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.
Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing the students representing the College in the 2022-23 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Kaitlyn Whisnant
Year: Senior
Major: Religious Studies; Child Development
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
- Western Youth Network
- Alpha Gamma Delta
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
- E.M. Dixon Memorial Scholarship
- Terry Home Economics Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
I am most passionate about learning more about child development and supporting children in the early years of their development so they have the best future possible.
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
I hope to travel all over the United States after graduation and maybe even visit Milan because my sister is currently taking a gap year in Italy!
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is Howard's Knob Patio on the third floor of the Plemmons Student Union.
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
My favorite memory at Appalachian thus far was spending the night on Sanford and being able to make it into the pit for College Game Day! It was a great day to be a mountaineer!
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
I am apart of my sorority on campus and part of our purpose says to "contribute to the world's works in the community where I am placed." My favorite part about the Boone and the surrounding community is that I have a purpose in making it a better place. I have been able to do this through my partnership with the Western Youth Network as a mentor and as a camp counselor in Banner Elk. It has been a blessing to be able to be apart of the Boone community, be actively involved and get to know people outside of App State who have become family.
What are your hobbies?
I love to hike, go on walks on the greenway, read and do almost anything outdoors. Being in Boone makes it easy to go kayaking and explore the outdoors with my friends!
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
I just finished binge watching Chicago PD and have been obsessed with it this semester! Also, anything produced by Shonda Rhimes has my heart.
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
Dr. Hankins from the Department of Philosophy and Religion has been an influential part of my undergraduate experience. During the first day of class, Dr. Hankins introduced his family and I realized that his kids had attended my camp the previous summer. He then became someone who has encouraged me throughout the decision to double major, has supported me academically and truly gets to know his students outside of the classroom setting. He is a great professor and someone who has encouraged me along as I work to finish my degree this upcoming spring.
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
The most valuable thing in my education at Appalachian has been the support from those within the community and the pride that comes with being a Mountaineer. It has truly made the last four years feel like not just school but home as well.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Post graduation, I hope to take a year off and work as a leadership consultant for my sorority. In this position, I would have the opportunity to travel from college campus to college campus and empower girls in leadership. After serving as a leadership consultant for a year, I hope to go to grad school to further my child development degree or begin working in a nonprofit for early childhood development.
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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 https://philrel.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Family and Child Studies
The Department of Family and Child Studies in Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education prepares students to assume professional roles working with children and families in school and non-school settings. The department focuses on the developmental study of families and children in all areas of society and in all cultures. Learn more at https://fcs.appstate.edu.
CAS Corps member Kaitlyn Whisnant is a senior religious studies and child development major from Charlotte, N.C. Photo submitted.
CAS Corps member Kaitlyn Whisnant is a senior religious studies and child development major from Charlotte, N.C. Photo submitted.