The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Emerson Phillips
Year: Junior
Major: History and Social Studies Education
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“I was drawn to App State because of the staff and faculty’s dedication to education majors. In particular, I loved how both the history department and the Reich College of Education (RCOE) worked together to offer students unmatched opportunities in pursuing their professional goals of being educators. I was also drawn to App because of the Honors College and the Chancellor’s Scholarship, both of which have helped to provide me with an interdisciplinary, well-rounded, and engaging education. Additionally, I also love the gorgeous area that App is situated in, right in the heart of Boone and the High Country.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Appalachian Educators Club
Chancellor’s Scholars Board (Vice Chair)
History Club
History Matters Undergraduate Journal (Assistant Editor)
Honors Peer Mentor
Honors College Vanguard Tour and Talk Member
Momentum Dance Club
RCOE Global Leaders Scholar
University Peer Mentor
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship
Chancellor’s Scholarship
Honors International Education Scholarship (Ron and Marilyn Mitsch Fund)
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“I am most passionate about researching women’s history as a subsection of the greater historical discipline. I love to learn about the oftentimes overlooked perspectives of female historical figures.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“I have been lucky enough to already have the opportunity to study abroad! I spent five months studying abroad at the University of Roehampton in London, England, where I took senior-level history courses. I also traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of a 10-day trip in conjunction with my freshman Honors seminar. In the future, I would love to intern or research in Boston or Washington, D.C.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“My favorite place on campus is the fourth floor of the library in the Special Collections Research Center! Even if you are not utilizing their research materials, the big windows and views are beautiful.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“All of my favorite memories are of time spent with my friends! I love driving on the parkway and going to the farmers' market with them.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I love how accessible Boone is to the Blue Ridge Parkway! It is so nice to be so close to such amazing views and hiking trails.”
What are your hobbies?
“In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends and family, go hiking, bake, and journal.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez. My favorite artist is Billy Joel. My favorite TV show is Derry Girls.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Vicky Klima, the interim dean of the Honors College, has definitely made a positive impact on my life. Even though she is so busy, she always makes time to talk to me about my classes, extracurricular activities, and postgrad aspirations. I greatly value and appreciate her advice, and I love the community that she has helped create within the Honors College.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“App State’s smaller class sizes, especially in the history department, have been extremely beneficial. I am grateful for the frequent opportunities to work one-on-one or in small groups with professors, something that is not often an option in schools with larger class sizes. Additionally, RCOE has been valuable in preparing me for the field as an educator, including multiple clinical internships (field experiences) at nearby schools for hands-on teaching experience.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“After graduation, I hope to secure a position as a high school social studies teacher. Additionally, I would also like to pursue postgraduate studies in the field of history, as well as my National Board Certification.”
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About the Department of History
The Department of History offers a broad curriculum in local, national, regional and world history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, which encourages history majors to develop a comprehensive approach to human problems. The study of history is an essential part of a liberal arts education and offers valuable preparation for many careers, such as law, journalism, public history, public service and business, as well as in teaching and the advanced discipline of history. Learn more at history.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 15, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Emerson Phillips is a junior history and social studies education major from Cary. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Emerson Phillips is a junior history and social studies education major from Cary. Photo submitted