App State Earns R2 Status: High Research Activity & Doctorate Production Recognized

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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App State Earns R2 Status: High Research Activity & Doctorate Production Recognized

Boone, NC – Appalachian State University (App State) has achieved a significant milestone in its academic journey, earning the prestigious R2 Carnegie Classification. This classification recognizes App State's high research activity and robust doctoral program offerings, solidifying its position as a leading research institution in North Carolina and beyond. The announcement marks a culmination of years of dedicated effort by faculty, staff, and students, elevating App State's national profile and attracting further investment in research and scholarship.

<h3>What does R2 status mean for App State?</h3>

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a widely respected framework used to categorize colleges and universities based on their research and doctoral programs. Achieving R2 status signifies that App State demonstrates substantial research activity, producing significant scholarly output and contributing meaningfully to its respective fields. This is a major step up from its previous classification and reflects a dramatic increase in research funding, faculty publications, and doctoral degrees awarded. This prestigious classification will:

• Enhance App State's reputation: Attracting top faculty, researchers, and students.
• Increase research funding opportunities: Opening doors to competitive grants and collaborations.
• Boost student opportunities: Providing undergraduates with richer research experiences and graduate students with access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship.
• Strengthen community partnerships: Fostering collaboration with local businesses and organizations on research projects with real-world impact.

<h3>A testament to dedication and growth</h3>

App State's journey to R2 status is a testament to the unwavering commitment of its faculty and staff. The university has invested significantly in research infrastructure, including state-of-the-art laboratories and technology, to support faculty research and student involvement. This strategic investment, coupled with a focus on fostering a collaborative research environment, has fueled a significant increase in research output and doctoral degree production. The university’s strategic plan, focusing on expanding research opportunities and attracting high-quality faculty, has played a crucial role in achieving this success.

<h3>Looking towards the future</h3>

The attainment of R2 status is not just an end goal but a springboard for future growth and achievement. App State is committed to building upon this success by:

• Continuing to invest in research infrastructure and faculty support.
• Expanding interdisciplinary research collaborations.
• Increasing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student involvement in research.
• Strengthening partnerships with industry and government agencies.

This prestigious classification represents a significant accomplishment for App State and its community. It's a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define the university. The future is bright for App State as it continues to advance its research mission and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This achievement further strengthens App State's position as a leader in higher education and a vital contributor to the economic and intellectual growth of the region. The journey to R2 status signifies not just an upgrade in classification, but an upgrade in opportunity for both the students and the wider community.