Appalachian State University chancellor to step down, citing health issues

An aerial view of the Appalachian State University campus (Photo: www.appstate.edu)

Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts is stepping down, citing health problems. Her last day will be Friday.

“Over the last few months, I have been experiencing significant health challenges,” Everts wrote in a message to the university community early Monday. “And I must now focus on my personal health and wellbeing.”

Appalachian State Chancellor Sheri Everts (Image: App State)

Everts has led App State for the last decade, during which the campus has significantly increased its enrollment, fundraising and its footprint in Boone and beyond. Her tenure has also seen controversy, including sustained tensions with students, faculty members and alumni over political and speech issues and her response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 the university’s Faculty Senate passed a rare resolution of “no confidence” in her leadership.

“The last decade has been a time of growth and momentum for Appalachian State,” UNC System President Peter Hans said in a written statement Monday. “Chancellor Everts welcomed a record number of students, celebrated numerous academic and athletic accomplishments, and led a physical transformation of the beautiful Boone campus.”

“A new investment in Hickory builds on App State’s commitment to public service, and generations of North Carolinians will find great opportunity close to home because of Chancellor Everts’ vision,” Hans said. “I’m very grateful for her devoted service.”

Over Everts’ decade at the helm, App State’s enrollment grew more than 16 percent to 21,000 total student enrolled as of the 2023 fall semester. In a message Monday, the university touted the university’s dramatically increased diversity during Everts’ tenure.

“From 2014-2024, App State increased its underrepresented students by 77% and first-year underrepresented students by 117%,” the university’s communications office wrote in its message. “Approximately one-third of the university’s undergraduate students are from rural areas and one-third are first-generation college students.”

App State also saw record fundraising during her decade of leadership, following a then-unprecedented $31 million fundraising year with a more than $40 million campaign last fiscal year. The university’s endowment has doubled in value as well to around $150 million.

“I am incredibly proud of the growth and development of the university over the last 10 years,” Everts wrote in her statement Monday. “And I look forward to seeing the development of the Innovation District and the Hickory Campus, in particular, and the many ways the region will continue to thrive with the benefit of these important state resources.”

No interim chancellor was announced as of midday Monday. As UNC System president, Hans has the authority to appoint someone to fill the role as a search is conducted for Everts’ successor.

With Everts’ announcement, App State will become the fifth campus in the 16-university system to begin a search for a new leader. Searches are now underway at UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. A&T University, Winston Salem State University and N.C. Central University.

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