Bailey Tumas is among the students earning their degrees from Appalachian State University's Hickory campus — the second class to do so.
The December 2025 BSBA in accounting graduate attended a Fall 2025 commencement reception at App State Hickory, where she was featured in a video compilation celebrating soon-to-be alumni as they reflect on their App State experience, their goals, and the excitement of reaching graduation.
Watch: App State Hickory Commencement Reception | Fall 2025
"It's been a long time coming... a really tough journey for me," Bailey said. "Being a mom while getting your bachelor's degree is definitely not easy, but in the end, it's super worth it."
Bailey believes that being a Mountaineer means being hard-working... persevering. "I've had to make sacrifices to be here, and I wouldn't change it for the world," she said.
Experienced in customer service, dedicated to providing customers the best experiences, and planning to use her skills in the field of accounting, next Bailey will pursue her master's degree at East Carolina University. As she becomes a pirate, she and her family will remain part of the App State family. "My husband is also a Mountaineer alum," said Bailey. "App State is in our bones, in our blood, in our hearts."
Bailey is one of 399 December 2025 graduates of the Walker College of Business. Read more student stories: business.appstate.edu/news/students.
About App State's Accounting Program
The Department of Accounting in the Walker College of Business has built a strong reputation for excellence in accounting education. It is highly regarded by accounting employers in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. Accounting graduates are recruited by the largest international, national, regional, and local accounting firms and industry and government agencies. The Department of Accounting offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree and the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Accounting. Learn more online at accounting.appstate.edu.
Bailey Tumas is among the students earning their degrees from Appalachian State University's Hickory campus — the second class to do so.
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