As Appalachian State University entered its 126th year, Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris was formally installed as the institution’s eighth chancellor in October. Norris began her role on March 1 after being elected by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors.
In 2025, Appalachian State achieved a significant milestone with its designation as a Research 2 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This status recognizes the university’s high research activity and production of doctorates. Researchers at App State received key awards in fields such as agriculture, rural health and wellness, and education. The university also launched the Office of Rural Promise to support regional connections and strengthen programs that empower students and educators across North Carolina.
Following Hurricane Helene in fall 2024, which caused extensive damage in Western North Carolina, App State participated in community recovery efforts throughout the year. The university hosted the WNC Research for Recovery and Resilience Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 stakeholders from academia, business, government, and the community. This gathering led to the creation of a research network focused on regional recovery and resilience initiatives. Additionally, faculty and local artists created works reflecting on the storm’s impact to support healing within the community.
The fall semester saw record enrollment numbers with 21,798 students attending Appalachian State University. There was a notable 28% increase in online student enrollment along with an all-time high number of transfer students joining the campus community. Student retention and graduation rates remain among the highest nationally. The university reports positive return on investment for both undergraduate and graduate academic programs.
Facility improvements marked another focus for App State during 2025. Herbert W. Wey Hall reopened after a $26 million renovation that expanded studio space, classrooms, and added an exhibition area for art students. Renovations continued at other sites including new classroom spaces at Hickory campus, construction of additional student housing at Appalachian 105 property in Boone, progress on Peacock Hall expansion projects, and upgrades to Edwin Duncan Hall aimed at increasing technological capacity for STEM instruction.
Plans were also announced to expand Kidd Brewer Stadium’s East Tower to further increase capacity and enhance fan experiences during sporting events; average attendance exceeded 30,000 for a fifth consecutive year—a figure representing top totals within Sun Belt Conference history—and season tickets sold out for a fourth straight year for Mountaineers football games. Construction began on an indoor practice facility that will allow expanded athletic training opportunities across multiple sports.
Student-athletes maintained strong academic performance with cumulative GPAs above 3.0 for thirteen years running while achieving success across several sports programs. Community engagement was recognized through receipt of Sun Belt’s Community Impact Award following over 1,600 hours contributed by student-athletes to service initiatives. Teams such as men’s wrestling and cross-country finished atop their conferences; women’s tennis posted a record season; field hockey recorded first-time wins over prominent teams including Michigan State.
“As a premier public institution,” said an official statement from Appalachian State University, “Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives.” The statement continued: “App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education.” The university enrolls more than 21,000 students across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online offerings.
Further details about programs offered can be found at https://www.appstate.edu.