Appalachian State University's Board of Trustees has approved the naming of two spaces in the expanding Kenneth E. Peacock Hall, a milestone in the university’s ongoing investment in business education.
During its December 2025 meeting, App State’s Board of Trustees approved the naming of the spaces to honor Chris ’99 and Christy ’99 Holden and the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association.
Named spaces recognize financial support and key partnerships that help shape the future of the university, and in this case, its Walker College of Business. The spaces are being constructed as part of an addition to and a partial renovation of Kenneth E. Peacock Hall. Peacock Hall’s addition is anticipated to open in 2027.
The new namings follow the board's approval of 15 namings at its September 2025 meeting. Related: Board of Trustees approves 15 named spaces in Peacock Hall expansion: New naming honors alumni, partners, and donors supporting the future of business education at App State.
Christy ’99 and Chris ’99 Holden
Christy and Chris Holden, who met as students at App State, have served the university through board service, support for study-abroad scholarships in the college, and engagement at university events. Christy Holden, senior managing director and head of business strategy for Nuveen Equities and Fixed Income, is the incoming chair of the Walker College's Business Advisory Council.
North Carolina Surplus Lines Association
North Carolina Surplus Lines Association is a key partner to App State's Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, funding professional development opportunities for risk management students at statewide insurance conferences and to international markets.
Alumni, Friends and Partners
The following is a complete list of individuals and organizations with named spaces to date.
- Tom ’90 and Danielle ’89 Brown
- Jim ’89 and Karen Burr
- Dennis ’92 and Katherine Covington
- Marshall ’86 and Kris ’84 Croom
- Wyatt ’90 and Katrina Dixon
- Donna ’96 and John ’94 Hart
- David ’95 and Anne Henderson
- Chris ’99 and Christy ’99 Holden
- Don ’86 and Jennifer ’97 McNeill
- North Carolina Surplus Lines Association
- Kathy ’79 and Bill Pou
- Preston ’01 and Lexi Powell, Adam ’01 and Petty Scherer
- Lindsay Raley and the Raley Family
- Stacy ’06 and Nolan ’06 Reedy
- Allison ’04 Vinson and the Longleaf Foundation
- Blue Ridge Energy
- Truist
The gifts support the Building Leaders fundraising initiative, a recent effort to address key challenges by supporting four crucial areas — Peacock Hall building addition, Walker College Dean's Club, faculty professorships, and student scholarships. To learn how you can support the Walker College of Business or explore naming opportunities in Peacock Hall, contact Kyle Allen, Executive Director of Development, at (828) 262-6231 or allenkb2@appstate.edu.
About the Building Leaders fundraising initiative
Appalachian State University is embarking on a renovation of and addition to Peacock Hall — home to the students, faculty and staff of the Walker College of Business. This marks the first large-scale refresh of these spaces in more than 30 years. There are numerous opportunities to make changes that support our innovative teaching, learning, and research practices. The university received $42.5 million in legislative funding from the State of North Carolina to support the project. Gifts of any amount will benefit current and future Mountaineers who will live out their academic journeys in Peacock (formerly Raley) Hall. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu/give/building-leaders.
This artist's rendering provides an interior view of the Peacock Hall addition. Note, this image does not reflect the project’s final design, which is still in development.
Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture