Since opening last summer, App State’s Robotics Lab has expanded its research activities and student involvement, giving student researchers opportunities to explore how robots can learn, adapt and collaborate with humans in dynamic environments. The lab combines research in robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning while also emphasizing experiential learning.

To mark the 40th year of App State’s Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, the Rosen siblings have made two significant gifts to the university that continue their late parents’ legacy of supporting the visual arts at App State: “Braid,” for the university’s permanent sculpture collection, and an experiential learning award supporting faculty and staff artists.

App State is teaming up with Vaya Partners on the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen rural healthcare across 12 NC counties. Supported by an $11.5 million-plus grant, App State will develop educational pathways, clinical placements and financial assistance to help prepare and retain healthcare professionals where they are needed most.

Builders Insurance Group, under the leadership of Todd Campbell ’87, has made a $500,000 commitment to App State’s Walker College of Business, supporting the relocation and modernization of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. The relocation will help facilitate student connections with peers and industry partners, positioning them for career success.

App State has exceeded $50 million in private donations for two consecutive years, making fiscal years 2025 and 2026 the most successful fundraising years in university history. Funds raised support resources and programming for students, faculty and staff, with significant contributions going to academics, the arts and athletics.

From securing small businesses against cyberthreats to building a resilient workforce, App State’s 2026 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars awards are funding two vital faculty-led projects to support the skilled building trades in Western North Carolina and launch a cybersecurity clinic in Hickory.

Appalachian State Giving Day raised more than $2.8 million in support of programs and initiatives across the university — a new fundraising record for the university. This year’s event also broke records for participation, with over 3,600 Mountaineers and friends of App State making contributions that support academics, athletics and the arts.

Specialized pediatric care is now closer to home for High Country families thanks to App State’s Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic, which provides expert diagnosis and treatment for children with developmental delays. With $2 million in funding support from Vaya Health, the clinic will expand its operations this spring, including at App State’s Hickory campus.

App State research led by Dr. Caroline Smith, in collaboration with NC State, aims to advance firefighter safety by testing whether new moisture barriers in personal protective gear prevent overheating — a key factor in reducing firefighters’ risk of heat stroke and cardiac events. The work is supported by a $1.5 million FEMA grant.