Dr. David English ’04 ’06 has amassed a long list of achievements throughout his relatively short career. Most recently, the Appalachian State University Alumni Association named him the 2018 Young Alumnus of the year. The honor is bestowed on a graduate who acts as an outstanding representative of the university through work, service and philanthropy.
English credits Appalachian for helping shape who he is today and was honored to receive the award.
“To have the university feel that I deserve recognition is so humbling,” he shared. “I’m a beneficiary of those who came before me. As an alum, it’s my turn to pay it back and help take care of currently enrolled students.”
His passion for education and student success extends beyond Appalachian. In his current role as the executive vice chancellor and provost of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, he is committed to supporting transformational learning similar to what he experienced as a student.
While at Appalachian, English received undergraduate degrees in management, computer information systems and industrial technology, along with a master’s in higher education administration. The impact of his time at the university and in Boone had a profound effect on who he has become as an educator and leader.
“I’m a kid from a small town,” he said. “Coming to App, I still felt connected to a community. I was a person, not a number. At the same time, App provided me a way to engage with the world in a meaningful way and connected me with groups and individuals of widely diverse backgrounds.”
While at Appalachian, English was able to complete a triple major and a graduate degree all while traveling abroad, getting involved on campus, learning furniture design and much more.
“Your four years in college is such a small window, but can be incredibly transformational,” he said. “App offers so much. I encourage all students to engage with the university as much as possible — talk to your professors, join campus organizations — you really get what you put in.”
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
David English and his son
Dr. David English '04 '06 enjoys Homecoming 2018 with his son Harrison. Photo by Chase Reynolds