This aerial photo, taken June 13, 2022, shows the future home of App State’s Innovation District project. The site is located atop Bodenheimer Drive. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Wes Craig and Chase Reynolds

This video provides an aerial view of App State’s Innovation District — the future home of the Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research. The district will be located at the site of the former Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on Bodenheimer Drive.

In Appalachian State University’s Innovation District project, the term “district” refers to both physical space and collaborative spirit.

Collaboration of students and professor in classroom setting

Collaboration, both on campus and with the community, will be a primary emphasis of the Innovation District. Photo by Marie Freeman

Planning committees for Innovation District

Steering Committee

  • Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, provost and executive vice chancellor
  • Jane Barghothi, vice chancellor of university advancement
  • J.J. Brown, vice chancellor of student affairs
  • Hank Foreman, vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives and chief of staff
  • Megan Hayes, associate vice chancellor and chief communications officer
  • George Baldwin, executive director for corporate and foundation relations, committee liaison

Operating Committee

  • George Baldwin, executive director for corporate and foundation relations and committee chairman
  • Nick Katers, associate vice chancellor of facilities
  • Matt Dull, associate vice chancellor of finance and operations
  • Dr. Ece Karatan, vice provost of research
  • Dr. Lee Ball Jr., chief sustainability officer
  • Sharon Bell, associate vice chancellor of finance and administration
  • Matthew Dockham, director of external affairs and community relations
  • Dr. Mike Madritch, professor and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Jason Miller, associate professor and associate dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts
  • Erich Schlenker, managing director for the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Dr. Mike McKenzie, vice provost of academic program development and strategic initiatives

Selection Committee

  • Hank Foreman, vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives and chief of staff
  • Nick Katers, associate vice chancellor of facilities management
  • Jeff Pierce, director of planning, design and construction
  • Dr. Andy Koch, professor in the Department of Government and Justice Studies
  • Dr. Mike McKenzie, vice provost of academic program development and strategic initiatives
  • George Baldwin, executive director for corporate and foundation relations