Last Updated on October 23, 2026 6:37 pm
With crisp fall weather settling over the mountains, our campus community opens its doors this weekend to welcome student families and supporters for Appalachian State University’s Fall Family Weekend. The weekend offers plenty of ways for families to experience life at App State — from discovering exciting learning opportunities and attending Mountaineer sporting events to enjoying some friendly competition during family games, sharing meals in our campus dining halls and spending time together in Boone and the surrounding area.
As National Transfer Student Week comes to a close, I want to recognize the important role transfer students play in shaping App State. This fall, 5,553 transfer students are enrolled at the university — the largest transfer student population in the school’s history. These students represent 29% of our undergraduate population, bringing valuable experiences, perspectives and goals that enrich our classrooms and campus life. App State is nationally recognized for our support for transfer students, and I appreciate everyone whose work makes our transfer student programs and services possible, as well as all who participated in this week’s events and celebrations. In this video, hear directly from Mountaineer students about their transfer journeys and from staff about the resources and opportunities available to help transfer students connect with the App State Community at both the Boone and Hickory campuses.
In an increasingly connected world, protecting digital infrastructure requires both expert academic preparation and active vigilance across our campus community. Through the Walker College of Business, our Department of Computer Information Systems offers cybersecurity programs that combine technical knowledge, business applications and practical experience to prepare graduates for careers in this growing field. During October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I encourage our students, faculty and staff to take part in this year’s Cyber Bowl, a friendly competition among North Carolina universities that tests cybersecurity knowledge and promotes safer online practices. Every completed quiz earns a point for App State, and with our university currently in second place, there’s still time to help us climb the leaderboard!
Preparing students for meaningful careers is central to our mission at App State, and this week’s Health Sciences Career Fair connected classroom learning with potential career paths. Hosted by our Career Development Center and Beaver College of Health Sciences, the event brought students and alumni together with healthcare employers to explore internships, employment prospects and pathways into the field. Throughout the academic year, our Career Development Center hosts career fairs, as well as networking and recruitment events for students across all majors and career interests, helping them build professional connections, explore potential career paths and prepare for life after graduation. These opportunities are worth taking advantage of early and often as students consider and prepare for what comes next.
Following their recent APPlause! Series performance, visiting artists Dan + Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin spent time with health sciences and music students, exploring the role of music in clinical care, therapeutic settings and audience engagement. Claudia Zanes, a board-certified music therapist, shared how music can be adapted for therapeutic purposes, giving students in App State’s undergraduate and graduate music therapy programs a firsthand look at applications of their studies beyond the classroom.That spirit of exploration is reflected in the work of our emerging visual artists. The Foundations Program Exhibition, which opened Oct. 19 in Smith Gallery, showcases student work developed through the foundational stages of their artistic education. A reception on Oct. 28 will offer an opportunity to view the exhibition and recognize the students whose work is featured.
And from Smith Gallery to Kidd Brewer Stadium, it’s been an exciting week! Thursday evening, App State Football earned a 34–31 overtime victory over previously undefeated James Madison University, securing an important Sun Belt Conference win before an energized home crowd. There’s even more to look forward to as our App State Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams prepare to take the court. I recently enjoyed spending time with both teams and sharing in their excitement for the season ahead, with regular-season play beginning Nov. 2.
From our classrooms and galleries to our athletic venues, the people, purpose and traditions that fill these spaces are what define Appalachian State University.
Heather Norris
Chancellor
