App State’s New River Light has partnered with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to establish the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship, which supports graduating seniors from Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy who take part in the college’s Electrical Lineworker Institute.

Watauga County native and veteran App State Police Officer Johnny Brown has been named director of public safety and chief of police at Appalachian State University, after having served in the interim capacity of the role since September 2024. His new role became effective Jan. 20.

Dr. Francis T. Borkowski, App State’s chancellor from 1993 to 2003, died Jan. 19 at the age of 88. Under his leadership, the university strengthened academic and student success programs, expanded global education and helped establish the area as a cultural tourism destination.

Documentary photographer and App State alumnus Jesse Barber ’22 ’24 has played a key role in media efforts to cover the stories of Western North Carolina mountain communities after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Barber drove over 1,000 miles in three days to visit communities impacted by the storm.

Milestones from App State’s 125th anniversary year include new pathways to expand education access, record support for research funding, the continued improvement of campus facilities and recovery from Hurricane Helene — a historic natural disaster.