Where can an App State degree take you?

Anywhere you want to go! Appalachian State University generates passionate and engaged alumni who become leaders in their communities and chosen professions. They exemplify how an App State education can and does make the world a better place.

Profiles

From waste to wear: App State alumna develops sustainable pigments for fashion, printing industries
Jane Palmer's LA-based company produces black pigments made from wood waste
March 24, 2023
App State alumna Jane Palmer ’98 started her Nature Coatings business in 2017 to transform wood waste into high-performing black pigments. The company provides an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based carbon blacks.
App State alum Meredith Lindsey Draughn ’15 is 2023 National School Counselor of the Year
February 6, 2023
Appalachian State University alumna Meredith Lindsey Draughn ’15 is the 2023 National School Counselor of the Year — giving her the opportunity to spotlight the school counseling profession and the school counselors who support K–12 students every day.
‘It runs in the family’ — App State alumnus Tony Harris ’92 inspires next generation of Mountaineers
February 3, 2023
App State alumnus Tony Harris ’92 has an award-winning career in risk management and insurance — and three children who are Mountaineers.
App State honors 4 Alumni Awards recipients during 2022 Alumni Weekend
These awards recognize graduates for their professional, service and philanthropic accomplishments
September 1, 2022
App State’s Alumni Association honored four graduates with 2022 Alumni Awards — recognizing Mark Ricks ’89, June Wilson Hege ’65, John Thomas Roos ’84 and Douglas Middleton Jr. ’15 ’18 for their professional, service and philanthropic accomplishments.
App State alumna Juliet Irving ’19: A multimedia designer in the performance world
July 21, 2022
As a dancer and choreographer, an artist and a social justice advocate, App State’s Juliet Irving ’19 has a blended perspective in her work as a freelance multimedia designer.
App State commercial photography alumnus photographs Tokyo Olympics
May 31, 2022
Daniel Gajda ’20 has turned his passion into a career, working as a professional freelance photographer after earning his B.S. in commercial photography from App State. He was able to put his skills to practice in summer 2021, photographing Tokyo’s Sport Climbing Olympics.
Emma Hatfield-Sidden named principal of App State’s Academy at Elkin
April 21, 2022
App State has named Emma Hatfield-Sidden ’08 ’19 as principal of its newest lab school, the Academy at Elkin, slated to open this fall. Hatfield-Sidden, who will begin her new role May 31, is described as being “laser-focused” on students and their success.
A legacy of leadership at App State and beyond: Meet 7 National Pan-Hellenic Council alumni
February 21, 2022
Members of App State’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities have built a legacy of leadership and service — both on and off campus.
App State alumna Marisa Sedlak is a parks and recreation star
April 6, 2021
Alumna Marisa Sedlak ’14 ’20 has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as one of the top 30 parks and recreation professionals under age 30 to watch in 2021. Learn how Sedlak’s Appalachian Experience — from mountains to mentors — helped prepare her for her role with Town of Beech Mountain’s Parks and Recreation Department.
First-generation student to professor — Dr. Brandy Hadley comes full circle at App State
May 28, 2021
Dr. Brandy Hadley ’09 ’11, assistant professor in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, honored her promise to return to her alma mater to teach.
Alumna, professor and award-winning poet shares her Mountaineer journey
June 30, 2021
App State alumna and Allegheny College professor Dr. M. Soledad Caballero ’95 shares how her Appalachian Experience prepared her for a career in academia — and a lifetime love of literature. She is the author of the award-winning debut poetry collection “I Was a Bell.”
Pandemic experiences inspired Jeffrey Dean Foster’s latest album
September 24, 2021
Musician Jeffrey Dean Foster ’82, who formed his first band while a student at Appalachian State University, has released an album inspired by the pandemic.
Cut from a different cloth: App State alumnus Mitch Purgason ’15 stitches his way to fashion’s forefront
February 14, 2022
Mountaineer alumnus Mitch Purgason ’15 stitches his way to award-winning success, designing custom clothing for professional athletes, executives and fashion influencers.
A black and gold world — 6 Mountaineers share how App State prepared them for life, career success
December 16, 2021
Preparing students to become engaged global citizens is at the heart of App State’s mission. Meet six international Mountaineers who have found career success through their App State Experience.
