Alumni Update

Emily Rubio Pérez ’25 named 2026 North Carolina Council for the Social Studies Student Teacher of the Year Mar 3, 2026

Emily Rubio Pérez ’25, a graduate of Appalachian State University's History/Social Studies Education program from Sanford, has been named the 2026 North Carolina Council for the Socia

At Appalachian, History Education, Alumni Update

App State alumni lead the nation in earning teaching’s top credential for 10th year in a row Feb 3, 2026

For the 10th consecutive year, App State leads the nation for its number of alumni who are National Board Certified Teachers, with 2,461 alumni having earned the national credential to date.

Features, Alumni Update, Public School Partnership, Teacher Education
Ashtyn Berry with fellow teachers

Who are North Carolina’s teachers of the year? Jan 18, 2022

Congratulations to alumni Ashley Bandy '15, Ashtyn Berry '13 '21, Meghan Dugan'16, Charlene Horton '19, Ryan Mitchell '11, and Kayleigh S... In the Media, Alumni Update, Teacher Education

Kim Hindman

Kim Hindman Recognized As Outstanding Secondary Math Teacher – Congratulations! Nov 9, 2021

Congratulations to alumna Kim Hindman '09! She received her M.A. in middle grades education from App State.

In the Media, Alumni Update, Middle Grades Education
Meredith Draughn

Alumni Update: Meredith Draughn ’15 Nov 5, 2021

Meredith Draughn, originally from Burlington, North Carolina, graduated in 2015 with an M.A. in professional school counseling.

Features, Alumni Update, Professional School Counseling
Orange County Schools afterschool program. Photo courtesy of N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs.

After school: The work of the heart Nov 2, 2021

Emily Neff '14 graduated with her degree in child development and now works as a director of youth development for W.A.M.Y.'s after-school... In the Media, Alumni Update, Child Development

Alyson Smith with student

PEP Teacher Recognized for Student Engagement Oct 20, 2021

Congratulations to alumna Alyson Smith '16 '17 on being named Teacher of the Year!

In the Media, Alumni Update
Marsha Justice

Justice Named Principal of the Year for Henderson County Public Schools Oct 20, 2021

Congratulations to alumna Marsha Justice on being named Principal of the Year!

In the Media, Alumni Update, School Administration
Linda Coutant

Linda Coutant is Being Mindful Sep 29, 2021

Dr. Linda Coutant '01 '17 shares her experience with the doctoral program and transforming App State into a mindful campus.

In the Media, Alumni Update, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Jessica Stetter and Amaya Wren Pack pick peppers from the vine at Simply Growing Farm.

A new farm brings educational opportunities to the high country Sep 21, 2021

Jessica Stetter graduated in 2001 with her M.A. in special education.

In the Media, Alumni Update, Special Education
Carla May with award

Alumni Update: Carla May ’98 Aug 17, 2021

Carla May (née Sain), originally from Vale, North Carolina, graduated in 1998 with a M.A.

Features, Alumni Update, Middle Grades Education
Jenny Darcy accepts an award from PEO International Chapter president, Jan Noffsinger.

App State alum receives teaching grant Jul 27, 2021

Congratulations to alumna Jenny Darcy '16 on her $2000 grant through Philanthropic Educational Organization's Program for Continuing Education.... In the Media, Alumni Update, Elementary Education