BOONE, N.C. — At Appalachian State University, 10 first-year students have been selected as the 2026–27 recipients of the university’s Chancellor’s Scholarship — App State’s oldest and most academically competitive merit-based scholarship.

“We’re so proud to be in our 42nd year of granting this prestigious scholarship,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “These ambitious scholars represent the next generation of thinkers and doers, and I am eager to see how they leverage their intellect, drive and leadership to make a meaningful difference at our university, in our community and across the world.”

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a four-year program of study that covers full institutional costs (tuition, fees, room and board, and book rental). Chancellor’s Scholars are students in App State’s Honors College, and through this program, they are provided with numerous classroom and experiential research opportunities, as well as academic mentoring in a living-learning community and study abroad opportunities.

In addition to coverage of full institutional costs, Chancellor’s Scholars receive:

• Study abroad opportunities around the world — more than 600 education abroad opportunities are available to students annually. Scholars participate in a fully funded, faculty-led study abroad experience in conjunction with their Honors First Year Seminar course. Additionally, students receive funding support through the Honors College International Education Scholarship for study abroad opportunities.
• Support for research, scholarship and creative activities, as well as conference attendance, through App State’s Office of Student Research and Honors College Special Research Grants.
• Access to research support and personalized, professional mentoring through the Honors College.
• Opportunities to engage in service-learning courses and programs — both locally and throughout the world — through App State’s Office of Community-Engaged Leadership.

Chancellor’s Scholars participate in small, discussion-based, interdisciplinary Honors Seminar courses and produce original research as part of their honors theses. During their time at App State, the scholars serve as leaders both within App State’s Honors College and across campus.

Learn more about the Chancellor’s Scholarship at App State.

‘An amazing group of mentors and peers’

App State’s merit-based Chancellor’s Scholarship is offered to first-year students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and strong potential for success. The 2026–27 scholars are pursuing degrees in a range of fields — from biology, to political science, to computer information systems — and engaging in rigorous Honors coursework that provides additional educational opportunities.

Chancellor’s Scholar Jordan Pope, of Conover, shared that he is eager to pursue his academic goals at App State, which offers “a community full of support,” he said.

Additionally, having his undergraduate degree costs fully covered by the Chancellor’s Scholarship has made graduate school a financially viable option for Pope, he shared.

Leila Lower, a Chancellor’s Scholar from Raeford, shared that the international learning opportunities supported by App State’s Chancellor’s Scholarship will allow her to teach with a more worldly perspective when she becomes an educator.

Chancellor’s Scholar Eva Vuncannon, from Asheboro, shared that her decision to attend App State was thanks to “the personalized learning experience and the sense of community” fostered by the university. Vuncannon also said she is excited to reap the benefits of the Chancellor’s Scholarship with “an amazing group of mentors and peers.”

Jackson Haddock, a Chancellor’s Scholar from Raleigh, looks forward to how the scholarship and his experiences at App State will support his future endeavors. He noted that the opportunities afforded by the scholarship will support his pursuit of a medical career.

“They will position me to give back to the communities and mentors who have invested in my journey and shared my passion for helping others,” Haddock said.

Meet the 2026–27 Chancellor’s Scholars

Katherina Tereshchenkov, of Waxhaw, is a biology major with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology and a minor in art.

Jordan Pope, of Conover, is a computer information systems major with a minor in business analytics.

Sophia “Sophie” Schneider, of Richmond, Virginia, is a sustainable development major with a concentration in agroecology and sustainable agriculture.

Layla Mantilla, of Fuquay-Varina, is a public health major with a minor in biology.

Jackson Haddock, of Raleigh, is a biology major with a concentration in cellular/molecular biology.

Merrin Sipe, of Waxhaw, is a psychology major with a concentration in natural science.

Leila Lower, of Raeford, is a mathematics major.

Campbell Hodge, of Hendersonville, is a political science major with a concentration in legal studies and minors in American Sign Language and education.

Phoebe Artin, of Durham, is double majoring in Spanish and chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry.

Eva Vuncannon, of Asheboro, is a psychology major with a concentration in health studies.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Apply

Visit

Info

Degrees

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, 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.