App State Chancellor

Across our campuses, Appalachian State University staff members are working diligently this summer to sustain daily operations and keep our university running seamlessly.

On behalf of the university, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our staff for their steadfast commitment and for the essential contributions they make to campus life each and every day.

Each year, we gather to celebrate these incredible individuals, who play a vital role in supporting the entire App State Community. Take a look at some highlights from our spring 2026 Staff Appreciation event.

Staff Appreciation | Spring 2026 This spring, we celebrated the incredible dedication of our staff w...

This week highlighted the many ways Appalachian State University serves our students, our communities and our state — from Frontline to Farm supporting veterans transitioning into agriculture, to the Appalachian Energy Summit advancing energy efficiency across North Carolina, to celebrating the leaders and partnerships that strengthen our university.

Read more in my latest update: https://chancellor.appstate.edu/newsletter/id/462

As summer continues at Appalachian State University, Mountaineers are making an impact close to home and around the world. From enhancing health and wellness in our state’s rural communities to preparing the next generation of educators and participating in immersive study abroad experiences, our students, faculty and staff continue to make an impact through learning, service and innovation.

Read more in my latest update: https://chancellor.appstate.edu/newsletter/id/461

As we move into June, the summer season offers a valuable opportunity for focused work and intentional progress across Appalachian State University's campuses in Boone and Hickory.

Summer Session I is in full swing, with students and faculty hard at work. Flexible summer offerings are helping Mountaineers advance their academic goals while gaining valuable experience through internships and other professional opportunities.

Our Boone campus is also welcoming new public art this season, with 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street as part of the 40th annual Martin and Doris Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition — further enriching the campus experience for our community.

Read more in my latest update: https://chancellor.appstate.edu/newsletter/id/460

Today, we remember those we have lost and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and our freedoms.

Throughout the year, we recognize our military members on different occasions and for different reasons. Memorial Day is a particularly meaningful time to pay tribute to those who, as President Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address, “gave the last full measure of devotion” to their country.

On Friday, we laid a wreath at App State’s Veterans Memorial honoring the students, faculty, staff and alumni who gave their lives while in service to their country. Their names and their sacrifice will forever remain in our Mountaineer hearts.

This week, the Mountaineer community mourns the loss of Dr. Harvey R. Durham, an extraordinary leader who dedicated nearly 40 years of service to Appalachian State University. Harvey led for 24 years as the university’s chief academic officer and was App State’s acting chancellor during the 2003–04 academic year.

Harvey’s legacy at App State spanned generations of students, faculty and staff. From teaching mathematics to championing student success and helping establish the university’s earliest international partnerships, he helped shape the university we know today.

Our hearts are with his wife, Susan, their children, grandchildren and the entire Durham family. I invite you to take a moment to read more about his remarkable life of leadership and service.

Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: May 22, 2026 App State Chancellor Heather Norris reflects on Harvey R. Durham’s lasting legacy.

What a privilege it was to join the entire Appalachian State University community — our students, their loved ones, faculty and staff — as we celebrated more than 4,300 graduates this spring. This milestone marks the outstanding accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

The joy and pride were palpable, and this video captures the excitement of the weekend. As we welcome our newest alumni, I know their rigorous academic discovery here at App State will be translated into tangible, real-world impacts for North Carolina and beyond.

Commencement | Spring 2026 A record 4,300+ Mountaineer graduates, along with family, friends, faculty and staff, celebrated Spring 2026 Commencement at App State during seven ceremonie...

The spring semester has ended, but Appalachian State University continues to celebrate the people who make our university extraordinary as we prepare for summer classes, An Appalachian Summer Festival, New Student Orientation and more.

Last month, we presented the annual Awards of Distinction, recognizing 29 faculty, staff and students for their exemplary contributions to our university and the broader community through teaching, research, leadership and service. Their dedication enriches our campus, and their achievements continue to inspire fellow Mountaineers. It was an honor to celebrate these recipients and thank them for the lasting impact they have made across our campus, region and state.

Awards of Distinction 2026 On April 28, Appalachian State University honored 29 students, faculty and staff during its fourth annual Awards of Distinction ceremony, recognizing their e...

Congratulations to the newest graduates of Appalachian State University!

From first-generation students and military-affiliated graduates to online learners, student-athletes and researchers, the Class of 2026 reflects the strength and spirit of App State. Every graduate crossing the commencement stage brought a unique story of persistence and achievement.

As you begin your next chapter, know that the Mountaineer spirit goes with you wherever you lead, serve and grow. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement — we look forward to seeing all you will accomplish.

Today begins Spring 2026 Commencement at Appalachian State University, with seven ceremonies honoring more than 4,300 Mountaineer graduates.

Graduates, I am extremely proud of your personal and professional growth as you begin this exciting new chapter in your lives. Your App State education has prepared you to excel in your chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to your communities.

This week, we celebrate the persistence, determination and achievements of the Class of 2026. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone!

Pictured here are five standout representatives of this incredible class: Masa and Seleen Al Horani, Austin Wray, Daniel Russom and Beth Neal.