Welcome to the Reich College of Education.
Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, an alumnus, a school or community partner, or simply exploring what we do, I am delighted that you are here.
Since Appalachian State University was founded as a teacher's college, education has remained at the heart of our mission. That legacy continues today—but it has also evolved. The Reich College of Education is preparing not only exceptional teachers, but also counselors, school and organizational leaders, higher education professionals, workforce developers, and change agents who are making a difference in schools, organizations, communities, and industries across North Carolina and beyond.
Teacher preparation remains our cornerstone. We are proud to be recognized as one of the nation's leading educator preparation institutions and especially proud that Appalachian State has produced more National Board Certified Teacher alumni than any other university in the nation for ten consecutive years. This distinction reflects the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, our students, our school partners, and our alumni to excellence in teaching and learning.
At the same time, the Reich College of Education is embracing an even broader vision of educational and professional leadership.
Leadership today extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. It is found in schools, colleges and universities, healthcare organizations, nonprofit agencies, businesses, government, and communities. Our expanding portfolio of programs reflects that reality. Alongside our nationally recognized teacher education programs, we continue to strengthen exceptional graduate and professional programs in school counseling, marriage and family counseling, higher education and student affairs, educational leadership, organizational leadership and learning, instructional innovation, early childhood education, and other disciplines that prepare professionals to lead people, organizations, and systems.
Across every program, we share a common purpose: developing knowledgeable, ethical, compassionate, and innovative leaders who improve the lives of others.
Innovation remains central to our mission. We are expanding flexible learning opportunities, integrating emerging technologies responsibly, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating new pathways that connect education with leadership, workforce development, and community impact. Through meaningful partnerships with public schools, community colleges, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and rural communities, we are preparing graduates who are ready to address today's challenges while anticipating tomorrow's opportunities.
Our commitment to rural education and community engagement continues to distinguish who we are. As North Carolina's premier rural-serving university, we understand that vibrant schools, thriving communities, and strong economies are deeply interconnected. We are committed to preparing educators and leaders who can strengthen all three.
The future of the Reich College of Education is one of thoughtful growth. We will continue expanding opportunities in educator preparation while investing strategically in leadership, counseling, professional studies, workforce development, and interdisciplinary innovation. We will pursue research that matters, partnerships that transform communities, and programs that respond to the evolving needs of North Carolina and beyond.
Most importantly, we will remain a college centered on people.
Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners are the heart of everything we accomplish. They are teachers, counselors, administrators, scholars, innovators, and servant leaders whose work creates lasting impact in classrooms, organizations, and communities every day.
As interim dean, I am honored to serve alongside this remarkable community during an exciting period of growth and opportunity. Together, we will build on our strong foundation while embracing new possibilities—preparing educators and leaders who inspire learning, strengthen organizations, enrich communities, and improve lives.
There is a place for you in the Reich College of Education. Whether you are beginning your educational journey, advancing your professional career, or partnering with us to shape the future, we invite you to join us as we prepare the next generation of educators, counselors, leaders, and innovators.
Dr. Herb F. Brown, III
Interim Dean, Reich College of Education
About Interim Dean Brown
Dr. Herb Brown, who joined the Reich College of Education faculty in 2007, serves as interim dean of the college. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for academic programs, faculty and staff, student success initiatives, research and innovation, and partnerships that advance educator preparation, counseling, leadership development, and workforce readiness across North Carolina and beyond.
Prior to his appointment as interim dean, Dr. Brown served as interim associate dean for academic affairs and operations and chair of the Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development. Throughout his administrative leadership, he has guided academic planning, supported program innovation, led accreditation and assessment initiatives, strengthened enrollment and workforce-focused programming, and fostered collaborative partnerships across the university and with external stakeholders.
Dr. Brown brings more than three decades of experience in higher education, including leadership, faculty, and administrative appointments at Appalachian State University, the University of South Carolina, the University of Virginia's College at Wise, James Madison University, and Virginia Tech. His career has focused on advancing innovative academic programs, expanding access through online and flexible learning, strengthening workforce and leadership development, and preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of schools, organizations, and communities.
He earned a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Tech, with cognates in Computer Information Systems and Educational Media and Instructional Technology. An active scholar, Dr. Brown has authored books and instructional materials, contributed chapters to national reference works, and published and presented extensively on educational leadership, technology, workforce development, curriculum innovation, and teaching and learning. His scholarship has been recognized through numerous national and international presentations and funded projects.
Beyond his academic leadership, Dr. Brown has served in numerous university, state, and national leadership roles supporting curriculum development, educator preparation, professional standards, faculty development, and strategic initiatives that strengthen education and workforce systems.
In 2026, Dr. Brown received the Reich College of Education Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional service, collaborative leadership, and commitment to advancing the college's mission while supporting students, faculty, staff, and community partners.