Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian State University

“At Appalachian, we believe making real and powerful differences in the world is grounded in diversity and inclusion of thought, belief and community.”
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

18.6%

racially and/or ethnically underrepresented students*

66.4%

growth in underrepresented students since 2014*

100.5%

growth in first-year underrepresented students since 2014*

82.9%

overall student retention rate

79.3%

retention rate for underrepresented students*

42 : 58

male-to-female student ratio

348

enrolled student veterans

156

enrolled foreign national students

30.1%

students from rural areas in North Carolina**

30.8%

first-generation undergraduate students***

9.3%

underrepresented employees

74.6%

growth in underrepresented employees since 2014

* Combined percentage of students who self-identify as Hispanic of any race; American Indian or Alaska Native; Black or African American; Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, two or more races; or Foreign National. This percentage is taken from the total number of students who elect to report their racial and/or ethnic identities, as well as Foreign National students. Actual counts may be higher, as some students choose not to report their race or ethnicity.

** In-state, degree-seeking undergraduate students from Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

*** A student is considered “first-generation” if neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree.

Fall 2022 data. Sources: Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning; Military Affairs Committee; Office of International Education and Development.

Latest Message from the Chief Diversity Officer

Celebrating National Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month

September 20, 2022

App State’s official enrollment numbers for fall 2022 show continued progress in broadening representation among students to better reflect the state population. Under Chancellor Sheri Everts’ leadership, we have the most diverse student body in university history for the eighth year in a row, with 18.6% of students who are racially and/or ethnically underrepresented. This represents a 66% increase since 2014. Of all the racially/ethnically underrepresented student groups, the Hispanic/Latine population is the largest, representing 8% of our student population, and has grown significantly since fall 2014, increasing by 123%.
Read more from Celebrating National Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month

News

7 sculptures debut along campus Arts Corridor at App State
September 27, 2022
A new collection of seven sculptures has been unveiled on App State’s campus as part of the university’s Arts Corridor. The artworks — installed in mid-August and created by artists from across North Carolina — will be displayed on campus for two years.
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5 faculty teams awarded 2022 Chancellor’s Innovation grants for projects at App State
July 25, 2022
Five winning entries have been selected for the 2022 Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Program at App State. Each faculty team will earn awards of up to $10,000 to fund projects that include new curricula, experiential learning opportunities and education about immigration issues.
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App State alumna Juliet Irving ’19: A multimedia designer in the performance world
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As a dancer and choreographer, an artist and a social justice advocate, App State’s Juliet Irving ’19 has a blended perspective in her work as a freelance multimedia designer.
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Find Your Sustain Ability: Dr. Jamie Parson
June 23, 2022
Jamie Parson, App State's newly appointed chief diversity officer and an associate professor in the Walker College of Business, has been active in working to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on college campuses. On this Find Your Sustain Ability, Parson relates her journey to this position, as well as her goals and foreseen challenges in DEI work.
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