Appalachian State University (App State) has been awarded the R2 designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing its growing research activity and doctorate production. The distinction places App State among national institutions with high research output and marks a significant milestone in its academic evolution.
To qualify as R2, universities must spend at least $5 million annually on research and award an average of 20 research doctorates per year. In FY 2023, App State surpassed both benchmarks, investing $8.4 million in research and awarding 20 doctoral degrees. Research funding reached over $25 million in FY 2024, a 75% increase over five years.
“This designation aligns with App State’s steady growth in research investments, giving our students more opportunities to engage in innovative and meaningful research,” said Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “This work yields real-world solutions that drive innovation and support our communities.”
App State remains focused on undergraduate research. In 2023–24, the Office of Student Research awarded nearly $100,000 to students and supported 60 paid research assistantships. Students frequently present at national conferences and participate in faculty-led projects that deepen academic and career readiness.
The university’s research momentum includes applied innovation. As a partner of NCInnovation, App State helps faculty bring research to market. One example is the Beemon Hive Monitoring System, developed by Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, which received $640,000 in grant funding to help reduce honeybee die-off.
Vice Provost Christine Ogilvie Hendren said the R2 classification places App State among a national peer group and “positions us to generate significant impact with local-to-global applications.”
App State will also receive updated Carnegie classifications in April 2025, including a new Student Access and Earnings designation focused on student success and outcomes.
