News

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...

Exploring how new religions promote or hinder well-being: A new John Templeton Foundation Grant
Apr 29, 2025

A Tibetan monk officiating an event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tibetan Buddhism is emerging in Vietnam as a popular form of new religiosity © 2025...

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...

Josie Patch

SAFE Student Spotlight: Josie Patch
Apr 9, 2024

Patch received a Spring 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) grant to cover hotel expenses while she conducted fieldwork in Robeson County for a...

Peacock's Feather poster

Talk: On Ethnographic Research and Environmental Defense in Honduras
Mar 8, 2024

Dr. Jon Carter to give guest lecture at Rollins College: On Ethnographic Research and Environmental Defense in HondurasFor many years now, environment...

Marine Corps veteran, Dr. Seth Grooms, lays wreath for App State’s Memorial Day commemoration
Jun 6, 2023

Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Marine Corps veteran, Dr. Seth Grooms, was selected to lay wreath at this year's Memorial Day commemoration....

Dr. Marc Kissel, assistant professor in the Appalachian State University Department of Anthropology

Dr. Marc Kissel contributes to new study funded by National Geographic Society
Jun 6, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In their search to understand human origins, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and world-renowned paleoanthropologist&nbs...

Dr. Timothy Smith with UNC System President Peter Hans

Dr. Timothy J. Smith completes one year fellowship at UNC Executive Leadership Institute
May 25, 2023

Dr. Timothy J. Smith is one of 24 University of North Carolina System employees who recently completed a one year fellowship at the University of Nort...