It was wonderful to spend some time with education, business, government and civic leaders from the Catawba Valley area at our Hickory campus this afternoon. We have exciting plans on the horizon in the Hickory area, which you can read about below. Thanks to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for this photo.
Message from Chancellor Heather Norris: October 10, 2025
This week, I’m proud to share that, once again, we have independent confirmation of what we already know to be true about Appalachian State University — that it is a hallmark of excellence. Six notable publications, including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine, have ranked our university as one of the top higher education institutions in the Southeast and the country for our academics, innovation, value, benefits for student veterans, programs to enhance the first-year experience, and other notable accomplishments that make up the App State Experience and set us apart.
With some of the highest retention and graduation rates in the nation, graduates with less student debt than most in the nation, and a positive, resident-student return on investment for every one of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs, we are serving our state and nation by preparing knowledgeable, innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
These honors attest to App State’s reputation as a leader in higher education. More than that, they are a testament to the incredible work of our faculty and staff, who dedicate their lives to advancing purposeful research, teaching and service, while also working at every level to ensure a positive, meaningful community in which our students can succeed.
I hope you’ll read more about these latest accolades in this news story.
Along with Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Neva Specht and Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer J.J. Brown, as well as Assistant Vice Provost Amy Wood, I spent this afternoon with education, business, government and civic leaders from the Catawba Valley area at our Hickory campus. We shared an update on current and future academic programs and provided tours that showcased the most recent renovations to our facility, which were completed this summer. These included more classrooms and offices on the second floor, as well as a new computer lab and cybersecurity lab, two science labs, and student lounge and study areas. One of the two science labs, along with 12 classrooms and two conference rooms, opened to students on the first day of fall semester classes this year. You can learn more about the recent renovations and see photos on the App State’s Future website.
As we grow opportunities through our Hickory campus and our online educational platforms, there’s a real opportunity to expand access to a high-quality, cost-effective education that builds the skills and innovations our communities need for the future. We understood this several years ago, when we began academic program planning for our Hickory campus — expanding higher education access in what was previously the largest metropolitan area in the state without a four-year, public university campus.
Since that time, we’ve actively engaged with government, educational, industry and civic leaders in the Catawba Valley area. We’ve looked at current and projected labor market data for the area, measured student demand and industry needs, and worked with faculty to ensure we can deliver programs that students can complete on time, with positive return on investment and favorable career outcomes.
We’ve launched reading and math clinics for school-aged children, providing hands-on learning experiences that not only serve local families but also give our education majors real-world practice. In addition, through our Beaver College of Health Sciences, the campus offers an Aging Well program that provides specialized services to the senior community. Soon, we will add a companion program — the Growing Well program — which will serve young children who have developmental needs.
We’ve strategically focused the educational offerings at the Hickory campus to 13 core programs that align with our Academic Affairs Strategic Plan and the needs of the Hickory area market. Our Hickory campus majors now include programs that span the broad areas of business, technology, education and health sciences. You can learn more about these programs on our Hickory campus webpage.
In fall 2026, the Hickory campus offerings will include a Doctor of Nursing Practice, which will be supported by a new simulation lab and health sciences clinic; an emergency management certificate program, which could also be an added option to the Bachelor of Science degree program in professional studies; a Hickory Police Cadet initiative in partnership with the City of Hickory and Catawba Valley Community College; and a new business concentration in aviation management.
Throughout the year, my leadership team and I enjoy opportunities to spend a few minutes visiting with our student-athletes and share our appreciation for these students and their dedication to their academics and sports. This week, we stopped by practices for the volleyball and cross-country teams.
Spring marked the 26th consecutive semester — 13 years — of our Mountaineer student-athletes earning a combined grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, and last month, 258 student-athletes earned placement on the Sun Belt Commissioner’s Honor Roll, with App State ranking in the top three among the 14 football-playing Sun Belt institutions.
This semester has been the best overall start to the season for all of our fall sports since we joined the Sun Belt Conference, including:
- The Mountaineers Volleyball team, which is currently rated 39th in the country, scored wins over two ACC opponents — Virginia and Duke;
- Tennis, whose Savannah Dada-Mascoll, a senior digital journalism major, defeated five nationally ranked players last weekend, including the number one singles player;
- Soccer, which started the season defeating Miami — an ACC powerhouse team;
- Both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams, which are defending their Sun Belt Conference Championships; and
- Field Hockey, which is just outside the top 20 in the national rankings.
And of course, after last week’s home field win against Oregon State, we’re excited to cheer on our Mountaineer Football team as they face Georgia State on Saturday at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, before returning home to The Rock for a much-anticipated Homecoming Weekend game against Coastal Carolina.
As we reach the midpoint of the semester, classes will not meet Monday and Tuesday during Fall Break. I hope this time offers some opportunities for rejuvenation as we head into the second half of the semester and it begins to feel like fall in the High Country!
Heather Norris
Chancellor
At App State, more than two-thirds of our students rely on some sort of financial aid. Of those undergraduate students who receive aid, 44% are first-generation college students. Support from the Golden LEAF Foundation is ensuring that 78 remarkable students can enjoy the App State Experience to the fullest, and I enjoyed spending time with some of them at a reception in their honor earlier this week.
Since 2017, App State students, faculty, staff and community members have come together each fall at a 100-yard-long table on Sanford Mall to share a local meal and conversations about the importance of a resilient food system. This eighth annual Community FEaST featured amazing food, a lively atmosphere and great community-building opportunities. Watch a fun video from the event here.
This week, I had an opportunity to meet with the staff and lineworkers of App State’s New River Light and Power — one of two public power utilities owned by a UNC System institution, and the only one that serves both a university and the surrounding town. Their response during Hurricane Helene was nothing short of heroic, and it was my honor to spend a few moments with them.
Thanks to Chase Reynolds in University Communications for taking these photos.
