- A Peacock Hall modernization project saw the addition of the Broyhill Commons, a networking space on the second floor of Peacock Hall that provides students a place to study, work on group projects, share ideas, build relationships and network with industry representatives and faculty. The modernization project was possible through fundraising efforts, including a Broyhill Family Foundation lead gift. The modernization also improved second floor spaces: the Blue Ridge Energy Boardroom, the George and Ann Beasley Classroom, and the Yadkin Bank Classroom. A ribbon cutting for the Broyhill Commons was part of a March 2017 celebration of the Broyhill Family's impact on Appalachian.
- The Beans 2 Brew (B2B) coffee shop had been developed in 2014 by the college's Association of Student Entrepreneurs, and it began serving coffee in the renovated space in 2015 as a student-run, cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Employees of Broyhill Asset Management help mentor the Broyhill Fellows, a competition subset of the Bowden Investment Group, whose photos are featured in the Broyhill Commons and who compete annually in the Chartered Financial Analyst Society Research Challenge.
Paul Broyhill (center) stands with the current Broyhill Fellows and their advisors during the March 2017 naming ceremony for the Broyhill Commons at Appalachian State University.