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

Hertford County welcomes Dr. Pratt as new superintendent Feb 8, 2023

A ‘meet and greet’ event was held at Ahoskie Elementary School on Thursday, Jan. 26 to officially welcome Dr.

In the Media, Middle Grades Education, Alumni Update, School Administration

Mark Poarch named NC Community College President of the Year Feb 3, 2023 0 Feb 8, 2023

Caldwell County native Mark Poarch was recently announced as winner of the 2022-2023 North Carolina Community College System President of the... In the Media, Higher Education, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Alumni Update

Counselor of the Year Meredith Draughn

App State alum Meredith Lindsey Draughn ’15 is 2023 National School Counselor of the Year Feb 7, 2023

Appalachian State University alumna Meredith Lindsey Draughn ’15 is the 2023 National School Counselor of the Year — giving her the op

At Appalachian, Alumni Update, Professional School Counseling

Statesville High teacher named finalist for 2023 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award Jan 31, 2023

Izabella Botello, an English teacher at Statesville High School, has been selected as one of 27 finalists for the 2023 North Carolina Center for... In the Media, Alumni Update, English Education

Concord Middle School principal named Southwest Principal of the Year. Jan 31, 2023

Concord Middle School Principal Tonya Williams has been selected as the 2023 Wells Fargo Southwest Principal of the Year.

In the Media, Alumni Update
photos of NBCTs

App State Remains First in Number of NBCT Teachers for Seventh Consecutive Year Jan 30, 2023

For the seventh consecutive year, Appalachian State University leads the nation for the number of its alumni who are National Board Certified... Features, Alumni Update, Teacher Education

Former English teacher Kerri Huffman finds ‘simple joy’ in writing her first novel Jan 25, 2023

During her 36-year career as an English teacher at North Stanly High School, Kerri Huffman enjoyed the chance to unleash her creative side... In the Media, Alumni Update, English Education

Davidson County teacher publishes first book Jan 25, 2023

Growing up, Sydney Sanders could get lost in book series, plowing though "The Hunger Games" saga and Percy Jackson books.

In the Media, Alumni Update, Elementary Education
Dan Li

Alumni Update: Dr. Dan Li ’14 Jan 23, 2023

Dr. Dan Li, originally from China, graduated in 2014 with an M.A. in professional school counseling. She completed her Ph.D.

Features, Alumni Update, Professional School Counseling, Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education

Avery County Native Liz Silvers Promoted to Vice- President at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Jan 18, 2023

Liz Silvers, a veteran educator who was raised in the Powdermill Community of Avery County, has been promoted to Vice-President for Instruction... Alumni Update, Higher Education, In the Media