Message from the Interim Chief Diversity Officer
Dear App State Community,
The recent attack on Ukraine evokes a number of emotions, concerns and challenges for those in our campus community. We recognize that this is felt particularly by our military-affiliated campus population, as well as those with family and loved ones living in or visiting the region. I encourage all Mountaineers to take advantage of resources and programming that have been made available this week:
- Appalachian State University’s Department of History will host a panel discussion called “The Russian War on Ukraine: Historical Perspectives,” which will take place in Anne Belk Hall 118 on Wednesday, March 2, at 5 p.m. The purpose of this panel is to provide historical perspectives on the recent events unfolding in Ukraine. Considering different perspectives, it will show the necessity of a historical outlook for understanding the contemporary situation. This panel can also be followed via the Zoom link here.
- The Military Affairs Committee and the Student Veteran Resource Center, in partnership with the Counseling Center, will host a conversation hour exclusive to the veteran community on Thursday, March 3, from 4-5:30 p.m. in 201A Price Lake Room located in the Plemmons Student Union. The purpose of this conversation hour is to create a safe space for veterans to talk about their thoughts, share their concerns and discuss the challenges they are facing in this uncertain time.
In addition to these events, resources are available to the App State Community year-round:
- Student Veteran Services (Jennifer Coffey, Program Director, Student Veteran Resource Center), open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. with staff available until 5 p.m.
- Counseling for Faculty and Staff
- Counseling for Students
- Military Affairs Committee
- Office of International Education and Development
The faculty and staff community at large plays an important role in supporting our students who are still actively engaged in military service. Therefore, I would like to invite you to participate in upcoming Green Zone Trainings — look for details in the university announcements later this week. These trainings help equip our campus community with information and resources related to our military-affiliated students. I would also encourage you to reach out to Student Veteran Services if you, as a student veteran, (or one of your students, as a faculty/staff member) have received deployment orders.
I hope that you will engage in these opportunities at App State and join in the support of others who may be experiencing varying levels of trauma and emotion.
Best Regards,

Jamie Parson, J.D.