BOONE, N.C. — Student employees make up an important and valuable part of the workforce at Appalachian State University. In recognition of this, Appalachian State's Career Development Center celebrates Student Employee Week each November. Today, meet four student employees in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
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Megha Bali
Position: CAS Office Assistant
Program of Study: Philosophy (Minor: Psychology)
Hometown: Charlotte
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
President, Planned Parenthood Generation Action at App State
Vice President, Religious Studies Club
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
"My undergraduate research has focused on anger; it will be a three-year-long project. My research focuses on the morality of anger, providing a Cartesian deductionary proof. I dive into the details of the common definition of anger, why it is harmful to push this emotion as deviant, and how one can deal with anger in a morally permissive way from all perspectives. My work is focused on the philosophy of emotions and ethics and I hope this research helps add to the conversation about anger."
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
"Dr. Anna Cremaldi is a professor of ancient philosophy, ethics, and environmental ethics. I asked Dr. Cremaldi to become my advisor my sophomore year when I switched my major over to philosophy. Not only were both of those decisions the best ones I have ever made, she is the one that started the project on anger that I adopted. She is an incredibly hardworking, caring, kind human being and a virtuous, epistemic companion. I am grateful to have met her during my collegiate career at App State."
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
"My favorite place on campus has to be the walking trail that leads up to the baseball field on the west side of campus. You're able to see the entire campus from the hike uphill and it is one of the more serene beauties that goes by unnoticed, especially during the fall."
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
"If I had to pick one, it would have to be having a river day at the Watauga River. It is a must for the true Appalachian experience and being by the water is where I felt the mist at peace."
What are your hobbies?
"I love to make art. Whether that is through cooking, painting, or drawing, there is not a specific way to create art, but whatever falls into that category. I adore reading, a good balance of fiction and non-fiction is required to not get burnt out."
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
"My favorite podcast is the Huberman Lab. A non-fiction book recommendation that I suggest for everyone is 'The Case of Rage' by Myisha Cherry. It is what got my research going, and it helps analyze one's own anger."
What do you hope to do after graduation?
"My hope is to enter a master's program in marriage and family therapy to pursue licensure in order to be a practicing therapist."
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Madison Breedlove
Position: CAS Marketing and Communication Assistant
Program of Study: Public Relations (Minor: Digital Marketing)
Hometown: Charlotte
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
President, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
Member, Order of Omega
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
"I have been the most passionate about personal relations ethics. I have found it incredibly interesting the power words and actions have on the perception of others."
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
"Dr. William Northington is currently teaching my Consumer Behavior course. His style of teaching and high expectations for his students has made such an incredible impact on me. He truly cares for his students and wants them to learn and grow during his course."
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
"My favorite place has been Sanford Mall since the moment I stepped foot on campus. When the weather is nice, students fill the grass, studying, spending time together, playing games, and raising money for various philanthropies and causes. Sanford Mall is such a beautiful representation of the community at App State."
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
"My favorite memories at Appalachian thus far include many football games, my big sister graduating from here, and being given the opportunity to be the chapter president of my sorority."
What are your hobbies?
"I love to read when I have time!"
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
"My favorite book is 'Little Women.'"
What do you hope to do after graduation?
"After graduation, I plan to move back home to Charlotte and develop the marketing and communications for my family's new construction company. I plan to stay connected with Alpha Omicron Pi as an advisor to collegiate officers."
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Autumn Dagenhardt
Position: CAS Marketing and Communication Assistant
Program of Study: Public Relations (Minors: Digital Marketing, Theatre Arts)
Hometown: Hickory
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
President, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
Member, American Marketing Association (AMA)
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
"Public Relations Writing and Social Media Marketing are definitely the classes that I have been most passionate about. I was able to increase my knowledge of both topics and have hands-on experience."
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
"Professor Jack Jeffery has made such a huge impact on my life. As the professional advisor for PRSSA, he has helped me run the club tremendously. However, the biggest impact he has made is on my professional development. He has been a true mentor to me and has helped me with interviews, internships, and more."
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
"Cascades in the Student Union! I love getting their smoothies."
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
"One of my favorite memories at Appalachian was meeting my best friend Jillian!"
What are your hobbies?
"Acting, singing, dancing, and traveling!"
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
"My favorite television show is 'Friends!'"
What do you hope to do after graduation?
"I hope to work in a marketing agency or be on the marketing or public relations team of a successful business!"
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Courtney Parker
Position: CAS Office Assistant
Program of Study: Psychology (Minor: Child Development)
Hometown: Holly Springs
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Member, Appalachian State Honors College
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
"I'm currently working with Dr. Jim Deni on his research regarding the paradigm shift in the field of school psychology. We're in the process of surveying practitioners on reasons they have chosen to work with contracting agencies rather than within a school system. The goal of this research is to inform retention strategies for schools in an effort to help with school psychologist shortages. This research will also serve as a base for my Honors thesis which I am in the early stages of completing."
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
"Dr. Deni has been a phenomenal mentor to me. I have loved being a part of his research lab, which has allowed me to attend the NCSPA conference for the past two years as a part of the NASP exposure project. I am so grateful to have him helping me as I complete my honors thesis, his tutelage has been an invaluable asset as I navigate this process. As someone who is hoping to go into the field of school psychology, he is someone I look up to."
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
"When I lived on campus my answer would have probably been Crossroads, but now that I live off campus I think I'd have to say RCOE. I spend a large amount of time in that building and it always feels comfortable. I like that it has plenty of areas to study independently that don't feel super busy during the day."
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
"My study abroad experience has been the highlight of my college career. I never would have been able to go if it wasn't for the tools Appalachian provided me with. I spent about five months attending Keele University in the UK and loved every minute of it. While I was abroad, I was able to visit several other countries (Denmark, Greece, France, Portugal, Austria, the entire UK), as well as some friends who were on their own study abroad trips. I love traveling, and this journey turned that love into a passion for seeing more of the world."
What are your hobbies?
"I love traveling, spending time with friends, cooking, reading, and anything creativity based (such as drawing, painting, exploring museums, etc.)."
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
"My favorite show of all time is 'New Girl'! My favorite musical artist is Taylor Swift!"
What do you hope to do after graduation?
"After graduation, I intend to pursue a master's degree in school psychology. I am in the process of applying to graduate school (both Appalachian State and NC State)."
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On Thursday, November 16, the Office of Student Employment will hold a Student Employment Appreciation Brunch with free swag, giveaways, and food and beverages to recognize hardworking student employees across the University. To learn more about student employment at Appalachian, visit the Office of Student Employment's website at studentemployment.appstate.edu.
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About the Career Development Center
The Career Development Center at Appalachian State University supports the mission of the university and its Division of Student Affairs in developing lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. Students who participate in the center’s services are able to identify core values, beliefs and skills and use them to articulate relatable career goals; acquire transferable skills and relevant experiences for future professional endeavors; and utilize resources that are available to gain experiential learning opportunities and cultivate professional networks. Learn more at https://careers.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 unique location. 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 6,400 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 https://cas.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Andersen
November 16, 2023
BOONE, N.C.
Megha Bali (top left), Madison Breedlove (top right), Autumn Dagenhardt (bottom left), and Courtney Parker (bottom right) are employees in the CAS Dean's Office this Fall.
Megha Bali (top left), Madison Breedlove (top right), Autumn Dagenhardt (bottom left), and Courtney Parker (bottom right) are employees in the CAS Dean's Office this Fall.