Topic: Health and Wellness

Displaying 1 - 18 of 429

$500K Golden LEAF Foundation funding equips nursing simulation lab at App State Hickory
March 3, 2026
A $500,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation will equip a nursing simulation and clinical learning lab at App State’s Hickory campus. The new space will support App State’s nursing program — including the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, launching this fall — and serve as a hub for interprofessional health care education.
App State's Dr. JP Jameson honored for advancing rural mental health care across Western NC
Jameson receives UNC System’s 2025 James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service
Feb. 27, 2026
Dr. John Paul “JP” Jameson, App State professor of psychology, has received the 2025 Gov. James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service from the UNC System Board of Governors. The award recognizes Jameson's work to improve access to quality mental health care services for rural communities across Western North Carolina.
Protecting those who protect us: App State studies the cooling limits of new firefighter gear
Dr. Caroline Smith is App State’s lead for this collaborative research with NC State
Feb. 24, 2026
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.
App State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program accepting applications — priority deadline is Feb. 1
The hybrid program will welcome its first students this fall
Jan. 22, 2026
App State is accepting applications for its new Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner program. The part-time, hybrid program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one year of work experience. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline, Feb. 1.
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.
11 Tips for Overcoming Gym Anxiety [faculty featured]
Everyday Health
Dec. 28, 2025
Dr. Hannah Holmes, clinical assistant professor in App State’s Department of Psychology, shares 11 tips for overcoming gym anxiety — the fear, worry and self-consciousness some people experience when exercising at the gym. She notes that strategies such as working out with a friend, taking a class or partnering with a personal trainer can help boost confidence.
App State awarded $1.1M NCInnovation grant for digital tool supporting families of children with developmental delays
Dec. 18, 2025
Supported by a $1.1 million NCInnovation grant, App State’s Dr. Gavin Colquitt is developing an interactive, AI-powered web-based platform designed to identify delayed development of movement skills in young children and provide support resources for these children and their families. Colquitt plans to launch the platform in Western NC, with a goal of expanding it across North Carolina and the U.S.
Meet Your Vagus Nerve: A Key Pathway Linking Brain, Body and Behavior [faculty featured]
Technology Networks
Dec. 11, 2025
Dr. Hannah Holmes, clinical assistant professor in App State’s Department of Psychology, breaks down the anatomy, function and impact of the vagus nerve. She explores how vagal pathways support heart rate, digestion and emotional regulation, why the vagus nerve is central to stress recovery and overall well-being, and the bidirectional signals that link physical states and psychological 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.
App State advances community-driven research for recovery and resilience
Ongoing post-Helene projects examine flood forecasting models, backup energy systems, ecological impacts, private well contamination and health solutions
Sept. 19, 2025
App State research in the wake of Helene has the university joining local partners, diving into health data, surveying ecosystems and energizing transdisciplinary initiatives to armor the Western North Carolina region against future disasters.
3 App State teams confront flood risks and teacher shortages with Chancellor's Innovation grants
Aug. 26, 2025
Three App State faculty teams have been awarded grants of up to $25,000 each as part of the 2025 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program. Their winning projects aim to increase the number of special education teachers in NC’s public schools and better quantify flood–health risks by fusing data, AI and community input.
The future of healthcare starts online and why more and more students are choosing online healthcare management degrees
Yes! Weekly
July 31, 2025
The Greensboro newspaper features App State’s Bachelor of Science in health care management as a top online program in North Carolina for health care degrees. The article highlights the program’s academic rigor, real-world experience and flexibility for working professionals, transfer students and others entering the field.
Some Helene volunteers show signs of PTSD, App State professor says [faculty featured]
Spectrum News 1
July 17, 2025
Dr. Maggie Sugg, associate professor and honors director in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, speaks about Hurricane Helene volunteers and why some show signs of PTSD. Sugg’s research team has surveyed volunteers from Watauga, Buncombe and Yancey counties to better understand trauma after natural disasters and how to help those affected.
Is Carb Cycling the Key to Increasing Your Endurance? [faculty featured]
GQ
June 6, 2025
Health experts, including Dr. Laurel Wentz, an associate professor in App State’s Nutrition and Foods Program, discuss carb cycling and its potential benefits. The diet involves alternating between high- and low-carb intake days. Wentz is a registered dietitian and a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics.
App State nutrition students empower Watauga’s young athletes to use food as fuel for athletic performance
43 middle school student-athletes from 6 schools participated
June 5, 2025
Over 40 local middle school student-athletes took part in App State’s Fuel Your Game Watauga program this spring, learning how proper nutrition can boost athletic performance. App State nutrition graduate students engaged the students in discussions on food groups and shared nutritional facts.
App State nursing program receives $1 million commitment from Bedford Falls Foundation
May 21, 2025
The Bedford Falls Foundation has committed $1million in support of App State’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program — specifically student scholarships and student success initiatives. More than 40 App State nursing students will benefit from this scholarship support.
App State opens Mofford and Giffin Food Hub at its Hickory campus
Funds for the food pantry were donated by local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin
April 7, 2025
App State has opened a new food pantry — the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub — at its Hickory campus. A vital resource for Mountaineers who are experiencing food insecurity, the new pantry was made possible by a generous donation from local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin.
App State earns national recognition as a top 10 Food Allergy-Friendly College
The Spokin ranking honors App State’s efforts to provide a campus dining experience designed for all
Dec. 10, 2024
App State has been recognized on a national scale for its efforts to provide a safe and inclusive campus dining experience for all. The university is ranked among the nation’s top 10 Food Allergy-Friendly Colleges according to Spokin, a food allergy app and lifestyle platform.