App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.

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.