App State alumna Hollie Moore '23 (Journalism and Public Relations) has been recognized with a series of top awards from the South Carolina Press Association, highlighting her rising impact in business and in‑depth reporting.
Moore, a reporter for SCBiz News, earned first place in both News Reporting and Business Reporting across the 2024 and 2025 SCPA awards, along with second and multiple third‑place honors in Business and In‑Depth Reporting. This year, the SCBiz team swept every award in their division’s business reporting category, underscoring the strength of the newsroom she contributes to.
Hollie Moore
Moore credits her App State experience—especially her time with The Appalachian—as a defining factor in her early career success. “When I accepted this job, I was told my selling point was my work at The Appalachian,” she shared. “My editor was impressed with the experience I gained through the student paper.”
She continues to champion student media involvement when speaking with current Mountaineers across majors—from journalism to photography, creative writing, marketing, and beyond. “Until everything you’ve learned is applied and you can grow from feedback, it’s hard to know what your career path will really feel like,” she said.
Moore also emphasized the lasting mentorship she received from App State faculty. Professors such as Dr. Carolyn Edy, Dr. Volha Kananovich, and Dr. Jianqxue (Ashley) Han, she says, shaped her both academically and professionally. “I came out of App State with a degree, yes, but also a portfolio of experience that prepared me for every skill my career has asked of me.”
Still early in her professional journey, Moore says she’s honored by the recognition and excited for what’s ahead. “I’m still at the beginning and have an entire career to grow,” she said.
We wish Hollie all the best with her continued success!
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About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
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 3,500 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
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The 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 to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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