App. State opens Hickory campus, expanding educational access in Western North Carolina

HICKORY, N.C. — Appalachian State University marked a significant milestone in its 124-year history by opening the new Hickory campus on Aug. 21 — expanding higher education access in what was previously the largest metropolitan area in the state without a public university campus.

The first day of fall semester classes began at 9:30 a.m. in the newly renovated first floor of the six-story Hickory campus building, located on U.S. Highway 321, a five-minute drive from the city’s downtown. On a day filled with celebration — which included food trucks, giveaways and plenty of black and gold — university and Hickory area leaders gathered at the campus Monday morning for an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting.

“App State’s founders had an ambitious vision — to increase access to higher education in the most rural mountain areas of Western North Carolina,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “Today, we honor their vision and continue our trajectory of excellence by opening the App State Hickory campus, solidifying our commitment to the Greater Hickory area.” To read the full article, click here