Appalachian State University’s next chancellor, Sheri Noren Everts, met with students, staff and faculty Thursday morning at a public meet and greet in Rivers Street Cafe in Central Dining Hall.
Approximately 150 people were present in welcoming the university’s first female chancellor to Appalachian. Refreshments provided by dining services were served, Yosef was present and members of the marching band performed.
Noren Everts, who is currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs to Illinois State University, said it is an honor to be named the next chancellor of Appalachian and that she knows her job is to not break what Chancellor Kenneth Peacock has built.
“I am very much looking forward to not talking anymore and listening and learning,” she said. “I hope everyone will share advice with me on what it is that makes App State so very special, so don’t be shy about that.”
Student Government Association President Dylan Russell, who was also a member of the chancellor search committee, provided the opening statements of the event.
“When this adventure began, we were all looking for someone that understood who we are and Appalachian’s unique role as a progressive beacon of hope in the mountains of rural North Carolina,” he said. “I am excited to say Dr. Everts embodies everything we are and more.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Steinbeck, who was also head of the search committee, said the Board was very lucky to have found Noren Everts during the chancellor search process.
“This was no easy undertaking for Mr. Steinbeck,” Russell said. “However, he took a diverse group of individuals and united them all to search for the best candidate to bring to our family.”
Bradley Adcock, also a member of the Board of Trustees, said Noren Everts has the full and unwavering support of the Board, the leadership team of the chancellor cabinet and the chancellor search committee.
Peacock made an appearance in welcoming and introducing his successor to the Appalachian family.
“Not only did the search committee find an awesome new leader for Appalachian, but she is someone I look forward to talking to, supporting and watching her take this place to higher levels than what we are already at,” Peacock said. “Appalachian is truly blessed and [Noren Everts is] truly blessed to step into this wonderful family.”
Peacock provided Noren Everts with gifts of a desk name plate, an official Appalachian name tag that includes her Noren Everts title of chancellor on it and ball caps and shirts with the school logo.
Noren Everts mentioned the excellent students at Appalachian and the caring faculty members have made her experience so far very memorable. She also added that because of her Nebraska upbringing she strongly looks forward to attending her first Appalachian football game.
“Because I am from Nebraska, that means I was raised on football and corn, there really is no other choice,” she said. “I can’t wait to attend my first App State football game.”
Following Noren Everts’ speech, the next chancellor met with students.
Audrey Bowden, a freshman public relations major, said she is excited Peacock’s legacy is being continued with Appalachian’s first female chancellor.
Jemima Amoah, a freshman political science major, said she is excited for the opportunities with the new chancellor.
“I’m very optimistic about everything she has in store for us at Appalachian,” Amoah said.
Noren Everts’ term as chancellor will begin July 1.
Story: Nicole Caporaso, News Reporter
Photo: Cara Croom, Photographer