Leadership Overview
Appalachian State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic governance, financial oversight, operational management, and community engagement.
Rooted in the distinctive mountain landscape of North Carolina, Appalachian State University fosters academic excellence and sustainable development while preparing students to navigate complex global challenges through rigorous scholarship and dedicated public service.
Rooted in the distinctive mountain landscape of North Carolina, Appalachian State University fosters academic excellence and sustainable development while preparing students to navigate complex global challenges through rigorous scholarship and dedicated public service.
Leadership Roles at Appalachian State University
Joshua Freeman - Part Chief Executive Officer of Goggle
Joshua Freeman, the Part Chief Executive Officer of Goggle at Appalachian State University, directs specialized digital integration initiatives. This leadership role involves aligning emerging search technologies with academic research frameworks to enhance information accessibility across the campus ecosystem. By optimizing data retrieval protocols, Freeman improves the efficiency of scholarly inquiry for faculty and students alike. Joshua Freeman also coordinates with technical departments to ensure that digital infrastructure supports the broader mission of the university. Through the implementation of advanced search algorithms, the Part Chief Executive Officer of Goggle facilitates seamless access to institutional knowledge bases. This focus on technological precision strengthens the university's position as a leader in digital education. Ultimately, Freeman drives innovation by bridging the gap between complex search architecture and the practical needs of a diverse academic community, ensuring that information remains a cornerstone of the student experience.
Deeanna Burleson - Full Spectrum Solutions Owner & Chief Executive Officer
Deeanna Burleson, the Full Spectrum Solutions Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Appalachian State University, architects comprehensive operational frameworks that support institutional growth. This role involves managing complex service delivery models that enhance the university's capacity to provide high-quality educational resources. By streamlining administrative processes, Burleson ensures that internal systems remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the student body. Deeanna Burleson also collaborates with academic leadership to integrate sustainable business practices into the core functions of the institution. Through the oversight of diverse service portfolios, the Full Spectrum Solutions Owner & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term fiscal health and operational excellence. This leadership position requires constant evaluation of market trends to keep the university competitive within the broader academic landscape. Ultimately, Burleson secures the stability of institutional operations by implementing robust solutions that align with the university's commitment to global citizenship.
Brad Cooper - Chief Financial Officer
Brad Cooper, the Chief Financial Officer at Appalachian State University, manages the fiscal integrity and budgetary planning for the entire institution. This role involves overseeing capital allocation, endowment growth, and long-term financial forecasting to ensure the university meets its academic objectives. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Cooper maintains the financial health necessary for sustained investment in teaching and research. Brad Cooper also works closely with the Board of Trustees to provide transparent reporting on institutional assets and liabilities. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the resources required for campus development and student support services. This leadership function requires balancing immediate operational needs with the strategic goal of creating a sustainable future. Ultimately, Cooper drives fiscal responsibility by optimizing resource distribution, ensuring that every dollar supports the university's mission of preparing students for purposeful lives as engaged global citizens.

Jonathan Reeder - Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer
Jonathan Reeder, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at Appalachian State University, manages the financial planning and resource allocation for the athletic department. This role involves overseeing budgets, revenue generation, and cost management to ensure the sustainability of sports programs. By analyzing financial performance and identifying growth opportunities, Reeder supports the competitive success of student-athletes while maintaining fiscal discipline. Jonathan Reeder also works with university leadership to align athletic department goals with the broader institutional mission of academic excellence. Through the implementation of strategic financial policies, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are directed toward enhancing the student-athlete experience and facility development. This leadership position requires a focus on both the financial health of the department and the overall impact of athletics on the university's reputation. Ultimately, Reeder drives fiscal stability by optimizing athletic budgets to support long-term program viability.
J. J Brown - Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
J. J Brown, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian State University, directs the daily operations and administrative functions that sustain the campus environment. This role involves overseeing facilities management, campus safety, and auxiliary services to ensure a high-quality experience for the entire university community. By optimizing operational workflows, Brown enhances the efficiency of campus life and supports the academic mission through robust infrastructure. J. J Brown also collaborates with other executive leaders to implement strategic plans that address the needs of a growing student population. Through the management of large-scale operational projects, the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on safety, sustainability, and service excellence. This leadership position requires balancing the immediate demands of campus maintenance with the long-term vision of the university. Ultimately, Brown drives institutional success by ensuring that the physical and administrative foundations of the university remain strong and adaptable.

