Appalachian Today

High-quality academics, innovation and value secure App State’s spot among America’s top schools for 2025–26

US News names App State a top 5 regional university for innovation, undergraduate teaching and veterans support

Sept. 29, 2025

Six national publications — including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine — have recognized App State among the best schools in the nation, and the Southeast, for 2025–26. The publications lauded the university for its academics, innovation and value, among other aspects.

How App State makes and communicates weather-related operations decisions
Nov. 20, 2025
Representatives from across Appalachian State University work together to make decisions about in-person classes and campus operations when bad weather is on the way.
App State alumnus Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18 helps veterans find their voice
Blakeley, an Army veteran, was the featured speaker at App State's Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 14, 2025
App State’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, held Nov. 11 on the Boone campus, honors the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces. This year’s ceremony featured remarks from Chancellor Heather Norris and alumnus Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18, a former U.S. Army Special Operations Ranger.
App State named among top institutions for business education in US and worldwide
Walker College of Business and its bachelor’s, master’s programs recognized by U.S. News, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine and Fortune magazine
Nov. 6, 2025
App State has earned national and international recognition for its Walker College of Business and business degree programs. The university was featured in the 2025 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, CEO Magazine and Fortune magazine.
Caught on camera: Global study finds mammal species defying nocturnal and diurnal labels
The research, co-led by App State's Dr. Zach Farris, analyzed 445 species across 6 continents
Nov. 5, 2025
Using nearly nine million images from 20,000 camera traps, global research co-led by App State faculty member Dr. Zach Farris shows many wild mammals are behaving differently than previously thought and may be misclassified.
From Army to App State: Jack Sullivan builds support for fellow student veterans
Nov. 3, 2025
As Appalachian State University prepares to observe Veterans Day, Student Veterans Association President Jacob “Jack” Sullivan is focused on supporting the growing community of military-affiliated students on campus.
11 new Chancellor’s Scholars join App State’s academic community for 2025–26
For fall 2026, prospective students should apply by Nov. 15 and submit all materials by Nov. 30 to be considered for first-year university scholarships
Oct. 31, 2025
For the 2025–26 academic year, 11 first-year App State students are Chancellor’s Scholars. The Chancellor’s Scholarship — App State’s oldest and most academically competitive merit-based scholarship — is one of several academically competitive scholarships offered by the university. For fall 2026, prospective students should apply by Nov. 15 and submit all materials by Nov. 30 to guarantee consideration for most first-year university scholarships.

21,798 Mountaineers enroll at App State for fall 2025

Online and transfer enrollment records drive strategic growth across university, while Boone enrollment remains steady

Sept. 5, 2025

This fall, App State enrolls 21,798 Mountaineer students, a 1.1% increase over last fall and its largest undergraduate population to date. Fall 2025 enrollment at App State was boosted by a 28% rise in online students and the highest-ever number of transfer students.

Events

Nov
17
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International Education Week
Office of International Programs
Nov. 17 - 21, 2025
International Education Week (IEW) at App State is an annual celebration of the global engagement that happens throughout the year through our clubs, courses, and conversations. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are encouraged to participate in programming throughout the week. IEW on the national level is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
Nov
19
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Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble (FADE)
Department of Theatre and Dance
Nov. 19 - 23, 2025
FADE is a popular semi-annual concert featuring Appalachian faculty and students showcasing their talents in choreography and performance. The 2025 edition includes original choreography by Dance Studies faculty members Laurie Atkins, Taryn Griggs, Sherone Price and Sam Stone with student choreographers creating new works for each program; they will be announced at a later date with as many as eight different pieces being performed every night.
Nov
21
Three-Minute Thesis Competition
Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) is a competition in which graduate students explain their research or scholarly/creative projects in jargon-free language to a general “lay” audience in three minutes with the help of only one static PowerPoint slide. It was started at the University of Queensland (Australia) and has since been adopted at universities worldwide. The first-place winner in App State's local competition will represent the University at the regional competition held at the annual Conference of Southern Graduate Schools.
Nov
21
Dr. Lorraine Affourtit: “Facilitating Creative Climate Engagement”
Climate Stories Collaborative
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
3 - 4:30 p.m.
The Climate Stories Collaborative invites you to join us for this a ninety-minute interactive workshop for faculty and staff across the arts, humanities, and sciences who want to incorporate climate-related learning into their teaching. Rather than focus solely on climate science or policy, this session explores how creative practices—storytelling, visual thinking, embodied learning, and community engagement—can deepen students’ understanding of climate change and support meaningful action.
Nov
21
33rd Annual Holiday Scholarship Concert
Hayes School of Music
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
7:30 p.m.
For over three decades, the Holiday Scholarship Concert has been an annual tradition to usher in the holiday season in the High Country! Dr. Tyler Young (Assistant Teaching Professor of Voice and Opera) returns as the Artistic Director of the concert and almost every student in the Hayes School of Music is engaged in the concert through festive performances by many of our ensembles. Join the Hayes School of Music for this classic celebration that kicks off the holiday season in the High Country!
Dec
12
Fall 2025 Commencement
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.