Alumni Hall, Boone: A History of Appalachian State University's Foundation and Growth
Appalachian State University, a public research university located in Boone, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1899. Originally established as a teachers' college, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of academic programs and engaging in significant research endeavors.
The Genesis: Watauga Academy (1899)
The story of Appalachian State University begins with a vision to educate teachers in the northwestern region of North Carolina. In 1899, brothers Blanford B. Dougherty and Dauphin D. Dougherty, along with the latter's wife, Lillie Shull Dougherty, spearheaded a movement to establish a school in Watauga County.
Community Support and Initial Setup
Local residents rallied behind the Doughertys' initiative, donating land, labor, and materials to construct a wood-frame building. This initial structure, costing $1,000, was funded entirely through contributions from the town and county citizens. In the fall of 1899, the Dougherty brothers, serving as co-principals, launched the Watauga Academy. The academy's first year saw an enrollment of 53 students across three grade levels. Classes were initially held in the old Boone Academy building until the Watauga Academy facility was ready in January 1900.
Curriculum and Tuition
The early curriculum focused on providing fundamental education. Tuition fees varied depending on the grade level, ranging from $1 to $2.50 per month. Notably, teachers and students intending to teach in North Carolina public schools were exempt from tuition payments, highlighting the institution's commitment to teacher training.
Transition to Appalachian Training School (1903)
As interest in the school grew beyond Watauga County, D. D. Dougherty recognized the potential for state funding. He drafted a bill and traveled to Raleigh to advocate for the establishment of a state-supported institution for teacher training.
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Legislative Support and Establishment
The bill received support from several key figures in the North Carolina Legislature and was signed into law on March 9, 1903. This marked the birth of the Appalachian Training School for Teachers. The school opened on October 5, 1903, with 325 students and six faculty members. The curriculum was divided into three departments: a Public School Department, a Teacher’s Course for teacher preparation, and a High School Department.
Early Curriculum and Resources
The school bulletin, known as "The Dew Drop," served as a course catalog and general information pamphlet, published from 1904 to 1930. The Watauga Academy library, offering three thousand volumes, was open for one hour each school day.
Growth and Development: Appalachian State Normal School (1925)
For 22 years, the Appalachian Training School experienced steady growth, academic development, and service to the state. In 1925, the legislature recognized the school's progress by changing its name to the Appalachian State Normal School and allocating additional funding for maintenance and permanent improvements. The school began phasing out its high school courses and implementing a two-year curriculum. B.B. Dougherty was named president of ASNS and a new Board of Trustees was formed. ASNS opened on Oct.
Infrastructure Expansion
The institution expanded its physical infrastructure to accommodate the growing student body and evolving academic programs. Several key buildings were constructed during this period, including:
Lovill Home
The Lovill Home was built as a women’s dormitory. It housed 85 women and included two society halls, two sitting rooms and two study rooms.
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Science Hall
Science Hall, the first specialized academic campus building, is completed.
Arts and Crafts Building
An Arts and Crafts Building, also known as the Industrial Arts Building, is constructed on the south end of the Boone campus. The building housed the university’s first gymnasium on its first floor and the manual training program on the second floor.
Boone Grade School
Boone Grade School is constructed as a Demonstration Elementary School, aka Appalachian Elementary School. The school was a cooperative institution between the university and Watauga County Schools, through which the school provided facilities and teachers for Watauga County students, and Appalachian Training School students gained teacher training in their final year.
Extracurricular Activities and Student Life
The Athletic Association, for men’s athletics, is first mentioned in the Dew Drop catalog. Membership was $0.25 per year. Young women students gain access to grounds for croquet, tennis and other games, located behind the Administration Building.
Becoming a Four-Year College: Appalachian State Teachers College (1929)
In 1929, Appalachian State Normal School achieved another milestone by becoming a four-year degree-granting institution. The school was renamed Appalachian State Teachers College, solidifying its role in training educators for the region.
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Accreditation and Graduate Studies
Appalachian attained national standards by becoming accredited by the American Association for Teacher Education in 1939, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1942. In 1948 a graduate school was formed.
Campus Expansion and Infrastructure Development
Several buildings were constructed during this period, including the D.D. Dougherty Library and the Women’s Gymnasium.
Student Activities and Traditions
The International Relations Club is founded. In May, the Young Women’s Christian Association sponsors the first May Day Festival and elects the May Day queen. Members of the university’s first cheerleading team are shown in this image from the 1932 volume of The Rhododendron yearbook.
Transition to University Status: Appalachian State University (1967)
The most significant transformation in the institution's history occurred in 1967 when Appalachian State Teachers College became Appalachian State University. This change reflected the institution's expanding academic offerings and its evolution into a comprehensive regional university.
Academic Restructuring and Growth
Appalachian was transformed from a single-purpose teachers' college into a multipurpose regional university and Appalachian State Teacher's College became Appalachian State University in 1967. Growth continued in the 1970s to around 9,500 students and 550 faculty. Afterward, four degree-granting undergraduate colleges were created: Arts and Sciences, Business, Fine and Applied Arts, and Education. In 1971, the university became part of the University of North Carolina System.
Expansion and Modernization
The university continued to expand its facilities and modernize its infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing student body and evolving academic programs. Notable developments include:
Carol Grotnes Belk Library & Information Commons
In 2005, the Carol Grotnes Belk Library & Information Commons opened in a new 165,000-square-foot (15,300 m2) five-story building.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
A 100-kilowatt (130 hp) wind turbine was installed at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in 2008. The wind turbine has become the most visible symbol of Appalachian's projects in renewable energy.
Student Life and Activities
ASU also has over 400 clubs and organizations run by the McCaskey Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, such as Greek organizations, academic and diversity clubs, and sports clubs. The campus also has three indoor fitness facilities, an athletics field, and an outdoor recreation center. The student union also holds four permanent art collections, managed by the PSU Art Team. These collections are the Appalachian Artists Collection, Leigh Lane Edwards Collection, Dave Robinson Collection and Nature Photography Collection.
Athletics
Appalachian's sports teams are nicknamed the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Sun Belt Conference. Kidd Brewer Stadium is the 30,000-seat home of Appalachian football. Nicknamed "The Rock", the stadium is located at an elevation of 3,333 feet (1,016 m).
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