Appalachian State University

About the School

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, Appalachian State University has built a national reputation for providing outstanding academics. With a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 24, faculty members are able to take a personal interest in student progress, often becoming mentors, advisers, and friends - even tennis partners. That can only happen in a close-knit community. Nestled at the base of Howard Knob, the university is located in downtown Boone, NC (year-round pop. 15,000), a small town which thrives as one of the Southeast's premier tourism and outdoor recreation destinations. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest provide a beautiful natural setting with unlimited possibilities for outdoor adventure. Appalachian is a public institution and part of The University of North Carolina System.

 About the Chapter

The Appalachian State University College Republicans is group that consists of about 75 members with about 25 to 30 active members. We meet every Wednesday night at 7:30 in room 018 at Old Belk and stay very involved with the local community. We have many activities this year including working at the local homeless shelter, adopt a street, CPAC, debates, September 11th memorial, and club week. We also will hold new member drives by doing things like free barbecues and tailgating at sporting events.

Executive Board

Chairman - Alex Hege

Alex Hege is a Junior History Major at Appalachian State University and has been very active in the club since his arriving in 2006. He volunteered for the office of Vice Chair of the ASU GOP in his sophomore year and continued that until his junior year when the then current Chair graduated. During last years election Alex campaigned for McCain/Palin as well as various local and state candidates. From a very young age Alex had a great interest in politics. He grew up in a family where political endeavors were embraced and conservative values were revered. One might say that politics is in the blood of Alex Hege with his Grandfather, Joe H. Hege Jr , filling various political positions in addition to serving numerous terms in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Vice Chairman - Anthony Riccio

Co-Vice Chairman - Bradley Thrasher

Treasurer - Nicholas Byerly

Co-Treasurer - Billy Helmke