Dr. John Paul “JP” Jameson, professor in App State’s Department of Psychology, has been a faculty member at the university since 2010.

For more than a decade, Jameson — a licensed clinical psychologist — has focused on improving access to mental healthcare in rural Appalachia and advancing practical strategies to prevent firearm suicides. This has included the creation of essential clinical infrastructure in the region to ensure reliable and accessible crisis care for children and families, along with leadership in suicide prevention and intervention training and a strong dedication to mentoring the next generation of highly competent clinicians through his teaching and research at App State.

His mentorship has included supervising more than 15 graduate and undergraduate students on community-engaged research projects and serving as a primary clinical supervisor for more than 30 graduate clinical trainees in App State’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

One nominator wrote that Jameson “manages to balance teaching, providing supervision to clinical psychology practicum students, peer consultation for colleagues and other outreach with remarkable dedication,” and that in the Alleghany and Ashe County Schools systems, “his leadership directly benefits our most vulnerable children facing mental health challenges.”

Dr. Elizabeth Shay is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Planning, where she also serves as planning program director. She will be promoted to full professor on July 1.

Since joining App State’s faculty in 2015, Shay has directed more than 40 internships, chaired five master’s committees and led the charge to secure national Planning Accreditation Board recognition for the Bachelor of Science in community and regional planning program. In 2023 she was inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Teachers, and her dedication to teaching was further recognized with the 2022–23 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the College of Arts and Sciences.

A nominator, one of Shay’s former students, wrote that Shay is “the backbone of the planning program at Appalachian State University and continues to shape the next generation of planners with her dedication, expertise and compassion,” adding that “her commitment to student success is unmatched.”

Most of Shay’s research projects involve App State students, including a recent project funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which examined how state transportation professionals are preparing for the arrival of more connected and automated (self-driving) vehicles. She is also working with student research assistants on a project focused on campus parking management.

Dr. Pablo Chialvo is a lecturer in the Department of Biology, where he has been a faculty member since 2020. In addition to teaching biology courses for non-majors as part of the university’s general education curriculum, Chialvo has designed and developed courses for the university honors program.

During his time at App State, Chialvo’s dedication to rigorous, impactful teaching has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2022 Faculty Award for General Education Teaching, the 2023 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Non-Tenure Track Teaching Excellence Award, the 2023 CAS Academy of Outstanding Teachers Award, the 2023 Appalachian State University Faculty Enrichment and Teaching Fellowship and the 2025 The Appalachian’s Best Professor on Campus.

“Dr. Chialvo is the kind of teacher who anticipates all kinds of learners and refuses to let students fall through the cracks, no matter how large the class,” shared a nominator — one of Chialvo’s students. “He is widely recognized by students of all different backgrounds and learning styles as an incredible educator.”

Chialvo has received multiple grants from App State’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success, including awards to lead faculty book clubs on pedagogical initiatives that have fostered cross-disciplinary dialogue and professional growth among faculty.

Dr. Mark Nunes, professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, has taught full time in higher education since 1992, joining the faculty at App State in 2014.

Nunes has held various leadership roles throughout his career at the university, including department chair for eight years. He has also coordinated the department’s internship program for the last 12 years.

One nominator wrote, “At a university where I experienced almost exclusively excellent professors, Dr. Mark Nunes stands out as one of the most influential and exemplary.” The nominator, a former student, added, “Professor Nunes did not just guide me through the incredibly daunting process of organizing my academic future; he gave me the tools to learn, plan and create that future for myself.”

Outside the classroom, Nunes has authored several peer-reviewed articles in the field of new media studies. Additionally, he authored the book “Cyberspaces of Everyday Life” and served as both the editor and a contributing author for the essay collection “Error: Glitch, Noise, and Jam in New Media Cultures.”

Dr. Savannah Paige Murray is an assistant professor in App State’s Department of English, where she teaches courses in the professional writing concentration and the Rhetoric and Composition Program.