Renowned drummer Shirazette Tinnin ’02 shares the rhythm of her life
February 17, 2021
In this Q&A, App State alumna Shirazette Tinnin ’02 shares details about her life as a professional musician in New York City, some of her experiences as a Mountaineer, the trials she has encountered and the lessons she has learned along the way.
From Music City performer to an autism advocate
February 10, 2021
App State alumnus and Grammy winner Danny Combs ’03 left a successful music career to found Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), a nonprofit organization that provides trade and technical skills to children and young adults on the autism spectrum.
‘Momager’ for hire
December 21, 2020
App State alumna JoCinda Benjamin ’94 owns a company that provides concierge services to parents of child performers in Hollywood.
Out of cold storage — App State vaccine and drug research could speed delivery, cut costs
November 24, 2020
Dr. Brooke Christian ’05, assistant professor in App State’s A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences (CFS), and two others have co-authored research that could yield a more cost-effective storage and delivery method for life-saving drugs and vaccines — including a future COVID-19 vaccine.
An ‘Amazing Race’ for an App State Mountaineer alumnus
November 19, 2020
Frank Eaves ’16 — a Walker College of Business alumnus and former App State basketball player — said he had the adventure of a lifetime competing on “The Amazing Race,” an Emmy Award-winning television reality series.
App State alumnus’s fellowship program puts college grads to work in NC communities
November 4, 2020
App State alumnus Dylan Russell ’14 is helping uplift communities in North Carolina through Lead for North Carolina — a fellowship program designed for recent college graduates.
From mountains to skyscrapers — App State alumnus reflects on his path as an NYC artist
October 29, 2020
App State alumnus Kameron Neal ’14 credits his Appalachian Experience with setting his career course as a multidisciplinary artist living and working in New York City. Here, Neal reflects on his time at App State and the opportunities that helped broaden his artistry.
App State alumna teaches next generation of students how to learn through inquiry
October 5, 2020
App State alumna Hannah Griffin ’15 teaches high school earth and environmental science students in Monroe how to learn through inquiry.
A career high note — 2 App State alumni nominated for 2021 Music Educator Award
August 3, 2020
Appalachian alumni Jenny S. Lanier ’01 and Kameron L. Radford ’08 are among 216 music educators recognized nationally as quarterfinalists for the 2021 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum.
Political Science alum fundraises for DC research institution
June 16, 2020
Tommy Wrenn ’14 has worked as a development professional in Washington, D.C., fundraising for organizations connected to the environment and addressing climate change — an issue he describes as a “personal passion.”
App State alumnus shapes public policy
June 15, 2020
Nathan Smith ’09 tackles some of the most pressing political and societal challenges facing the country today, advocating for LGBTQ equality and voting access as a senior associate at Civitas Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C.
App State alumna makes the best of disasters and emergencies
June 10, 2020
Lynn Fisher ’97 applies skills learned in outdoor experiential education at Appalachian and Broadstone — the university’s outdoor education facility — to a career in emergency planning.
A passion for the environment: App State Energy Manager Jonathan Pierson
May 22, 2020
Meet Appalachian energy manager Jonathan Pierson ’06 ’08 — an alumnus who circled back to campus after a decade of implementing energy efficiency projects in Alaska.
App State alumnus applies critical thinking skills behind the lens
February 19, 2020
The love of research drew this Appalachian alumnus to psychology, and now he applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills to his job as a camera operator in New York City.
Lighting up the stage: How Appalachian prepared Cat Tate Starmer ’98 for an award-winning career
December 20, 2019
Hands-on experience in Appalachian’s theaters prepared Cat Tate Starmer ’98 for an award-winning career in lighting design.
App State’s Marco Fonseca Rodriguez pulls from personal experience for his role in Multicultural Student Development
December 20, 2019
As assistant director of Appalachian’s Multicultural Student Development, Marco Fonseca Rodriguez ’11 ’16 applies his own experiences to connect bridges between multicultural groups on campus.
Shawn Clark named App State’s head football coach
December 13, 2019
A champion as an App State player and coach, Shawn Clark ’98 leads Appalachian’s winning football program.
Appalachian alumna Catrina Thompson ’09 focuses on community as Winston-Salem’s chief of police
December 6, 2019
Winston-Salem’s chief of police earned an MPA in public management from Appalachian. Catrina Thompson ’09 leads 558 sworn officers and has forged relationships across many sectors to manage a community-oriented police force.
