After over 20 years at Appalachian State University, John Spagnolo, Technology Specialist for Faculty Development in the Reich College of Education (RCOE), will retire on December 31, 2019.
Spagnolo joined the RCOE in 1998 in his current position as part of an initiative from then University of North Carolina System president, C.D. Spangler, to assist faculty in the integration of technology in teacher preparation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in science education, physics and his master’s degree in instructional technology, computers from East Carolina University.
“I am looking forward to having more time to travel, build things, fish, write a lot of poetry and play music when the spirit moves me.”
Prior to his arrival to Appalachian, he taught high school science at Washington High School in Washington, North Carolina, and North Wilkes High School in Hays, North Carolina, and served as an instructional specialist/education consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
During his time at Appalachian, Spagnolo has seen many changes on campus:
- the Holmes Convocation Center was built;
- Broome-Kirk Gymnasium was torn down; and
- NC Highway 421 expanded to four lanes.
Spagnolo offers this advice to staff beginning their careers at Appalachian: “Plan on retiring into something and not to end something.”
“I am looking forward to having more time to travel, build things, fish, write a lot of poetry and play music when the spirit moves me,” said Spagnolo.
“I will miss my office window and bantering with the housekeeping staff and the students in the Digital Learning Resources Media Lab, and the morning blended smoothies from Cascades,” he noted.
A reception honoring Spagnolo will be held Monday, December 16, 2019, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the RCOE Rotunda.
John Spagnolo
