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 semester, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2025-26 academic year through a question-and-answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Abbey Ake
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology - Natural Sciences
Minors: Biology, Chemistry
Hometown: Raleigh
What brought you to App State?
“My dad attended App State for his master's and always spoke of the school and area with fondness. I also grew up in North Carolina and had the opportunity to visit the area since I was little and absolutely fell in love with the mountains and community.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Health Professions Club
Health Professions Peer Advisors
Women in Medicine
Women in STEM
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“My Psychology courses are the classes that make my day-to-day schedule fun, but I also really enjoy my higher-level science courses and the challenge that they bring.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“My favorite spot on campus is the third or fourth floor of the Rivers Street Parking Deck because the view of campus is gorgeous, and you can see the surrounding area easily. That view makes the beginning and end of my day so much more enjoyable.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“The first home basketball games of the season are some of my favorite memories. I also love football gameday and getting to relax and enjoy being around my friends.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“The effect of the surrounding community on the University and its students is evident and very powerful. They are not only accepting of being a college town but also enjoy it and interact with the student body. Another aspect of the community that I adore is the integration with nature. Part of this is location-based, but another part is a deep community-wide respect for the mountains we get to live in and their history.”
What are your hobbies?
“Reading, crochet, hiking, and taking care of my houseplants!”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“I really enjoyed watching 'The Pit' on HBO Max recently.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. [Lisa] Emery has been an amazing support to me and my journey at App State. She is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology running a research lab called 'The Making Memories Lab' and teaches Adult Development. I started as a research assistant this semester (Fall 2025), and even in this short amount of time, being able to practice actively applying clinical psychology in healthcare has been a very interesting and valuable experience for me. Also, her mentorship, encouragement, and kindness have been the highlights of my time here as a student.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The faculty are truly amazing. I have been able to approach and have meaningful conversations with so many individuals on staff. These conversations have led to becoming a teaching assistant for PSY 1200, a peer advisor, and a research assistant, along with overwhelming encouragement and support along the way.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“The plan is to go to medical school and become a psychiatrist. When I came to App State, I planned on going into clinical psychology and research, but within my first year, something shifted. I have always been interested in medicine, but never had the confidence to pursue it until freshman year. Once I gained that confidence in my ability in academics and interpersonal interactions, I never looked back.”
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About the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
Appalachian State University’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,400 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 90 graduate students across four graduate programs: experimental psychology (MA), industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management (MA), school psychology (MA/SSP) and clinical psychology (PsyD). Learn more at psych.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.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
September 19, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Abbey Ake is a junior psychology major from Raleigh. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Abbey Ake is a junior psychology major from Raleigh. Photo submitted