High Country Times

Months after Hurricane Helene affected the fall semester, Appalachian State University reported a 2.2% increase in spring 2025 enrollment compared to the previous year. The census day enrollment of 20,291 students marks a record for the university's spring term. The retention rate for first-year students from fall to spring reached 94.4%, the highest in five years.

App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris highlighted the significance of this achievement despite Helene's impact, attributing it to faculty and staff efforts. Classes were canceled from September 26 to October 11, 2024, due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage caused by the hurricane.

UNC System President Peter Hans acknowledged the collective effort of university personnel and state support in aiding student return and continuation toward graduation. Emergency funding from the North Carolina General Assembly facilitated infrastructure repairs and financial aid increases.

“That public support makes a real difference in the lives of those students and the recovery of the mountains,” Hans stated. “It speaks volumes about the strength of our universities and the people of Western North Carolina that Hurricane Helene has not stopped our students from pursuing their dreams.”

Following Helene's arrival on September 27, App State launched disaster resources for its community. A Disaster Resource Hub opened on October 1, providing bridge funds, counseling services, academic assistance, housing support, legal aid, financial aid help, and insurance consultations.

University offices collaborated to offer temporary housing solutions for displaced individuals. With private donor support, over $4 million was raised for immediate needs through bridge grants distributed at the Disaster Resource Hub.

Emergency grants helped offset hurricane-related expenses for affected students across state universities. Faculty received assistance to maintain learning outcomes despite missing instructional hours due to class cancellations.

Vice Chancellor Troy Johnson noted efforts to prevent student dropout following such weather events led to fewer withdrawals than expected. "Exceptional focus was placed on minimizing student attrition," he said.

Norris emphasized ongoing recovery efforts: “This process is not finished, and we are continuing to offer support in as many ways as we can.”

Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System with over 21,000 enrolled students across various campuses and online programs.