BOONE — Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts has announced her resignation, effective April 19, and an interim chancellor has been appointed.
“Earlier today, I informed UNC System President Peter Hans of my decision to step down from the office of Chancellor of Appalachian State University, effective this Friday, April 19,” the chancellor stated in a message to campus. “Over the last few months, I have been experiencing significant health challenges, and I must now focus on my personal health and wellbeing.”
She became App State’s eighth leader in July 2014.
“I am incredibly proud of the growth and development of the university over the last ten years, 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,” Everts said in the message to campus. “I thank the faculty for the incredible contributions they have made through their teaching, research and service over the last decade, and our staff, who are the heart and soul of the institution. Most of all, I am incredibly proud of our students, past and present, who bring our university to life, give us purpose, and make real and powerful differences in communities around the world.”
Hans said he would announce an interim chancellor for the university by April 19.
“The last decade has been a time of growth and momentum for Appalachian State,” Hans said in a press release. “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. I’m very grateful for her devoted service.”
The news also comes amid multiple events that have led to calls for her to resign or retire.
In mid-March, the Board of Trustees publicly rebuked App State’s administration over its “decision-making process” related to creating a 911 center for the campus.
The proposed 911 center has faced opposition from Watauga County, the Town of Boone, and local businesses.
More recently — and still ongoing — are student protests over the handling of the Wey Hall renovation project and concerns about what they claim are unsafe learning conditions.
She also oversaw growth on camps, with enrollment increasing from just more than 18,000 her first year to more than 21,200 in fall 2023.
In recent years, Everts oversaw the opening of the Kidd Brewer Stadium north end zone facility; the renovation of Sanford Hall, an expansion of App State’s Child Development Center; and four new residence halls and a parking deck as part of the university’s three-phase student housing project, which replaced nearly 1,800 outdated beds and added 500 more. A new parking deck adjacent to the Holmes Convocation Center, which will open in summer 2024, will add 460 new spaces and better wheelchair accessibility for the building.
“I thank the faculty for the incredible contributions they have made through their teaching, research and service over the last decade, and our staff, who are the heart and soul of the institution. Most of all, I am incredibly proud of our students, past and present, who bring our university to life, give us purpose, and make real and powerful differences in communities around the world,” said Everts.
Everts began her higher education career in 1994 as an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Rising through the academic and administrative ranks at UNO, she was named assistant vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in 2000, promoted to associate vice president in 2003 and named interim senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in 2006. She served in that interim capacity until June 30, 2008, when she left Nebraska to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at Illinois State University. She also served as interim president at ISU.
University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans has appointed an Heather Norris as interim chancellor for Appalachian State University.
Norris, provost and executive vice chancellor at App State, will succeed Sheri Everts, who stepped down as chancellor after 10 years. The appointment became effective April 19.
“Dr. Norris is an experienced and talented leader who is well regarded in the App State community,” Hans said. “She has served in various roles at the university, from faculty member to dean to provost, and she has excelled at all of them because of her collaborative style and her commitment to public service. I’m grateful to her for taking on the position of interim chancellor.”
Norris brings more than two decades of academic leadership to the role. She arrived at App State in 2003 as assistant professor in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance. She became assistant dean for undergraduate programs in 2005 and interim dean in 2015. A national search led to her being chosen as the seventh dean at the Walker College of Business in 2016. During her time there, the college grew its fundraising by 68%, securing three endowed professorships and undergoing a major renovation.
Norris became provost and executive vice chancellor on an interim basis in 2020 and fully in 2021. She oversaw the development of the university’s 2022-27 strategic plan, as well as other strategic efforts focused on academic affairs, on research, scholarship and creative activities, and on App State’s quality enhancement plan through 2029.
“Appalachian State University has been my home for more than 20 years, and I’m passionate about the success of our students, faculty and staff,” Norris said. “During my time here, it was my privilege to work with two great chancellors: Chancellor Everts, who provided me the opportunity to serve as provost and executive vice chancellor, and Chancellor Peacock, who hired me as a faculty member when he was dean of the Walker College of Business. I value their many accomplishments and appreciate the opportunities each gave me to serve our university. I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and members of the communities we serve to ensure the continued success of this great institution.”
Prior to her time at App State, Norris held faculty positions at Bowling Green State University, Pennsylvania State University and West Virginia University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from James Madison University and master’s and doctoral degrees in finance from Penn State.
“Appalachian State University’s Board of Trustees congratulates Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris on being appointed Interim Chancellor. Dr. Norris is a trusted leader and an established member of the community with a strong commitment to the success of students, faculty and staff. We look forward to working with her as we move into the next chapter of App State’s history,” App State BOT Chair Mark Ricks said in a statement. “We extend our appreciation to UNC System President Peter Hans, and appreciate his leadership and support of App State.”
A chancellor search will be launched in the near future.
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