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.
Shaun Appleman
Year: Junior
Major: Philosophy, Religious Studies
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
What brought you to App State?
“Being raised my whole life in the flat Piedmont region of Charlotte, I need to get away from the humidity and heat. The mountains offer a great view and amazing weather.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
“I am the president of Ethics Bowl, and I am a member of the Philosophy and Religious Studies Club. I am also enrolled in the Honors College in Philosophy.”
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“During my second semester of my sophomore year, I had taken the Modern Philosophy (PHL 3200) class with Professor Joseph Weiss, and that had changed how I perceive not only the field of philosophy but also how life operates and works. In this class, it made me realize how life isn’t just a duality. Contradictions happen, and this isn’t merely a paradox — there’s more to it. This class also made me learn the importance of interpretation and how getting locked in a tunnel-vision view of a thinker (or life itself) is extremely dangerous.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“Hands down, and it’s not even close, the best spot on campus is the second floor of the library. It’s the perfect amount of stairs to walk up to where you’re not winded, and the book selection is all you need! And if you get the right spot, you have to beat everyone else to it, you get an amazing view as you read or hang out.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“My favorite memories are playing Monopoly in the library with my friends. Whether it be the physical board game or playing it online, those are the best memories. After a long day or night of schoolwork, busting out Monopoly is a nice way to relax and celebrate.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I love the mountainous area and the weather. Spending one summer in Boone has made me loathe Charlotte heat! I can’t spend more than one second outside in 90+ degree and high humidity weather anymore. The Appalachian mountain region has truly spoiled me.”
What are your hobbies?
“I love to ride my bike. The sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway that I have ridden in have been absolutely amazing. I also like taking the day out to hike. Hiking the Grandfather Mountain Trail with the cables and ladders is very rewarding. If the weather doesn’t permit, be it rain or snow, I like drinking a nice cup of coffee whilst reading a good book or watching a comedy special.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“Book: Infinite Resignation by Eugene Thacker. Musician: Tied between PRESIDENT and Free Throw. Painter: Francis Bacon.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“Professor Matthew Ruble is the faculty member who has changed my life. He is the reason why I am a philosophy major. I took his intro to philosophy course the first semester of my freshman year as my science class unexpectedly made its way onto online, and there’s no way I can do a science online! Not knowing how the themes of the general education worked, I understood the LSEs, and already having some background knowledge in philosophy, I took the intro section. Since the first day of class, the syllabus and course guide class even, I was hooked. He has helped me through so much. Not just academic-wise, but even personally. I will forever be grateful for the last-minute switch of my science class.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The most valuable thing about this university is how the department acts as one big family. I found my people, and I feel at home within this department. Amongst the alienation that other institutions and the world brings, this department truly connects each other.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“There are three things that I want to accomplish after graduation. After doing these three things, I know I have lived a good life: teaching philosophy, writing a book, and cycling around Europe. I am going to school to become a professor and teach the very thing that sparks fire in my heart. I would also like to write the book with all the information that has helped me with life, so I can help those who need it. And I would love to travel around Europe and ride my bike in all these different places (Switzerland, England, Germany, Italy, France).”
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About the Department of Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion invites students to critically and creatively examine the beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that shape human lives. Through this work, students develop as reflective and resilient individuals who contribute to their communities in constructive and meaningful ways. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, as well as minors in philosophy; philosophy and religious studies; philosophy, politics, and economics; and religious studies. Learn more about the Department of Philosophy and Religion
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 8, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Close-up portrait of a person in a white beanie and winter jacket, standing in snowy stadium bleachers.
CAS Corps member Shaun Appleman is a junior philosophy and religious studies major from Charlotte. Photo submitted