Welcome new staff members to Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education (RCOE). Read on to learn about everyone and why they joined App State.
Samad Ansari ’23
Samad Ansari joins the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) as the College Life Resource Coordinator. In his role, he will mentor scholars individually inside and outside their classes with academics, life skills, and social skills, as well as lead the College Life Peer Mentors and Peer Mentor Program.
Ansari earned his Bachelor of Music from Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and his Master of Music Performance from Appalachian State University.
Prior to joining the staff at App State, Ansari was a cottage parent at the Crossnore Communities for Children.
Why Appalachian?
“I am an alumnus of Appalachian State University and really enjoyed my time. I am excited to be back!”
Interesting Fact
Ansari loves playing music and going hiking. He also likes to juggle!
Audrey Head
Audrey Head is the Administrative Support Specialist for Student Services in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education. Her responsibilities include student record keeping, course and schedule building, student registration help, and supervising the department's graduate assistants.
Head earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications and sociology from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in conflict management and resolution from Abilene Christian University, both in Texas.
Why Appalachian?
“I was drawn to App State because I am excited about the campus' culture and the institution's visions and values. I love that App State is a central part of the city of Boone and campus seems to merge naturally into the surrounding community.”
Interesting Fact
“I have worked with live bears!”
At Baylor, Head was a Lead Trainer & Caregiver to the campus' live mascots, two female black bears.
“They were the joy of my undergraduate career, and I love that I can say I celebrated every major holiday with bears at least once,” she added.
Rebecca Krokoski
Rebecca Krokoski is the Administrative Support Specialist in the Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development. She serves as the administrative assistant for the chair of the department.
Krokoski earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Prior to joining the staff at App State, Krokoski has held numerous positions as an administrative assistant, as well as taught yoga and was a freelance artist.
Why Appalachian?
“Boone is my favorite city in my favorite state in the USA, and I love the people in and around the college/working in higher education.”
Interesting Fact
Krokoski enjoys yoga, fine art, hiking, kayaking, the BEACH, community service, gardening, and anything in nature. She has been a military spouse for the past 17 years, with the most recent station in Germany.
Sam Yount ’13 ’22
Sam Yount joins the James Center for Student Success and Advising as the new Coordinator of Teaching Fellows and Student Engagement, where he will be working in a capacity with the Teaching Fellows Program through recruitment, advising, professional development, and support.
Yount earned his Bachelor of Science in middle grades education and Master of School Administration both from App State. Prior to this position, he was a middle grades teacher and coach in Catawba and Wilkes Counties and served as an assistant principal at North Wilkes Middle School.
Why Appalachian?
“As a first-generation college student, Appalachian provided the opportunity to pursue my love of education. I am excited to share my experiences in education with prospective teachers and colleagues.”
Interesting Fact
Yount enjoys running, kayaking, being outdoors, and attending sporting events.
“Most of all, I enjoy time with my wife, who is also an App State alumna, and our two boys, Will and Chase,” he added.
Four new staff members
