We're excited to welcome you back to App State for a new semester. Kick off the year with Welcome to App events featuring live music, free food, giveaways, games and opportunities to connect with the App State Community.
App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App Stateâs research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022â23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.
Six national publications â including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes magazine â have recognized App State among the best schools in the nation, and the Southeast, for 2025â26. The publications lauded the university for its academics, innovation and value, among other aspects.
In fall 2026, App State will launch a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program, designed to educate family practice nurse practitioners and respond to health care provider shortages, especially in rural areas. The program has been approved by the UNC System Board of Governors.
On Feb. 27, 2025, the UNC Board of Governors elected Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris as the next leader of Appalachian State University. Norris has served as interim chancellor since April 2024. Her career has been characterized by her strong, collaborative leadership and service to both App State and the greater community, and she brings more than two decades of academic leadership, vision and expertise to her role as chancellor.
Sustainability and resilience are guiding principles at App State and institutionally interwoven into our strategic plan, academic mission, engagement locally and globally and day-to-day best practices. We are recognized as a national leader for our endeavors.
We're enhancing the App State Experience with a stronger physical infrastructure and five-year goals that further empower human potential. Get the full picture by visiting the App State's Future website, which details our growth and change.
Join a diverse and dynamic community that elevates your dreams and champions your capacity for real impact with life-changing opportunities for research and exploration.
