Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Walker College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Walker College of Business is committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all Appalachian business faculty, staff and students to enhance their cross-cultural and community leadership and engagement. 

We foster a culture that values diversity and we intentionally include people and perspectives from diverse cultures, worldviews, backgrounds, traditions and ways of life. 

We know that diversity takes many forms, including, but not limited to, diversity of Age, (Dis)ability, Cultural Background, Educational Background, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Geographical Region, National Origin, Neurodiversity, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Socioeconomic Status/Social Class and Veteran Status. 

We believe organizations that value people from a multitude of backgrounds have a competitive advantage in global industry and that business can empower change on a grand scale when guided by just, inclusive and equitable principles.

We aspire to provide a welcoming and empowering home for every business student, faculty and staff member, where all 1) value diverse perspectives, 2) acknowledge societal injustices toward marginalized groups, 3) recognize and overcome our own biases and 4) use our talents and skills to create a more inclusive and just society.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team is composed of Walker College of Business faculty, staff and students who advise college administrators on diversity and inclusiveness opportunities and needs within the college. The WCOB DEI Team also looks at comparative and aspirational programs to benchmark seeking to make the college a leader at the university in pursuing inclusive excellence.

Inclusive Excellence News

February 21 event to feature Black alumni and straight talk on navigating the career maze

On Wednesday, February 21, the Walker College of Business will celebrate Black History Month with a Courageous Conversation, Straight Talk on Navigati...

Keira Andrews, Carmen Concepcion, Carolina Davidson, Nevaeh Knox, Hannah Lackey, Cassidy Rogers, Ginny Shires, Amani Stanley and Sharon Ware participated in a close-up tour of the New York financial world as part of the 2023 Women in Financial Services Initiative

Student women experience New York City through the lens of finance, banking and insurance

September 20-24, nine student women from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business traveled to New York City (NYC) for a close-up...

Embracing Unique Perspectives: Neurodiversity newsletter highlights Walker College faculty, student body

Embracing Unique Perspectives: Neurodiversity newsletter highlights Walker College faculty, student body

The Neurodivergent Students & Allies Club and the Graduate Student Government Association's Inclusion & Outreach Committee has launched a...

F.A.R.M. Café provides meals to all regardless of means. Graduate Programs will be buying Boone lunch, covering the cost of meals and operations for the day. All donations for the day will help to provide meals to those unable to pay!

Walker College of Business staff plan to 'Buy Boone Lunch' on Wednesday April 12

Staff from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business Graduate Programs Office will Boone Buy Lunch at F.A.R.M. Cafe on Wedne...

Panel (L-R): Wanda Coles, Roberta Jackson, Anitra Ball, Lynn Patterson, Traci Royster

Junaluska panelists share candid stories and advice at the Courageous Conversations panel discussion

Four women from Boone’s historically black Junaluska community shared stories and perspectives to a full house in the Rosen Concert Hall auditorium ...

Initiatives

  • Appalachian Advocates [Information
  • Courageous Conversations [ Information ]
  • We are Walker Scholarship [Information
  • Shared Reading [Information
  • RMI Inclusive Excellence Recruitment Dinner [ Register ]
  • Cross Recruitment Efforts with the Office of Admissions

We are Walker Scholarship

The “We are Walker Scholarship” is awarded to outstanding first-year intended business majors from traditionally underrepresented communities. This scholarship reflects both the value placed on fostering a vibrant community with diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas in the Walker College of Business, and the reality that, for students from underrepresented groups, the road to success often involves overcoming obstacles that others never experience. Find more Infomation on the  We are Walker Scholarship page. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Events