Appalachian State University Campus

Contrary to recently publicity, Appalachian State University is more than a football team. Local publication, The High Country Magazine (see link below) reports the following in its Aug./Sept. 2008 issue:

"This year Appalachian State received an influx of 15,193 applications for the approaching school year, an additional 2,000 more than last year. . . incoming freshmen have an average GPA of 3.88 and SAT score of 1163, creating the most academically gifted class ASU has yet to see."

ASU has 5 colleges (Arts & Sciences, Fine & Applied Arts, Walker College of Business, Reich College of Education and the University College), The Hayes School of Music and 1 graduate school, in total offering 140 degree programs.

In the school year 2008-2009 the university's total enrollment will be 16,600 with a student:faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 24 (per High Country Magazine - see link below.)

The ASU Library system consists of the main Belk Library and Information Commons area , the Music Library and the Special Collections Library. The new Belk Library offers spacious surroundings, a variety of study areas and a new coffee shop.

According to the ASU Special Collections library website (see link below):
" The William Leonard Eury Appalachian Collection is a repository with more than 37,000 volumes of books and over 200 periodical subscriptions related to the Southern uplands, with strengths in the social sciences, regional history, folklore, music, religion, genealogy, fiction, and African and Native Appalachia."

ASU was started in 1899 by local citizens led by Blanford and Dauphin Dougherty. Their purpose was to educate western North Carolina teachers. It was called Watauga Academy. In 1903 they secured state funding and the school was renamed Appalachian Training School for Teachers.

In 1925 the name was changed to Appalachian State Normal School and, in 1929, it became a four-year degree granting institution and was renamed Appalachian State Teachers College. In 1967 the school was renamed Appalachian State University in recognition of the expanding curriculum it offered. It became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972.

ASU's academic reputation is growing. The school frequently makes regional lists of best education value.The football team has brought positive national recognition to both the University and to Boone at a time when both have much to be proud of.

Some interesting links related to this story :

• High Country Press Magazine
• Appalachian State University
• Appalachian State University Libraries website
• Appalachian State University Special Collections Library website
• GoASU.com
• The Appalachian Student Newspaper