Sociology opens new world for Jess Eatman ’13
October 11, 2019
Eatman combined her two degrees in mathematics and sociology and is now an analytics manager for a team of report developers at McKesson, a health care company.
App State recognizes Young Alumni Award winner
October 18, 2019
Jonathan Kappler ’05 serves as chief of staff to the deputy secretary for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He recently won Appalachian’s 2019 Young Alumni Award.
Stephanie Billings ’92 named Appalachian’s executive director of alumni affairs
October 2, 2019
Recognized in Triad Business Journal’s “40 Leaders Under 40,” Billings worked for the Greensboro Children’s Museum, Girl Scouts Tarheel Triad Council and her own consulting firm before returning to Appalachian as an employee.
Avery B. Hall Sr. ’93 honored with 2019 Outstanding Service Award
October 18, 2019
Hall is senior vice president/commercial banking lender at Wells Fargo in Greensboro, a position he began in June. Hall has served Wells Fargo and its various legacy companies since 1994.
Entrepreneur Ronald ‘Steve’ Norwood ’80 wins 2019 Outstanding Service Award
October 18, 2019
Norwood is the founder and CEO of Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems (CARS) in Raleigh — a leading provider of software and services for repossession management and remarketing.
App State alumna helps the medical community understand Appalachian culture
July 8, 2019
As owner of Appalachian Healthcare Training and Consulting, Robyn Seamon ’11 ’18 applies her nursing and Appalachian studies degrees to provide cultural sensitivity training to health care providers in the Southern Appalachian region.
App State alumnus works at the ‘forefront of the renewable industry’
May 20, 2019
James Holton ’15 is a licensed electrician and senior crew leader for Tesla, a sustainable energy and electric vehicle company headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Appalachian alumna uses earth-friendly designs for Dr. Scholl’s shoes
April 26, 2019
Andee Burton ’12 uses hands-on experience for inspiration in developing earth-friendly shoes.
Got talent? This Appalachian alumnus may have a job for you at The Biltmore Co.
April 1, 2019
Alumnus Chip Bryan ’07, talent acquisition and recruitment supervisor for The Biltmore Co., hires help for America’s largest home — the Biltmore Estate.
Dr. Meredith McCarroll shares her interdisciplinary Appalachian Experience — on the page and the stage
March 29, 2019
Dr. Meredith McCarroll ’98 ’01 is an author and director of writing and rhetoric at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Her latest book is “Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy.”
From volunteer to director — Appalachian alumna forges a career and makes a difference
March 18, 2019
Appalachian alumna Heather Canipe uses her degree in social work to serve youth in the High Country.
From part-time repairs to CEO — Appalachian alumna followed a logical path to lead SkyLine Membership Corp.
March 18, 2019
Logic and reasoning skills learned while pursuing a mathematics degree at Appalachian State University led this alumna on a path from part-time repairs to CEO.
Locally and globally, Lane Bailey ’87 ’89 works to improve communities
January 28, 2019
Bailey, city manager of Salisbury, recently traveled to Tanzania to work with district governments on a range of issues. His international involvement represents Appalachian’s emphasis on global learning.
Anna Ulery ’04 captures fun moments in her career as a professional photographer
January 24, 2019
Appalachian professors mentored and encouraged her. Now, Anna Ulery ’04 owns and operates her own photo booth business in the High Country.
Pritzker Fellow to collaborate with community on development of early childhood programs
January 18, 2019
Crystal Kelly ’00 ’09, Pritzker Fellow and Appalachian alumna, will direct efforts to build a coordinated, early childhood system and local financing stream for early childhood initiatives in Watauga County.
Lauren Boop ’12 joins 2018–19 National Humanities Center Teacher Advisory Council
January 18, 2019
Boop, who graduated as a Teaching Fellow from Appalachian in 2012, is one of 15 members appointed to the 2018–19 National Humanities Center Teacher Advisory Council.
Appalachian alumna is Honolulu’s first female police chief
November 27, 2018
When Susan Ballard ’79 graduated from Appalachian with a teaching degree, being a police officer wasn’t even on her radar. Now she is the first female police chief of the Honolulu Police Department.
Appalachian alumnus Bill Pfleger explores ‘The New Energy Landscape’ through microgrid technology
November 20, 2018
In his fall 2018 Sustainable Energy Speaker Series talk at Appalachian, Pfleger, solutions architect manager for Schneider Electric, said the U.S. electricity system is on the brink of a disruption — a potentially good thing.
