BOONE, N.C. — Throughout her time at App State, Ava Ridings combined her love of science with a passion for helping others — experiences that propel her toward a future in nursing. Ridings, of Winston-Salem, will graduate tomorrow with a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.
Ridings shared that she was drawn to App State by the instant sense of belonging she felt in Boone. "Beyond the scenery, it was the tight-knit community that truly drew me in. Everywhere I turned, people were supportive, welcoming, and genuinely connected, creating an environment that felt more like a family than just a campus," she explained.
As a student, Ridings has been involved in a variety of organizations, including Tri Beta, the Watauga Humane Society Club, Women in Health Science Studies, and Women in STEM. Additionally, Ridings served as a Biology Peer Mentor to foster student success and community among biology students.
"Ava was a transfer student and has served admirably in her role as Biology Peer Mentor for the past two semesters," remarked Dr. Ava Udvadia, chair of the Department of Biology. "She specifically sought out this position as a way to help other transfer students feel welcomed and to successfully navigate the Biology curriculum in a timely manner."
Ridings also worked as a lab assistant in the department, reporting to Jennifer McGuinn. She recognized McGuinn for making a positive impact on her life, writing, "She consistently supported me through every life change and challenge I faced, always offering encouragement and understanding. I knew I could go to her for anything, whether I needed guidance or simply someone to talk to. She remains one of the most supportive and dependable people I’ve ever met."
"It’s those small, shared moments with people who became like family that I’ll always hold closest." — Ava Ridings, Class of 2025
As demonstrated by her engagement on campus, Ridings is passionate about helping others, and she aims to put her biology skills to use by becoming a nurse. She completed a nursing internship in Kenya with African Impact, working with children and seniors, and shared about the experience, "I spent my time helping provide basic care, offering companionship, and learning how even small acts of attention can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day."
"That experience deepened my commitment to a future in nursing by showing me how vital it is to approach every person with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help. It remains one of the most impactful and motivating parts of my journey," said Ridings, who plans to attend a direct-entry master's program in nursing to become a registered nurse and potentially pursue a nurse practitioner license in the future.
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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.
By Lauren Gibbs
December 11, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Ava Ridings, of Winston-Salem, will graduate tomorrow with a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.
Ava Ridings, of Winston-Salem, will graduate tomorrow with a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry.