edited by Em Acuña
Volume 9, Issue 21
February 18, 2026
Dear Honors College students,
After the weather-related disruption at the start of the semester, it’s hard to believe we’re already in week six—and looking ahead to the Fall semester. As advising season approaches, be on the lookout for communication from your Honors College academic mentor, who will help you think strategically about Honors seminars, Honors sections across campus (many of which fulfill general education requirements), and major coursework in ways that connect to your goals and interests. This week’s spotlight features Dr. Rachel Bleich, our Honors College academic mentor for biology majors. Her story highlights what is at the heart of Honors College mentoring—faculty who walk alongside you from Orientation through thesis, helping you navigate opportunities with clarity and confidence. As you explore the Fall semester Honors offerings, I hope you’ll begin imagining a semester that challenges you, broadens your perspective, and supports your long-term plans.
Best wishes,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email at klimavw@appstate.edu
CAREEReady LinkedIn & Social Media Workshop
The Career Development Center is hosting the CAREEReady workshop series to equip students with professional skills. Career coaches and local employers facilitate each session. The first session, “LinkedIn & Social Media,” will be held on February 24 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., in PSU 100. Lunch will be provided. RSVP via Engage.
CEL AppLEADS Certification (Emotionally Intelligent Leadership)
The Office of Community-Engaged Leadership (CEL) is offering the fourth workshop in the AppLEADs program series: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership on either February 24, 25, or 26. Participants completing each of the five workshops in this series will earn a certificate demonstrating their commitment to leadership development. Register on Engage for the Advance session and five workshops. For any questions, contact Kaleigh Del Greco, interim coordinator with CEL.
Pathways to Resilience Climate Events
The Pathways to Resilience QEP and partners across campus host opportunities for students to grow climate literacy. Two upcoming events will be held on Wednesday, February 25. From 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Reich College of Education room 301, Dr. Katie Biddle and her graduate students will host “Climate Connection with Expressive Arts Therapy.” Access the Engage event to RSVP and learn more. From 5:30 p.m. on Zoom, Professor Sherry Nikbakht with the Department of Mathematics will host a “Cooking with Purpose” session. For more information and to register, access the Google Docs form.
Art & Design Expo
The 2026 Art and Design expo is currently on view until February 26 at the Smith Gallery in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and the Walling Gallery in Wey Hall. This juried exhibition features outstanding student work from across campus. A public reception and award ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 19 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at both galleries. Admission is free, and both galleries are open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2026 JASNC Annual Conference
The 2026 Japan-American Society of North Carolina (JASNC) annual conference, funded by the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) and the Embassy of Japan, will take place on Thursday, February 26 at the North Carolina Biotech Center in Durham, North Carolina. This year's theme, “AI Frontiers: US-Japan Collaboration in Innovation and Industry,” will focus on how Japanese companies within the U.S. are using AI effectively and how it relates to North Carolina’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. Check out the JASNC website to register.
Stay in the Know:
Hayes School of Music Performances
The Hayes School of Music (HSOM) has a variety of upcoming performances this week. On Thursday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hickory Campus Atrium, the faculty will present a Black History Month Concert. On the Boone Campus, the Black History Month Concert will be held on Sunday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall. On Tuesday, February 24, at 8:00 p.m. in The Schaefer Center, the Jazz Ensemble I will perform alongside guest trumpeter Pharez Whitted. All events have free admission. Visit the Hayes School of Music Performance Calendar for details and updates on all events.
Music Humanities Events: Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum
Dr. Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum, Professor of Music at Illinois State University, will be visiting Boone as part of the 2026 Music Humanities series. On Thursday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m. in Schaffel Recital Hall, Dr. Aduonum will give a lecture, “Etua Wo Nyͻnko A, Etua Dua Mu: Towards an Embodied Reconstructive Archeology, A Practice-Led Approach to Knowing.” Then on Friday, February 20 at 7:30 pm in the Rosen Concert Hall, Dr. Aduonum will perform “Walking with My Ancestors: Cape Coast Castle (2019).” Both events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the events and Dr. Aduonum’s work, visit the event page.
ABAH Bowling Tournament
App Builds a Home (ABAH) is hosting a bowling tournament on Monday, February 23, at 5:00 p.m. at High Country Lanes. Register a team of up to six players using this Google Form. The fee of $20 per player includes two rounds of bowling and shoe rental. The event will also include raffles, prizes, and fun in support of safe and affordable housing in the high country.
Paint Your Stress Away with AHA!
The Appalachian Honors Association invites students to take a study break on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in App Hall rooms 162, 186, and 187. Come connect with other Honors students and enjoy this crafting, painting, and coloring event. Supplies, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Please use the linked form to RSVP. For questions, contact Kelsie Peck.
“oh to be pure again” A play by Kira Rockwell
The Department of Theatre and Dance is putting on performances of the play, “oh to be pure again” by Kira Rockwell. The play is described as a visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion and growing up in a religious culture that’s obsessed with purity. Performances will be held from February 25 to March 1, in Valborg Theatre. Tickets are $10 for students and can be purchased online or in person from the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Box Office. For more information, click here.
In the Honors Spotlight
Introducing Dr. Rachel Bleich, the Honors College academic mentor for biology majors
Photo submitted.
Dr. Rachel Bleich, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, joined the Honors College in August of 2025 as the academic mentor for Honors College students majoring in biology. Interim Dean Dr. Vicky Klima explained that “Rachel has spent years mentoring biology students through research, internships, and course projects. Her own research crosses disciplinary boundaries, and she's supporting students in bringing that same spirit of collaboration to their own work.”
About her new position, Dr. Bleich shared, “To me, mentoring Biology students is about working with students one-on-one to help them achieve their goals (in college and for their post-graduation plans) and helping them navigate the biology and honors requirements for their programs of study. I really enjoy meeting with students and getting to know them and their goals. It is also very rewarding when I can help ease their concerns and answer questions, clarifying expectations and next steps for their degree.”
To learn more about Dr. Bleich and the role of our Honors College mentors, click here to read the full story.
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!