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.
Addison Belcher
Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Minors: Political Science, Psychology
Hometown: Raleigh
What brought you to App State?
“App State's Criminal Justice program.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Club Softball
Criminal Justice Club
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship
Millbrook High School PTSA
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“Human trafficking research and research on youth after-school programs shows their potential to reduce the number of children who grow up surrounded primarily by violence. These programs provide safe and structured spaces for kids while their parents are working, offering positive alternatives to being unsupervised and at risk.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“Anne Belk, because all my classes are there and my favorite professors are there. There is always someone I run into and get to talk to or reconnect with.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“One of my favorite memories at Appalachian is founding the Criminal Justice Club and watching it grow into an organization that I am truly proud of.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I love the community and camaraderie that Boone brings — especially surrounding App State. I feel like everyone in Boone loves Boone and supports one another. For example, shoveling neighbors' driveways, towing people out of the snow, and just smiling at each other walking on the street.”
What are your hobbies?
“I love softball and have been playing for 16 years — I also coach at Watauga High School. I love to build Legos and crafts, reading, and hanging out with my friends.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, and my favorite TV shows are Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“All of the faculty have an impact on my life, but by far, Dr. [Adam] Newmark has had the biggest impact on my life. He has always been someone, since freshman year, that I can go to with anything and everything. Even after not having his class since the fall of junior year, he is someone who always asks how I am doing and what I have been up to. He also helped me get my North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Internship by providing me with so much guidance and help. Overall, one of the best professors, and I will miss him so much once I graduate.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The Criminal Justice program has been very valuable for me, as I feel I have learned and gained so much throughout my time here, and I feel ready for the workforce because of it.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to work for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation after graduation.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I am so grateful to be given this opportunity!”
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About the Department of Government and Justice Studies
Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at gjs.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
October 14, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Addison Belcher is a senior criminal justice major from Raleigh. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Addison Belcher is a senior criminal justice major from Raleigh. Photo submitted