Vannoy Construction installed a time capsule beam — the last of one phase of the Peacock Hall addition project — on the Appalachian State University campus on Thursday, October 23.
Video by Wes Craig and Troy Tuttle, App State University Communications
This special beam was placed in Peacock Hall's Boyles Lobby October 15-17 and, encouraged by Walker College of Business Dean Sandra Vannoy, hundreds of students and members of the college community signed it. “As we build the next chapter of Peacock Hall, sign the beam and be a part of the future,” noted Vannoy in a message to students, faculty, and staff.
Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris added her signature on Friday, October 17.
Photo by App State University Photographer Chase Reynolds
"It was my honor to add my signature alongside those of the many extraordinary individuals who teach, learn and work in the building and who are working on the project," noted Chancellor Heather Norris, in a message to the App State community on October 24.
Norris, a prominent figure in the college community as former dean and a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking & Insurance, met with Vannoy Construction partners in Peacock Hall — many of them App State community members in their own right.
"One of my favorite parts of our construction projects is getting to connect with the many Mountaineers who intern and work for our contractors.
In the last few days, I was able to spend time with Project Manager Thomas May ’16, Project Superintendent Justin Foster ’02, App State senior Troy Fisher and App State alumna Anne-Marie Zenger ’23, all of whom currently work for our building contractors and are using their degrees — in building sciences and industrial technology — every day in their jobs.
It was wonderful to learn how the academic and practical experiences these remarkable Mountaineers gained during their time at App State are shaping their careers," said Norris.
Photo by Wes Craig, App State University Communications
Buiding Leaders
The Peacock Hall addition/renovation is one of several major construction projects underway at App State to enhance the student experience. The project is expected to extend the building's life by 30–50 years and better meet the evolving needs of future business leaders, who call Peacock Hall home and make up 20% of the university's enrollment (October 2025).
The Walker College has the largest enrollment of full-time undergraduate business students in the UNC System, with more than 4,500 undergraduates in 11 majors and nearly 5,000 students, including graduate students.
Spaces where students can study, research, innovate, gather and build community are being constructed. Alumni and friends are invited to help create a legacy of support by investing and naming these new areas. To discuss possibilities for naming classrooms, common areas, and more, contact Kyle Allen, executive director of development for the Walker College of Business, at 828-262-6231 or allenkb2@appstate.edu, or learn more at https://business.appstate.edu/give/building-leaders.
Vannoy Construction install a time capsule beam, signed by hundreds at App State, in the Peacock Hall addition
Drone Photo by Wes Craig