The Honors College empowers students to develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills; promotes interdisciplinary inquiry; and nurtures thoughtful and caring exchanges of ideas. We seek to equip our students and ourselves to lead positive change in the world. Appalachian’s Honors College is an inclusive, mutually supportive community of highly motivated students from all majors, engaged faculty from across campus, and staff dedicated to supporting students in their intellectual, personal, and professional development. Engaging in the Honors College community prepares students for graduate study, professional school, meaningful employment, leadership roles, community engagement, and career success.
Weekly Message
September 20, 2023
Dear Honors friends,
It's hard to believe we are a month into the fall semester, but we are. I am missing being in the classroom, but am bolstered by the stories that you and our Honors faculty are sharing with me about the great things you are doing in your seminars. The relationships you build with your seminar instructors are invaluable and often are the building-blocks for thesis projects, with that faculty member or another. Our Honors College is a community; please don't forget to include your faculty and your academic mentors in your community. As the busy middle of the semester approaches, having unconditional academic, professional, and personal support is key. Lean on us; we are here for you.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Click here for the full version of the latest Honors Wednesday Memo.
Meet the Interim Dean
I am excited to step into what inaugural dean Jeff Vahlbusch rightly describes as “the best job on this campus” and am committed to maintaining our college’s pledge to “do honors differently.” This difference is rooted in the college’s dedication to the whole student, beginning with a radically holistic admissions process and continuing with unconditional academic, personal, and professional support. The Honors College nurtures community through collaborative classrooms, integrated advising and mentoring, and an embrace of experiential learning. As interim dean I will be a part of this community, learning from and growing with our amazing students. App State’s Honors College and departmental Honors Programs across campus connect great students to great opportunities and I am eager to work with the college’s dedicated faculty, staff, and student leaders to strengthen these connections.