Features

Dr. Sharon Contreras is a lifelong advocate for ensuring all children can access a high-quality, public education. Drawing from her own childhood experiences, her tenure as a high school English teacher and her career progression, which includes being the first woman of color to lead one of New York state’s largest school districts, she is a consistent innovator in public education. On this episode, she relates some of her guiding principles and beliefs that have helped her have a powerfully positive impact on public schools across the country. Find out why every day is a great day to be an educator.

On this episode of Appalachian Outdoorosity, Dr. Joy James, professor in App State’s Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, interviews Lauren Moody, who shares the outdoor activities she enjoyed while a student at App State — including her love of backpacking — and how to make the great outdoors an inclusive space for all. Moody has since graduated from App State, earning her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Find more App State podcasts and subscribe at podcasts.appstate.edu.

App State alumna Jane Palmer ’98 started her Nature Coatings business in 2017 to transform wood waste into high-performing black pigments. The company provides an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based carbon blacks.

From his childhood on a rural Nebraskan farm to the negotiating tables in our nation’s capital, Daniel Dawes has combined his lifelong passion for health equity, political acumen and confidence in a collaborative process to create real and powerful changes in the American health care system. With contagious hope and a non-partisan process, the widely respected health equity and policy expert leverages his understanding of the root causes of America’s health care problems to advance solutions. Daniel Dawes joins host Megan Hayes on this episode of SoundAffect.

Find more App State podcasts and subscribe at podcasts.appstate.edu.

Appalachian State University alumna Meredith Lindsey Draughn ’15 is the 2023 National School Counselor of the Year — giving her the opportunity to spotlight the school counseling profession and the school counselors who support K–12 students every day.

App State alumnus Tony Harris ’92 has an award-winning career in risk management and insurance — and three children who are Mountaineers.

As a dancer and choreographer, an artist and a social justice advocate, App State’s Juliet Irving ’19 has a blended perspective in her work as a freelance multimedia designer.

Daniel Gajda ’20 has turned his passion into a career, working as a professional freelance photographer after earning his B.S. in commercial photography from App State. He was able to put his skills to practice in summer 2021, photographing Tokyo’s Sport Climbing Olympics.

Mountaineer alumnus Mitch Purgason ’15 stitches his way to award-winning success, designing custom clothing for professional athletes, executives and fashion influencers.