New naming honors alumni, partners, and donors supporting the future of business education at App State
Appalachian State University's Board of Trustees has approved the naming of 15 new spaces in the expanded Kenneth E. Peacock Hall, a milestone in the university’s ongoing investment in business education.
Named spaces recognize philanthropic support and enduring partnerships that help shape the future of the university, and in this case, its Walker College of Business.
During its September 2025 meeting, App State’s Board of Trustees approved the naming of the spaces to honor the following individuals and organizations.
Alumni, Friends and Partners
- 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
- Don ’86 and Jennifer ’97 McNeill
- 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 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, and the project is more than 20% complete as of September 2025.
"Our partners are helping us provide a cutting-edge academic home for future business leaders," said Walker College Dean, Dr. Sandra Vannoy. "Industry and alumni are vital to our students’ success, and their generosity supports faculty and staff as they provide transformational educational experiences to future business leaders."
App State's Board of Trustees is a thirteen-member body that promotes the development of the institution within the functions prescribed by the UNC Board of Governors. The board assists App State in overseeing the university’s strategic direction, including the development of physical infrastructure. In addition to the Peacock Hall construction, a number of other building projects are underway on campus.
“As we celebrate the transformative fourth-floor addition, we look forward to partnering with alumni and donors to create lasting legacies through newly added named spaces that reflect their deep connection to the Walker College," said Kyle Allen, executive director of development for the Walker College.
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 extensive opportunities for how we can 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.
About the Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
This artist’s rendering provides an exterior view of the new addition for App State’s Peacock Hall, home of the university’s Walker College of Business. The addition is anticipated to open in 2027. Note, this image does not reflect the project’s final design, which is still in development. Click on the image for a full view.
Graphic courtesy of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture