Dr. Heather Norris Officially Installed as Appalachian State University’s Chancellor

Last month, Dr. Health Hulburt Norris was officially installed as the eighth chancellor of Appalachian State University, marking an important milestone in the school’s 126-year history. She first assumed the role on March 1, after she was officially elected to the position by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. 

The ceremonial event — held in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus — formally recognized and celebrated the beginning of Chancellor Norris’ leadership tenure at App State. UNC System President Peter Hans presided over the installation and brought greetings to the chancellor on behalf of the state’s public universities. Hundreds of App State students, staff, faculty, alumni, university friends and leaders — both past and present — were in attendance. Also present were visiting UNC System chancellors and delegates, as well as Norris’ family, including her husband, Robert, a 1987 alumnus of App State and retired App State staff member, her daughter, Emma, and her father, David Hulburt. 

“I’m thrilled to be here today as we celebrate the start of a new and promising era for this university and give our wholehearted support to a leader who has already proven her mettle through a time of historical trial for this place,” said Hans, referencing Hurricane Helene, which hit the Western North Carolina region in September 2024. 

He continued, “We often reveal our truest selves in times of deepest stress, and Chancellor Norris showed a toughness and generosity of spirit that speaks to the very best of Appalachian State. … I can assure you that all of North Carolina is looking to the future of this great university with excitement and appreciation.” 

Hans read the charge of office and was sworn in by North Carolina District Court Judge Rebecca Eggers-Gryder. Norris then received the chain of command and university medallion, which represents the trust and authority invested in the chancellor by the university’s governing body. University Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Neva J. Specht presented Norris with the university mace. 

In her inaugural address, Norris described her role within the App State Community as “a dream come true,” sharing that she is wholeheartedly committed to honoring the university’s 126-year legacy of education access, innovation and excellence. 

“Our role is one of powering human potential — educating people with the right mix of skills, creativity, tenacity and patient humility to meet an unsettling world with confidence,” Norris said. “The promise of being a Mountaineer is that none of us will face that future alone. We’re all here today with a shared hope — a shared conviction — that this university can shape the world for the better, just as it has for an extraordinary 126 years.” 

In closing, and addressing the Appalachian family, Norris added, “As we look to our future, without a doubt, we will have more opportunities than ever to fulfill our mission of academic excellence and student success, all while leading with innovation and research that make a direct and lasting positive impact in our local communities.”