Appalachian State University expects to announce its next chancellor at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. The university in Boone has been searching for a replacement of Sheri Everts, who stepped down after 10 years in April due to “significant health challenges.”
To watch a live stream of the announcement, click here. Thursday’s announcement will include remarks by App State leaders and the new chancellor.
Everts became App State’s eighth leader in 2014. During her 10-year term, enrollment grew to more than 21,000, an increase of almost 16%. She also helped secure more than $550 million for capital projects for the university, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in the entire UNC System. New residence halls, academic facilities and athletics facilities have changed the face of the university in the last decade. In August 2023, App State opened a satellite campus in Hickory.
The university also became more diverse during Everts’ tenure. In her last year, 19% of the total student population represented racially and/or ethnically underrepresented students. From 2014-2024, App State increased its underrepresented students by 77% and first-year underrepresented students by 117%. Approximately one-third of the university’s undergraduate students are from rural areas and one-third are first-generation college students.
In the last fiscal year of Everts’ term, the university raised more than $40 million, following a year that saw the largest cash fundraising in university history, at $31 million. Since 2014, App State’s endowment has grown to $150 million, more than doubling in value.
University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans announced an interim chancellor for Appalachian State University.
Heather Hulburt Norris, provost and executive vice chancellor at App State, has served as interim chancellor since April 19. She has been at the university for more than 20 year, arriving in 2003 as an assistant professor in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance.