College of Fine and Applied Arts

Welcome to the College of Fine and Applied Arts, a caring community of global thought and practice leaders.

We are scholars, makers, doers, dreamers, and builders with an unwavering commitment to excellence, advocacy, innovation and inclusion.  We demonstrate this commitment by honoring the varied lived experiences of our award-winning faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners; and by supporting diverse interests, ambitions, methodologies and approaches to our disciplines.  

Our student-first and transdisciplinary approach to learning combined with a steadfast belief in the power of experiential learning helps us create an interwoven network of scholars and practitioners collectively dedicated to addressing the salient issues that underpin our anchor mission.  We illustrate this dedication by actively engaging with local communities in deep and meaningful ways. 

A small sample of which includes:

• providing local news in English and Spanish to high country residents
• building sustainable structures for underserved families and communities
• engaging Appalachian youth in theatre and dance opportunities
• preserving regional arts and crafts techniques and traditions through practice and partnerships
• promoting inclusive and sustainable approaches to apparel, furniture and industrial design
• training community organizers, global development leaders, and sustainable agriculture and ecology practitioners
• promoting character driven leadership combined with mountaineer resilience.

Administration and Staff

Dr. Shanshan Lou
Interim Dean
828-262-4035
faadean@appstate.edu or lous@appstate.edu

Mr. Jason Miller
Associate Dean
828-262-7605
millerdj1@appstate.edu

Mr. Christopher Kleman
Associate Dean
828-262-7243
klemancp@appstate.edu

 
Ms. Hannah Bennett
Director of Development
828-262-4973
bennetthc@appstate.edu

Ms. Jessie Rivera
Student Support Specialist
828-262-3037
riveraja2@appstate.edu
Serves students with last names - S-Z

Ms. Jacki Hawk
Executive Assistant to the Dean
828-262-7128
hawkjt@appstate.edu

Ms. Jennifer Hege
Academic Advisor
hegeja@appstate.edu
828-262-3038

Ms. Kori Henderson
Administrative Assistant
hendersonkl1@appstate.edu
828-262-7129

Ms. Amy Miller
Student Support Specialist
828-262-8033
milleral2@appstate.edu
Serves students with last names J-R

Mr. Mark Miller
Student Support Specialist Supervisor
828-262-3036
millermh@appstate.edu
Serves students with last names A-I

Dr. Clifford Poole
Academic Advisor
pooleco@appstate.edu
828-262-7617

 Denise de Ribert
Academic Advisor
deribertda@appstate.edu
828-262-8581

Ms. Elizabeth Schiavone
Budget Officer
828-262-8038
schiavonee@appstate.edu

Mr. P.J. Wirchansky
Director of Marketing, Communication and Engagement
828-262-7249
wirchanskypj@appstate.edu

Neville
Office Supervisor
828-262-7129
faa@appstate.edu