New research suggests that fossilized human footprints found in New Mexico’s White Sands National Park were made more than 20,000 years ago. The study, conducted by geologists in the U.S. Geological Survey, challenges decades of thinking about when humans arrived in North America. Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce — a professor in App State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences who has studied ancient human footprints in Tanzania — explains how this study further supports the presence of humans in North America during the last ice age.

Day two of the annual “Up & Coming Designer” series on the Tamron Hall Show featured designer Rachel Stevens, a 2020 App State graduate with a degree in apparel design and merchandising. On the show, Stevens tells her story of how she got into fashion and how App State helped her pursue her passion, plus she showcases several of her recent clothing designs.

App State was named a 2023-24 Military Friendly School for the 14th consecutive year, ranking No. 9 out of more than 1,800 participating universities. This feature in The Appalachian highlights how App State continues to work to create a welcoming and accommodating community for student veterans, active-duty service members and military dependents.

In this Runner's World article, health experts offer advice on how to become a stronger runner and speak to the importance of recovery after exercise. Dr. David Nieman, professor of biology and director of App State's Human Performance Laboratory, talks about his study of competitive runners who took ibuprofen during a race, and about his findings showing that it did not aid in their recovery, but instead may have hampered it.

App State will retire former quarterback Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey number during the Mountaineers’ Nov. 25 home game against Georgia Southern. Edwards led App State to a pair of national titles from 2006-09 and famously helped lead the Mountaineers to a historic upset victory over Michigan in 2007. Edwards graduated from App State in 2010.

In this feature on WSOC-TV, App State Chancellor Sheri Everts talks about the affordable degree opportunities at the new App State Hickory campus, and several students explain how the campus will save them a lot of time and money in their pursuit of a college education. The first day of classes at the new campus was Monday, Aug. 21.

College professors from across the country, including Dr. Christopher Bartel, professor in App State’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, explain how they can tell if students are using AI-generated text in their assignments.

Jullian Harrison, a 37-year-old from Morganton with cerebral palsy, graduated with magna cum laude honors from App State on May 12, earning his bachelor’s degree in social work. Harrison is confined to a wheelchair and has limited use of his hands and arms. He had to work very closely with his trainers to complete his assignments, but he said he never doubted he would graduate college.

Over the past few years, insurance companies in states such as California, Colorado, Louisiana and Florida have scaled back or discontinued new policies and renewals in the wake of costly weather disasters. As a result, millions of homeowners nationwide are having to accept coverage at higher prices and with less protection. Dr. David Marlett, managing director of App State’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, comments on how this impacts the insurance market, real estate, construction, lending and more.