Congratulations to Reich College of Education (RCOE) faculty and staff members who retired at the end of the 2025 spring semester:
- Dr. Les Bolt
- Dr. Cheryl Lee
- Dr. Woodrow “Woody” Trathen
When taken together, the seven retirees this spring represent a total of almost 100 years of service to Appalachian State University and the Reich College of Education. Read more about each of them:
Dr. Les Bolt
Dr. Les Bolt, an associate professor in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, after 17 years at App State. He taught research and served on many dissertation committees.
Since Bolt arrived at App State, the university has been in transition and growth mode.
“App State folks were generally kind and welcoming and allowed me to make some lasting — I hope — friendships,” he noted.
After retirement, Bolt and his wife are going to “travel, drink good wines, eat great foods, and spend time with our grandkids.”
“We will follow the road where it takes us,” he said.
His advice to new faculty beginning their careers: “Be aware of the institutional and cultural climate and be prepared to seize the opportunities that present themselves. No one path is for everyone.”
He also added, “Don't fight fights that time will resolve.”
Dr. Cheryl Lee
Dr. Cheryl Lee, a professor in the Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development, began teaching at App State in the fall of 1994. Her courses focused on adolescent development and various career and technical education areas.
She has noted many changes at App State during her tenure, but the change that most affected her has been the advancement of technology and its impact on teaching.
Lee said, “While I love that we are able to save millions of trees with so many of our current resources and processes being online, I also miss some of the more personal contacts we had during my early years when I often tailored by hand some of my teaching resources or personally visited my student teachers. At the same time, I’m thrilled that we are able to reach and serve so many students in our state and across the country with this same technology.”
Her advice to faculty and staff beginning their careers: “I would enthusiastically encourage new faculty to get involved in their choice of the numerous, amazing opportunities offered by the university and college — related to teaching, research, service, or a myriad of other topics or issues. There’s something for everyone, and it’s a great way to learn about the university, continue one’s own learning and professional development, broaden individual perspectives, and develop lasting friendships.”
In retirement, she is looking forward to reading for pleasure, remodeling her home, vacationing with her family, and traveling during the off-season.
For the Spring 2025 commencement, Lee was selected as the macebearer for the college.
Dr. Woody Trathen
Dr. Woodrow “Woody” Trathen, a professor in the Department of Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education, is retiring after 32 years. He has been a leader in the field of literacy education, inspiring many generations of educators and education leaders.
Trathen was instrumental in the development and opening of our lab school, the Academy at Middle Fork, serving on the Advisory Board committee since its beginning.
Additionally, he served as chair of the Department of Reading Education and Special Education from Fall 2014 to Spring 2024.
When asked how App State has changed during his tenure, he noted, “Student enrollment has just about doubled…The opening of the Hickory campus…Expansion of administrative positions…and Growth in research activity and grants awarded.”
His advice to new faculty: “Enjoy the time you have here at App State and begin managing your retirement accounts…now!”
In retirement, Trathen is looking forward to traveling and new adventures. He recounted, “My time at App State has been the best years of my life.”
Retiring faculty
