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%

underrepresented employees

75%

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

Supporting one another with inclusive practices, celebrating Black History Month

February 16, 2023

On behalf of the App State leadership and community, I would like to express my support to our Jewish community following last night’s incident at the Temple of the High Country, where a Nazi flag was draped over the Temple’s sign. While the flag was not displayed on campus, such an expression of hatred and anti-semitism impacts the wellbeing and sense of safety and belonging that all members of our campus community deserve.
Read more from Supporting one another with inclusive practices, celebrating Black History Month

News

Honoring women’s leadership and history at App State
March 8, 2023
This Women’s History Month, learn more about a few of the App State administrators, alumni, students, faculty, staff and campus visitors who are leading the way and inspiring others, as well as university events and initiatives focused on women’s history.
Read the story
Lumbee tribal flag now hangs in App State’s student union, honoring the Lumbee people and their history
March 3, 2023
Appalachian State University recognized and honored the nearly 60,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and their history on Feb. 27 with the unveiling of the Lumbee tribal flag in Plemmons Student Union.
Read the story
SoundAffect: Daniel E. Dawes, JD on how to overcome deep-rooted challenges in the American health care system
February 24, 2023
From his childhood on a rural Nebraskan farm to the negotiating tables in our nation’s capital, Daniel Dawes has combined his lifelong passion for health equity, political acumen and confidence in a collaborative process to create real and powerful changes in the American health care system. With contagious hope and a non-partisan process, the widely respected health equity and policy expert leverages his understanding of the root causes of America’s health care problems to advance solutions. Daniel Dawes joins host Megan Hayes on this episode of SoundAffect.

Find more App State podcasts and subscribe at podcasts.appstate.edu.
Read the story
App State Office of Diversity brings monthly read-alouds to lab schools
February 21, 2023
App State’s Office of Diversity offers a monthly read-aloud program to students at the university’s two lab schools: the Academy at Middle Fork and the Academy at Elkin. Reading themes include Black history, disabilities awareness, military appreciation and more.
Read the story