Walker College of Business

The purpose of the school was expanded from a mission only to prepare teachers and staff in education. The new catalog now read "Appalachian provides an opportunity for students to acquire a liberal education ...and to prepare for teaching, school administration, and other professional careers and public services." Appalachian for the first time offered B.A. and B.S. degrees without teacher certifications.

• While Appalachian Training School came under the regulatory control of the State Board of Education in 1921, it was a 1957 change in N.C. Legislation recognized the teaching of liberal arts at Appalachian Teacher College as part of a statewide expansion of higher education.
• Later, In 1972, Appalachian will merge into the 16 campus UNC System and a State Board of Governors will be established.

• In 1955, Dr. J.D. Rankin became Interim President of Appalachian State Teachers’ College.
• Later that year, Dr. William H. Plemmons became President of Appalachian State Teachers’ College, a role he held until 1969 when he was succeeded by Dr. Herbert W. Wey.  Plemmons  presided over Appalachian’s transformation from a single-purpose teachers college into a multipurpose regional university.

Appalachian State Teachers' College was authorized to grant master’s degrees. Graduate courses had been offered at Appalachian State Teachers' College since 1943.

Business Education is offered as a major.

Edith Hess, the first Business Education faculty member is hired. 

• Appalachian Normal School became a four-year, degree granting institution named Appalachian State Teachers' College. Only teaching degrees were granted.

Appalachian Training School was renamed Appalachian Normal School, but maintained a two year curriculum dedicated to teaching degrees.

Education in business was seen as a need from the very early years. 

Watauga Academy becomes a state institution and the name changed to Appalachian Training School, granting two year degrees.