Appalachian State University
Congratulations on your graduation from Appalachian State University!
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of our students' lifetimes. We are proud to honor your achievement.
Commencement Ceremonies
Holmes Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Boone Campus
Friday, May 10
9 a.m. ceremony
College of Fine and Applied Arts
1 p.m. ceremony
Hayes School of Music
Reich College of Education
University College
5 p.m. ceremony
Beaver College of Health Sciences
Saturday, May 11
9 a.m. ceremony
Walker College of Business
1 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
Actuarial Science • Anthropology • Biology • Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences • Computer Science • Geography and Planning • Geological and Environmental Sciences • Government and Justice Studies • Mathematical Sciences • Physics and Astronomy • Veterinary Technology
5 p.m. ceremony
College of Arts and Sciences
Appalachian Studies • English • Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies • Global Studies • History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Languages, Literatures and Cultures • Philosophy and Religion • Psychology • Sociology
Graduate students will attend the college ceremony represented by their major field of study.
Livestream
Watch a livestream of each ceremony here on May 10 and 11 at 9 a.m.,1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ceremony Schedule
Presiding, Dr. Heather Norris, Interim Chancellor
Processional
"Pomp and Circumstance"
Edward Elgar, Composer
Roger Harvey, Arranger
Presentation of Colors
App State ROTC’s Pershing Rifles
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
Words by Francis Scott Key
John Higgins, Arranger
Vocalist Jack Wilhelm, bass-baritone and Music Performance major
Welcome
Dr. Neva J. Specht, Acting Provost
Commencement Address
Dr. Heather Norris, Interim Chancellor
Greetings from the UNC System Board of Governors and the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees
Mr. C. Phillip Byers, UNC Board of Governors member
Presentation of Candidates
Acting Provost Specht
Conferring of Degrees
Interim Chancellor Norris
Alma Mater
Recording by Luke Combs
Singer/Songwriter
Recessional
"Procession of the Scholars”
Dr. William G. Harbinson, Composer
"Hi Hi Yikas”
Dr. William Gilbert Spencer, Composer and Arranger
Musical selections performed by Appalachian Brass Ensemble
Hayes School of Music
Dr. James Stokes Jr., Conductor
About Commencement
Tickets are not needed for the commencement ceremonies.
Graduates do not need to register and they may invite an unlimited number of guests.
During each ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage in Holmes Convocation Center, have their names announced and be professionally photographed receiving their diploma covers. Interim Chancellor Heather Norris will confer degrees upon graduates at each ceremony.
- Each ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
- Accessibility and disability accommodations are available.
- Review the Holmes Center's Bag and Admission Policy — small, clear plastic bags, small clutch purses, individual seat cushions and medically necessary items are permitted.
- App State, media outlets, and family and friends film Commencement Ceremonies. Attendees may be included in photography or videos used to promote Appalachian State University.
See below for information for graduates and faculty participants, as well as information for guests.
Ceremony Information for Graduates, Faculty and Guests
Graduates, visit the Office of the Registrar website for more information:
Macebearer Recognition
Alex Poorman
College of Fine and Applied Arts
Friday, May 10
9 a.m. ceremony
Mr. Poorman joined the Department of Applied Design in 2007, after a 32-year professional career in architecture and interior design. From 2014–20, he served as coordinator of App State’s interior design program. Poorman is a three-time recipient of the International Interior Design Association – Carolinas Chapter Educator Award (2017, 2019, 2023).
Dr. Glenda Johnson
Reich College of Education
Friday, May 10
1 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Johnson is retiring after 10 years of service in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy and Higher Education. Before joining the App State faculty, she worked as a school counselor for 17 years and as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing for seven years. Johnson has held university, regional and national professional leadership roles and is the 2023 recipient of the Reich College of Education Inclusive Excellence Award.
Dr. Denise Levy
Beaver College of Health Sciences
Friday, May 10
5 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Denise Levy joined the Department of Social Work in 2008 and served as the undergraduate social work program director from 2012–14 and graduate social work program director from 2014–16. Since 2016, she has served as the Beaver College of Health Sciences’ associate dean for academic affairs. At the end of this academic year, Levy will return to her role as professor of social work.
Dr. Brandy Hadley
Walker College of Business
Saturday, May 11
9 a.m. ceremony
Dr. Brandy Hadley is a two-time App State graduate, having earned bachelor's degrees in finance and banking and risk management and insurance in 2009 and an MBA in 2011. She joined the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance in 2017 and serves as the David A. Thompson Distinguished Scholar of Applied Investments and as lead faculty advisor for the Bowden Investment Group. Hadley is the 2023 recipient of the Walker College of Business Sywassink Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Andy Koch
College of Arts and Sciences
Saturday, May 11
1 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Koch joined the Department of Government and Justice Studies in 1995. He is the author of several books, with his latest — “Materialism and Social Inquiry in the Continental Tradition in Philosophy” — published in 2017. Koch has been actively involved with App State’s Faculty Senate and has served as a multiyear member, four-time vice chair, and chair from 2012–15.
Dr. Sandra Ballard
College of Arts and Sciences
Saturday, May 11
5 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Ballard is a 1979 graduate of App State. In 2000, she joined the Department of English and the Center for Appalachian Studies as editor of the Appalachian Journal, a scholarly, peer-reviewed quarterly founded in 1972. Ballard received the Outstanding Contribution to Appalachian Literature Award from the Appalachian Writers Association in 2007 and the Educational Service to Appalachia Award from Carson-Newman College in 2011.
About the Mace
The Appalachian State University mace is carried by a senior faculty member in all academic processions. Traditionally, the macebearer precedes the chancellor of an institution, both upon entering and leaving a ceremony. The mace serves as a symbol of authority just as it did during the Middle Ages, when a macebearer accompanied an official taking office or opening court.
The App State mace symbolizes the university’s mountain heritage, the rustic location and the sophistication of an emerging, national leader in higher education. Its design, as a walking stick with a base constructed of rough-hewn log and finished molding, is appropriate to the natural environment of the area. At the top of the mace is a soaring, red-tailed hawk native to the area. The hawk symbolizes power and authority, as well as the empowerment of education. The talons are grasping a sphere containing two quartz crystals. The first crystal represents the global nature of the university, its educational programs and its alumni and students. The second crystal is a reproduction of Grandfather Mountain.
The relief of the letters ASU within the pine cone are crafted in black enamel and are gold plated. The various bands represent the flora and fauna native to the area. The black walnut, one of the strongest of woods, was used to symbolize the staying power of the university.
The mace was constructed by Carolina Bronze, of Asheville. Fittingly, two App State students and an App State graduate were involved in the production. It was commissioned by the Appalachian State University Alumni Association in 1994.
