High Country Times

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, has been awarded a Research 2 designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This classification is given to institutions with high research activity and doctorate production.

“This designation aligns with App State’s steady growth in research investments, giving our students more opportunities to engage in innovative and meaningful research and creative activities alongside App State’s expert faculty and staff,” said Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “This work yields real-world solutions and technologies that drive innovation — answering the needs of our communities and strengthening economies.”

In fiscal year 2024, Appalachian State set a record for research funding by securing over $25 million for faculty and staff projects. The university's funded research has increased by nearly 75% over the past five years.

Appalachian State emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities, providing students with hands-on experience on impactful projects. Students also have avenues to present their work at major conferences, which prepares them for future careers or graduate studies.

The R2 designation will provide more opportunities for students to conduct groundbreaking research alongside faculty, according to Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren, vice provost of research and innovation at Appalachian State. She stated that this recognition places the university within a broader national peer group.

“At our core, we are still a teaching institution, and that will always remain fundamental to our identity,” Norris added. “This new distinction will support continued teaching and research opportunities for faculty, which provide important pathways for student learning.”

The Carnegie Classifications were first published in 1973 and are updated every three years as a benchmarking tool used by policymakers, funders, and researchers. In 2022, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching began collaborating with the American Council on Education to update these classifications.

“We’ve been steadily evolving over time to arrive at this moment because of visionary planning, institutional and state support and most importantly, the dedication of our faculty, staff and students to meaningful research,” said Acting Provost Neva J. Specht.

Research advancement is one of Appalachian State's six strategic priorities as outlined in its Academic Affairs Strategic Plan. The Office of Research and Innovation supports faculty efforts in protecting intellectual property with potential financial impact through collaboration with NCInnovation.

Dr. Rahman Tashakkori leads an example project: the Beemon Hive Monitoring System aimed at reducing honeybee die-off rates was awarded over $640,000 from NCInnovation.

“Our unique excellence in research stems from the special intersection of our wonderful people and this amazing place,” Hendren remarked about their approach towards generating significant local-to-global impact through various disciplines.

In addition to its R2 status, Appalachian State will receive two additional Carnegie Classifications — an Institutional Classification and a Student Access/Earnings Classification — expected in April.