Now a teacher, Ashley Carlton ’12 pays forward the care she was shown at Appalachian
November 8, 2018
Given a second chance, Ashley Carlton ’12 graduated with honors from Appalachian’s classroom-based distance learning elementary education program and is now an award-winning fifth-grade science teacher.
Sport coat design of Appalachian alumni wins Garden and Gun Made in the South Award
November 7, 2018
The winning sport coat designed by Appalachian alumni Bradley Rhyne ’07 and Filipe Ho ’07, college roommates and co-founders of Charlotte-based menswear line OLE MASON JAR, features “trim lines and an emphasis on tradition.”
At Appalachian, chef Monica Smith ‘put some meat to her love of food’
November 2, 2018
Smith, a 1994 graduate of Appalachian’s nutrition and foods program, shares her accomplishments and passions related to cooking, as well as her fond memories of Appalachian.
Robert Ashley ’84 serves as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency
October 11, 2018
The director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was recognized during Appalachian’s Homecoming Week 2018 for his work, service and philanthropy.
Carole Wilson ’75, teacher, civic leader and philanthropist
October 11, 2018
The Appalachian Board of Trustees member was recognized during Homecoming Week 2018 for her work, service and philanthropy to the university.
David English ’04 ’06 leads day-to-day operations at UNCSA
October 11, 2018
North Carolina School of the Arts’ executive vice chancellor and provost was recognized during Appalachian’s Homecoming Week 2018 for his work, service and philanthropy.
Alumnus Craig Phillips ’93 works to restore musical legacy of The Revelers
July 17, 2018
An attic stash of more than 500 unpublished song arrangements allows Craig Phillips ’93 to revive the groundbreaking work of the 1920s singing group.
Appalachian alumni reunite at Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Ian Mance and Dustin Chicurel-Bayard served together in Student Government Association
April 12, 2018
Alumni Ian Mance and Dustin Chicurel-Bayard became friends as freshmen in 1999. They now work together for the Durham-based nonprofit.
Chemistry alum’s research indicates potential harm of essential oils
Q&A with J. Tyler Ramsey ’16, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
April 12, 2018
Appalachian’s J. Tyler Ramsey ’16 was the lead researcher for an NIEHS study indicating a link between lavender and tea tree oils and breast growth in boys.
The powers of sun and soul
Appalachian alumnus’ solar project benefits regional homeless shelter
January 29, 2018
With degrees in music, psychology and appropriate technology, Zach Sprau ’11 ’17 serves marginalized people around the world through solar energy projects.
Appalachian alumnus Brock Long leads FEMA’s mission of support
December 15, 2017
Appalachian alumnus William Brockmann “Brock” Long ’97 ’99 serves as the administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Breece Robertson ’00, the ‘GIS whiz’ at The Trust for Public Land
February 2, 2018
The Trust for Public Land is working to ensure every American can access a park. Breece Robertson ’00 uses her master’s in geography from Appalachian to help realize that vision.
Appalachian State University alumnus touts power of relationships as incoming head of Thurgood Marshall College Fund
December 15, 2017
Appalachian alumnus Dr. Harry Lee Williams touts the power of relationships as incoming head of Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
He’s back! Armanti Edwards ’09 receives his due in Canadian Football League
December 14, 2017
Mountaineer football icon Armanti Edwards ’09 helps the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts win the 2017 Grey Cup.
Alumna Profile: Belinda Marino ’10 ’13
November 7, 2017
Belinda Marino ’10 was named Wilkes County’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. When asked what she loves best about her career, Marino said that if she had to pick one, it would be the relationships she gets to build with students.
Susan M. Branch ’99
Distinguished Young Alumna
October 6, 2016
According to Branch, a successful attorney who serves on the university’s Board of Trustees, “I took advantage of everything Appalachian had to offer.”
Oncology nurse Sheets ’14 returns to serve Boone
Running her own show
August 25, 2016
ACCESS alumna Hannah Sheets Adams ’14 joins Watauga Medical Center’s radiation oncology department. “Giving my patients my all is a big deal to me.”
Appalachian music grad teaching, playing trumpet in Cairo
September 15, 2017
A degree from Appalachian State University can take you anywhere you want to go. Ask Trestan Peck ’15, a music teacher and trumpeter who studied at Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music. Or, look him up the next time you visit Cairo, his home for the last couple of years.
