Appalachian Today

Congratulations Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, Chancellor

Feb. 27, 2025

On Feb. 27, 2025, the UNC Board of Governors elected Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris as the next leader of Appalachian State University. Norris has served as interim chancellor since April 2024. Her career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community, and she brings more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise to her role as chancellor.

App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
Mountaineers were recognized for leadership, teaching, service and more
April 29, 2025
At its third annual Awards of Distinction ceremony, App State honored 29 students, faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence in serving the university and its community members. The event was held April 24 on the Boone campus.
App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
April 28, 2025
Over spring break, 10 App State students traveled to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina, where they performed volunteer work as part of an Alternative Service Experience. ASE provides students the opportunity to take part in service, learning and community engagement during breaks from school.
Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
April 25, 2025
Dr. Neva J. Specht has been appointed executive vice chancellor and provost of Appalachian State University, announced Chancellor Heather Norris on Thursday, April 24. The appointment is effective May 1.
$2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
April 24, 2025
A nearly $2 million, six-year grant awarded to App State by the National Science Foundation will boost academic and scholarship support for more than 50 Mountaineer students pursuing STEM degrees. Eligible students will receive up to $8,500 in scholarship funding per year, for up to four years.
App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
April 15, 2025
App State has been designated a 2025–26 Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY for the 16th consecutive year, receiving its third consecutive top 10 ranking from the organization. The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation for the second year in a row.
Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
MBA, applied data analytics programs will feature the new tracks, beginning this fall
April 15, 2025
This fall, App State’s Walker College of Business will launch new artificial intelligence (AI) concentrations as part of its master’s programs in business administration and applied data analytics — with an aim to prepare graduates for career success in an increasingly AI-driven business world.

Spring 2025 Commencement

May 9 - 10, 2025

Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.

Events

May
4
Resounding Resistance: Folk-Infused Classical Music, 1937-1945
High Country Humanities
Sunday, May 4, 2025
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
App State’s High Country Humanities — with support from North Carolina Humanities and the Watauga Arts Council — is pleased to present a public listening workshop, followed by a free concert. The listening workshop celebrates the 80th anniversary of the “Asheville Concerto” (“Piano Concerto No. 3”) by Béla Bartók (1881-1945). After a fifteen-minute intermission, there will be a free public concert, sponsored by a Grassroots Grant from the Watauga Arts Council.
May
9
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10
Spring 2025 Commencement
May 9 - 10, 2025
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
Jun
6
First Friday Art Crawl
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Friday, June 6, 2025
5 - 8 p.m.
Join us at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts every First Friday of the month as downtown Boone comes alive with creativity, community, and celebration! Explore our captivating galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions, meet local artists, and enjoy free admission. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring night out, the Turchin Center is the perfect place to start your First Friday Art Crawl adventure.
Jun
28
Amos Lee
An Appalachian Summer
Saturday, June 28, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter Amos Lee released his gold-selling self-titled first album in 2005 and has been known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon and Bob Dylan to Zac Brown Band and Willie Nelson. The force behind such acclaimed albums as “Mission Bell” and “Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song,” Lee’s recent years have been wildly productive.
Jul
6
Ranky Tanky with Ms. Lisa Fischer
An Appalachian Summer
Sunday, July 6, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Ranky Tanky (a Gullah phrase for “get funky”), whose jazz-influenced arrangements of traditional Gullah music NPR calls “lively, soulful honey to the ears” joins forces with Grammy winner Lisa Fischer, who the Minneapolis Star Tribune says brings “soul, jazz, rock, gospel, folk, pop, and classical … [and] cuts loose with funk and fierceness and rocks with abandon.”
Jul
11
Joan Osborne & Lisa Loeb
An Appalachian Summer
Friday, July 11, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Lisa Loeb and Joan Osborne, two unmistakable voices of the ’90s,team up for a special evening marking the 30th anniversaries of their breakthrough albums — Loeb’s “Tails” and Osborne’s “Relish.” Revisit the songs that shaped a generation, alongside new music and career-spanning fan favorites.

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News & Features

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In the News

College Student Leaders Championed Democracy in 2024
Forbes
States Where Unemployment Claims Are Decreasing the Most [faculty featured]
WalletHub
How Niche Programs Are Saving Higher Education
Forbes
App State alum entrepreneur becomes official designer for Heisman blazer [alumni featured]
The Appalachian
Norris wants to continue building relationships as chancellor
Watauga Democrat
App State's new chancellor visits Hickory for a celebratory reception
Hickory Daily Record

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Awards & Honors

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App State earns R2 designation for high research activity and doctorate production

University’s commitment to applied research benefits students, communities and industries

Feb. 13, 2025

App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
ucomm@appstate.edu

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