BOONE, N.C. — In the Spring and Fall, Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies seeks nominations for the Cratis D. Williams Society. The Society recognizes the top two percent of graduates from the School of Graduate Studies each year. Inductees are chosen from among the nominees based upon their academic performance, their engagement in their discipline, and their potential for leadership.
Keep reading to learn more about three Fall 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society inductees from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
Hannah Brown '24
Brown, of Greensboro, will graduate with her master's degree in political science with a concentration in American government in December 2025.
She previously earned her bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in American politics from App State. After finding a community in the Department of Government and Justice Studies as an undergraduate student, Brown entered the Accelerated Admissions program to earn her master's degree in political science. "The Political Science faculty and staff have always been welcoming and helpful to my academic and personal success and growth, and I could not be happier with my choice to get my graduate degree at Appalachian," she shared.
Brown recognized Department of Government and Justice Studies Professor Adam Newmark — who served as her undergraduate academic advisor and department honors thesis advisor — as a faculty member who has had a positive impact on her life. She wrote about Dr. Newmark, "He has always been honest and supportive with my goals and how to get there. From my undergraduate process through this degree, he has created a welcoming space that facilitated my success in the graduate program."
As a student, Brown was an active member of the International Relations Association (IRA), which she described as foundational to her success at App State. "Not only have I met my best friends through this club, but it also helped me develop valuable leadership skills and experience. Furthermore, the faculty advisor, Dr. Renee Scherlen, has provided some of the best support and mentorship I have received at App," shared Brown. "While both of my degrees are concentrated in American government, my time with the IRA and experience with Model UN helped me understand political concepts and look at my degrees from different perspectives."
After graduation, Brown plans to return home to Greensboro to work for a few years before eventually moving to Washington, DC.
Ally Lawing '23
Lawing, of Stanley, will graduate with her master's degree in biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology in December 2025.
Previously, she earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry. "The research I conducted as an undergraduate with my mentor greatly influenced me to pursue a graduate degree here at Appalachian, along with the impactful relationships I made with the faculty and staff in the Biology department," shared Lawing.
In the Spring, Lawing received the Zigli Research Award for her research investigating microbe-microbe interactions in dual-species biofilms of Crohn’s Disease-associated Adherent Invasive Escherichia coli and Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Enterococcus faecalis. "Understanding the interactions among bacteria involved in biofilm production is crucial, as they significantly impact disease progression, treatment challenges, and potential therapeutic strategies," she explained.
Lawing recognized her research advisor, Department of Biology Assistant Professor Rachel Bleich, as a faculty member who has had a positive impact on her life. She wrote about Dr. Bleich, "She has always provided me with ample opportunities to succeed as both an undergraduate and a graduate student. Her kindness and knowledge have brought me to where I am today. I truly would not be able to receive this recognition and continue in my career as a scientist without her!"
Lawing's favorite memory from her time at App State is attending the American Society of Microbiology Conference in Los Angeles with Bleich. "Being able to connect with other microbiologists, learn more about gut microbiome research, present our findings, and explore Los Angeles was spectacular!" she shared.
After graduation, Lawing plans to pursue a career in biotechnology, specifically molecular diagnostics and/or research and development.
Mason Smith '24
Smith, of Lenoir, will graduate with his master's degree in Appalachian studies with a concentration in Appalachian culture and music in December 2025.
Previously, he earned his bachelor's degree in history from App State. "As an undergraduate, I fell in love with Appalachian studies, and even though I was able to pursue both Appalachian studies minors offered to undergraduates, I felt too much of a pull to the field to be entirely satisfied," said Smith, who entered the Accelerated Admissions program in Appalachian studies. "I knew if I was going to pursue Appalachian studies, it only made sense to do so at the University with 'Appalachian' in the name!"
As an undergraduate, Smith was a brother and vice president of App State’s Rho Tau chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He explained, "Phi Mu Alpha gave me an incredible support system, and provided me with a musical community during a period of my life where music had taken a backseat to academics." Smith has had the opportunity to apply his love of music to his graduate degree by studying Appalachian fiddle, banjo, and dance traditions under the guidance of the Center for Appalachian Studies' Trevor McKenzie and Dr. Julie Shepherd-Powell.
Smith's research explores how the world perceives Appalachia and how depictions of Appalachian people have evolved in popular literature and film. He elaborated, "Recently, I have been researching the intersections of terminologies for rural peoples and what they can tell us about how rural peoples are perceived."
Smith shared that his favorite memory from his time at App State is presenting at the Appalachian Regional Commission’s 2024 Appalachian College Research Initiative with classmates in McKenzie’s Local Music Traditions course. "Our presentation was incredibly well received and was meaningful for not just the other attendees, but deeply so for us as well," said Smith.
When asked about a faculty member who has made a positive impact on his life, Smith recognized Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Professor Katherine Ledford, writing, "Her support has made the most trying moments of graduate school bearable, and she has been one of my greatest cheerleaders. Dr. Ledford also gave me a great gift in teaching me how to teach, which I have been able to do this semester as a graduate teaching faculty associate."
After graduation, Smith plans to return to Lenoir to work. He added, "I will be getting married to my fiancé in January and hope to attend law school within the next two years!
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In addition to these students, Michael Marotta, graduate student in the Public Administration program, was inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society.
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
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About Graduate Education at App State
Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at graduate.appstate.edu.
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
December 9, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Hannah Brown '24 (left), Ally Lawing '23 (middle), and Mason Smith '24 (right) were inducted into the Fall 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted
Hannah Brown '24 (left), Ally Lawing '23 (middle), and Mason Smith '24 (right) were inducted into the Fall 2025 Cratis D. Williams Society. Photos submitted