Student Affairs

Nominations are now OPEN!

Annually, the Division of Student Affairs recognizes students, staff and faculty who make significant contributions at Appalachian State University in the areas of academic and leadership excellence. In addition to recognizing the commitment of time, energy, and skill of our students, recognition may also go to faculty and staff who have made major contributions to the student experience at Appalachian. An overview of available awards is included below. 

This year, all nominations and support materials should be sent to [email protected].

Plemmons Leadership Medallion

(Deadline Friday, February 14th, 2025 at 4:00p.m)

The award was created to recognize the time, energy, skills, and commitment of students, faculty, Student Affairs educators and staff who exceed their peers in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students. 

About the Nomination

Students and university employees are invited to nominate a student or university employee for this award. Nominations may be made in the following categories:

• A student leader who has provided distinguished leadership above that of other student leaders

• A Student Affairs Educator within the Division of Student Affairs for meritorious leadership in their work to enrich the quality of student life and learning

• A member of the faculty who has provided meritorious leadership through their work with student clubs or organizations, or work that enriches the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom

• An employee of Appalachian State University who has provided meritorious leadership that has significantly enriched the quality of student life and learning outside of the classroom

About the Selection Process

• A seven person committee appointed by the Chancellor will solicit and review nominations and recommend recipients of the W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion to the Chancellor who will submit the recommendations to the Board of Trustees for their review and approval.

• The committee will screen the nominations and seek relevant supporting information concerning nominees chosen for further consideration.

• This process will take place annually and leadership medallions will be awarded during the Spring Semester Leadership and Legacy Awards Banquet. It is understood that the medallion is intended to recognize meritorious leadership and may not be awarded each year.

More About This Award

The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion, named in honor of Dr. William H. Plemmons who served as the second president of the University from 1955 to 1969, was established by an action of the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees in 1996. The award was created to recognize the time, energy, skills, and commitment of students, faculty, student affairs educators and staff who exceed their peers in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students.

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Ronny L. Brooks Award

(Deadline Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 4:00p.m)

This award is named for Ronny L. Brooks, who served as Dean of Men and later Dean of Students at Appalachian, and who was a strong supporter of the out-of-class learning that fostered student development. Nominations should demonstrate that, while the student may have excelled in a specific program or leadership role, their leadership and actions are consistent throughout their student involvement.

About the Nomination

A nomination/reference statement should be sent to [email protected]  by Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 4:00pm.  The letter must include the following:

• The nature and/or scope of the student's contributions which merit an outstanding designation

• The complexity of the effort required

• Significant challenges faced, problems solved or accomplishments made

• Significant development and/or personal growth demonstrated throughout the effort

• Ability to balance curricular and co-curricular challenges

More About This Award

This award is not intended to recognize good leadership, but rather students who have demonstrated leadership that could best be described as exemplary or outstanding. This leadership can be exhibited in traditional or non-traditional settings. Additionally, students nominated for this award should demonstrate that they exhibit the academic and personal behaviors expected of a successful student leader. Nominations should demonstrate that while the student may have excelled in a specific program or leadership role, that his/her leadership and actions are consistent throughout their student involvement.

This award is named for Ronny L. Brooks who served as Dean of Men and later Dean of Students at Appalachian and who was a strong supporter of the out-of-class learning that fostered student development. While this award process is coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs, the Ronny L. Brooks Leadership Award is to recognize any Appalachian student who demonstrates the ideals and principles of the award.

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Bobby L. Dunnigan Service Award

(Deadline Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 4:00p.m)

Bobby L. Dunnigan served at Appalachian State University in a variety of leadership roles concluding his career as the Director of Residence Life. This award is intended to recognize those students employed in the Division of Student Affairs who have distinguished themselves through the scope and quality of service during their employment.

About the Nomination

A nomination/reference statement should be sent to [email protected]  by Friday, March 7th, 2025 at 4:00pm.  The letter must include the following:

• The nature and/or scope of the student's service which merit an outstanding designation

• Significant development and/or personal growth demonstrated throughout the effort

• Significant challenges faced, problems solved or accomplishments made

• Ability to balance curricular and co-curricular challenges

• Contributions made to the unit that were outside of the stated position description

More About This Award

This award is named for Bobby L. Dunnigan who served Appalachian State University in a variety of leadership roles finishing his career as the Director of Residence Life. This award is intended to recognize those students who are employed in the Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University and have distinguished themselves through the scope and quality of their service during their employment.

Esse quam videri is the North Carolina state motto and means To Be Rather Than To Seem. This award recognizes those students who have demonstrated exemplary service to Appalachian State University. Students nominated for this award should not have just fulfilled the expectation of a good employee, but rather have exceeded what has been expected and have taken on additional duties and responsibilities that have contributed to the success of the office or area.

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Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Student Affairs

General Information

Awarded each year to outstanding graduate students within the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Nomination

Three specific references should be sent to [email protected]  by Friday, March 7th at 4:00pm.  

The three references required include:

• The nominee's direct supervisor

• The Director of the nominee's department/area within Student Affairs

• One reference of your choosing

A nomination and reference statement and/or letter must include the following:

• Evidence of exemplary work ethic and commitment to the position held

• Evidence for going above and beyond position expectations

• Potential for success as a professional in the nominee's chosen field

• Other examples of professional development

More About This Award

This award is named for Dr. Gregory S. Blimling who served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (previously named Student Development) at Appalachian for 14 years and is a nationally recognized leader and scholar on student affairs. Under Dr. Blimling's leadership the quality of programs and services for our students improved and expanded. During his tenure facilities like the Student Recreation Center, Living Learning Center and expansion of the Student Union occurred. Programs like the W.H. Plemmons Fellows, Women's Center and ACT are examples of new initiatives under his leadership. A focus area for Dr. Blimling was to support graduate education and experiential learning through graduate assistantships.

Dr. Blimling was actively engaged in graduate education and professional development of staff. He has served as editor of the Journal of College Student Development for nine years and wrote extensively on residence life, student affairs and college student development. He authored numerous books and articles. One way he brought recognition and attention to undergraduate student life at Appalachian was through the use of graduate assistants. He recognized their importance to providing model services and programs while at the same time supporting their development to insure qualified professionals were entering the field of student development.

This award is named for Dr. Blimling in recognition of his contributions to Appalachian and his support of our graduate assistants.

Questions - please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 828-262-2060.