Faculty & Staff

Sophie Ryan (left) and Dr. Maggie Sugg (right) at Appalachian State University. Photo by Chase Reynolds

App State research shows impact of climate stress on youth mental health
Aug 22, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Natural disasters and climate change have a significant impact on the mental health of young people around the nation, according to new research led by Dr. Jennifer Runkle, a researcher at North Carolina State University and Dr.

College News, Faculty & Staff, Grants & Research, Students
The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University

Meet the new faculty members joining App State's College of Arts and Sciences in 2025
Aug 21, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — This semester, nearly 30 new full-time faculty members are joining the Appalachian State University College of Arts and Sciences in both Boone and Hickory.

To learn more about some of them, read below.

College News, Faculty & Staff
Photo by Chase Reynolds

Student archaeologists unearth Native American campsite, artifacts [faculty featured]
Aug 20, 2025

An archaeology team at Appalachian State University has discovered an ancient campsite containing 8,000-year-old artifacts, the university announced in a news release.

Faculty & Staff, Grants & Research, Students
A band competes against more than 100 others in the bluegrass band competition during the 89th Annual Old Fiddler's Convention on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at Felts Park in Galax, Va. Photo by Allison Isley for NPR

Old Fiddler's Convention is pushing 90 and keeping mountain music alive [faculty featured]
Aug 20, 2025

GALAX, Va. — Ellie Massey, 13, stands inside a giant, yellow tent with dozens of other contestants and practices singing the gospel tune, "I'll Fly Away." Her grandfather, Jim Coleman, and uncle, Jacob, accompany her on guitar and mandolin.

Faculty & Staff, Outreach & Community Engagement
Dr. Rose Mary Webb, chair of App State’s Department of Psychology, left, received the university’s 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award. Dr. Shanshan Lou, chair of App State’s Department of Communication, right, received the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. Both honors are part of App State’s Departmental Leadership Awards Program. Photo by Kyla Willoughby

App State honors Dr. Rose Mary Webb, Dr. Shanshan Lou with 2025 Departmental Leadership Awards
Aug 13, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Recognized for their service to and lasting impact on Appalachian State University’s academic community, Dr. Rose Mary Webb and Dr. Shanshan Lou have been honored as this year’s Departmental Leadership Awards recipients.

Awards & Honors, Faculty & Staff, University News
The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University

Nominate CAS faculty and staff for 2025 awards
Aug 11, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is accepting nominations for the following awards recognizing faculty and staff members for outstanding service, teaching or scholarly work:

Awards & Honors, College News, Faculty & Staff
Michelle Holcombe is the new Business Officer of Personnel in Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences.

College of Arts and Sciences announces Michelle Holcombe as Business Officer of Personnel
Aug 6, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — The Appalachian State University College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is pleased to welcome Michelle Holcombe to the Dean's Office as the Business Officer of Personnel, effective July 28, 2025.

College News, Faculty & Staff
Sheri Clawson (left), Mac Glaze (middle), and Jasmin McFayden (right)

July 2025 College of Arts and Sciences Staff Shout Outs
Jul 31, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Awarded by the Appalachian State University Staff Senate, Staff Shout Outs recognize staff members for their positive contributions to the University.

Awards & Honors, Faculty & Staff, University News
App State student researchers engage in an archaeology field school, using trowels to excavate a layer of soil just beneath the reach of plows at the university’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County. They discovered an ancient hearth, storage pits, pottery and projectile points made of quartz, quartzite, rhyolite, flint and jasper — evidence that the area was used as a camp by Native American peoples. Pictured are senior anthropology majors Peyton Harrison, of Conover; Cowan Ramirez, of Ashevill

App State archaeology team discovers ancient campsite at Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County
Jul 28, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — During an archaeological dig at Appalachian State University’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm this summer, archaeologist Dr.

Faculty & Staff, Students, University News