Four Reich College of Education (RCOE) students were recognized by Appalachian State University’s Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies for the Spring 2026 semester.
Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates
Dr. Tim Hall, a student in the Master of Arts in curriculum specialist program, and Rachel Peterson, a student in the Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program, were inducted into the Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates. The society is designed to include each year’s top graduates of the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School at Appalachian State University – approximately the top 2%. Students are chosen based on their academic performance, their engagement in their discipline, and their potential for leadership.
“This award means a lot to me because it highlights both my academic work and my commitment to making a meaningful difference as an educator,” said Hall. “My graduate studies at App State have helped me become a stronger curriculum coordinator, researcher, and advocate for inclusive learning that challenges all students.”
Hall, from Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a curriculum coordinator for Vance County Schools while also serving as the interim principal at Vance County Early College. He selected the curriculum specialist program at App State to deepen his understanding of curriculum and instruction.
After graduation, Hall has a book coming out this year with Routledge Eye on Education, entitled Bringing Religious Literacy to the Classroom: Global Competence for K–12 Social Studies.
Peterson chose App State because of the Expressive Arts Therapy program.
“I heard about it in undergrad and knew that returning to App State for this journey would be a part of my path,” she said. “It has taught me to work with folks in the world using modalities such as movement, painting, singing, and so much more to move through the experience of being human, which can be hard sometimes!”
Prior to returning to school for her graduate degree, Peterson was an 8th-grade math teacher in a Title I school in Austin, Texas. By creating a welcoming classroom, she realized her passion was not necessarily in teaching math, but in being an adult with whom students could trust.
“I am deeply honored to be seen and recognized by my professors and program in this way,” said Peterson. “The imposter syndrome can be loud in my mind sometimes, and it feels affirming to know that the hard work I am putting into being a resource in the community is so well-received.”
“I feel proud of myself for how I continue to show up in the world, and am so grateful to be surrounded by folks who support and uplift me so that we can collectively make a positive impact on our communities,” she added.
After graduation, Peterson will continue to build her career at Appalachian. She recently accepted a full-time position as the Mountaineer Recovery Community Coordinator at the Wellness and Prevention Center
Outstanding Graduate Student Service Award
Abby Silvers, a student in the Master of Arts in student affairs administration program, received the Cratis D. Williams Society Outstanding Graduate Student Service Award. This award recognizes graduate students who have contributed to graduate student life in their departments, off-campus cohorts, or on-campus during the current academic year.
“It represents the work that I have accomplished, but also everything my community has been able to accomplish,” said Silvers. “Being able to see the progression of graduate student advocacy on our campus has been an incredible experience.”
“I am proud of what I have been able to be a part of, and will always be grateful for the people who gave me the opportunities to make an impact,” she added.
Silvers has served the university in multiple roles, including New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, the Graduate Student Government Association, and the Plemmons Student Union. Originally from Cherryville, North Carolina, she earned her undergraduate degree in English, professional writing from App State.
Following graduation, Silvers will join Texas A&M University as assistant coordinator for Family Programs.
Alice P. Naylor Dissertation Award
Dr. Sarah Dunn Phillips, a graduate of the Doctoral Program in educational leadership, received the Alice P. Naylor Dissertation Award. Named for Professor Emerita Dr. Alice Naylor, this award was created to honor the quality of research and scholarship in the program.
A four‑image collage featuring professional portraits and a graduate photo, including an individual in a suit, an individual wearing graduation attire outdoors, and two head‑and‑shoulders portraits against softly blurred backgrounds.
