Staff Parents of Young Children
- Holly Benson-McQueen serves as an Assistant Director of Student Employment. Holly is a two-time graduate from Appalachian State University with a BS in Sociology and a MA in Student Affairs Administration. Holly is passionate about connecting students with meaningful employment opportunities and experiences on campus during their educational career. In her free time, Holly spends time with her two-year old daughter, husband, and furbabies watching Football, reading new books, and taking walks at the Greenway. Contact Holly at bensonhn@appstate.edu.
- Summer Wisdom serves as an Associate Director in Community-Engaged Leadership and is an alumna of Appalachian. Her two living daughters are 10 months old and 3 and a half, and she also has 3 angel babies. Summer likes to swim, make art and play outside with her kiddos. She’s excited to connect with other parents of young children for tips, tricks, commiseration, and celebration. Contact Summer at wisdomss@appstate.edu.
- Jessica Hunter - I am a Boone native and currently serve as a case manager in the Dean of Students Office, with 13 years of experience working with children and families in my previous role as a social worker in child welfare. My husband and I are both full-time professionals, raising two young children, ages 4 and 1. We have been navigating the balance of professional responsibilities, family life, and maintaining fun without the support of a strong village. I am passionate about building community by sharing my knowledge of local resources, fostering connections, learning from others and making connections with families in the same season of life. Contact Jessica at hunterjn1@appstate.edu.
Transitioning to the High Country
- Brandon Hrovat - Learning and Organizational Development Consultant, Office of Human Resources. Brandon is a lifelong learner who has spent time in both corporate L&D spaces and Public Education. As someone who has moved from out of state to work (and attend classes) at App State, Brandon truly enjoy the setting, activities, and people of Boone. However, with that being said, Brandon also understand the challenges that come with starting a new career in a remote area. Contact Brandon at hrovatb@appstate.edu.
- Katharine Johnson - Director of College Success Seminar, University College. Katharine relocated to Boone for a position with App State without any previous connections to the university or community. Before that, Katharine lived in predominantly suburban/urban areas. App State has provided Katharine with rewarding personal and professional growth opportunities. Even so, Katharine experienced the unique challenges of adjusting to a tight-knit community in a remote location. Contact Katharine at johnsonk4@appstate.edu.