BOONE, N.C. — College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps members serve as representatives to all college constituents, creating, promoting, and executing opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students, nominated by the chairs of departments across CAS, represent the college at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors, and alumni. Throughout the month, we will be introducing new members in the 2026-27 academic year through a question-and-answer format.
Lizzie Smith
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology (Business)
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Cary, NC
What brought you to App State?
“I fell in love with App State during my college tour, as well as Boone in general and the surrounding areas. It has a very college town feel and there is always something to do!”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Honors College
HR Science Club (Operations Coordinator, Safety Team Member)
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“The work I’m doing with the safety team in HR Science has been my main area of interest lately, but my psychology classes always keep things fun and engaging too!”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“My favorite spot on campus would have to be the Solarium. It’s the best place for me to relax and get my work done, and there’s almost always someone playing piano, which makes the space feel even more peaceful.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“The first home football game of the season is always one of my favorite moments at App State, especially going with my friends and seeing all the campus spirit.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I think my favorite thing about Boone and the surrounding community is how there is always something new to do and always someone new to meet. I also love how much of a role nature and the outdoors have here. Being outside is the best place to be.”
What are your hobbies?
“I absolutely love to cook and try new recipes, hike new trail paths, read, and collect vinyl.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is The Buffalo Hunter, my favorite podcast is Fashion Neurosis, my favorite artist is SZA, and my favorite television show would have to be The Haunting of Hill House.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. David Russell has been one of my most supportive professors that I have ever had and has already helped me learn so much in the time that I have spent with him. Being my thesis director is definitely not an easy job; however, he answers every question I have with so much thoughtfulness, helps me organize all my thoughts into actual written words, and always accommodates me when I need it. I was also fortunate enough to make it into his sociology class, which I cannot recommend enough, which I am sure all his other students can back up.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The most valuable thing that sets Appalachian apart from other institutions would have to be how committed the faculty are to their students. I have emailed and contacted so many faculty even outside of my field, and every single one has made themself available to me and has been amazingly helpful.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to get my master's degree in the analytical field.”
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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: psychological science (MA), industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management (MA), school psychology (MA/SSP), and clinical psychology (MA/PsyD). Learn more about the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
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 about CAS
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
September 15, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Woman in sunglasses and a flowing white outfit stands on a cobblestone path before a grand building, with benches, flowers, and bright sun.
CAS Corps member Lizzie Smith is a senior psychology major from Cary. Photo submitted