Impact Report
GREETINGS FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR
This past academic year was full of growth and excitement for Appalachian State University’s Division of Student Affairs, and I am proud of how our Student Affairs team served students and the campus community. As we continue our mission of developing lifelong learners and leaders, we take pride in working to shape student success, involvement and engagement while promoting a healthy student community.
This impact report highlights the important work our division does each and every day. Within the report are several examples of the many ways our division serves App State students through our divisional tagline — Care. Engage. Transform. You will see numbers around persistence, which, in this context, is defined as the percentage of students who remain enrolled at App State from one term to the next.
Care: Our work creates a culture of care that builds a foundation for students to thrive and be resilient.
Engage: Our diverse, student-centered community fosters local-to-global learning, leadership, engagement and service. Transform: We transform students into dynamic leaders and lifelong learners who will make a difference in their communities and throughout the world.
In our division, our goal is to ensure that each student has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. One of the hallmarks of an App State Experience is engagement in the campus and local community. Our students are amazing and share their appreciation for the work of our team, whose members play key roles in student development.
App State celebrates 125 years of educational leadership in 2024, and I take great pride in being a part of a university that has remained committed to the student experience, which in turn benefits our communities across North Carolina — and the nation.
With Mountaineer Pride,
JJ Brown Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
25,091 volunteer hours contributed by App State students
34 unique scholarships awarded by Student Affairs
1,106 student employees
2,038 students served by the Counseling Center
$273,095 contributed to our local community through volunteer hours
268 scholarships awarded
$910,000 in scholarships awarded
48 graduate assistantships 8 internships 2023-24 academic year
“The Division of Student Affairs has been instrumental in my leadership development at App State. This fall, I joined a cohort of student leaders on a trip to Washington, D.C., for service experiences, networking opportunities and historical lessons, which enriched my campus organization with valuable insights.”
Nick Siringo Senior communication studies major and Appalachian Student Ambassador
FOSTERING LEARNING AND BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH
STUDENT
ACTIVITIES
Campus Activities supports a vibrant student life community at App State where all students are valued, connected and set up for success. The department is dedicated to students’ overall development, helping them build meaningful relationships and continue learning beyond the classroom. Campus Activities oversees nearly 400 clubs and organizations.
Regardless of first-year status or academic success, a student involved in at least one club or organization increases their chances of persisting to the next term by
81%
85% of students agree that student activities enhance their overall educational experience
83% of students agree that student organizations enhance their overall educational experience 88% of students agree that attending student activities has enhanced their ability to interact socially
85% of students agree that attending student activities has increased their pride in App State
Persistence Across Terms, Fall 2023, retrieved June 2024
87% of students agree that attending student activities has helped them feel a sense of belonging at App State
82% of students agree that attending student activities has expanded their understanding of their role as a member of the App State Community
Kathryn Long
Student Body President, 2024-25
Senior Communication Sciences and Disorders
Major Jackson, North Carolina
What have your App State Experiences meant to you and how have they shaped you thus far?
Although I have had various leadership opportunities, they are all centered around community. Whether it is welcoming incoming students and their families into the Mountaineer community or researching the dysphagia (swallowing disorders) management competencies among the community of speech-language pathologists, each opportunity I have been a part of has always brought me back to the idea of community.
At App State, with the help of faculty, staff, administrators, friends and family, I have been shaped into a community-oriented individual who values servant leadership. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses and how they can be used to aid my peers and community partners.
After graduating, I plan to pursue my master’s in speech-language pathology. Also, I’m from a rural town in Eastern North Carolina, where my high school graduating class consisted of a total of eight people. College was a huge adjustment for me — it was a lot scarier than I had imagined. With the help of my Honors College advisor, mentors, professors and the friends I made in the first week, App State began to feel more like home. Because of this, I have pursued leadership roles that impact students so that App State doesn’t seem like this scary institution but rather a place they can call home for the next four years.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM STUDENT ACTIVITIES
VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY
App State’s tradition of community partnerships underscores the university’s commitment to the community and encourages cooperative projects that bring together students, faculty, staff and alumni in volunteer efforts. App Builds a Home, a partnership between App State and Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, helps local partner families build safe, affordable homes. Another strong partnership is with The Children’s Council of Watauga County, a local nonprofit that strengthens families, the early childhood system and the wider community to support children’s learning and development.
