Topic: Arts and Humanities

Displaying 1 - 18 of 873

App State archaeology team discovers ancient campsite at Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County
Dozens of site artifacts offer insight into early life in the High Country
July 25, 2025
App State archaeologist Dr. Alice Wright and her team of student researchers have unearthed dozens of artifacts at App State’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County that date back to prehistory — evidence that, 8,000 to 1,000 years ago, Native American peoples used the area as a campsite.
This North Carolina Mountain Town Hosts One Of America’s Biggest Summer Arts Celebrations
Southern Living
June 29, 2025
Southern Living features App State’s acclaimed performing and visual arts festival, An Appalachian Summer, describing it as "one of the largest regional multi‑arts festivals in America." The article explores the festival’s history, highlights its 2025 lineup and encourages readers to visit Boone, North Carolina, for this annual celebration of the arts.
App State researchers uncover hidden history at Fort Defiance
June 23, 2025
Ground-penetrating radar and App State interdisciplinary detective work have revealed 105 graves of enslaved people at Fort Defiance, adding new layers of history to the Lenoir-area landmark and confirming generations of family stories.
Appalachian State professor on new book about fermented foods and drinks of the South
WUNC
May 21, 2025
Dr. Brett Taubman, professor in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, talks about his new book, “Southern Culture on the Fizz: An Effervescent Guide to Fermented Foods and Beverages from the American South.” Taubman is the director of the university’s fermentation sciences program.
Library celebrates the Junaluska Heritage Association [faculty featured]
Watauga Democrat
May 21, 2025
The annual Friends of the Watauga County Library celebration featured a panel discussion centered on two recently published books about Boone’s historic Junaluska neighborhood. Editors Susan Keefe, professor emerita in App State’s Department of Anthropology, and Pegge Laine spoke about their work collaborating with the community, alongside Junaluska Heritage Association members.
Appalachian Dance Ensemble marks half-century with over 500 original creative works, 5,700 participants
April 4, 2025
Since its inception in 1975, the Appalachian Dance Ensemble at App State has premiered over 500 original works — involving more than 5,700 students, faculty, guest artists and community members. Learn about the ensemble’s history and the people who have shaped it over the years.
From philosophy to AI: App State alumnus Tommy Guy ’07 champions interdisciplinary learning
Guy's support benefits students and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences
March 17, 2025
Tommy Guy ’07 said the out-of-the-box thinking he learned as a Mountaineer has been fundamental to his success since graduating from the university. Now Guy — who works at Microsoft as a principal architect for Copilot AI — remains an engaged member of the App State Community, investing in students and programs across the university.
App State alum entrepreneur becomes official designer for Heisman blazer [alumni featured]
The Appalachian
March 8, 2025
App State alumnus Mitch Purgason ’15, a clothing designer and founder of his eponymous business, designed the official blazer for award recipients at last year’s Heisman Trophy ceremony for top collegiate football players. Purgason started his business while he was a student at App State. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management in 2015.
Audio Education 2024, Pt. 4: Appalachian State University [faculty featured]
Mix Magazine
Nov. 27, 2024
App State’s Hayes School of Music recently installed a Dolby Atmos control room in its Robert F. Gilley Recording Studio. Scott Wynne, professor of music industry studies at App State, speaks about the system installation and how it was a positive experience for students, as well as future projects that are in the works for the studio.
North Carolina Photographer Points His Lens Toward Hope Amidst The Devastation Of His Home State [alumni featured]
Southern Living
Oct. 9, 2024
App State alumnus Jesse Barber ’22 ’24, a documentary photographer and Western North Carolina native, brought a unique perspective to his photo coverage of Hurricane Helene, with an aim to capture hope amidst the devastation of his home state. Barber graduated from App State with a bachelor’s degree in documentary studies and a master’s degree in Appalachian studies.
Jewel Davis appointed chair of 2026 Caldecott Award Selection Committee
Aug. 28, 2024
Jewel Davis, an education librarian and professor in University Libraries at App State, has been appointed to serve as chair of the 2026 Randolph Caldecott Award Selection Committee. The Caldecott Medal, established in 1937 and presented annually by the American Library Association, is one of the oldest and most highly regarded awards for children's book illustration in the United States. As committee chair, Davis will lead 14 distinguished librarians from across the nation in evaluating and selecting the most outstanding picture books published in 2025.
App State receives first major private donation for Wey Hall renovation project
Funds will support space upgrades, establishment of Cathy P. Walling Student Art Gallery
Aug. 2, 2024
App State has received a $300,000 commitment for the renovation of Wey Hall from Luke Walling, founder of Temprano Techvestors. The gift will provide funding for the establishment of the Cathy P. Walling Student Art Gallery — named in memory of his mother — and for upgrades to labs and studio spaces.
Appalachian Today: Episode 4
March 4, 2024
On this episode of Appalachian Today, University Communications’ Dave Blanks provides a quick rundown of some of the latest news stories available at today.appstate.edu. Story topics include: the Feb. 22 topping out ceremony for App State’s Holmes Convocation Center Parking Deck; App State’s recognition of “Best Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2024,” with Fortune magazine ranking App State No. 11 in the nation for its M.S. in applied data analytics program; App State’s second annual Mobilize the Mountains Day of Service on Feb. 24, during which dozens of student and faculty volunteers contributed over 111 hours of community service; a $100,000 donation to App State from the Mebane Foundation to fund the expansion of reading assistance services for K–3 students in Watauga and Catawba counties; App State professor Joseph Bathanti’s induction into the N.C. Literary Hall of Fame; and Keith Werner’s appointment as App State chief information officer, effective March 18.

Find more App State podcasts and subscribe at podcasts.appstate.edu.
App State Gospel Choir uplifts campus and local community through song
Feb. 26, 2024
For nearly 50 years, the App State Gospel Choir has been uplifting the campus community through song in the Black religious tradition. According to alumni, the choir is a vehicle for cultural expression and a welcoming family that provides a sense of home.
4 acclaimed authors to visit App State for spring 2024 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series
The authors will share their work, give talks on the craft of writing
Feb. 16, 2024
This spring, App State will host four award-winning authors as part of its 2023–24 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series. The authors will read from their work and deliver talks on the craft of writing.
Border Belt People: Jessica Cory brings awareness to Lumbee literature [faculty featured]
Border Belt Independent
Feb. 7, 2024
This Q&A in Border Belt Independent features Jessica Cory, a lecturer in App State’s Department of English, who speaks about her interest in the Lumbee tribe and her inspiration to write about the significance of tribal history. Cory talks about her journey as a writer and what she hopes people will gain from reading her article, “The Politics of Recognition and the Power of Place in Lumbee Women’s Poetry,” which was published by the North Carolina Literary Review.
Hayes School of Music Dean James Douthit inducted into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame
Dec. 8, 2023
Dr. James Douthit, dean of the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, was recently inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. Every two years, exemplary piano teachers are selected to receive the honor, which "recognizes the talented educators who foster passion, creativity and discipline in the next generation of piano artists." The induction ceremony was held in the Steinway and Sons factory in Astoria, Queens, New York, and included around 40 teachers from across North America.
Hayes School of Music faculty, students install state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos studio
App State’s music industry studies program encourages hands-on learning
Dec. 8, 2023
App State faculty and students have installed a new Dolby Atmos immersive sound system in the Robert F. Gilley Recording Studio, housed in App State’s Hayes School of Music. The experience offered students hands-on learning with a prominent technology in the music industry.