Appalachian State University | Boone

Appalachian State University (App State), located in Boone, North Carolina, is a distinguished public university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and deep connection to the Appalachian region and its culture. Founded in 1899, App State has evolved over more than a century from a small teacher training school into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Historical Background

Appalachian State University was originally established as Watauga Academy in 1899 by brothers B.B. and D.D. Dougherty. Its primary purpose was to train teachers for the growing public school system in the mountainous regions of North Carolina. Over the years, the institution went through several name changes reflecting its expanding role and mission:

Appalachian Training School for Teachers (1903)

Appalachian State Normal School (1925)

Appalachian State Teachers College (1929)

In 1967, the school broadened its academic scope to become a comprehensive four-year institution, offering a wider variety of degree programs beyond teacher education. In 1971, Appalachian State joined the University of North Carolina System, cementing its role as a key public university in the state.

Campus and Location

App State’s main campus is situated on approximately 1,300 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a stunning natural environment at an elevation of 3,333 feet. The Boone location offers students and faculty a unique blend of academic facilities and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and nature exploration. The campus architecture combines historic and modern buildings, creating a welcoming and functional academic atmosphere.

Key campus features include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, performance venues, athletic facilities, and residence halls. Sanford Mall, the large central green space, serves as a hub for social gatherings, student events, and university traditions.

Academic Programs

Appalachian State University offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and over 80 graduate programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines. These programs are organized into several colleges:

College of Arts and Sciences: Offering degrees in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts.

Walker College of Business: Known for its strong business, accounting, and finance programs.

Reich College of Education: Continuing the university’s legacy of teacher training.

College of Health Sciences: Providing programs in public health, exercise science, and related fields.

College of Fine and Applied Arts: Offering studies in design, music, theatre, and related creative fields.

College of Environmental and Behavioral Sciences: Focusing on sustainability, environmental studies, and behavioral health.

App State has built a reputation for excellence in undergraduate teaching and innovative academic programs, often recognized nationally for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

Research and Facilities

Appalachian State holds a Carnegie Classification as a “Research 2” institution, which reflects its high level of research activity, including doctoral degree production. Faculty and students engage in diverse research fields such as environmental science, renewable energy, public health, education, and Appalachian studies.

One notable facility is the Dark Sky Observatory, located near Deep Gap, North Carolina. This observatory provides opportunities for astronomical research, student instruction, and public outreach events focused on stargazing and science education.

Other specialized facilities support disciplines like business, education, health sciences, and the arts, with investments in technology and infrastructure that enhance both research and learning environments.

Athletics

Appalachian State’s athletic teams are known as the Mountaineers and compete in NCAA Division I within the Sun Belt Conference. The university fields competitive teams in football, basketball, soccer, and many other sports.

The football team, in particular, has earned national recognition for its success, most famously upsetting the University of Michigan in 2007, a landmark victory that garnered widespread media attention and boosted the university’s profile.

Sports facilities include the Kidd Brewer Stadium (football), Holmes Convocation Center (basketball and volleyball), and numerous training and practice fields.

Student Life and Community

The presence of Appalachian State University greatly influences the culture and economy of Boone, a small town known for its friendly atmosphere and access to outdoor activities. Student life at App State is vibrant and diverse, featuring over 300 student organizations, clubs, and societies catering to academic interests, cultural identities, hobbies, and community service.

The university emphasizes sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement, encouraging students to participate in volunteer programs, internships, and service learning.

Boone’s location provides students easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and other natural attractions, making outdoor recreation an integral part of campus life. Activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and fishing are popular among students and residents alike.

Summary

Appalachian State University stands out as a comprehensive institution blending rigorous academics with a strong commitment to research, sustainability, and community involvement. Its historic roots as a teacher training school have expanded into a dynamic university environment serving thousands of students in numerous fields of study. Located in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, App State offers a unique combination of academic excellence, natural beauty, and a welcoming community, making it a leading educational institution in the southeastern United States.