Jennifer Schroeder Tyson, a research assistant professor in the Department of Public Health at Appalachian State University, has been named the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year. The announcement was made by the Sun Belt Conference, which honors faculty members from its member institutions for their commitment to teaching and support of student-athletes.
The Sun Belt Faculty Member of the Year Award, established in 2019, is given annually to one faculty member among 14 conference institutions. The selection is made by faculty athletics representatives, student-athlete academic directors, and members of the Sun Belt Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill said, “We are honored to recognize these educators for their immeasurable impact on the lives of our student-athletes.”
Schroeder Tyson stated, “Supporting student-athletes in their public health journeys has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, and I look forward to continuing to help them thrive, both on the field and in the field of public health.”
Schroeder Tyson and other finalists will be recognized at the Sun Belt Conference Honors Banquet during the Sun Belt Fall Meetings on October 16 in Atlanta.
Schroeder Tyson joined Appalachian State University’s faculty in 2016 and teaches in both App State’s public health program and at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico. Her research focuses on disaster preparedness and public health infrastructure for maternal and child populations, particularly in rural Appalachian areas.
During the 2024–25 academic year, she coordinated internships related to the Hurricane Helene response and recovery initiative in Western North Carolina. Student-athletes were involved in emergency preparedness assessments, community health education, and recovery planning. Schroeder Tyson noted that students’ participation was crucial in collecting post-disaster data, supporting families, and working with local leaders to develop resilience strategies.
She commented on her work with student-athletes: “What I love most about working with student-athletes is their ability to lead and inspire others. They often bring a team-oriented mindset into the classroom, elevating group work and fostering a sense of camaraderie among their peers. Whether they are presenting on campus mental health, organizing wellness fairs or developing outreach campaigns for underserved populations, their energy is infectious and their leadership is palpable.”
Schroeder Tyson added, “I approach my work with humor, enthusiasm and a student-centered mindset. I strive to be the kind of professor who students can count on for guidance, encouragement and real-world preparation.”
This marks the second time in three years that an Appalachian State University faculty member has received this recognition; Dr. Zachary Farris won in 2023.
The Sun Belt Conference, founded in 1976, consists of 14 institutions across 10 states and sponsors 20 sports. Appalachian State University’s teams have won 15 conference titles since 2016, and its football team has achieved notable success since joining the conference in 2014, including seven consecutive bowl wins.
Appalachian State University supports more than 400 student-athletes across 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports. Most of its teams compete in the Sun Belt Conference, with exceptions for field hockey (Mid-American Conference) and wrestling (Southern Conference). More information about App State athletics can be found at https://www.appstatesports.com.
The Beaver College of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University enrolls over 3,600 students and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college operates from two main locations on campus: Holmes Convocation Center and Levine Hall of Health Sciences. It also maintains partnerships with regional health organizations. Further details are available at https://healthsciences.appstate.edu.
Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System, enrolling more than 21,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs at its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online. Additional information about the university can be found at https://www.appstate.edu.
