App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.
The latest college rankings and recognitions of six national publications — including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine — have one thing in common: All place App State among the best schools in the nation, and the Southeast, for 2024–25.
In fall 2026, App State will launch a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program, designed to educate family practice nurse practitioners and respond to health care provider shortages, especially in rural areas. The program has been approved by the UNC System Board of Governors.
On Feb. 27, 2025, the UNC Board of Governors elected Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris as the next leader of Appalachian State University. Norris has served as interim chancellor since April 2024. Her career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community, and she brings more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise to her role as chancellor.
Sustainability and resilience are guiding principles at App State and institutionally interwoven into our strategic plan, academic mission, engagement locally and globally and day-to-day best practices. We are recognized as a national leader for our endeavors.
We're enhancing the App State Experience with a stronger physical infrastructure and five-year goals that further empower human potential. Get the full picture by visiting the App State's Future website, which details our growth and change.
Join a diverse and dynamic community that elevates your dreams and champions your capacity for real impact with life-changing opportunities for research and exploration.
Joe Waters, Co-Founder and CEO of the think tank Capita, will explore some of the major transformations of our time — social, demographic, cultural, technological, environmental, and economic — and their profound implications for families and our communities. He will argue that true leadership lies not just in solving immediate problems but in asking the right questions and cultivating a deeper understanding of underlying trends.
The Hayes School of Music will host an immersive, theatrical percussion performance by Sandbox Percussion of their piece “Seven Pillars” at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Hailed by The New York Times as “a lush, brooding celebration of noise,” Andy Akiho’s GRAMMY-nominated piece is his most ambitious project to date. Thanks to sponsorship from the Hayes Circle Fund, this performance is free for the public to attend — no tickets are needed.
This event brings together a distinguished panel of experts to delve into the creative process, explore contemporary artistic practices, and share insights into their collaborative projects. Whether you’re an artist, art enthusiast, or curious about the intersection of innovation and tradition in the art world, this discussion promises to inspire and inform.
Gillian Welch’s rich and remarkable career spans over 25 years, and she and her musical partner David Rawlings are a pillar of the modern acoustic music world. They have been hailed by Pitchfork as “modern masters of American folk” and “protectors of the American folk song” by Rolling Stone. This event has been rescheduled from Oct. 2024.
International Appalachian (INTAPP) works hard to promote mutual respect for different cultures and to engage all students and community members in friendship and learning. Join us in supporting the Landon Hill memorial study abroad scholarship. If you cannot join us in person, please donate a minimum of $25 and run the 5K on your own wherever in the world you are located.
Open House is your opportunity to learn more about App State. Meet faculty and current students, tour campus, and learn more about financial aid, scholarships, the admissions process, and what student life at App State is really like.
App State will host its “Battle at The Rock” spring football game at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Admission will be free, and fans will be treated to a variety of pregame and in-game opportunities to engage with App State Football and purchase special opportunities. There will be a Pregame FanFest from 10 a.m. – noon in the Jerry Moore Plaza featuring football team autographs and a DJ, as well as a Kid Zone with bounce houses and more.
The story of a rural community in the American South that inspired the international environmental justice movement and articulated the concept of environmental racism by fighting the state of North Carolina's toxic landfill. Panelists will include Ms. Dollie Burwell, Rev. William Kearney, Ms. Jenny Labalme and John Rash.
Pelto’s paintings incorporate data about environmental change - from local to global. Her goal is to engage more people around science in ways that are emotionally relevant and thought-provoking. Pelto’s work has been featured on the cover of TIME, at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, and as a cover for the North Cascade Conservation Council journal.
Explore sustainable organizations on and off campus and connect with groups representing each of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Students can take on a challenge from Sustainability and Energy Management—learn about at least 10 of the 17 goals to earn a free, limited-edition Earth Day T-shirt !Sponsored by Sustainability and Energy Management.
Open House is your opportunity to learn more about App State. Meet faculty and current students, tour campus, and learn more about financial aid, scholarships, the admissions process, and what student life at App State is really like.
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
April 3, 20256:30 pm - 7:30 pm
April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025FanFest begins at 10 a.m. Kickoff at 1 p.m.
May 9 - 10, 2025