Last Updated on March 28, 2025 3:54 pm
Friday, March 28, 2025
This week, we’re celebrating a grant in excess of $7.2 million awarded to the App State-based Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC), led by Dr. Andrew Koricich, professor in the Reich College of Education. The funding, from the nonprofit organization Ascendium Education Group, will support the establishment of a Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab in five partner states, helping advance higher education and workforce development in rural communities over the next four years.
Housed in the Reich College of Education, ARRC brings together five leading researchers on regional colleges and postsecondary education in rural contexts to examine the role and impacts of regional and rural-serving colleges and universities. The Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab will partner with five state higher education executive agencies to develop at least four individual credential pathways. Beginning in 2027, it will provide opportunities for learners to earn associate degrees and undergraduate certificates that support the rural workforce needs of each state. All of these plans will be designed with input from rural communities, with the goal of creating opportunities that are accessible, connected to local employment and low-cost.
This is an exciting development for our state and region, and a testament to our continuing commitment to provide access to education — particularly for learners in rural areas. You can read more about the grant and the work of Dr. Koricich here.
Last week:
- App State’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Mountaineer Battalion received the U.S. Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Award, which recognizes the top eight ROTC programs in the country. The award highlights the success of the program in displaying General MacArthur's ideals — “Duty, Honor, Country” — and accomplishing their mission of training and commissioning second lieutenants for the U.S. Army. The Mountaineer Battalion has a long-earned reputation as a strong program built over decades and furthered by their Cadet Summer Training, solid performances in competitions and the contributions of their alumni in the Army. We congratulate the Mountaineer Battalion leadership and cadets for continuing this record of exemplary performance.
- The Walker College of Business presented the 66th Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series. We were honored to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Todd Campbell, president and chief executive officer of Builders Insurance Group, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from App State in 1987. In a powerful and dynamic speech, Todd shared his perspective on the choices we make in life and in business. A two-term student body president, he was appointed an ex officio member of the Boone Town Council and was recognized as an outstanding citizen of Boone for his work as a student leader on campus and in Boone.
App State takes great pride in the many accomplished and inspirational leaders among our alumni — especially those who exemplify innovation, resilience and a commitment to excellence. Todd is a standout example. We are committed to preparing students and graduates to navigate complex challenges and to make meaningful impacts in their industries and communities. A special thank-you to Todd for an inspirational presentation — and to all of our faculty and staff for your dedication to guiding, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of community leaders. - Our App State Softball team celebrated its 25th season with an official opening of their new stadium at the Appalachian 105 Sports Complex on a beautiful spring day. It was a full circle moment, as the App 105 complex sits on the old Watauga High School grounds — where the program played home softball games from 2003 to 2007. We wish Coach Whitney Jones and her team all the best through the rest of the season.
- Between winning two matches, our App State’s Women’s Tennis team dedicated a court and their scoreboard, respectively, to two remarkable alumni: Keith Richardson ’75 and UNC Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers ’85. The team beat Marshall University on Saturday and on Sunday, after dedicating the court and scoreboard, beat in-state rival East Carolina University. Here’s wishing the team and Head Coach Hannah Fetters and her staff continued success.
Spring momentum carries us forward! I hope everyone can enjoy some sunshine as the mountains and foothills show signs of renewal.
Heather Norris
Chancellor
