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How NCInnovation Is Rethinking Economic Development in North Carolina [faculty featured]
Business North Carolina
Feb. 19, 2026
In this episode of “On the Ground,” Business North Carolina visits App State to explore how NCInnovation is turning university research into real-world solutions. The episode features interviews with Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Christine Hendren, Dr. Zach Russell and Dr. Gavin Colquitt of App State, along with NCInnovation staff and board member and former state Sen. Deanna Ballard. NCInnovation funding is supporting the commercial development of an AI-powered agricultural microscope developed by Russell and an interactive digital tool for children with developmental delays, led by Colquitt.
From 800 picture books to one: App State’s Jewel Davis leads Caldecott Medal selection
Davis teaches library courses and mentors K–12 educators throughout the region
Feb. 18, 2026
App State professor Jewel Davis read over 800 picture books to lead the selection of this year’s Caldecott Medal winner — an opportunity to elevate stories that spark a love of reading in a new generation. At App State, Davis brings her expertise directly to students, guiding future educators, librarians and storytellers.
12 App State students to study Asian markets as 2026 Holland Fellows
The 30-year-old international business fellowship will take students to Cambodia, Hong Kong and Vietnam
Feb. 12, 2026
Twelve App State students have been selected to participate in the university’s William R. Holland International Business Fellowship program, which, for the past 30 years, has provided exceptional opportunities to study the Asian business landscape. This year’s fellows will travel to Cambodia, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
App State offers accelerated training to help address child care shortages in Western NC
Child Care Academies to be held in Boone, Morganton and Hickory
Feb. 11, 2026
To address child care staffing shortages in the region, App State and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are partnering to offer three Child Care Academies in Western NC this spring and summer. Each academy will provide intensive child care training and certification at no cost to participants.
National designation affirms App State’s commitment to community engagement
Feb. 10, 2026
App State has received the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation, which recognizes schools that demonstrate an institutional commitment to community engagement that enriches scholarship, strengthens civic responsibility and contributes to the public good.
US News rankings spotlight quality of App State Online degree programs
The 2026 US News rankings also recognize App State business, education and nursing programs
Feb. 4, 2026
App State ranks among the nation’s top schools for online education, with its App State Online bachelor’s and master’s programs recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s “2026 Best Online Programs” rankings. App State has experienced six consecutive years of online student enrollment growth.
App State's full emergency notification system test rescheduled for Feb. 11
Feb. 2, 2026
During the test, App State uses email, voice and text messaging, and the Alertus desktop notification system to test system functionality.
App State’s Civic Literacy Initiative empowers students for active citizenship and dialogue across differences
Jan. 30, 2026
App State’s comprehensive, nonpartisan Civic Literacy Initiative — now in its second year — aims to foster a civically engaged and informed university community. Launched in fall 2024, the program’s key focus areas are dialogue across differences, voter participation and free speech and expression.
App State honored as 2025 Large Business of the Year by Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
The award recognizes App State’s leadership and impact in the High Country
Jan. 22, 2026
App State has been named Watauga County’s 2025 Large Business of the Year by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes the university for a milestone year that included the installation of Chancellor Heather Norris, its designation as a Research 2 institution and its continued contributions to the local economy.
App State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program accepting applications — priority deadline is Feb. 1
The hybrid program will welcome its first students this fall
Jan. 22, 2026
App State is accepting applications for its new Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner program. The part-time, hybrid program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one year of work experience. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline, Feb. 1.
A Rural Wisconsin Community Charts a Path for Intergenerational Care [faculty featured]
The Daily Yonder
Jan. 19, 2026
Dr. Jill Juris, professor and chair of App State’s Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education, shares insights from BRIDGE2Health, an intergenerational mentoring program linking high school students with older adults. Early data show it boosts social connections and life skills, benefiting participants of all ages.
App State music, theatre and dance teams collaborate to present 'Once Upon a Mattress'
The spring musical comedy is a coproduction of App State’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Hayes School of Music
Jan. 14, 2026
App State’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Hayes School of Music are collaborating to bring the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress” — based on the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” — to life for university and regional audiences. Five performances are scheduled to take place April 15–19 in Valborg Theatre on the Boone campus.
Focus On: Dr. Heather Norris
PBS North Carolina
Jan. 12, 2026
In this episode of PBS North Carolina’s “Focus On” series, App State Chancellor Heather Norris discusses the university’s recent growth, highlights and challenges. She reflects on guiding the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene, the impact of research, the rise of AI and more.
Top One-Year Online RN to BSN Programs for 2026
Nurse.org
Jan. 9, 2026
The nursing organization named App State’s RN to BSN program the No. 1 online RN to BSN program in the country for 2026, citing its affordability and positive online learning experience. The program is also highlighted for the flexibility of its one- to three-year formats, designed to accommodate students with varying weekly time commitments.
2025 Watauga County Business of the Year Winners Announced
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
Jan. 8, 2026
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce announced App State as the recipient of its 2025 Large Business of the Year award, recognizing a milestone year that included the appointment and installation of Chancellor Heather Norris, the university’s designation as a Research 2 institution and its continued contributions to the local economy.
Looking ahead to 2026: Appalachian State University
Watauga Democrat
Jan. 8, 2026
The Watauga Democrat looks ahead to App State in 2026, highlighting upcoming university construction projects and new academic programs both online and in Hickory. Chancellor Heather Norris also points to the university’s continued high retention and graduation rates, minimal student debt, positive returns on investment across academic programs and its role in meeting regional workforce needs.
Demystifying Wine for the Next Generation [faculty featured]
The Grapevine
Jan. 7, 2026
In this Q&A, Erik Martella, a wine specialist and lecturer in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, discusses the Wine and Fine Dining for Emerging Professionals Program — a two-day immersive initiative he created at the university. Martella reflects on what motivated the program, what today’s students are seeking from wine experiences, and how innovation in education and American viticulture can help shape a more engaged wine culture for the next generation.
NC public university research in action [faculty featured]
Spectrum News 1
Jan. 4, 2026
The Charlotte TV station interviews Dr. Zach Russell, assistant professor in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, about his AI-powered microscope that helps farmers diagnose parasites faster. Russell explains how his research is moving from the lab into the real world, supported by a $2.3 million NCInnovation grant.