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Quality Teaching
Unlike many other universities of its size and stature, Appalachian
State University is not a research mill where undergraduates
are taught by graduate students. The departments
of the College of Arts
and Sciences are proud of their faculty, and believe that
it is a high calling to pass knowledge along to the next generation.
That's why you'll find senior members of our faculty, many of
them nationally-known in their fields, teaching undergraduates
at every level. There are not many schools where freshmen can
expect to be taught by the very best people in a department.
That attitude is fostered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
In the humanities, the social sciences, mathematical sciences,
and the sciences, students deserve and receive attention from
professors who consider teaching their first priority. Often this
involves including students in professors' own research, making
students important participants in the process of generating new
information.
Outstanding Opportunities
There's been a lot of talk recently about the demise of the
traditional liberal arts curriculum, as well as national doubt
regarding the United States' commitment to preparing scientists
for tomorrow. The College of Arts and Sciences not only offers
the best preparation for students in those areas, but also offers
exciting, innovative programs to meet the needs of more students.
As an example, take these startling statistics: in the last
four years, of the students preparing for careers in medicine,
78% of our science majors were admitted to medical school, and
90% into schools for optometry, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
These numbers, far above the national average, are concrete testimony
to our outstanding curriculum and the people who teach in it.
But that's only part of the story. Many schools, understanding
that the world is changing and teaching must change with it, dilute
their curricula by offering a smorgasbord of options for students.
Appalachian has never done that and our students will be required
to complete a rigorous core curriculum with courses specifically
designed to make them better writers and speakers, as well as
courses to acquaint them with the ethnic and cultural diversity
of the nation.
In a world where there's more to know,
the only responsible way to approach
education is to know more.
A Tradition of Success
The College of Arts and
Sciences comprises sixteen departments,
a variety of pre-professional programs, cooperative degree programs
with other universities, and a number of interdisciplinary minors.
But that's not what the College is. The College is the body of
people who make it successful, now and in the future.
Consider that the average faculty member has been with Appalachian
for eleven years. That means not just that they find the College
a stimulating and rewarding place to be, but that they are committed
to the College and to their students.
Consider that graduates of the College take their places as
leaders in their own communities and in the state. Appalachian
has a large number of graduates in early and mid-career who are
making a difference in the lives of many people. Unlike older
institutions, we don't have huge numbers of alumni-what we have
is a vital, successful, and increasingly visible number of alumni.
And consider that the region looks to us, to our faculty and
our programs, for answers to many of the questions our neighbors
have. The College has determinedly not forgotten its standard
of service, and we have an unmatched record of helping the people
of North Carolina in every way we can.
"The evolution of Appalachian in the past
few decades, including the establishment of the College of Arts
and Sciences, brought remarkable changes to the breadth and depth
of the educational opportunities which are offered. This college
is central to the mission of the University and the educational
needs of all students at Appalachian. We have exciting challenges
ahead and your participation in the College will help us meet
those challenges.
Dr. Donald W. Sink
Former Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
As recently as ten years ago, Appalachian State University was
best known as a small school in a beautiful area, a school whose
strength was preparing teachers for North Carolina's mountain
schools.
Today that description is only partially true. Since 1985 Appalachian
has been consistently ranked by university presidents across the
nation as one of the top schools in the country. The reason is
easy to see-in addition to its traditional college atmosphere
and its four-season splendor, Appalachian boasts some of the finest
teachers, scholars, and programs anywhere.
The College of Arts and
Sciences is home to many of these outstanding assets. The
departments of the College
not only prepare students in a variety of majors and career preparatory
programs, but also serve as the liberal arts component of the
University's professional schools.
"Appalachian has a solid curriculum. It is
large enough to offer the atmosphere of a big university, but
the people are friendly. I found the professors to be approachable
and responsive. I was pleased so many top-notch professors found
their place at Appalachian. That speaks well for Appalachian and
the community."
Brad Wilson '73
Senior VP and General Counsel
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
Resources Needed for the College of Arts and Sciences
SCHOLARSHIP
An active faculty and student body are essential for the College
to meet the challenges of the future.
- Guest Lecture Series
- Supplies and Equipment
- Seminars
SCHOLARSHIPS
Attracting and retaining outstanding students is essential for
enhancing the vitality and growth of the quality of the University.
- Undergraduate Scholarships
- Graduate Student Support
SCHOLARS
Funds are needed to support scholars across the breadth of disciplines
in the College.
- Outstanding Teaching Awards
- Research Assistants
- Direct and Produce Research
- Study Related Travel
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTING IN APPALACHIAN
CONTACT:
Vivien McMahon, Director
of Development
Contribute to the College
On-Line
College of Arts and Sciences
201 I.G. Greer Hall
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-4013
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