“The Division of Student Affairs has been integral in establishing App Builds a Home (ABAH) as an App State initiative on affordable housing in Watauga County. Through partnerships with various campus offices and organizations, Student Affairs has supported ABAH in becoming a successful student-led initiative that offers the university community the opportunity to address affordable housing challenges by building homes with local partner families.”
Misty Mayfield Advisor for App Builds a Home
“Each year, eight to 10 App State students, particularly those in the child development, psychology and social work degree programs, serve as interns, helping us deliver our programs. We have also benefited from the generous support of sororities and fraternities on campus, whose members hold fundraisers and diaper drives to benefit our programs — most notably, the Kappa Delta sorority’s annual fundraiser that supports the Children’s Council of Watauga County, which is one of our largest donors to help meet our funding needs.”
Elisha Childers Executive Director of Children’s Council of Watauga County
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
students in spring 2024 held leadership positions (president/vice president) within their organizations.
“The Division of Student Affairs has always valued my perspective as a student, and they have been instrumental in helping me be successful as a student leader. I have always felt incredibly supported and respected by Student Affairs staff, and I am incredibly grateful for all the work they do!”
J.P. Neri
Senior history major and former Student Government Association (SGA) President
“The Division of Student Affairs helped me grow as a student leader by funding my trip with two other Student Government Association members to the NACA Student Government Institute at Marian University. We learned about shared governance, advocacy and handling difficult conversations, and we connected with students from other schools. This experience, made possible by Student Affairs, is now enriching our campus community.”
Amarah Din
Senior political science and pre-professional legal studies double major, SGA vice president
KEEPING STUDENTS ENGAGED
The Plemmons Student Union (PSU) facilitates the mission of the university by providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in programs that enhance learning and foster an appreciation for college life and belonging. It serves as a central hub for students and is used to meet their educational, social and recreational needs. It also houses many departments and clubs related to student life.
65% of students use the student union to study
88% of students agree the student union is a place where they feel welcome
91% of students have visited the student union this past year
84% of students say the student union has contributed to their sense of belonging at App State
90% of students agree the student union is an enjoyable place to spend time
95% of students are satisfied with the student union
91% of students agree the student union is a safe place
81% of students indicate the student union has positively contributed to their learning experience
“The Division of Student Affairs has been an indispensable part of making voting accessible to students, faculty, staff and the public. When it comes to planning and holding elections, we know that we have a dedicated partner on campus in the Plemmons Student Union, which is greatly appreciated by our board and staff.”
Matt Snyder Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections
PLEMMONS STUDENT UNION RESERVATIONS
Lukas Robertson, graduate student
Industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management & business administration
Park City, UT
What have your App State Experiences meant to you and how have they shaped you thus far?
The best way I can describe these experiences is a chain reaction of passion, chance and amazing people. Working as both a graduate assistant and an intern at the student union has given me the ability to create change for the student employees. Student input and collaboration were key to making those changes. Nothing gets me more pumped up than positive energy and good vibes. I stumbled into ZWaLT (Zero Waste) simply by asking questions and having the support of the people around me. I met two wonderful souls in the Sustainability department (Lanie and Jennifer), who trained our staff and also invited me to foster sustainability initiatives at App State. I couldn’t have been more stoked to pursue my passion for sustainability and help protect this planet. The hiring committee was another leadership experience that showed me how mighty a team of three can be. Lastly, the idea for the Voices of the Collective podcast sparked from my desire to share with the world how epic the professors are at App State. Diving into their stories so far has been one of the most insightful, beautiful and inspiring experiences I have ever had the chance to live out.
Grad school has been one of the toughest, most rewarding and life-changing parts of this journey I’m on. Without the support of my professors, my cohort, my friends, my coworkers, the students at PSU, my leaders and every other uniquely amazing person that I’ve met at App State, it wouldn’t be the same!
Plemmons Student Union reservations, March 2023
A HEALTHY STUDENT COMMUNITY
Collaboration between the Counseling Center and University Recreation is crucial in promoting comprehensive student health and well-being at App State.
98% of students agree they have more coping skills as a result of counseling
96% of students agree they understand themselves better as a result of counseling
72% of students believe the Counseling Center services they’ve received have contributed to them remaining at App State
The Counseling Center aims to maximize personal growth and development within the university community, primarily through services focused on education, prevention, remediation and crisis management. These efforts help students overcome personal difficulties and gain the skills needed to succeed in their college experience. The center’s major activities include individual and group counseling services, 24-hour crisis management, psychological assessment, outreach, supervision, training, teaching, consulting, research and staff development.
74% of the students who reported suicidal ideation at the start of counseling decreased their suicidal ideation score
10,062 Counseling Center appointments made during the 2023-24 academic year
App State Counseling Center’s Intake Form, spring 2024
56% of students believe the Counseling Center services they’ve received have contributed to improved academic performance
152 campus presentations given by the Counseling Center on mental health topics
5,141 students, parents, faculty and staff participated in Counseling Center presentations
COUNSELING CENTER
Dr. Gayatri Titus, Staff Psychologist, Dr. Chris Hogan, Director of the Counseling Center, and Izzy, the therapy dog.
MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES CAN DISRUPT A STUDENT’S PATH TO GRADUATION AND
STUDENT AFFAIRS IS ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF OUR STUDENTS:
In the last 12 months, the Counseling Center hired
2 new staff counselors and 5 training positions, including 3 doctoral interns.
The Counseling Center also increased programming, including further development of the Let’s Talk program, which offers brief, informal and confidential one-on-one consultations with Counseling Center staff. Additionally, the Counseling Center introduced the online ThrivingCampus directory, which gives students easy access to off-campus mental health care, with provider information located on one website.
TOP 5
REASONS STUDENTS COME TO THE COUNSELING CENTER:
1. Anxiety/stress
2. Depression
3. Trauma
4. Eating/body image concerns
5. Interpersonal functioning (social skills, connectedness, social cognition, intimacy)
TESTIMONIES FROM SPRING 2024
“I am here today and able to graduate because of the work I did with my therapist.”
“I hope that these services continue to be provided to students because they have shaped me into a better student for App State.”
“It helped me find direction and understand myself better.”
“My experience with the Counseling Center has been very positive, and I have found better ways to work through my anxieties and prioritize myself when necessary!”
Anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
“My traumatic experience greatly benefited from the Counseling Center, as I was struggling on my own to be able to keep up with my studies while dealing with a significant personal challenge, and I greatly benefited from Counseling Center services during my traumatic experience.”
“Thanks to the confidence that I gained from going to individual counseling, I got involved with student leadership.”
“The Counseling Center gave me a sense of belonging. As a student of color, feeling supported and validated was something I needed so desperately.”
“I was at the worst point of my life and found better ways to cope and manage my day-to-day life with the help of the Counseling Center.”
UNIVERSITY RECREATION
University Recreation (UREC) fosters an inclusive environment that enhances student learning and development through recreation and wellness opportunities, transforming and engaging the App State Community. UREC offers weight lifting, rock climbing, swimming pool access, intramural/club sports, group fitness classes, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, outdoor programs, strength training opportunities and additional outdoor opportunities.
Regardless of club membership or academic success, first-year students who visit a UREC facility are more likely to persist to the next term
46%
97% of students come to UREC for their physical well-being
71% of students come to UREC for their psychological well-being
16,327 students utilized UREC during 2023–24
6,315
During 2023–24, per month utilization of UREC averaged around faculty, staff, students and family members
Well-being and University Recreation, March 2023
“I’m a Facilities Program Manager at UREC. I started as a Facility Supervisor two years ago and now I’m into my third year as a Program Manager. This job has given me tons of professional experience and really improved my customer service skills. The staff here are incredible; I’ve made so many friends and, honestly, most days it doesn’t even feel like work. Everyone here brings something unique to the table, and collaborating with them to support our participants at UREC has been a joy!”
Hannah Davis Senior University Recreation student employee
INVOLVEMENT
• Impact Scholar
• Plemmons Leadership Scholar
• Black Student Association member
Amaya “Mya” Schwartz-Cobb, Senior Marketing and management Lutz, FL
“UREC has given me a plethora of opportunities to learn and grow. I started off as a front desk attendant and have worked my way up to a program manager. Through these jobs, I have obtained so many skills I can take with me into future careers. I am also grateful that UREC has given me resources I can use to aid others. As a worker, you have to be CPR certified, and I was able to assist a member after they became unconscious during a workout — that was an experience I will not forget.”
• Vice President of Marketing in Collegiate Sales Society
• Vice President of International Business Student Association
• Vice President of Information for Society of Human Resources Management
• Member Services and Operations Program Manager in UREC
• Volunteer and Social Media Intern at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
EXERCISE IS MEDICINE-ON CAMPUS
This initiative works with higher education institutions to promote physical activity by:
1. Making movement a part of the daily campus culture
2. Assessing physical activity at every student health visit
3. Providing students with the tools necessary to strengthen healthy physical activity habits that can last a lifetime
4. Connecting university health care providers with university health fitness specialists to provide a referral system for exercise prescription.
In the 2023–24 academic year, Dr. Mashburn taught Principles of Leadership and Capstone Seminar in Leadership; these are the primary courses she has taught over the last 10 years. She has also taught First Year Seminar and a Peer Leadership course.
“Teaching offers me a unique opportunity to connect with students,” said Mashburn. “I find it fulfilling to engage with a diverse range of majors and interests, guiding students to discover how their leadership efforts can make a positive impact on their communities.”
Born and raised in Cusseta, GA, Mashburn holds a B.S. in kinesiology and a Master of Education in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. She also earned her Doctor of Education in educational leadership from App State.
Dr. Heather Jo Mashburn
DEVELOPING LIFELONG LEARNERS
The mission of App State’s Division of Student Affairs is to develop lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. This mission aligns with our university’s vision. One way we contribute to lifelong learning is by teaching courses on campus. Over 70 Student Affairs staff teach more than 150 credit hours to approximately 500 students, supporting the academic mission.
“As a professor of management who teaches leadership and human resource management, I partnered with the Division of Student Affairs to provide professional development to a group of supervisors. The four-session program included topics such as managing performance, enhancing motivation and morale, and building campus partnerships. It was a genuine pleasure to work with this group and the Division of Student Affairs. I found they have a real commitment to professional development and a strong desire for continuous improvement.”
Dr. Jacqui Bergman
Department of Management, Walker College of Business Chair, Faculty Senate, 2024-25
“The master’s program in student affairs administration has had a sustained partnership with the Division of Student Affairs through our graduate assistantships, internship and practicum experiences. Our students receive over 2,000 hours of experience during their two years in the program. In spring 2024, 80% of students in this cohort had full-time employment within a month post-graduation.”
Dr. Dena Kniess
Director of MA in student affairs administration program, Reich College of Education
LOOKING AHEAD
Looking ahead to the 2024–25 academic year, we are focusing on several priorities, which include civic literacy, outdoor opportunities to support mental health and student success collaboration. We must engage our students in helping them learn to discuss complex questions with respect for differences in perspectives — App State’s Civic Literacy Initiative seeks to do just that. Additionally, we are located in an incredible location that allows us to leverage the outdoors to enhance wellness of all members of our community. We will continue to lean into the beauty of our location and how it can assist us in supporting wellness. With the creation of a new collaboration, the Student Success and Community team will work directly with our colleagues in Academic Affairs as we seek to support students and their success toward graduation. The Division of Student Affairs is committed to the success of all App State students through our tagline, Care. Engage. Transform.
DEPARTMENTS
Division of Student Affairs Assessment
Campus Activities
Campus Dining*
Campus Store*
Case Management
Center for Student Success and Community*
Child Development Center
Community-Engaged Leadership
Conference & Event Services*
Counseling & Psychological Services
CS Express*
Military Affiliated Services
M.S. Shook Student Health Service
New Mountaineer and Family Engagement
Off-Campus Student Services
Office of the Dean of Students
Parking & Transportation*
Plemmons Student Union
Staff Development & Strategic Initiatives
Student Conduct
Student Legal Services
University Housing
University Post Office*
University Recreation
Wellness & Prevention Services
App State students in the HPC 4300 Leadership Class, taught by Vice Chancellor JJ Brown and Associate Vice Chancellor Matt Dull, engage in a service project on the National Mall lead by Park Ranger, Veteran and App State Alumnus James Pierce.
*These departments have been added since May 2024.