The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion is named in honor of Appalachian State University's second president, Dr. William H. Plemmons, who served from 1955 to 1969. Established in 1996 by App State's Board of Trustees, the award recognizes the time, energy, skills and commitment of students, faculty, student affairs educators and staff who excel in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students at App State. Each year, award nominations from university students, faculty and staff are reviewed, and recipient recommendations are made to the Board of Trustees.
2025 W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion Recipients
The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion honors App State community members whose leadership significantly enhances student life and educational quality.
Dr. Rita Joyner
Practitioner-in-Residence, Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment
About the W. H. Plemmons Medallion
The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion is named in honor of Dr. William H. Plemmons who served as the second president of the University from 1955 to 1969. The award was created to recognize the time, energy, skills, and commitment of students, faculty, student affairs educators and staff who enrich the quality of student life and advance the education of students at Appalachian.
Award History
This award recognizes work outside the classroom and will be presented annually by the Appalachian Board of Trustees.
The Plemmons Leadership Medallion, named after former Appalachian President William H. Plemmons, will be presented to people who enrich the lives and learning experiences of students. There are five different categories from which the board will select award recipients.
10 to 20 students per year are selected to be part of the Leader Fellows program. One of these students may be eligible for the award each year.
The next recipient will be selected from student leaders on campus. The student leader who distinguishes themself above other leaders will be chosen. All students who receive the award must be of junior class status or higher.
A third award will be given to the person who enriches student learning or life within the Division of Student Affairs.
A faculty member will be given the fourth Medallion if they provide meritorious leadership with student clubs or organizations.
The final award will be given to any Appalachian employee who improves student learning and life.
The Board of Trustees wants it to be known that this award is one that rewards work outside of the classroom. It is also the highest award of its kind on campus. If no one stands out in one of the five categories, the award will not be given in that category.
The annual presentations will be made at the Spring Leadership and Legacy ceremony.
About the Nomination
Students and university employees are invited to nominate a student or university employee for this award. A Plemmons Medallion nomination requires a nominating letter and two additonal support letters. The nominating letter should specify the category of the nominee. Nominations may be made in the following categories:
- A student leader who has provided distinguished leadership above that of other student leaders.
- A Student Affairs Educator within the Division of Student Affairs for meritorious leadership in their work to enrich the quality of student life and learning.
- A member of the faculty who has provided meritorious leadership through their work with student clubs or organizations, or work that enriches the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom.
- An employee of Appalachian State University who has provided meritorious leadership that has significantly enriched the quality of student life and learning outside of the classroom.
About the Selection Process
- A seven person committee appointed by the Chancellor will solicit and review nominations and recommend recipients of the W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion to the Chancellor who will submit the recommendations to the Board of Trustees for their review and approval.
- The committee will screen the nominations and seek relevant supporting information concerning nominees chosen for further consideration.
- This process will take place annually and leadership medallions will be awarded during the Spring Semester Leadership and Legacy Awards Banquet. It is understood that the medallion is intended to recognize meritorious leadership and may not be awarded each year.
Nominations are Now Open!
Past Recipients
Information on the Plemmon's medallion past recipients is available from 1997 to the present. For additional information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 262-2060.