Since joining App State’s faculty in 2020, Murray has taught 26 different courses and more than 60 course sections. She has also received “exceeds expectations” performance reviews each year since beginning her career at the university and has earned several award nominations, including the 2023–24 Richard N. Henson Outstanding Advising Award in the College of Arts and Sciences and the 2021–22 award for Most Helpful Faculty and Staff.

One of Murray’s nominators, a former student, shared, “It’s such a blessing to be taught by an instructor who practices what they preach, and Dr. Murray does exactly that: She fosters community, advocates for her students and cultivates pristine learning environments.”

Murray is also involved in App State’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Pathways to Resilience, and was recently appointed to a Faculty Coordinating Committee for App State’s general education program. In this role, she works to expand student learning opportunities by reviewing course syllabi, providing feedback on proposed courses and recommending course additions to the General Education Council.

Dr. Justin Kent is an assistant professor in App State’s Department of Management, housed in the Walker College of Business.

Since joining App State’s faculty in 2020, he has become known for a teaching style that blends rigor, experiential learning and creativity. Kent contributed to the curriculum redesign for the management degree program’s entrepreneurship and innovation concentration and has introduced several new innovative courses. His dedication to his students earned him their vote as Most Helpful Faculty and Staff at App State for the 2020–21 academic year.

According to one nominator, Kent “consistently brought a positive and encouraging presence to the classroom, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and care for both the course material and the success of each student.” The nominator — one of Kent’s former students — added, “Appalachian State University would not be the same without Dr. Kent. His commitment to students extends well beyond office hours and continues long after graduation.”

In addition to teaching approximately 150–180 students per academic year, Kent oversees entrepreneurship internships and practicums and also serves as a faculty mentor for independent student projects and entrepreneurship student organizations.

Dr. Rebecca Kappus, associate professor and clinical exercise physiologist in the Department of Kinesiology, has been on faculty at the university since 2015. Kappus leads the kinesiology-clinical exercise physiology graduate program, instructing core classes, mentoring students and coordinating internships.

Since joining App State, Kappus has participated in two Graduate Research Assistant Mentorship programs, served on 10 master’s thesis committees and eight honors thesis committees and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications with students. Her dedication to students earned her induction into the Academy of Outstanding Mentors by App State’s Williams School of Graduate Studies in 2023.

Additionally, Kappus is a member of both the American College of Sports Medicine and the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association and serves as director of the Cardiovascular Research Laboratory in App State’s Beaver College of Health Sciences.

A nominator — one of Kappus’ former students — wrote, “Dr. Kappus maintains high expectations while fostering a welcoming, supportive environment where students are challenged, seen and cared for. She embodies the true spirit of teaching excellence: uplifting and directly strengthening our community by sending out skilled, compassionate alumni across the world.”

Dr. Jason Lynch, associate professor in App State’s Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education, has been a faculty member at the university since 2020. Known for his innovative approach, he has developed or redesigned more than 13 App State courses.

Additionally, Lynch co-created and now coordinates the department’s graduate certificate in trauma-informed leadership, the first of its kind nationally. In 2024, he was recognized with the Reich College of Education Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award.

“Dr. Lynch embodies the spirit of this award through his exceptional ability to create meaningful, transformative learning experiences,” wrote one of Lynch’s nominators. “He cultivates an environment where every student feels seen, valued and intellectually engaged, and he models integrity, inclusivity and compassion — all while maintaining high academic standards.”

Lynch also co-designed a hybrid orientation model that blends virtual and in-person engagement for incoming master’s students and led the development of the Virtual Career Hub in collaboration with App State’s Career Development Center.

He has authored, co-authored and/or edited numerous peer-reviewed scholarly articles, as well as books, book chapters and professional reports. Additionally, Lynch has presented his research on trauma-informed leadership, organizational well-being and personal well-being at regional, state, national and international conferences.

Reagan Petto, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, is a senior pursuing an individually designed Bachelor of Arts in community engagement, as well as minors in Spanish and LGBT studies. They are also a member of App State’s Honors College and a Plemmons Leadership Scholar.

