The Common Reading Program at Appalachian State University is delighted to offer “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work,” from legendary American radio producer and documentarian Dave Isay, as the university's common reading book for the 2025-2026 academic year. Isay’s work over the past three decades has earned him nearly every award in broadcasting, including five Peabody Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a MacArthur "Genius Grant," the 2015 TED Prize, and numerous other recognitions.

Join faculty, staff, students and community members in a public reading of excerpts from the U.S. Constitution in the Solarium of Plemmons Student Union.

Research, fun and refreshments are front and center—and the campus community is encouraged to attend the seventh annual Research and Creative Activity at Appalachian (RECAPP) Event. Help celebrate the research, scholarship and creative endeavors of Appalachian State faculty and staff, with keynote speakers Dr. Rahman Tashakkori and Dr. Joby Bell.

Join us to mark the anniversary of Helene by learning about climate resilience and community resilience. We’re excited to host two leading thinkers/doers in the resilience space: Marlena Byrne presenting “Building a More Resilient Western North Carolina” and Dr. Deirdre Pfeiffer presenting “Sustainable Futures for Single-Family Home Communities.”

This symposium brings together practitioners, municipal leaders, and nonprofit innovators to reflect on the regional response to Tropical Storm Helene and to explore strategies for building climate and disaster resilience. Panelists from the Footprint Project, the Town of Boone, Buncombe County, and Appalachian State University will share their institutions’ experiences in storm response, recovery, their role in community resilience, and lessons learned to prepare Western North Carolina for future challenges.