Brian MacHarg, Appalachian’s director of academic civic engagement, co-authors this opinion piece that COVID-19, much like Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina, is a time for renewed focus on service-learning. “Universities have an obligation to serve the country in new and unique ways in the face of the coronavirus, and offices of service-learning and community engagement should again be on the forefront of helping the nation to recover…,” he writes.

Appalachian State University Athletics partnered with Ransom and Stick Boy Bread Co. to deliver between 150 and 175 brunch meals to Appalachian Regional Healthcare System staff at the Watauga Medical Center on April 12. The athletics department wanted to bring some joy and a demonstration of support for health care workers while also supporting local businesses, according to Kate Misltead, assistant director of marketing for App State Athletics.

David Nieman, Dr.P.H., director of Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab, discusses his seminal studies that have shown immunity decreases as exercise duration increases — important information to keep in mind as people seek to remain healthy during the pandemic.

David Nieman, Dr.P.H., director of Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab, discusses the health benefits of physical activity during a pandemic and adds that keeping a bigger buffer zone between fellow runners or riders is important for safety during this time.

App State’s Dr. Andrew Koricich has already begun thinking about what the future holds for students after COVID-19, especially rural students. He encourages rural students to remember society will eventually find a new normal and that they should take care of and be kind to themselves, because their voices and actions are needed on the other side of this pandemic.