Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE) is home to two residential learning communities (RLC): Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) and Transfer Educators. RLCs at Appalachian State University provide students with a unique housing opportunity. RLCs that are linked to a course and sponsored by a specific college or academic department afford students an academic learning experience outside of the classroom in a fun and educational setting.
“Not only are learning communities known to positively impact student persistence, they allow students to build community,” said Megan Kasper, Assistant Director for Student Engagement in the RCOE’s James Center for Student Success and Advising. “These unique housing opportunities create an environment for teacher education students to succeed academically and develop strong friendships. These meaningful relationships empower them to form strong academic and professional networks as well as long-lasting social bonds.”
To kick off the academic year both RLCs held retreats, with the ACES retreat on August 14-16 and the Transfer Educators retreat on Saturday, August 24. The purpose of the retreats was for members to become acquainted with each other, the James Center Staff and to establish the beginning of a support network - both professionally and personally.
ACES
ACES is a 4-year scholars program for future teachers focusing on mentoring, leadership, service, and personal and professional development. There were 51 new students admitted to the program. ACES live in the Living Learning Center their first year and have the option to return a second year and serve as a mentor to incoming students.
The three-day retreat was held at the Blowing Rock Convention Center. Students engaged in team building and educational activities. A highlight of the retreat was the board breaking activity led by Senior Associate Director of GEAR Up at Appalachian State University, Corinne Smith. This activity allowed students to break boards karate style with their hands, symbolizing breaking through barriers.
Graduate Assistant Libby Rose helping a student break through a board.
Gigi Upchurch, a first-year mathematics secondary education major from Denton, Texas, said, “As a first year student I came into retreat super nervous and not knowing anyone, but by the end of it, I laughed, danced, learned, and made some of my closest friends. I’m so thankful for the fun and genuine bonding that happened.”
New 2019-2020 ACES members:
- Brett Baker
- Alexis Barber
- Edgar Blanco
- Berenice Blanco-Rodriguez
- Rae Bradley
- Jared Clendenen
- Lindsay Cowley
- Allysa Crawford
- Britta Crist
- Taylor Doss
- Jenny Eure
- Joanne Ferhadi
- Michael Gautier
- Gabriella Goelz
- Emma Kate Greene
- Emily Gulden
- Kalina Hanowski
- Katie Hayes
- Diego Hernandez Guillen
- Reagan Houchard
- Kylie Howell
- Madeline Huffman
- Anna Jessup
- Isabel Kaczmarek
- Gracie Key
- Alexis Lail
- Maria Limon-Jimenez
- Karly McChesney
- BonnieMcGaha
- Bethany Memola
- Tymber Morrison
- Candace Myers
- Brenda Najera-Angel
- Meredith Newsome
- NikolaiPeterson
- Travis Pressley
- Alexandra Ramirez-Tinoco
- Olivia Shepherd
- Dawson Shropshire
- Jessica Spainhour
- Katherine Sumrell
- Edwin Tamayo Hernandez
- Erika Trejo
- Gabriela Upchurch
- Copeland Ward
- Dylan Ward
- Elizabeth Warren
- Izabela Willis
- EmmaWright
- Irena Wyatt
- Holly Zimmerman
Transfer Educators
Transfer Eductors provides a supportive and scholarly community for transfer students with an intended or declared major in Education. There were 23 students admitted to the program. Transfer Educators reside in Newland Hall on the west side of campus.
The one-day retreat was held at the RCOE. Students attended informational sessions and participated in team building exercises. A highlight of the event was the scavenger hunt of the RCOE building. This allowed students to become familiar with the building as well as build relationships with other transfer educators.
Transfer Educators participating in a game of tanks and commanders.
“I enjoyed that I was able to make connections with others on my floor,” said Katherine Dean, a sophomore history social studies education major from Kernersville, North Carolina. “I feel more comfortable with the education building, thanks to the scavenger hunt. It was such a great experience!”
2019-2020 Transfer Educator members:
- Jasmine May - Community Mentor
- Josie Evans - Resident Assistant
- Brooke Bentley
- Katherine Dean
- Tyler Potts
- Sofie Ritcher
- Joi Perry
- Abbi Freeman
- Madison Kelbaugh
- Anna Diesing
- Cassie Helms
- Jade Deweese
- Rebecca Sorrell
- Brandon Darden
- Miah Chambers
- William Aguilar
- Lena Kerley
- Cathryn Reber
- Kacee Johnson
- Rachel Guido
- Bryan Perez-aguilar
- Gabe Atkinson
- Hannah Cline
- Lian Oleta Vonique Ebanks
How to Apply
Prospective first year students can apply for the ACES Scholar program via the Application for Academic and Merit Scholarship Opportunities, which is due November 15.
Admitted transfer students can apply for the Transfer Educators RLC through their University Housing Application.
For questions about either of these RLCs, contact Megan Kasper.
Residential Learning Communities
