BOONE, N.C. — The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has welcomed Dr. Denise Edwards‑Forde to the Dean’s Office as Travel Coordinator, effective May 2026. In this role, Edwards‑Forde is responsible for reviewing and approving travel requests for all CAS units.
Edwards‑Forde came to Appalachian State University in 2024, joining the Department of Mathematical Sciences as an Administrative Support Specialist. She brings more than 16 years of experience in academic administration, including service as principal of Chaguanas Roman Catholic Primary in Trinidad and Tobago.
A native of the “vibrant twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago,” Edwards‑Forde says the spirit of “color, rhythm and community” that defines Trinidad Carnival has shaped her personally and professionally. “Life has taken me from the Carnival streets of Trinidad and Tobago to the Appalachian peaks of North Carolina, and I am enjoying the journey,” she shared.
Edwards‑Forde holds advanced degrees in business and education, including an International Master of Business Administration and a Master of Education, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. She believes deeply in the transformative power of learning, noting that “education is a business that nurtures progress and success in every sphere of human endeavor.”
Since joining App State, she has embraced the collaborative culture of the university. “My work environment is nothing short of awesome,” she said. “This place embodies the saying, ‘Teamwork makes dreamwork.’”
Outside of work, Edwards‑Forde describes her life as “anchored by my supportive husband and our two wonderful children, both of whom are medical doctors.”
Please join us in welcoming Edwards-Forde to the Dean's Office. To learn more about the members of the CAS Dean's Office and their roles, visit cas.appstate.edu/contact/college-administration.
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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
May 29, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Dr. Denise Edwards-Forde is the new Travel Coordinator in Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. Photo submitted
Dr. Denise Edwards-Forde is the new Travel Coordinator in Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. Photo submitted