Jump Start Appalachian
Jump Start Appalachian works with students admitted to the main Appalachian campus from Caldwell, Central Piedmont and Wilkes Community Colleges. Our job is to help you with the transition to Boone. Over the next few months as you get ready for your move to Appalachian, we hope to schedule a number of events and activities to help you with the transition. The aim of these activities is to familiarize you with the campus and to provide you with opportunities to meet Appalachian students, faculty and staff.
Reach Out to a Mentor
Check out our Transfer Student Mentor page. Meredith, Shaine, Ben, Kasi, Casey, Riley and Sara all transferred to Appalachian from Caldwell Community College. Rick, Theresa and Ashley transferred from Wilkes Community College, while Emily, Sheria and Jenny transferred from Central Piedmont Community College. They are here to answer your questions, so feel free to contact them. You can use the contact page to send them a message. When you arrive on campus as a new student, the transfer student mentors will be here to show you around. They will also be here when you come for orientation.
Ashley Newman - Transferred from Wilkes Community College
Hello my fellow Mountaineers! My name is Ashley Newman and I transferred to Appalachian from Wilkes Community College. Fall 2013 was my first semester at Appalachian, and I have yet to be disappointed in my decision. I am 26 years old and decided to go back to school after being a Paralegal for three years. It was a wonderful field but not the one for me and you are never too old to pursue your passion. I chose to attend Appalachian because of the beauty of the campus and how close it was to my hometown, Sparta, NC. I am a Communication Studies Major with a minor in Political Science. Transferring here is one of the best decisions that I made, however, I know that there are questions/issues that arise along the way. I am excited to be a part of this program and help transfer students just like myself along the way to becoming an Appalachian Alum! Don't be afraid to ask questions that's exactly why we are here!
Sara Bailey - Transferred from Caldwell Community College
Hey Mountaineers! My Name is Sara Bailey and I transferred to App State in Fall 2013! I transferred from Caldwell Community College, but I'm originally from Huntersville, NC (right outside of Charlotte). I'm currently working towards getting my business marketing degree and really enjoy it! I'm also a member of the sorority Sigma Kappa and really enjoy being involved in the greek life on campus! Transferring to App was the best decision I've ever made. I know the transfer process can be really confusing and scary, but I'd love to help in anyway I can! The Jump Start program really helped me when I was a new student here and I look forward to returning the favor! Can't wait to meet you all!
Kasi Clayton - Transferred from Caldwell Community College
Hi everyone! I transferred to App State in May 2013 from Caldwell Community College, and I've never felt more at home! I am a Public Relations major and Philosophy minor. I used to work full time in a hospital as a CNA and go to school part-time, then I decided to buckle down and go to school full time! I enjoy the outdoors, reading, and just relaxing with friends! I hope to help you new Mountaineers with any questions or concerns you might have! Welcome to the family!
Riley Shea - Transferred from Lenoir-Rhyne/Caldwell Community College
Hello fellow Mountaineers! My name is Riley Shea, and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a sophomore transfer student, having attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Caldwell Community College, respectively, before landing at Appalachian State University. I am currently studying Appropriate Technology and Environmental Design and I am also planning on minoring in Sustainable Business. In my time at Lenoir-Rhyne, I played football, before injuries set me back. I love the outdoors as well as just hanging out with my friends and meeting new people. Along with being a student and Jumpstart mentor, I am also a member of The Delta Chi Fraternity. I plan to graduate in May of 2016 (hopefully). If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t be afraid to contact me!
Emily Whetstone - Transferred from Central Piedmont Community College
Hi fellow Mountaineers! My name is Emily Whetstone and I transferred from Central Piedmont Community College in Spring 2013. I decided to come to ASU mainly because of the program of study and the location. After completing my general education at CPCC, I am now a dietetics major with a minor in exercise science. The transfer process is pretty easy and worth it; however, there may be a few bumpy patches. I hope to help future transfer students adjust to ASU because Jump Start helped me. I am so happy here at ASU and believe that it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Everyone I have encountered has been very nice and encouraging
Ben Turnmire - Transferred from Caldwell Community College
Wow, it's hot outside...wait it's snowing now...never mind it's actually just normal Boone weather! Hey guys, my name is Ben Turnmire. I love to hike, read, and I enjoy meeting new people. I am a Public Administration major at App State. Appalachian is a great place to be. The faculty and students at App are welcoming, and willing to assist you during your experience at Appalachian. I transferred from Caldwell Community College in the fall of 2012. The transfer process can be stressful at times. As a transfer student mentor I want to assist future transfer students make the move to Appalachian. I look forward to interacting with you and helping you succeed as a Appalachian Mountaineer! Brr Brr Chilly Chill!
Shaine Beal - Transferred from Caldwell Community College
Hello, Yosef!! Get it? Yourself? Well you will, when you join the loving family at Appalachian State University. Yosef is our team mascot for the Mountaineers. At App State, you will find a team of people ready and willing to help you transfer from your current school. My name is Shaine, I am a transfer student from Caldwell Community College, where I received my Associates Degree in Arts. I am presently studying Risk Management and Insurance in the Walker School of Business. I am a licensed Insurance Agent and have worked in the business for six years. As a mentor, I am here to help you transition smoothly into your new home here at App State. I enjoy helping others and watching their dreams come true. Make Yosef at home here and let me guide you through your transition. I look forward to meeting everyone and growing new and lasting friendships!
Sheria Sales - Transferred from Central Piedmont Community College
Hello my name is Sheria Sales and I am a Risk Management and Insurance major from Charlotte, North Carolina. I transferred from Central Piedmont Community College and I am very excited about being a transfer student mentor. I am enjoying my time here at Appalachian State University and I would love to help other transfer students who have decided to study at this great university. I also attended Campbell University for my freshman year so I understand what it means to really find a school that works. I have always heard great things about App Sate and wanted to be a part of what is going on here. With the challenges of transitioning to a new setting and atmosphere you need a person who has faced these challenges successfully to be a guide for those embarking on that same journey. I would love to help any transfer student find their niche here at App. I look forward to being part of the student mentor group that gives back to the Mountaineer community.
Theresa Weeks - Transferred from Wilkes Community College/Pitt Community College
Hello Mountaineers! My name is Theresa Weeks. I am a nursing major. I transferred from Wilkes Community College to Pitt Community College, and then I ultimately decided to come back to the mountains. I never thought it was possible to love your school as much as I love App and I can’t wait to share that with other transfer students. I’m also looking forward to lending a hand with navigating the challenges that come with transferring to a new school because other Jump Start mentors really helped me my first year.
Casey Murphy - Transferred from East Carolina University
Hi there, Mountaineers! My name is Casey Murphy and I am a Cell and Molecular Biology major. With a degree in biology, I hope to obtain admission to a dental school in my future. I attended Caldwell Early College High School where I earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute during my high school career. After graduation, from high school and community college, I decided to attend East Carolina University; but I soon realized the mountains were calling me back and decided to transfer to Appalachian State University in 2013. During the process of transferring my credits from two colleges, I had the help of the TPOP and the Jump Start Team. I am enthusiastic to meet new students transferring in and being able to help them adjust to this milestone in their life!