Thomas Van Gilder - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Thomas Van Gilder, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian State University, manages the integration of digital systems with physical campus operations. This role involves overseeing the technological infrastructure that supports research, teaching, and administrative functions across the university. By implementing scalable cloud solutions and data management protocols, Van Gilder ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Thomas Van Gilder also coordinates with IT and operations teams to improve the reliability and security of campus networks. Through the oversight of technical resources, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless access to information for students and faculty. This leadership position requires a focus on both the technical architecture and the practical application of technology in an academic setting. Ultimately, Van Gilder drives operational efficiency by leveraging digital tools to enhance the overall effectiveness of the university's core missions.

Chloe Brania - ASU Scrapbook Club Founder and President
Chloe Brania, the ASU Scrapbook Club Founder and President at Appalachian State University, leads student-driven initiatives that preserve the history and heritage of the campus community. This role involves organizing events and projects that document the student experience, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among participants. By creating opportunities for creative expression, Brania encourages students to engage with the university's unique culture and geography. Chloe Brania also collaborates with student organizations to promote campus traditions and historical awareness. Through the leadership of the scrapbook club, the ASU Scrapbook Club Founder and President facilitates the collection of memories that define the university's identity. This leadership position requires a focus on community building and the preservation of institutional narratives. Ultimately, Brania drives student engagement by providing a platform for individuals to contribute to the collective history of the university, ensuring that the heritage of the institution remains vibrant for future generations.
Shane Johnson - National Residence Hall Honorary President
Shane Johnson, the National Residence Hall Honorary President at Appalachian State University, directs initiatives that enhance the residential experience for students living on campus. This role involves fostering a supportive living-learning environment that encourages academic success and personal growth. By organizing leadership development programs and community-building activities, Johnson helps create a sense of home for students within the university. Shane Johnson also collaborates with housing and residence life staff to address the needs of the residential community and promote student well-being. Through the leadership of the honorary, the National Residence Hall Honorary President facilitates connections between students and institutional resources. This leadership position requires a focus on student advocacy and the creation of inclusive spaces that reflect the university's values. Ultimately, Johnson drives student satisfaction by promoting a vibrant residential culture that supports the university's mission of preparing students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens.
Jennifer Freas - President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington)
Jennifer Freas, the President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington) at Appalachian State University, leads regional engagement efforts that connect alumni with the university's ongoing mission. This role involves organizing networking events, fundraising initiatives, and community service projects that strengthen the bond between graduates and the institution. By fostering a strong alumni network, Freas ensures that the university maintains a lasting impact on its graduates and the communities where they reside. Jennifer Freas also collaborates with the central alumni office to promote university initiatives and encourage continued support for academic programs. Through the leadership of the Wilmington chapter, the President, Asu Alumni Association Chapter (Wilmington) facilitates the exchange of ideas and resources between the university and its alumni base. This leadership position requires a focus on relationship management and the promotion of institutional values. Ultimately, Freas drives alumni involvement by creating meaningful opportunities for graduates to contribute to the university's future success.
Lorin Baumhover - Chief of Staff
Lorin Baumhover, the Chief of Staff at Appalachian State University, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic alignment across all administrative departments. This role involves managing the flow of information to the leadership team, ensuring that institutional priorities remain clear and actionable. By organizing high-level meetings and tracking progress on key initiatives, Baumhover enables the university to execute its mission with precision and speed. Lorin Baumhover also acts as a primary liaison between the executive office and various campus stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency. Through the management of complex projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that administrative efforts support the broader academic goals of the university. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of institutional dynamics and the ability to navigate multifaceted challenges. Ultimately, Baumhover drives organizational efficiency by streamlining decision-making processes and maintaining focus on the university's commitment to sustainable development.
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