Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness.
- Appalachian State University Diversity Statement
17.4%
racially and ethnically underrepresented students*
(fall 2019)
47%
Growth in underrepresented students since 2014*
(fall 2019)
42 : 58
male-to-female student ratio
(fall 2019)
160
number of international students on campus
(fall 2019)
11.1%
underrepresented full-time faculty
(fall 2019)
387
enrolled student veterans
(fall 2019)
88%
overall student retention rate
(fall 2019)
87%
retention rate for underrepresented students*
(fall 2019)
* 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 are Nonresident Alien. This percentage is taken from the total number of students who elect to report their racial and/or ethnic identities, as well as Nonresident Alien students. Actual counts may be higher, as some students choose not to report their race or ethnicity.
Sources: IRAP, Military Affairs Committee, Office of International Education and Development.
“At Appalachian, we believe making real and powerful differences in the world is grounded in inclusive excellence.”
— Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts
Letter from the Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming ’80 ’84
Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie Fleming ’80 ’84. Photo by Marie Freeman ’85
As an Appalachian alumnus and staff member, I have seen firsthand how the infusion of diverse perspectives elevates and enriches our campus. Our responsibility as an institution of higher learning is to provide students with educational and cultural experiences that increase social competencies, celebrate diversity and foster inclusive excellence. We also work to build awareness about the impact of discriminatory actions and language so we can continue to grow together as a campus community.
Fostering discussion and action regarding diversity and inclusion is especially significant on a university campus, where academically focused environments allow students to be safely and responsibly exposed to diverse schools of thought through classroom teaching, the cultural arts, extracurricular activities and scholastic research.
Every member of the Appalachian Community wants to be valued, respected, safe and supported, and to have a sense of belonging on our campus. Thus, it is the privilege and responsibility of each member of our community to help build a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment.
At Appalachian, we embrace people of every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, religion or spirituality, nationality and socio-economic status. Sustaining such an inclusive campus community necessitates the active, intentional and ongoing engagement of diverse groups within the larger campus community. This important work requires our full attention and commitment, and I thank the faculty, staff, students and administrators who have contributed, and continue to contribute, their voice and vision.
In recent years, the Chief Diversity Officer’s Advisory Board — formerly called the Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity — and many others across campus have made requests and proposals to enhance the culture of inclusive excellence on our campus, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with hundreds of faculty, staff and students who understand and elevate this important work. In order to better facilitate ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion on Appalachian’s campus, I am pleased to share that this fall I will regularly host opportunities for serious dialogue called “Community Conversations.”
As Appalachian’s Chief Diversity Officer, it is my role to provide the vision, leadership, coordination and strategic planning for improving Appalachian’s campus diversity and inclusion so that everyone in our university community is valued, supported and respected.
Dr. Shawn Ricks will begin her appointment as chair of Appalachian’s Department of Leadership and Educational Studies in July. She comes to Appalachian from Salem College in Winston-Salem, where she served as assistant vice president of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Nathan Smith ’09 tackles some of the most pressing political and societal challenges facing the country today, advocating for LGBTQ equality and voting access as a senior associate at Civitas Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C.
A two-week online collaboration marks the first virtual, faculty-led study abroad for students from Appalachian and Kristu Jayanti College (KJC) in Bengaluru, India.
Concerned about her former host family’s welfare during COVID-19, an international student at Appalachian State University from China seven years sent them face coverings after hearing of a U.S. shortage of personal protective equipment. The couple has since donated the masks to Watauga Medical Center.
As a reflection of his military service, App State’s Chuck Ford, director of App Catering and a U.S. Navy veteran, was selected to lay a wreath at Appalachian’s Veterans Memorial to commemorate Memorial Day — a day honoring those who died in service to their country.
Esmail is a darkly handsome Iranian immigrant to Denmark who is on the verge of being thrown out of the country unless he can find a Danish woman willing to marry him. Amidst a series of fleeting relationships and failed one-night stands, Esmail meets Sara, a beautiful Danish-Iranian woman who makes him question everything about himself and what he is doing. As time is running out, the charmer finds himself caught between self-interest and self-respect.
Featuring a narrated tour of the exhibition in Gallery B and a pre-recorded talkback with the artist. Johnny Miller is a photographer, activist, and multimedia storyteller based in Cape Town, South Africa, and Detroit, Michigan. He is interested in exploring inequality, architecture, displacement, and climate justice from the ground and from the air. In addition to a walk through the gallery, the showcase will also feature an interview with Miller, providing insight into his work and its relevance to the COVID-19 crisis.
With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Join us for a memorable evening of jazz-infused ChamberSoul, featuring live interviews with cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker and her band, moderated by Todd Wright, Professor of Jazz Studies in the Hayes School of Music.
Tune in for a special double-bill concert featuring local bluegrass bands Kraut Creek Ramblers and Cane Mill Road performing an energetic set live from Appalachian State University’s Rosen Concert Hall, with a special introduction by Mark Freed, a member of the Hayes School of Music and Appalachian Studies faculty.
The It Gets Better project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
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