Petto has held multiple student leadership roles in App State’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, including serving as a Community Fellows Leader and a Community Ambassador, and leading volunteer student groups at local nonprofits and community-based organizations as a Days of Service Site Leader. As chair of the Community Coordination Committee, Petto coordinates with local nonprofits, government employees and community-based organizations to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships.

Petto also serves as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor in the Office of International Programs, where they advise students on their study abroad goals and assist them in next steps.

Petto “is a model Mountaineer” and “a true servant leader,” wrote their nominators. “They have been a delight to work with and have made a true impact as a community-engaged leader during their time at Appalachian.”

Petto is a member of the Iota Iota Iota Honor Society and has been named to the Chancellor’s List every semester during their time at App State.

Asher Fazal, of Huntersville, is a Plemmons Leadership Scholar and a senior management major with a concentration in sustainable business and a minor in sociology.

Fazal has served as a peer leader for winter Alternative Service Experience (ASE) programs at App State, leading service trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. They are also co-president of the Student Sustainable Business Association and former vice president of development for the Appalachian Popular Programming Society.

Fazal “embodies the values of responsible and ethical leadership both in and beyond the classroom,” wrote one nominator. “Their academic focus on sustainable business practices reflects a deep commitment to promoting responsible management of economic, social and natural resources. Asher approaches leadership with the same intentionality; seeking solutions that are thoughtful, collaborative and grounded in long-term impact.”

During their time at the university, Fazal has also served as an involvement assistant in the Office of Campus Activities and received the 2024 Community Impact Student Award.

After graduating in May, Fazal intends to continue their education at App State, pursuing a master’s degree in applied data analytics with a concentration in sustainability analytics.

Ben Tugwell, of Gastonia, is a senior accounting major with a minor in theatre arts.

During his time at the university, Tugwell has served in several leadership roles, including as an intern and student director of orientation in App State’s New Mountaineer and Family Engagement office. He has also been a peer mentor for App State’s first-year student success course, guiding students and connecting them with campus resources.

As a Club Council Funding Representative at App State, Tugwell worked to improve funding processes and develop accessible resources for over 400 student organizations. He currently serves as treasurer for both the Appalachian Musical Theatre Club and Lambda-Zeta, App State’s chapter of the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society.

Tugwell’s “ability to connect with students across disciplines — from theatre to accounting to student governance — demonstrates his versatility and his genuine investment in the App State Community,” according to one nominator. “Ben applies what he learns in the classroom directly to his leadership roles, managing budgets, supporting student organizations and strengthening systems that benefit all Mountaineers.”

Following his graduation in May, Tugwell plans to pursue a career in accounting, supporting organizations that positively impact their communities.

Nicole Tran, of Charlotte, is a senior political science major with a concentration in international and comparative politics and a minor in leadership studies. She is a member of App State’s Honors College and an Impact Scholar.

Tran serves as App State’s current student body president and has held additional leadership roles at the university, including as an Appalachian Student Ambassador, a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader and a resident assistant in Thunder Hill Hall. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and was inducted into App State’s Bell Ringers Society in 2025.

Tran’s “leadership is both expansive and deeply rooted in service, grounded in the belief that leadership is not about recognition, but about responsibility, particularly the responsibility to uplift, guide and advocate for others,” wrote a nominator. “She has given her time, energy, skills and heart to Appalachian State in ways that will leave a lasting impact long after she graduates.”

After graduating in May, Tran intends to pursue a master’s degree in international relations.

Dr. Christopher Hogan is a licensed psychologist and director of App State’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS), where he leads a team of professionals and graduate trainees in delivering innovative, compassionate mental health services to App State students. He joined the center in 2001 and has served as director since 2015.

