Thank you, Jacqui, and good afternoon, everyone.
As we near the end of the academic year, I have information to share with you related to:
- University leadership and organizational changes;
- Dr. Amy Wood’s new role as the Associate Vice Provost for the App State Hickory campus;
- Our efforts to make our websites more accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act; and
- Feedback from our Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Advisory Council.
First, I do want to acknowledge the news we learned last week about one of our international students. Our colleagues in the Office of International Programs have been monitoring students' visa statuses closely, and through that process, we learned that one student’s visa had been revoked. As you may have read or heard about in the news, this has occurred at more than 100 universities and colleges across the country. To preserve the confidentiality of our students and student education records, we are limited in how much information we can share about the individual situation here. What we can say is that our International Programs staff have been active in sharing information and resources with our students, including an information session held on Friday. We recognize that many are feeling a sense of uncertainty and fear. I want to emphasize that App State deeply values our international students and scholars, whose perspectives and contributions greatly enrich our university community. If you have questions about how you can support our international students, please reach out to the Office of International Programs.
University Organizational Changes:
During my time at App State, I’ve had the opportunity to serve under five different Chancellors — each bringing a distinct style and approach to leadership. With every transition, change is inevitable. That change may come in the form of leadership style, organizational structure, or operational processes. I recognize that it can feel unsettling. But change takes time, and what feels uncertain now will, before long, become part of a new rhythm.
One significant outcome of this period of change is the integration of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources in one division. This alignment reflects a university-wide commitment to student success, from the moment a prospective student considers App State through their graduation.
Our collective mission is to elevate the student experience — intellectually, socially, and professionally. This new structure positions us to support student growth through every dimension of campus life.
Associate Vice Provost of Academics and Community Outreach Dr. Amy Wood:
As we are set to conclude our second academic year at the Hickory campus, we recognize the need for an academic officer to oversee program development and analysis as the campus continues to grow and evolve. I was pleased to announce last month that Dr. Amy Wood has been appointed Associate Vice Provost of Academics and Community Outreach at the App State Hickory campus.
Before joining App State, Amy held multiple roles at Lenoir-Rhyne University, progressing through the faculty ranks to become a full professor and serving as assistant provost and dean of the graduate school — steadily advancing in leadership positions along the way. During her 26-year tenure at Lenoir-Rhyne, she worked closely with academic deans to build and grow new academic programs while maximizing existing graduate programs, contributing to a 500% increase in graduate enrollment from 2007 to 2022.
She joined App State in 2023 as the Executive Director of Corporate and Community Engagement in University Advancement, helping to strengthen relationships with Hickory campus partners.
Amy’s key responsibilities will include support for strategic development and implementation of innovative academic programs, outreach initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that benefit both the university and the local community.
ADA Title II Digital Accessibility Compliance:
Last week, the chancellor’s leadership team received an update on the university’s efforts to comply with federal digital accessibility regulations. Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The rule applies to all state and local governments, including public schools, community colleges, and public universities, who must conform to the guidelines for web content and mobile applications by April 2026.
This is a university-wide challenge, and addressing it will require a collective effort. Consider this: AsULearn currently hosts over 1.2 million PDF documents that do not meet accessibility standards. This isn’t something that can be fixed overnight. It will take time, coordination, and a shared commitment.
The App State Accessibility Governance Committee has been charged with ensuring these mandates are met. In the near future, we’ll invite committee members to address the Senate to share how you can help us achieve full compliance.
Academic and Student Affairs Advisory Council:
To conclude my remarks, I would like to share some information from a recent meeting Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown and I had with the newly formed Academic and Student Affairs Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council is a team of eleven current, engaged student leaders reflecting each academic college, as well as the Student Body President, Vice President, and Graduate Student Government Association President. This council will be valuable to providing strategic input to this division under its new configuration. They also share ideas, thoughts, and concerns and offer another voice on current issues affecting students.
At our recent meeting, we asked the students on this board to reflect on their most meaningful takeaways from their time at App State. Each of them pointed to the faculty’s deep investment in their education. They spoke about how faculty members consistently went above and beyond to support, challenge, and encourage them.
This year’s council was composed entirely of first-generation college students, and their stories were especially powerful. They shared how the wealth of opportunities — both inside and outside the classroom — helped them discover new interests and passions. Just as important, they talked about the communities they found and helped build on campus, which supported their growth academically, personally, and socially. They couldn’t imagine another place that would have helped them grow in quite the same way.
As the students on the Advisory Council expressed, their time at App State has challenged them, expanded their horizons, and supported their growth into well-rounded individuals. That kind of experience is possible because of your dedication. Thank you for the essential role you play in supporting and inspiring our students along the way.
This has been a year marked by transition and uncertainty, and yet you, your departments, and your colleagues have met every challenge with resilience, professionalism, and care. I’m deeply proud to work alongside this faculty — and grateful for all that you do.
Thank you for your time and attention — Chair Bergman, this concludes my remarks.