Ted Budd: “today, I have the distinct honor of recognizing my alma mater, Appalachian State University, on the 125th anniversary of…”

“today, I have the distinct honor of recognizing my alma mater, Appalachian State University, on the 125th anniversary of its founding. Established in Boone, NC, as Watauga Academy in 1899, App State began as a teachers college with 53 students. Today, it enrolls over 21,000 students, employs more than 3,500 employees, and boasts more than 150,000 living alumni who exemplify the Mountaineer spirit every day. This strong and steady growth has established App State as a premier public institution and one of the largest in the UNC System. Given its worldwide reputation, App State has remained true to its mission as a rural institution known for service to its local and regional communities. App State is committed to increasing enrollment of students from North Carolina's rural populations and ensuring timely graduation with as little debt as possible. The university's regional impact is undeniable, contributing nearly $2.2 billion to our State's economy. App State continues to maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its campuses in Boone, Hickory, and online. The university is committed to supporting the workforce needs of North Carolina as one of our State's leading producers of graduates in business, education, and healthcare. Moreover, App State has stepped up to meet the growing needs in the areas of veterinary technology, health sciences, and cyber security.…”