Thwarting Human Traffickers
Alumni Matt and Laura Parker run a nonprofit that helps find and free slaves
July 18, 2017
Appalachian graduates’ non-profit has facilitated rescue of more than 800 slaves.
Laura Brookshire ’16 helps keep farmers in business
March 10, 2017
Farm Aid employee Laura Brookshire ’16 helps keep farmers in business using her two master’s degrees from Appalachian State University.
What’s next for Caroline Federal ’12?
February 6, 2017
An Appalachian anthropology degree leads Federal to U.S. presidential internships, London School of Economics and MIT.
Charlotte skyline a steady beacon for Carolina Panthers coach Wilks ’92
October 6, 2016
From Mountaineer football to the Carolina Panthers, Steve Wilks ’92 steps from center field to the sidelines as defensive backs coach in the NFL.
Appalachian alumnus follows vigorous path to Johns Hopkins Hospital clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship
July 12, 2016
The rigors of balancing academics and athletics as an undergraduate gave Dr. Zachary Hollis ’02 the foundation to make well-informed career decisions, he said. The mental toughness he developed served him well during the past 14 years as he forged an advanced medical career to become a clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellow at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Alumna Rebecca Jones turned her Appalachian degrees into a position with filmmaker Ken Burns
May 26, 2016
Alumna Rebecca Jones turned her time in Appalachian’s Department of Communication and Center for Appalachian Studies into a position with filmmaker Ken Burns.
Alumnus Trevor McKenzie turned his childhood interest in Appalachia into a career
May 26, 2016
Trevor McKenzie ’10 ’12 earned degrees in history and Appalachian studies and now works as an archivist at Appalachian State University.
Country singer sums up recent success as ‘almost surreal’
February 28, 2013
Alumnus Eric Church ’00 won the Country Music Association’s album of the year in 2012, but before he got his break, he could be found studying between gigs at Waffle House in Lenoir.
Alumna Profile: Sarah Tucker ’17
November 22, 2017
Having received her family and consumer sciences degree at Appalachian, Sarah Tucker now pursues her passion as a teacher, making a difference in her students’ lives every day.
Alumna Profile: Erin Donohue ’17
July 14, 2017
Donohue’s summer internship after her junior year led to full-time employment with South Carolina’s Wikoff Color Corporation by the time she graduated.
Alumnus Profile: Joseph Gannon ’16
July 6, 2017
After majoring in career and technical education, Joseph Gannon ’16 secured a teaching position in Montana. He teaches middle school, as well as high school shop/woodworking, metalworking, construction and CAD/drafting. He is also an assistant wrestling coach.
Alumna Profile: Gabby Khoury ’17
November 21, 2017
Marketing major Khoury has been accepted into the sales associate program at Cisco, learning the company’s latest technology advancements and the most effective ways to sell them to customers.
Alumna Profile: Morgan Ledford ’17
September 19, 2017
This public health major is now the positive parenting implementation coordinator at AppHealthCare, the local county health department.
Alumnus Profile: Joshua Whitehead ’17
August 5, 2016
As a student, Whitehead won Appalachian’s Truman Capote Literary Trust Award in Creative Writing. Now, he’s in the Master of Fine Arts program at McNeese State University.
Alumna Profile: McKenzie Quattlebaum ’16
July 14, 2017
A branded merchandise manager at Classic, a large commercial print company based in Charlotte, she is responsible for helping her clients find specialty advertising products that meet their business needs.
Making History at the Mob Museum
Appalachian State University history majors find dream jobs in Vegas discover a fellow Mountaineer, just a cubicle away
July 4, 2016
Are there jobs for a history major? You bet! The opportunities are rife. Learn how two Appalachian graduates from the Department of History found dream jobs and a fellow Mountaineer at the Las Vegas Mob Museum.
Grayson Goldsmith '11 - Sustainability on the Job
September 3, 2015
Appalachian State University alumna Grayson Goldsmith ’11 describes how her work at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Virginia, is a natural extension of her Sustainable Development degree.

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Whether graduates seek immediate employment or an advanced degree after graduation, their App State Experience gets them where they want to go.

Within a year of graduation*:
86% of App State undergraduate and graduate alumni are employed and/or enrolled in continuing higher education programs.

*Tracking rate on all 2020–21 graduates: 74.5%

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