Dept - ECON

App State honored more than 4,300 Mountaineer graduates — the largest graduating class in university history — during its seven Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, held May 7–9 in Holmes Convocation Center on the Boone campus. Pictured, App State Chancellor Heather Norris addresses the Class of 2026.

A record 4,300+ App State graduates are ready for what’s next
May 13, 2026

graduates — the largest graduating class in university history — during its Spring 2026 Commencement, with seven ceremonies held May 7–9 at Holm...

Dr. Shishir Shakya

Faculty featured: Economics professor on AI to improve student learning outcomes
Apr 30, 2026

An article titled "We Designed an AI Tutor That Helps College Students Reason Rather Than Give Them Answers," examines how artificial i...

App State Master of Business Administration student Karlee Cook has analyzed data from 1.6 million births spanning 15 years, with preliminary findings linking lower birth weight and preterm birth to chemical accident sites in North Carolina.

MBA student examines chemical accidents and newborn and maternal health
Apr 14, 2026

Mountaineer Discovery: This story is part of a series highlighting student research, creativity and innovation at App State. Join the Office of Studen...

From left are Harrison Cash, Kiera Murphy, Skyler Perguidi and Evan Smith

Student entrepreneurs recognized at App State's Spring Launch Party
Apr 10, 2026

Three student-led ventures and the student entrepreneurs associated with them were recognized during Appalachian State University’s seventh ann...

Dr. Shishir Shakya

Publication co-authored by economics assistant professor named Journal of Rural Health's article of the year (College of Arts & Sciences)
Apr 6, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — A publication authored by a cross‑college research team at Appalachian State University has been recognized as the Journal of R...

Economics Newsletter Front Page

Economics Department releases March newsletter
Mar 24, 2026

The Department of Economics at Appalachian State University has released its March newsletter for students majoring or minoring in economics...

Shishir Shakya

We designed an AI tutor that helps college students reason rather than give them answers [faculty featured]
Mar 17, 2026

Dr. Shishir Shakya, assistant professor in App State’s Department of Economics, writes about his AI chatbot “Macro Buddy,” designed to help stud...

Collage of New Faculty Faces

Walker College welcomes new faculty members for Spring 2026 semester
Feb 12, 2026

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University has welcomed 16 new faculty to begin the Spring 2026 term.Josh Sigmon, Accounting Lectu...

Clockwise from top left are Lana Butler, Yauri Hatcher, David Itson, Lorena Moors Cely, Harley Locklear, Tyler Nece, Ethan Salemy, Lucas Schwinger, Ethan Truesdale, Charlie Van Winkle, Jadon Williams, and Oscar Yarbrough.

App State names 12 Holland Fellows for 2026
Dec 19, 2025

Twelve outstanding students from Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business have been selected for the prestigious 2026 Holland Fello...

Sarah Lingle at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Appalachian State University's campu

Sarah Lingle '25 — Global perspective and career readiness
Dec 12, 2025

Sarah Lingle leaves Appalachian State University with not only a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics, but also strong analytical ski...