During his tenure at the university, Hogan led CAPS’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene. He is a member of the university’s campus postvention team, and in fall 2012, he helped secure a grant to hire a dedicated suicide prevention counselor. In collaboration with the New Mountaineer and Family Engagement office, Hogan participates in the university’s Family Webinar Series, engaging directly with incoming students and their families to share the full scope of counseling resources available at App State.

Hogan’s work “is literally life‐saving,” wrote one nominator. “I can personally attest that there are students alive today because of his intervention, guidance and steadfast leadership. The emotional weight of this work is immense, and it has only grown over time, yet Dr. Hogan approaches each crisis with composure, humility and extraordinary care.”

Additionally, Hogan contributes meaningfully to the counseling profession, mentoring others in the field, offering peer reviews of counseling centers nationwide and serving as a member of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors.

App State alumna Pam Walker ’89 has been a dedicated staff member of the university for more than 35 years. Her career at App State began in 1985, when she joined the university community as a student employee.

Walker is director of App State’s Campus Store, a role she has held since 2019, and oversees all store operations — including the university’s nationally recognized textbook rental program. Previously, she served in several Campus Store roles, including as a textbook return clerk, a warehouse manager and a textbook manager/buyer.

According to one nominator, “Through decades of devoted service, innovative leadership and heartfelt commitment to student success, Pam Walker has enriched the quality of student life and advanced the educational mission of Appalachian State University in lasting and measurable ways.”

During Founders Day 2025, Walker was inducted into the App State Bell Ringers Society. In 2024, she was named a member of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s Founders Society, recognizing her more than two decades of volunteer support for the university’s annual celebration of the performing and visual arts.

Described by her colleagues as a “die‐hard Mountaineer,” Walker is known for her collaboration, student-centered approach and her active participation in events that bring together students, families and the broader university community.

Dr. Kevin Eller ’04 ’05 is a professor in the Department of Accounting in App State’s Walker College of Business, where he has been on faculty since 2008. He teaches tax and accounting courses and directs the department’s internship program — a role through which he has helped hundreds of accounting students obtain internships and permanent employment positions, achieving a 100% placement rate for qualified internship candidates in recent years.

Eller’s dedication to the university has been recognized with several awards, including the Spirit of Walker Award for faculty in 2022 and Walker College’s Non-Tenure Track Faculty Sywassink Award for Excellence in 2011. He is regularly recognized as one of App State’s “Most Helpful” professors.

“Dr. Eller’s leadership is defined by his personal investment in the individual success of every student,” wrote one nominator. “His impact is felt by students across the department, from his extensive efforts to assist in internship and career placements, to his creation of unique experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between the classroom and practice.”

Eller is a member of the American Accounting Association and a two-time Walker College of Business alumnus.

Dr. Rahman Tashakkori is the Lowe’s Distinguished Professor of Computer Science in App State’s Department of Computer Science. Tashakkori joined the department as an assistant professor in 2000, was promoted to full professor in 2011 and served as department chair from 2017 to 2023.

Since joining App State, Tashakkori has established interdisciplinary collaborations and research, engaging both colleagues and students. He has created and taught several computer science courses and mentored more than 220 graduate and undergraduate students. Additionally, Tashakkori has presented at local, regional, national and international conferences and authored nearly 70 scholarly publications in collaboration with his students and colleagues.

“Dr. Tashakkori has poured his time, energy, skills and commitment into service for Appalachian State University,” wrote one nominator. “He is particularly instrumental in impacting, every day, the lives of our students throughout his entire 26-year career.”

Tashakkori serves as director of the ECRS Computer Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship and The Appalachian High Achievers in STEM programs at App State, which provide scholarships to more than 30 academically talented students.

Tashakkori and his App State research team received an NCInnovation grant in excess of $640,000 to support commercializing parts of the Beemon Hive Monitoring System (BeeMon). The project aims to decrease honeybee die-off and increase hive production.

Dr. Martie Thompson is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Endowed Professor in Public Health in App State’s Department of Public Health — a role she has held since 2021. She also serves as director of community research for the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness.

Since joining App State’s faculty, Thompson has made significant contributions to public health research and secured substantial grant funding. Her recent work examines the impacts of social determinants of health (such as environmental, community or social factors) and COVID-19 pandemic factors on youth suicide risk; opioid remediation efforts in Western North Carolina; and the long-term effects of civic engagement during emerging adulthood.

Thompson’s high research output includes more than 25 collaborative publications since 2022, many co-authored with App State students and faculty, highlighting her strong commitment to student research mentorship.

“Dr. Thompson has mentored and trained the next generation of scientific researchers to solve complex public health and social challenges,” a nominator wrote. “She is a superb colleague and collaborator, and we are so lucky to have her working with us at App State.”

In 2024, Thompson received the Beaver College of Health Sciences Outstanding Research and Scholarly Endeavors Award.

Dr. Jeffrey McBride, professor in App State’s Department of Kinesiology, has been a faculty member at the university since 2003. Over his 23-year tenure, he has authored or co-authored more than 100 published manuscripts and nearly 150 conference abstracts.

McBride’s current research focuses on implementing handgrip strength testing as a potential fifth vital sign for predicting mortality and morbidity in local and regional communities. His laboratory recently published a study and presented related findings at a national conference, highlighting the importance of handgrip strength testing as a tool for identifying patients at risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and fall-related injuries.

Through his research, McBride has also maintained an extensive role in student mentorship at App State, serving on approximately 60 thesis and dissertation committees and advising undergraduate and graduate students in securing research grants totaling more than $30,000.

One nominator wrote, “His sustained productivity, technological innovation, international visibility and profound commitment to student mentorship place him among the very best scholars of his generation.”

McBride has earned numerous accolades, including the Beaver College of Health Sciences Research Award in 2013 and the William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award from the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2012.

Dr. Shannon Cline is a teaching assistant professor in App State’s Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, where she has been on faculty since 2014. Known for her student-centered approach, she has taught 25 different courses across the department’s programs, engaging students from a wide range of majors in experiential learning and service-learning.

Each semester, Cline leads two to three service-learning courses, collaborating with High Country organizations to provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences. Additionally, Cline is the creator of App State’s Interactive Nature Trail Project, a multiyear, interdisciplinary initiative that brings together students, faculty and community partners to design accessible, interpretive exhibits for public use.

“Dr. Cline demonstrates a remarkable ability to meet students where they are while encouraging growth and confidence,” wrote a nominator. “She creates supportive environments where students feel safe taking risks, sharing ideas and discovering new capabilities. Her impact is both immediate and enduring.”

Cline’s dedication to teaching has been recognized with multiple awards, including college teaching awards in 2016, 2019 and 2024, as well as the Appalachian State University Excellence in Teaching Award in 2025.

Sarah Garrow ’16 serves as interim executive director of New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, leading new student orientation, transition programs and year‑round family engagement. Over the course of her tenure as director, she has helped welcome more than 15,000 App State students.

Additionally, Garrow oversees the SOUL Training Program that prepares Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs) to support the transition of new students and their families into the App State Community. She also teaches College Success Seminar for first-year student-athletes.

Since joining the university, Garrow has served in various leadership roles, including as associate director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and associate director of the Office of Alumni Engagement.

“Sarah exemplifies extraordinary personal commitment to first-year student success and has made sustained, transformative contributions to the first-year experience at Appalachian State University,” wrote one nominator.

Garrow is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership through the university.

Dr. James Beeler ’90 is executive director of App State’s Office of Rural Promise (ORP). He leads a team that administers seven programs that, since 2020, have secured more than $90 million in grant funding. These programs are designed to expand access to a college education for students across Western North Carolina while providing professional development opportunities for educators. Beeler has 30 years of experience in K–12 and higher education, including teaching, consulting and managing large-scale grants.

In September 2024, under Beeler’s leadership, ORP secured a $35 million federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant — the largest single grant in App State’s history — expanding the Appalachian GEAR UP program’s service area from 12 to 17 school districts.

One of Beeler’s nominators, an ORP colleague, wrote, “He encourages bold ideas that strengthen ORP’s programs and partnerships, and he recognizes individual strengths and intentionally aligns opportunities with those strengths, enabling staff to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to the department’s vision and goals.”

Throughout his career, Beeler has traveled to 45 states and three countries to work with educators on leadership, change management and the use of technology to rethink teaching and learning.

Cele Burt ’19 is associate director for graduate business programs in App State’s Walker College of Business (WCOB). She joined the university in 2015, initially holding roles in accounting and donor stewardship with the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. before transitioning to the WCOB Graduate Programs Office in July 2020.

In her current role, Burt advises Master of Business Administration students, collaborates with the Williams School of Graduate Studies to ensure alignment with policies and procedures and supports student success through cocurricular engagement. She also guides the Executive Impact Club and WCOB Graduate Programs Advisory Board, and she leads experiential learning initiatives such as the Dean’s Club Strategic Business Case Competition.

One nominator noted that Burt excels at leveraging and coordinating resources to support student success, “effectively connecting students with the academic, professional and institutional support they need.”

The nominator added that Burt has played a key role in implementing artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations into the MBA and Master of Science in applied data analytics programs and remains an integral contributor to the business in AI graduate certificate initiative, set to launch this fall. These efforts help translate new offerings into accessible, student-ready experiences, the nominator shared.

Chris Bicking serves as facility maintenance supervisor in App State University Recreation (UREC), overseeing the daily operations of multiple indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. He joined UREC in 2017 as a maintenance mechanic, working his way up to his current role, which he has held since 2022.

Bicking incorporates innovative and sustainable practices into his work, often repurposing materials to enhance campus recreation spaces, with a nominator noting, “Chris has an eye for bringing unique solutions to challenges we face. He acknowledges what is not working and comes up with creative ideas to achieve the desired outcomes.”

According to one of his nominators, among Bicking’s greatest strengths is his leadership in maintaining the Student Recreation Center pool — a responsibility that requires a deep understanding of mechanics and water chemistry. He has taken a proactive approach to building that expertise, attending professional conferences and completing his Certified Pool Operator certification.

“To put it simply, our pool would not be open without him,” wrote the nominator.

In addition to his technical expertise, Bicking works closely with campus partners and vendors to ensure UREC operations run smoothly while also supporting ongoing professional development for his staff.

Ryan Kennedy ’22 is an administrative support associate in App State’s Department of Psychology, a role he has held since 2022. His service to the department began during his undergraduate studies, when he served as a peer advisor.

One year after moving into his full-time role, Kennedy began App State’s master’s program in student affairs administration, balancing the demands of graduate school with his professional responsibilities.

“Ryan is a tremendous asset to the department and university at large,” wrote a nominator. “Despite his very busy schedule with school and work, he also seeks out ways to serve the larger community.”

One example of his service came during Hurricane Helene, when Kennedy volunteered at the university’s Disaster Relief Hub for nearly three weeks, assisting with a range of tasks, including check-in and check-out, completing forms and paperwork and organizing and filing documents.

Another nominator wrote, “Ryan is one of the first people I go to with questions. He responds to my emails in record time and is so knowledgeable of departmental and university policies and procedures. Ryan is so good at his job, but he is also just such a gem of a person.”

Ashley Vinson is an associate director in App State Student Affairs, where she works with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that engagement initiatives are responsive, collaborative and enduring.

A nominator pointed to Vinson’s leadership in the Civic Literacy Initiative — which aims to foster a civically engaged and informed university community — as a strong example of her ability to work across multiple departments and student groups. Through the initiative, she coordinates events such as Party at the Polls on the Boone campus.

Beyond individual programs, Vinson also develops structures that formalize stakeholder input, such as the Faculty Civic Champion Program, which invites faculty to help shape how civic engagement is embedded into coursework in ways that align with disciplinary goals.

“Ashley consistently approaches public-facing engagement with professionalism, care and diplomacy,” wrote a nominator. “She ensures that all civic engagement efforts are nonpartisan, inclusive and educational, reinforcing App State’s commitment to respectful dialogue and informed participation.”

The nominator also emphasized Vinson’s dedication to educating students on free speech, civic responsibility and dialogue across differences.

Russell Paige is a library technician, serving as night and evening services supervisor in App State’s Belk Library and Information Commons, where he has 18 years of experience providing front-line customer service to the App State and High Country communities.

His service to the university includes several years of membership on App State’s Staff Senate. Paige has also served as chair of Staff Senate’s annual coat and blanket drive and the University of North Carolina Staff Assembly’s annual food drive.

Additionally, Paige has served on and chaired the Chancellor’s Advisory Board and has been active in Staff Senate’s yearly Appalachian Kindness In Donations and Service (AppKIDS) initiative, which provides new winter clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, summer camps, high school graduation regalia, mental health services and more to Watauga County  schoolchildren in need.

One of Paige’s student employees shared, “I cannot imagine a more deserving supervisor for this award. Russell makes student employees feel comfortable, valued and confident in their roles, and he creates an environment where it’s OK to learn, grow and even make mistakes. That sense of support has meant so much to me throughout my time in college.”

In 2015, Paige’s dedication and service to the university were recognized with a Staff Award, an award presented by App State Human Resource Services that recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to campus life.

Daye Talley, of Raleigh, is a senior kinesiology major with a concentration in exercise science and minors in medical humanities and public health. After graduating from App State in May, she intends to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner working in underserved communities.

A sprinter on App State’s women’s track and field team, Talley has earned recognition on the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List during her time at App State, which honors student-athletes for high academic achievement. She is the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award and the Goodyear Family Athletic Scholarship.

“One of Daye’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to create community wherever she goes,” wrote a nominator. “She is the kind of person who makes others feel seen, welcomed and valued, a quality that aligns perfectly with the core values of compassion and service so needed in future healthcare professionals.”

Additionally, Talley serves as the social media and publicity chair for App State’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. During her time at App State, she has volunteered to support local organizations such as Special Olympics Watauga County, and she also assisted with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

David Itson, of Gastonia, is a senior accounting major who aspires to pursue a career in higher education administration, specifically student affairs. After graduating in May, Itson plans to complete an internship in the Division of Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Itson has held several student leadership roles during his time at App State, including vice president and treasurer of App State’s Black Student Association and director of campus resources for the Student Government Association. As founder of Fourth Gen Academic Support, Itson tutors over 20 K–12 students and assists with organizing school supply drives and holiday gift efforts. He is also a resident assistant and treasurer of App State’s Pi Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Itson is one of 12 students selected to participate in the 2026 William R. Holland International Business Fellowship program, which provides opportunities to study the Asian business landscape. As a Holland Fellow, he will engage in a two-week global immersion program, traveling to Cambodia, Hong Kong and Vietnam in May.

According to one nominator, Itson “embodies the spirit of Ronny L. Brooks: learning beyond the classroom, building community, supporting others and leading with exceptional character.”

Courtney Castellow, of Greenville, is a senior public relations major with minors in digital marketing and building science.

During her time at App State, Castellow has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service through her involvement in the Student Government Association. She is currently vice president of App State’s undergraduate student body, having previously served as Speaker of the Assembly and as a senior representative.

In addition to her work in student government, Castellow is the communications intern for the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and a resident assistant. She also works in the Office of the Provost and has served as a campus tour guide. In 2025, Castellow was one of 10 high-achieving students selected to participate in App State’s inaugural Wine and Fine Dining for Emerging Professionals program.

Castellow “is a leader whose character, commitment and impact consistently elevate the Appalachian State Community,” wrote one nominator. “She leads with care, respect, determination and an unwavering sense of responsibility for the people and organizations she serves.”

After graduating in May, Castellow plans to pursue a master’s degree in strategic communication.