edited by Kaylie Morales
Volume 8, Issue 32
July 23, 2025
Dear Honors students,
As we count down the final days before move-in, I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve enjoyed meeting our newest Honors students and their families during orientation—and how much I’ve missed our returning students. I can’t wait to welcome you all back to campus and into another year of exploring, creating, and learning together. I’m especially excited to hear about the many ways you’ve been engaged this summer—on campus, in your communities, and around the world. See you soon!
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
Summer Volunteers Needed for App Builds a Home and Watauga Habitat for Humanity
App Builds a Home and Watauga Habitat for Humanity need volunteers to help build the Lee family home. No construction experience needed. Individuals or groups can sign up for a half or full volunteer day. Click here to sign up to volunteer. For questions, contact Misty Mayfield.
Library Search is Here
The Universities Libraries has launched Library Search, a new library service platform, which replaces the previous library support tool APPsearch. Click here for more information about Library Search and its features. For questions, please contact University Libraries.
Introducing the App State IRB AI Proofreading Tool
The App State Institutional Review Board (IRB) has launched the App State IRB AI Proofreading Tool, a new resource designed to help faculty, staff, and students prepare for Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications. This tool allows individuals to upload a PDF of their IRB application and receive AI-generated feedback on their submission. This tool does not replace the official IRB review process. For questions after receiving the AI-generated feedback, contact the IRB Office.
Graduate Admissions Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies is still accepting applications for graduate admissions for the fall 2025 semester. With more than 80 graduate degree or certificate programs there are many opportunities to advance your education, learn new skills and elevate your career. The deadline for non-degree applications for the Fall 2025 semester is Monday, August 4. Degree/certificate application deadlines vary. Click here to apply for non-degree applications. For questions, contact Graduate Admissions.
Volunteer for the 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival
The Modern Indian Studies, Carolina Performing Arts, the Carolina Asia Center, and other sponsors need volunteers for the Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Volunteers will help to check tickets at the door, carry audience microphones during panels, and set up and break down. To sign up to volunteer, click here.
Stay in the Know:
Turchin Center New Exhibit “Threading: Contemporary Art in Thailand”
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts has their seventh international exhibition “Threading: Contemporary Art in Thailand,” up through December 6 at the Community Gallery and the Hodges Gallery. This exhibition showcases the artwork of 21 contemporary artists based in Thailand. Click here to learn more.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performs for Appalachian Summer
The Schaefer Center hosts Pink Martini featuring China Forbes as a part of the Appalachian Summer festival on Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. The musical band was formed in 1994, with their music focusing on the topic of civil rights, education, the environment, and much more. Click here to learn more about Pink Martini featuring China Forbes. Click here to purchase tickets.
Baby Goat Yoga at Apple Hill Farm
The Apple Hill Farm is partnering with Yoga 828 to host goat yoga every Friday at 5 p.m. until August 1st at Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk. Experience this fun yoga class outdoors, enjoy the farm, and connect with baby goats. The cost is $45 and all attendees must bring their own yoga mats. Click here to register.
First Friday Art Crawl
Join the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts for their annual First Friday Art Crawl on Friday, August 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Boone. Every first Friday of the month enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, local artists, and connect with the Boone community. Click here to learn more.
Music in the Valle 2025
The Valle Crucis Community Park hosts multiple live performances during the summer every Friday night at 6 p.m. Performances vary and include Appalachian banjo, Appalachian rock, folk music and much more. Click here to view the artist lineup and schedule.
In the Honors Spotlight
Dr. Annette Lytle Ranft ’86 recognized as the 2025 Honors College exceptional alumna
Photo features Dr. Annette Lytle Ranft ’86 (left), the 2025 Honors College exceptional alumna honoree, with Dr. Vicky Klima (right), Associate Vice Provost to the Honors College, at the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala. Photo submitted by Chase Reynolds.
The Honors College honored Dr. Annette Lytle Ranft ’86 as the 2025 Honors College exceptional alumna during Appalachian State’s 2025 Alumni Awards Gala held on July 12, 2025. Each year, the Appalachian State Alumni Association acknowledges individuals whose exceptional professional, philanthropic, or volunteer achievements have impacted society and Appalachian State University. Ranft graduated from App State in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Management (M.S.M.) from Georgia Tech and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from UNC Chapel Hill.
In her current position as the Wake Forest Sisel Distinguished Dean of Business, Dr. Ranft has come full circle with her Honors interdisciplinary education, now teaching PhD students spanning various disciplines. Reflecting, she stated, “It is at the intersections of things that we find the answers.”
Click here to read the full story by Em Acuña about the influence Honors has had on Dr. Ranft’s career.
Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday will be considered for the following week’s issue.
Have a story to share? Share what you have done, what you are doing, or what you will be doing by submitting a story here.
To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!