Affinity Groups
Merriam-Webster defines affinity group as "a group of people having a common interest or goal or acting together for a specific purpose". Here is a friendly reminder of some of the affinity groups we have on campus. After reading the information below, if you are interested in one of these groups, please reach out to the contact person listed.
Please click on the links below for more information (if applicable).
App Advocates: The Appalachian Advocates Initiative is a program in the College of Business created to equip, expand and make visible the network of support available to members of underrepresented groups within the College of Business, our Appalachian community and the greater Boone community. Membership is open to all faculty and staff. Meredith Church Pipes is the contact person.
Appalachian African-Alumni Network (AAAN): an affinity group that is part of the Appalachian Alumni Association. The mission of AAAN is to engage all African-American alumni, develop a working relationship with university administrators, increase the role of alumni in recruitment and retention efforts of African-American students and improve visibility on and off campus at Alumni events. Please contact Selena Parks for more information.
Able-achian: Able-achian is a creative collective intended to draw attention to the experiences of disabled community members at Appalachian State University. For more information, email: ableachian@gmail.com.
APP Unidos: Dedicated to issues of importance to the Hispanic/Latino community on campus and in the local and state communities, while providing a networking opportunity for colleagues. The efforts to bring together faculty and staff of Hispanic and Latinix heritage began at the UNC System wide forum held on the campus of N.C. State University back on October 6, 2012. Encouraged by Edelmira Segovia (App State Alumna) of UNC-Wilmington to form a group on campus that would connect with the growing Hispanic Student Association. There are events App Unidos organized such as the 4th UNC Forum held on this campus to promote awareness of App Unidos. Please contact Jaxeli Martinez or María Hofman for more information.
Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA): The purpose of BFSA is to address quality of life issues specific to Black faculty, staff, and students; Promote the development of leadership skills; Facilitate professional welfare and development; Stimulate a sense of social responsibility and improve communication; and Promote scholarship and cooperative research among Black faculty, staff, and students. Membership shall be open to all Black faculty and staff at Appalachian State University. For more information, please send an email to: BFSA@appstate.edu.
Black Graduate Student Association: established in 2019 and focuses on scholarship, service and empowerment.
Queer and Trans Staff and Faculty (QTSAF): The Queer and Trans Staff and Faculty (QTSAF) group is a gathering of folks across the queer and trans/LGBTQ+ spectrum at Appalachian State. Our goal is to provide community, support, and advocacy for queer and trans folks on campus and work to make our campus a more inclusive space. The group formed in May, and since then has hosted a social event and started advocacy efforts. If you'd like to be connected to our work, please join our organization page on Engage. If you have any questions about the group, reach out to the Staff Liaison, Sarah Parker at parkersc4@appstate.edu or email us at qtsaf@appstate.edu.
Women in Education Leadership Symposium (WIELS): Works to establish an inclusive community that advocates the elimination of gender-based barriers to leadership opportunities. WIELS is committed to promoting and empowering the advancement of women, gender non-binary, feminine-identified, and gender fluid leaders, and providing ongoing support through coaching, mentoring, and networking. Contact Precious Guramatunhu-Mudiwa or Susan Colby for more information.
Student Affairs Women in Leadership: Coming Soon.
If you are interested in an affinity group not listed, please contact Traci Royster.