s possible when a campus and a community band together in solidarity and service” — “for proving that the Mountaineer spirit can extend and inspire far beyond the mountains themselves.”

App State alumna Kathryn Long ʼ25, a 2025–26 UNC System Presidential Scholar, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees. The Pershing Rifle Company of App State’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program presented the colors, and vocalist Kathryn Haycraft, of Apex, a sophomore double majoring in music performance and communication sciences and disorders, sang the national anthem. Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06, associate professor of apparel design and merchandising in App State’s Department of Applied Design, designed Norris’ attire for the installation events.

Musical performances for the ceremony were provided by the Hayes School of Music’s Marching Mountaineers, as well as the University Singers, who were accompanied by members of the Appalachian Wind Ensemble in premiering “Here is Calm So Deep,” composed for the installation by Hayes School of Music assistant professor Dr. Nicholas Cline. Blue Country Band, a local country music/variety band, performed before the ceremony’s processional. At the conclusion of the event, Haycraft gave a vocal performance of the university’s alma mater, and the Marching Mountaineers performed the university’s fight song, “Hi Hi Yikas.”

About Chancellor Heather Norris

Norris began her career at Appalachian State University in 2003 as an experienced assistant professor in the Walker College of Business and rose steadily through the academic ranks to become the seventh dean of Walker College in 2016.

Norris has overseen strategically managed enrollment growth at the university, with online and transfer enrollment records driving strategic growth, while Boone enrollment remains steady. Under her leadership, App State has experienced record growth overall.

Her leadership at App State has demonstrated a strong emphasis on developing and advancing new models and markets for academic delivery and expanding access to education for more people in North Carolina, and has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community.

In recognition of her trusted leadership and her passion for advancing the success of App State, Norris was appointed interim provost and executive vice chancellor in February 2020, assuming full responsibilities in May 2021. In this capacity, she oversaw the strategic direction of academic affairs, ensuring continuity and resilience in academic operations during the pandemic.

Norris served as interim chancellor from April 2024 to March 2025. During this time, she increased fundraising, bolstered community relationships and led the university through its response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Norris has built a reputation of leading by example, serving to inspire the faculty, staff and administrators who have worked alongside her, as well as the students she has taught and mentored. She is dedicated to community engagement, driving innovation, fostering key partnerships, and facilitating excellence in teaching, learning, research and student success.

Visit the Office of the Chancellor website to learn more about Chancellor Norris.

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Installation of Dr. Heather H. Norris

Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris assumed her role as chancellor of Appalachian State University on March 1, 2025, upon being elected to the position by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. Her installation ceremony occurred on October 3, 2025.

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Congratulations Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris

On Feb. 27, 2025, the UNC Board of Governors elected Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris as the next leader of Appalachian State University. Norris has served as interim chancellor since April 2024. Her career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community, and she brings more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise to her role as chancellor.

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Our History

Appalachian State University

Learn the history of Appalachian State University, from its founding in 1899 as a rural academy to its growth into a destination of choice for high-achieving students.

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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, cost-effective education. 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.