Appalachian Today

Dr. Neva J. Specht has been appointed executive vice chancellor and provost of Appalachian State University, announced Chancellor Heather Norris on Thursday, April 24. The appointment is effective May 1.

App State has been designated a 2025–26 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY for the 16th consecutive year, receiving its third consecutive top 10 ranking from the organization. The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation for the second year in a row.

This fall, App State’s Walker College of Business will launch new artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations as part of its master’s programs in business administration and applied data analytics — with an aim to prepare graduates for career success in an increasingly AI-driven business world.

During the 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving, App State celebrated contributions from more than 3,100 donors spanning 45 states and six countries. Their gifts support numerous programs and initiatives across the university, elevating the App State Experience for students, faculty and staff.

App State has opened a new food pantry — the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub — at its Hickory campus. A vital resource for Mountaineers who are experiencing food insecurity, the new pantry was made possible by a generous donation from local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin.