Alumni Update

Byars chosen to lead Polk County Schools preschool program Nov 18, 2025

Polk County Schools has named Lori Byars as the district’s preschool director, bringing 25 years of educational experience and deep community roots to the role.

In the Media, Alumni Update, Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum, Curriculum Specialist, Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development, School Administration

Asheville City Schools names 2025 beginning teacher of the year Oct 28, 2025

Asheville City Schools is proud to announce that Lyndsi Devito, a 5th Grade Teacher at Isaac Dickson Elementary School, has been selected as the district’s Beginning Teacher of the Year for

Alumni Update, In the Media, Elementary Education, Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum

New Leadership for Enrollment, Veterans and Student Support Oct 21, 2025

Scarlet Edwards has been named the new associate vice president for Enrollment Services, which oversees Admissions and Outreach, Financial Aid, Registration and Records and Educational Pathways... Alumni Update, In the Media, Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Asheville City Schools names Principal of the Year Sep 11, 2024

Asheville City Schools has selected Carrie Buchanan as the district’s Principal of the Year.

In the Media, Alumni Update, School Administration, Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development
2024 NC Principals of the Year

Beckie Spears named 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year May 28, 2024

Congratulations to Appalachian State University alumna, Beckie Spears '15 on being named the 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the

In the Media, Alumni Update, Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development, School Administration

Hakanson named top teacher May 17, 2024

Charleston County School District (CCSD) staff members surprised North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary School (NCCAES) teacher McKenna... In the Media, Alumni Update, Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum, Elementary Education

Sarah LaFrance

Alumni Update: Sarah LaFrance ’20 Apr 23, 2024

Sarah LaFrance, originally from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, graduated from Appalachian State University with a ... Features, Alumni Update, Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration

Cara Buckwell

Alumni Update: Cara Buckwell ’19 Apr 23, 2024

Cara Buckwell, originally from Concord, North Carolina, graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in building... Features, Alumni Update, Teacher Education

Caroline McKaughan hooded by Dr. Jennifer McGee

Alumni Update: Dr. Caroline McKaughan ’23 Mar 19, 2024

Dr. Caroline McKaughan, from Kernersville, North Carolina, graduated from Appalachian State University with an Ed. D.

Features, Alumni Update, Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership