Appalachian Journal: A Regional Studies Review — an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal published by App State’s Center for Appalachian Studies — marks its 50th anniversary this academic year. The journal features scholarly works, reviews and poetry focused on the Appalachian Mountains region.

This spring, App State will host five esteemed authors — including a former U.S. poet laureate — as part of its 2022–23 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series. The authors will read from their work and deliver talks on the craft of writing.

This Black History Month, learn more about a few of the Black leaders, alumni, students, staff and campus visitors who enrich the App State Experience every day of the year, as well as university events, initiatives and research endeavors focused on Black history.

App State’s longest-running continuous publication — the literary journal Cold Mountain Review — is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Published annually by App State’s Department of English, the journal features contemporary works from both established and unpublished contributors of all backgrounds and identities.

Four acclaimed authors — Savannah Sipple, Neema Avashia, Leigh Ann Henion and Scott Blackburn — will visit App State’s campus this fall as part of the 2022–23 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series. The authors will read from their work and deliver talks on the craft of writing.

The Freiman family has donated more than $2 million to App State in support of An Appalachian Summer Festival and University Libraries. The gifts were given in memory of Larry Freiman — who passed away in 2021 — by his wife, Barbara, and their children and grandchildren.

App State music therapy student Renee Yong was one of five students worldwide to win a scholarship in the fall 2021 Make Your Mark International Scholarship Contest, for her song “Cold Mountain Shadow.” Post-graduation, she aims to research music therapy treatments for depression.