Last Updated on April 24, 2026 9:06 pm
Friday, April 24, 2026
This week offered many opportunities to celebrate the elements that enrich the App State Experience — from the innovation driving student research to the institutional support that empowers our faculty and their teaching, which in turn advances student success.
On Tuesday, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success (CETLSS) marked a significant milestone — 50 years of providing professional development, mentoring and programming to advance faculty and student success at App State. The day’s event featured a poster session highlighting more than 20 faculty and student success stories made possible by the center. I want to thank the many individuals who have been part of the center’s growth and evolution and who continue to be engaged with CETLSS and the services it provides. Their legacy and leadership have shaped this hub into a vital resource for our faculty and students, establishing it as a national model for a student-centered, innovative approach to teaching quality and professional development.
It was inspiring to see the depth and range of student research and creative activity on display at the 29th Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors, held Wednesday. Presented by the Office of Student Research, the annual event highlights not only the intellectual curiosity and innovation of our students but also the profound impact of faculty-mentored scholarship across disciplines. This year’s event was the largest in our university’s history, with 240 students participating — nearly 100 more than last year. It was also the first to feature a keynote speaker: App State alumna Amelia Bruce Leicht ’19, assistant research professor at the University of Kentucky, who shared how her undergraduate research at App State launched her career in medical research. We were honored to welcome Amelia back to campus.
Last weekend, current and former members of the App State Gospel Choir gathered on the Boone campus to take part in the choir’s 50th Anniversary Reunion. The event included rehearsals, a banquet and a celebration concert. For half a century, this program, housed in the Hayes School of Music, has built a community that transcends the stage, serving as a vehicle for artistic expression and a welcoming family for its members. Over the years, the choir has shared the Mountaineer spirit far and wide, performing for national and international audiences, and their performances remain a vital part of the nearly 200 concerts and recitals presented by the Hayes School of Music each year.
The spirit of service is central to the App State mission, anchoring our university in a shared commitment to the communities around us. This was vividly reflected during our recent Day of Service. One of several App State Days of Service held throughout the academic year, the event provided students meaningful opportunities to give back to campus and the Boone community. From volunteering at Springhouse Farm in Vilas, Mountain Pathways School and the “Battle at The Rock” spring football game, our students continue to lead with their hearts. Over the past 11 academic years, our students’ dedication to service has culminated in 319,410 volunteer hours completed through service-learning programs and courses — a contribution valued at more than $11 million to our local community. Please join me in thanking all of the staff who help organize these opportunities throughout the year for our students.
The energy on our campuses continues this weekend with a full schedule of home competitions for App State student-athletes. Our Mountaineers Baseball team is currently tied for third in the Sun Belt Conference standings. Following a successful three-game sweep at James Madison, the Mountaineers have returned to Boone for a home series against Georgia Southern this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, our Track and Field program will host the John Weaver Invitational this Friday and Saturday at the Randy Marion Track and Field Facility — part of the App 105 Sports Complex.
These recent moments of celebration — and the many more that are sure to come — allow us to pause and recognize the stand-out achievements that define the quality of our institution. Thank you for your continued dedication to our community and for the shared successes we build together every day.
Heather Norris
Chancellor
