Welcome new faculty and staff members to Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education (RCOE). Read on to learn about everyone and why they joined App State.
Dr. Wendy Lewis
Dr. Wendy Lewis has joined the Reich College of Education as a lecturer in the elementary education program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Western Carolina University, her Master of Arts in mathematics education from East Carolina University, and her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
After graduating from Western Carolina as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, Lewis began her career at Viemont Elementary School in Hickory. During her graduate work, she found passion in pedagogy and teaching math. She taught fourth and sixth grade in Mooresville for six years before leaving the classroom to pursue her doctorate. While pursuing her Ph.D., she entered the world of instructional coaching for Rowan Salisbury schools and Iredell Statesville schools and adjunct taught at UNCC.
Her research interests include working with elementary teacher candidates to increase their self-efficacy, how student interactions with mathematically challenging tasks impact their mathematical identity, how teachers' self-efficacy is impacted by utilizing math tasks, and how students' mathematical identities are ever-changing in classrooms where instruction is humanized.
“I am excited about this new opportunity,” said Lewis. “My passion is supporting pre- and in-service teachers. I am excited to co-create curriculum with other staff members, achieve more publications, but most of all teach and mentor the students in their internships to foster the talented future of our classrooms.”
Why Appalachian?
“As a new faculty member, I am welcomed and embraced for my leadership qualities. I am chosen to lead. The elementary education program is stellar. I am held to high expectations and chosen. The opportunities and collaboration between the staff and campuses make this my home away from home.”
Interesting Fact
“I began my teaching career just minutes down the road from App State Hickory campus. On a personal note, I will hit 2000 pure barre classes this year. My son and is a senior in high school and my daughter will get her license this year.”
Ally Lyons ’95
Ally Lyons has joined the Reich College of Education as a student record specialist in the Office of the Dean. In this position, Lyons will assist the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Programs Services and Director of Teacher Education by maintaining student records for the college. Some of the duties include major declarations and/or changes, assigning advisors, graduation audits, professional education licensure reviews, and being the contact person for DegreeWorks, teacher education applications, and NCDPI licensure.
Before this position, Lyons worked at App State as an assistant marketing director for Cultural Affairs, a university program associate for University Advancement, and an administrative support associate for the Department of Communication. She has also worked as a graphic designer for Singing News Publishing and at Tweetsie Railroad as the marketing coordinator.
Lyons received her Bachelor of Science in art marketing and production from App State.
Why App State?
“I am honored to follow in my mother's footsteps, who graduated from Appalachian State Teachers' College in 1962. It feels like my professional journey has come full circle to have this opportunity to work in the RCOE at App State,” stated Lyons.
Lyons has said that she’s most excited to work with the faculty, staff, and students of RCOE and discover all the amazing ways they're shaping the future of education.
Interesting Fact
“My two furry felines, Frankie and Jasmine, consume most of my time. When I'm not serving my cats, I enjoy art, classic movies, 80s music, and binging true-crime podcasts. My dream job is opening a Cat Cafe/Art Gallery that screens classic movies.”
Karen McGuire
Karen McGuire has joined the Reich College of Education as an administrative support specialist in the Department of Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education. In this position, McGuire will assist with the Lucy Brock Child Development Lab Program, as well as manage the budgets for the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program, the Parent to Parent Family Support Network program, and Lucy Brock.
Prior to this position, McGuire was the lead administrative assistant for public health and exercise science. McGuire received an A.A.S. in early childhood from Caldwell Community College.
Why Appalachian?
“I enjoy the community. The people you work with become like family.”
Interesting Fact
McGuire said that she enjoys “hiking, going to the lake, singing in the choir at church, worshiping the Lord with my church family, and spending time with my kids.”
New Faculty and Staff
