Topic: Community Engagement

Displaying 19 - 36 of 1430

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.
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.
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.
In 2025, App State celebrates its 8th chancellor amid record enrollment, research growth and campus advancements
Dec. 19, 2025
App State reflects on its 126th year in higher education — one marked by new leadership under Chancellor Heather Norris, as well as record enrollment, upgrades to campus infrastructure, advances in research and innovation, a continued focus on regional resilience, campus and community arts engagement, and student-athlete success.
Dr. Erin Peters develops virtual reality and web features for the Met's popular Egyptian exhibit
The project allows App State students to explore the intersection of art, history and technology
Dec. 11, 2025
App State’s Dr. Erin Peters has helped bring new life to the layered history of the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur — the subject of the Met’s “Dendur Decoded” virtual reality experience. Her work on the project provides opportunities for App State students to explore their classroom studies in a real-world context.
Educating generations: App State’s Lucy Brock program marks 85 years of preparing children and future educators to thrive
Dec. 10, 2025
For over 85 years, App State’s Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory has provided the highest quality of education and care for regional children — while also functioning as a professional preparation site for future Mountaineer educators. The lab, which uses research-based practices, serves nearly 600 students annually.
App State's Office of Rural Promise fortifies student and teacher success in North Carolina
Dec. 8, 2025
App State’s newly launched Office of Rural Promise fosters regional connections and supports growing programs that advance the success of students and educators in North Carolina schools. It serves as a strategic driver supporting the university’s research and innovation enterprise.
Passport, please! — App State ranks 4th nationally for study abroad participation
Faculty and alumni share their international learning experiences
Dec. 4, 2025
App State ranks No. 4 nationally among master’s institutions for study abroad participation, according to the latest “Open Doors Report.” Here, App State students and faculty share how living and learning overseas expanded their worldview and supported their growth as individuals.
Rural America, Growth Area? [faculty featured]
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Dec. 3, 2025
Several scholars of rural higher education — including Dr. Andrew Koricich, a professor in App State’s Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education — discuss the challenges students face in rural areas. Koricich, executive director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, has extensively researched rural colleges and student experiences.
Best Small Stadium In America? Appalachian State's Home In The Mountains [alumni featured]
Sports Illustrated
Dec. 2, 2025
In this video feature, App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium is spotlighted as one of the best small college football stadiums in the nation. Former Mountaineer players and alumni Larry Hand ’64 and Tommy Sofield ’76 share what makes App State a special place to play — and how the campus and Boone community elevate the football experience.
$838K grant fuels App State health research aimed at boosting Western NC resilience
The community-engaged research examines rural health and housing challenges post-Helene
Nov. 25, 2025
App State has received a $838,276 grant from Dogwood Health Trust in support of the university’s work as part of the Health Policy Research Consortium — an initiative aimed at addressing physical and mental health issues, substance use and misuse, and housing and food insecurity in Western North Carolina.
‘Toxic Soup’: PFAS and other contaminants surged in French Broad River after Helene, study finds [faculty featured]
NC Health News
Nov. 24, 2025
Dr. Shea Tuberty, professor in App State’s Department of Biology, discusses his study revealing toxic contaminants from debris and runoff in the French Broad River after Hurricane Helene. Tuberty and his colleagues collected water samples to assess the danger and inform solutions ahead of future disasters.
BOE recognizes multiple groups with the Servant's Heart Award
Watauga Democrat
Nov. 19, 2025
Watauga County Schools honored App State’s Child Development Center with a Servant’s Heart Award for helping Valle Crucis School recover after Hurricane Helene. When the school was closed, the CDC provided space for students, faculty and staff to continue learning together.
App State alumnus Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18 helps veterans find their voice
Blakeley, an Army veteran, was the featured speaker at App State's Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 14, 2025
App State’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, held Nov. 11 on the Boone campus, honors the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces. This year’s ceremony featured remarks from Chancellor Heather Norris and alumnus Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18, a former U.S. Army Special Operations Ranger.