High Country Times

Appalachian State University has announced a significant contribution from the La-Z-Boy Foundation, amounting to $333,000. This donation will establish The La-Z-Boy Endowed Professorship in Applied Design within the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

The new professorship is set to support faculty members in the Department of Applied Design, particularly those focusing on furniture or interior design. Michael A. Rall, interim chair of the department and associate professor of industrial design, expressed gratitude for this industry partnership: “We are grateful for the support of industry leaders who understand the value of investing in higher education.” He emphasized that such collaborations benefit students and contribute to innovations and long-term success in the design industry.

Tim Solesbee, vice president of human resources at La-Z-Boy and an alumnus from 1983, shared similar sentiments: “The La-Z-Boy Foundation is pleased to partner with Appalachian State University to support their applied design program, which is critical to fueling future innovation in the furniture and design industry.”

This recent gift adds to La-Z-Boy Foundation's history of contributions to Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts. Past donations have supported various programs like the Furniture Design Program Fund and provided funding for the Lab for Innovative Design, which opened in 2020.

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts consists of seven academic departments that offer diverse educational opportunities aimed at student success. The university itself is part of the University of North Carolina System, known for its innovative teaching methods and commitment to accessible education.