News

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...

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...