App State professor of higher education Dr. Andrew Koricich, who is executive director of the App State-based Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, is the featured guest on NPR's nationally syndicated program "On Point." Koricich shares insights about why rural students have historically had fewer choices in higher education than suburban students and about the benefits of rural colleges to their communities, including increased economic opportunities and stability.

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.