The following is an excerpt from an email update from Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris, sent May 8, 2026.
Daniel Russom, a Watauga County native and first-generation student, will graduate this afternoon, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance and banking from the Walker College of Business.
Daniel has worked as an electrician since he was 16, including full time throughout college, and launched his own electrician business last fall.
A self-taught builder, he constructed his own home while working full time and managed to repair and remodel it after it sustained damage from Hurricane Helene — all while maintaining his studies.
He has also purchased his first airplane and is working toward obtaining a private pilot license to support his business travel.
Daniel Russom is one of approximately 1,000 Spring and Summer 2026 graduates of the Walker College of Business. Read more student stories at business.appstate.edu/news/students.
Daniel Russom
