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.

Dr. Erin Peters develops virtual reality and web features for the Met's popular Egyptian exhibit
The project allows App State students to explore the intersection of art, history and technology
Dec. 11, 2025
App State’s Dr. Erin Peters has helped bring new life to the layered history of the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur — the subject of the Met’s “Dendur Decoded” virtual reality experience. Her work on the project provides opportunities for App State students to explore their classroom studies in a real-world context.
Educating generations: App State’s Lucy Brock program marks 85 years of preparing children and future educators to thrive
Dec. 10, 2025
For over 85 years, App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory has provided the highest quality of education and care for regional children — while also functioning as a professional preparation site for future Mountaineer educators. The lab, which uses research-based practices, serves nearly 600 students annually.
App State's inaugural Conway Scholars: 42 students shaping the future of health care
The nursing majors and scholars will help strengthen NC’s health care workforce
Dec. 9, 2025
App State has named 42 nursing students as its inaugural class of Conway Scholars. These aspiring health care providers receive scholarship support funded by a significant commitment from the Bedford Falls Foundation — one that supports the university’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program.
App State's Office of Rural Promise fortifies student and teacher success in North Carolina
Dec. 8, 2025
App State’s newly launched Office of Rural Promise fosters regional connections and supports growing programs that advance the success of students and educators in North Carolina schools. It serves as a strategic driver supporting the university’s research and innovation enterprise.
Passport, please! — App State ranks 4th nationally for study abroad participation
Faculty and alumni share their international learning experiences
Dec. 4, 2025
App State ranks No. 4 nationally among master’s institutions for study abroad participation, according to the latest “Open Doors Report.” Here, App State students and faculty share how living and learning overseas expanded their worldview and supported their growth as individuals.
App State named a top 5 school nationally for service members, veterans for 2025 — Military Times
Dec. 3, 2025
App State has been recognized among the nation’s top higher education institutions for military service members and veterans, ranking as a top five school named to Military Times’ 2025 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list.

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

Jan
28
Internship Expo
Career Development Center
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Are you looking to gain experience through an internship? Come to the Internship Expo and meet large, small, non-profit, for-profit, government, local, statewide, and national organizations seeking interns. All majors and all class years are welcome.
Feb
14
Margo Price
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
7:30 p.m.
For nearly a decade, Margo Price has created a lane where independent-minded, insurgent country music can exist and thrive alongside the mainstream. Now she’s back with an exquisite, timeless album that reconnects with her roots. At its core, Hard Headed Woman is about that furious instinct to never waver — especially when our values and future are so clearly on the line. It’s country music as only Price can make it: free of rules, cherishing tradition, hard headed but with a delicate beating heart.
Feb
20
Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
7:30 p.m.
For over 50 years, Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance – has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.
Feb
25
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Mar
1
oh to be pure again
Department of Theatre and Dance
Feb. 25 - March 1, 2026
During one hot Texas summer at a Charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls’ cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. A visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture that's obsessed with purity. By Kira Rockwell.
Mar
4
Internship and Job Fair
Career Development Center
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
12 - 3 p.m.
The Internship and Job Fair is our largest and most comprehensive career event. Serving students and alumni of all majors and skills, the event is host to many organizations across all industry sectors that are ready to network with students and introduce them to hundreds of valuable internship and job opportunities.
Apr
15
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19
Once Upon a Mattress
Department of Theatre and Dance
April 15 - 19, 2026
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer