May 12–13, 2017
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May 12–13, 2017 TO THE CLASS OF 2017, POINTS OF PRIDE In U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings, Congratulations on becoming an Appalachian graduate! It is my honor Appalachian has been recognized as: and privilege to acknowledge your achievement. As a graduate of our great university, you are part • 3rd among top regional public universities in of our most enduring legacy. the South It is my hope that your time • 9th among best public and private universities here has prepared you to lead in the South a purposeful life as an engaged • 7th in the “Best Colleges for Veterans” catego- global citizen who understands ry for southern regional universities your responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. Appalachian has been designated a 2017 Military Your engagement in this com- Friendly® School by Victory Media, a leader in connecting the military and civilian worlds, and munity of scholars will provide publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and you a solid foundation for Military Spouse. The university has received this your future. Most important- honor every year since 2010. The designation ly, the relationships that you places Appalachian in the top 15 percent of formed create a network you colleges, universities and trade schools in the can rely on throughout your country that are doing the most to embrace professional and personal life. military students, and to dedicate resources to Continue to grow strong and ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. take pride in your Appalachian heritage. As the newest grad- Appalachian is included in The Princeton uates of Appalachian State University, be proud of your accomplish- Review’s “Best in the Southeast” section of its ments. Again, I congratulate you, and best wishes for a bright future. website feature “2017 Best Colleges: Region by Region.’’ The Princeton Review states the Sincerely, university has “a strong sense of community and a challenging academic environment” grounded in “a broad liberal arts education.” The Princeton Review selected schools primarily for their excellent academic programs. Secondarily, editors took into account what students attending the Sheri N. Everts schools reported to them about their campus Chancellor experiences. Appalachian is one of 300 institutions named a “Best College Value” in Kiplinger’s Personal Fi- nance list for 2016. Appalachian is listed 28th in Kiplinger’s list of Best Values in Public Colleges in terms of value for in-state students and 30th for out-of state students. The university ranked 133rd among public and private institutions. Appalachian graduates are able to pay off their loan debt after college. Our alumni student loan default rates are around 3 percent - well below the national average of nearly 12 percent. Since 2004, Appalachian students have contrib- uted more than $22.3 million of value through service has been invested in the community (1 million hours of service plus $567,000 funds raised). Table of Contents Alma Mater ......................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Reich College of Education .............................................................................................................................................................................4 Doctoral Degrees ....................................................................................................................................................................................6 Master’s and Specialist Degrees ............................................................................................................................................................6 Bachelor’s Degrees ................................................................................................................................................................................7 Hayes School of Music ..................................................................................................................................................................................10 Master’s Degrees..................................................................................................................................................................................13 Bachelor’s Degrees ..............................................................................................................................................................................13 Beaver College of Health Sciences ...............................................................................................................................................................14 Master’s Degrees..................................................................................................................................................................................16 Bachelor’s Degrees ..............................................................................................................................................................................17 College of Fine and Applied Arts ...................................................................................................................................................................22 Master’s Degrees..................................................................................................................................................................................24 Bachelor’s Degrees ..............................................................................................................................................................................24 Walker College of Business ...........................................................................................................................................................................28 Master’s Degrees..................................................................................................................................................................................30 Bachelor’s Degrees ..............................................................................................................................................................................30 College of Arts and Sciences .........................................................................................................................................................................34 Master’s and Specialist Degrees ..........................................................................................................................................................36 Bachelor’s Degrees ..............................................................................................................................................................................37 Academic Regalia ..........................................................................................................................................................................................45 International Green Ribbon Pledge ...............................................................................................................................................................46 Appalachian Alumni Association ....................................................................................................................................................................46 Alma Mater Cherished vision of the Southland, Alma Mater in the hills: Thou dost point our minds to wisdom, Till the truth our spirit thrills. Appalachian, Alma Mater of our hearts the joy and pride; Lead us ever, lead us onward, Vanguard of the Hero’s side. 2017 Commencement 3 Eleven o’clock in the morning, the twelfth of May Presiding, Dr. Melba C. Spooner, Dean Processional Pomp and Circumstance.......................................................................................................................Edward Elgar Appalachian Brass Ensemble Dr. Drew Leslie, Conductor The Star Spangled Banner.............................................................................................................Francis Scott Key Welcome and Introductions.............................................................................................................................................Dr. Melba C. Spooner Dean Greetings..............................................................................................................................................................................Dr. Sheri N. Everts Chancellor Greetings from The University of North Carolina.................................................................................................................Mr. C. Philip Byers Member, Board of Governors Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.................................................................................................Dr. Tracy Wilson Smith Professor, Curriculum and Instruction Greetings from the Board of Trustees...................................................................................................................................Dr. Alice G. Roess Chair Greetings from the Appalachian Alumni Association.................................................................................................Ms. Carolyn Jordan Clark President Remarks..........................................................................................................................................................................Ms.