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.
Isabella McMillan
Year: Junior
Majors: Philosophy; Religious Studies
Minor: American Sign Language
Hometown: Mount Airy
What brought you to App State?
“The environment. When I visited App in high school, it felt like people LIVED here instead of just going to class here!”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
App State Basketball Band
App State Marching Mountaineers
Appalachian Concert Band
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
The Appalachian College Opportunity Grant
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“I have a passion for studying ethics, especially in under-researched fields, and have loved participating in Dr. Randall Reed’s AI and Religion research group.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“There is a small, elevated, concrete pad next to Anne Belk Hall that overlooks the walkway to Central Dining Hall. Since my first year, I have loved sitting up there and people watching, saying hi to people I know. My friends call it my 'perch.'”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“My section in the Marching Band is very close, and we’ve gone on many trips together while I’ve been at App. My favorite was in September 2023 when we drove twelve hours down to ULM to watch our team play football. We had a great time stopping at all kinds of ridiculous places and goofing around in the car. At ULM, we met some really awesome people, including their marching band director and student body president (some serious Sun Belt Conference bonding!). Everyone there was really cool, and they’re still my second-favorite Sun Belt team. We were the only App students there, so we got to hang out with Yosef the whole time, and I have some incredible pictures of that. It was a close game, but in the last second, we got to watch our kicker, Michael Hughes, kick a 54-yard field goal for the win. I think we could have carried the car all the way back to Boone!”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“People here are just kind and helpful, like I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s very obvious that people love this community and want to support it in any way they can.”
What are your hobbies?
“In my spare time, I play the guitar and dabble in some other instruments. I’ve been songwriting and composing since I was around ten.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite band is the Eagles, and my favorite song of all time is Desperado.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Randall Reed has really taken me under his wing in the Department of Philosophy and Religion. Through his guidance, I’ve not only been able to participate in research but also been able to meet professionals in my field from all over the state through the North Carolina Religious Studies Association. Additionally, because of him, I was able to get closer to other students in my department, as well as meet and get to know more faculty. I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Reed, as I know so many others are, for his incredible mentorship and dedication to his students.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The mentorship I’ve received from faculty and staff from many different departments. I feel I’m able to have a lot of 1:1 conversations with incredibly qualified and knowledgeable people who have really helped me out.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to go into higher education, whether that be in a professorship or some other sort of administrative or operations position.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I’m a Campus Tour Guide as well as a SOUL (Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader). I am the Music Section Leader for the Marching Tenor Saxes.”
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About the Department of Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion invites students to explore the world, examine beliefs, understand a diversity of worldviews, and challenge the ideas and values that instruct our lives. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, as well as a minor in both of these areas. Learn more at philrel.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 28, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Isabella McMillan is a junior from Mount Airy majoring in both philosophy and religious studies. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Isabella McMillan is a junior from Mount Airy majoring in both philosophy and religious studies. Photo submitted