Message from the Dean
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is Appalachian’s largest and most diverse academic unit housing 17 departments, two centers and Watauga Residential College.
As we are largely responsible for Appalachian’s general education curriculum, we serve as the foundational experience for all App State students on their various academic journeys.
For students who choose majors or minors in CAS, the opportunities within departments include
- engaging in hands-on and problem-solving learning,
- working on research with faculty mentors,
- experiencing real-world projects with companies and organizations during internship opportunities, and
- exploring the world through faculty-led or study abroad programs.
CAS faculty are passionate and continuously prove their commitment to teaching and scholarship in a variety of ways, and our staff excels at supporting student learning and engagement.
I am humbled to serve in this role for the college that is the stepping stone to every student’s educational experience at App State.
I invite you to explore all that App State CAS has to offer!
Mike Madritch
About Mike Madritch
Michael Madritch, Ph.D. has been on the College of Arts and Sciences faculty, in the Department of Biology, since 2009. He was named associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in May 2020 and held the position of interim dean of the college since October 2021. He was appointed dean on February 9, 2024.
Dr. Madritch’s teaching and research areas are in the field of ecology. As a persistent scholar in this field, he has made notable contributions in the areas of plant biodiversity, ecosystem processes, cliff ecosystems and American chestnut restoration. His research on biodiversity has been supported by multiple funding sources, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation and the National Park Service.
Madritch earned undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and chemistry from North Carolina State University. He earned a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Georgia before completing postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin. He is a graduate of App State’s 2018–19 Chancellor’s Appalachian Leadership Development Program and holds a certificate in conflict resolution training from Cornell University.