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Appalachian studies alumna Katie Rodriguez ’25, center, receives the Outstanding Thesis Award in the arts and humanities category at the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies Faculty and Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (Photo by Kyla Willoughby)

Katie Rodriguez ’25 recognized with 2025–26 Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies Outstanding Thesis Award
Apr 14, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies has announced the recipients of their 2025–26...

Mary O'Connell (left) and James Moser (right) examine an artifact. Photo by Kyla Willoughby

App State students conduct Spring Break dig in historic Junaluska neighborhood
Mar 19, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Over Spring Break, 12 Appalachian State University students joined Dr. Cameron Gokee, associate professor in the Department ...

During an archaeological dig at Appalachian State University’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm this summer, university archaeologists unearthed dozens of artifacts from an early Native American campsite.

Preserving the past in 2025: Archaeology discoveries, cemetery restoration guide historic year in Ashe [faculty featured]
Jan 8, 2026

ASHE COUNTY — Progress isn’t always about moving forward; it’s also about preserving the past....

Dr. Seth Grooms, assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at Appalachian State University

Archaeologists uncover a new purpose behind one of North America’s greatest mysteries [faculty featured]
Nov 24, 2025

New evidence suggests Poverty Point’s monumental mounds were created not by a ruling elite, but by egalitarian groups drawn together by shared ritua...

Anna Brown '06 is the administrative support specialist in the Department of Anthropology. Photo by University Communications

Anna Brown receives staff shout out
Nov 3, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Awarded by the Appalachian State University Staff Senate, Staff Shout Outs recognize staff members for their positive contributio...

Photo by Chase Reynolds

Student archaeologists unearth Native American campsite, artifacts [faculty featured]
Aug 20, 2025

An archaeology team at Appalachian State University has discovered an ancient campsite containing 8,000-year-old artifacts, the university announced i...

App State student researchers engage in an archaeology field school, using trowels to excavate a layer of soil just beneath the reach of plows at the university’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County. They discovered an ancient hearth, storage pits, pottery and projectile points made of quartz, quartzite, rhyolite, flint and jasper — evidence that the area was used as a camp by Native American peoples. Pictured are senior anthropology majors Peyton Harrison, of Conover; Cowan Ramirez, of Ashevill

App State archaeology team discovers ancient campsite at Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County
Jul 28, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — During an archaeological dig at Appalachian State University’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm this summer, archaeologist...

Susan Keefe, Pegge Laine, Carolyn Grimes, Roberta Jackson and Lynn Patterson discussed the recent projects of the Junaluska Heritage Association. Photo by Nick Fogleman

Library celebrates the Junaluska Heritage Association [faculty featured]
Jul 2, 2025

BOONE — The annual Friends of the Watauga County Library celebration featured a panel discussion centered on two recently published books about Boon...

Ella Adams

Ella Adams: Uplifting Voices and Serving with Purpose to Transform Communities
Jan 8, 2025

Recently graduating with a degree in Anthropology from the College of Arts and Sciences, Ella Adams embodies the spirit of passion and resilience. Ell...

Dr. Aviva Chomsky is professor of history and coordinator of Latin American studies at Salem State University.

October 28: "Central America’s Forgotten History: Revolution, Violence and the Roots of Migration" with Dr. Aviva Chomsky
Sep 26, 2024

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Department of History is pleased to welcome professor, historian, author and activist Dr. Avi...

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