Walker College of Business

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1929: Appalachian Normal School becomes Appalachian State Teachers' College

  • Appalachian Normal School became a four-year, degree granting institution named Appalachian State Teachers' College. Only teaching degrees were granted.

1925: Appalachian Training School becomes Appalachian Normal School

Appalachian Training School was renamed Appalachian Normal School, but maintained a two year curriculum dedicated to teaching degrees.

1906: First business courses are taught

Education in business was seen as a need from the very early years. 

1903: Watauga Academy becomes Appalachian Training School

Watauga Academy becomes a state institution and the name changed to Appalachian Training School, granting two year degrees.

1899-1955: President B. B. Doughtery leads

Known as one of North Carolina’s greatest educators, B.B. Dougherty led the institution for 56 years – from its humble beginnings as Watauga Academy to Appalachian Training School for Teachers, the two-year Appalachian State Normal School and later the four-year Appalachian State Teachers College. The pioneering spirit necessary to overcome the area’s isolation and hardships quickly characterized the institution, giving Appalachian its special niche in higher education.

1899: Watauga Academy is founded

Appalachian State University began as Watauga Academy, founded in 1899 by Dr. B.B. Dougherty, his brother D.D. Dougherty, and D.D.’s wife, Lillie Shull Dougherty. They shared the dream of helping children in North Carolina’s “lost provinces” discover educational opportunity to match the splendor of the mountains in which they lived. This tiny academy quickly evolved into a school preparing quality teachers to serve our state and beyond.

France VIRTUAL PROGRAM - Angers Summer Business Program

Want the opportunity to connect with international students and broaden your horizons, while staying socially distanced? This year, the Angers Summer Business Program is going virtual... Offered in collaboration with the Université d'Angers, students take online summer classes with Angers business students and learn international business skills, International Finance and International Brand Management, while experiencing cross-cultural collaboration.

CANCELLED -AUSTRALIA - Global Context for Accounting - International Business in Asia Pacific

We will travel to Sydney, Australia – a vibrant business hub in the rapidly growing Asia Pacific region – to learn more about international business, globalization, and international trade. We will tour leading businesses and hear from leading business professionals in a variety of business sectors. A cultural excursion to a wildlife park is included and will discuss tourism, Aboriginal culture, and provide close encounters with Australian kangaroos and koalas! Other optional excursions are also being planned (details TBD) for the weekend and evenings.

CANCELLED - JAPAN - International Experience

Doing Business in Japan is a 10-day and 3-credit hour course.  This course focuses on developing students’ expertise in business and culture in Japan. Students will immerse themselves in local business and cultural environments throughout cultural activities (e.g., tea ceremony, archery, sumo wrestling, museum visits, and farewell party), class discussion with local instructors and students, and company visits. After course completion, students will have skills and knowledge to succeed their future business in Japan.