News

Marianne Adams retirement

Marianne Adams, Theatre and Dance, Retires After 44 Years
May 13, 2026

We bid a fond farewell to Marianne Adams. Marianne has been teaching at Appalachian since 1982.

As a Dance Studies professor at Appalachian, she has created over thirty-five new courses in the curriculum, directed the dance program, and created the Dance Honors program.

Richard Prisco 2026

Richard Prisco, Professor of Industrial Design, Retires After 16 Years at App State
May 12, 2026

Since joining Appalachian State University in 2010, Professor Richard Prisco has guided the furniture concentration of Industrial Design with dedication and vision. Richard has been essential in shaping curriculum and fostering global industry connections. He has led projects with Groovy Stuff...

D. Jason Miller, associate dean of Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts and associate professor in the college’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment (STBE), in his classroom. Miller was the recipient of the 2019 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award. Photo submitted

‘Holding space’ in synchronous studio meetings Q&A with D. Jason Miller
Jun 30, 2020

“This atmosphere of shared learning and shared ideas relies on proximity and access to a shared space. In the shift to an online studio...

Appalachian professor Dr. Tracy W. Smith, who has been at home teaching online since the coronavirus outbreak. Photo submitted

How to keep students feeling connected and supported — 4 Excellence in Teaching Award winners weigh in
Jun 30, 2020

At the beginning of the 2020 spring semester, no one at Appalachian State University could have imagined a complete transition to online learning...

Dirty photovoltaic panels can impact energy yield

The wipe down on clean energy
Jun 8, 2020

For photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight into clean, renewable energy, what’s on their surface matters — a layer of dust and/or dirt...

It's Time To Get Uncomfortable (and Listen)
Jun 4, 2020

Dear Colleagues, Students and Community,

Welcome home — first App Builds a Home project is dedicated
Jun 1, 2020

The welcome mat is on the porch and the first completed home built through a partnership between Appalachian State University’s ...

D Jason Miller

D. Jason Miller Named Associate Dean for the College of Fine and Applied Arts
May 26, 2020

D. Jason Miller, Associate Professor and Program Director for Building Science in the Department of ...