The Ultimate Guide To App State's Plemmons Student Union: 7 Essential Spaces Every Mountaineer Needs To Know
For Appalachian State University students, faculty, and staff, the Plemmons Student Union (PSU) is more than just a building—it is the dynamic heart of campus life. As of late 2025, the PSU remains the central hub for student engagement, community building, and essential university services, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the modern Mountaineer. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most vital features and newest additions that make the PSU an indispensable resource, from its stunning event spaces to its critical student support centers.
The Plemmons Student Union serves as a vibrant crossroads for academic and social life, fostering a sense of belonging and providing countless opportunities for leadership and service. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to study, a quick meal, or a venue for your next club meeting, the PSU is the first and final stop for nearly every activity on the Boone campus. The recent focus on modernizing key areas, including the popular bookstore and the addition of impressive gathering spaces, ensures the Union remains fresh and relevant for years to come.
The Legacy of Leadership: Dr. William Howard Plemmons
The building’s name honors a pivotal figure in Appalachian State’s history, providing a direct link to the university’s growth and transformation. Understanding the namesake adds a layer of topical authority to the Union's purpose as a center for student development.
- Full Name: Dr. William Howard Plemmons
- Role: Second President of Appalachian State Teachers College (ASTC)
- Term of Service: 1955 to 1969
- Key Contribution: Dr. Plemmons's presidency was marked by dramatic enrollment growth and the expansion of the college's infrastructure. His efforts were instrumental in transitioning the institution into a major state university.
- Union Naming: The Student Center (as it was originally known) was named in his honor to recognize his twelve years of significant contributions to the campus community and its students.
- Related Honors: The Plemmons Leadership Medallion is also awarded in his honor, celebrating students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
The Modern PSU: Must-Visit Spaces and Newest Features
Recent renovations and additions have transformed the Plemmons Student Union into a state-of-the-art facility. The focus has been on creating bright, open, and multi-functional areas that support both large-scale events and intimate study sessions. These spaces are now the most talked-about features on campus, significantly enhancing the student experience.
1. The Summit Trail Solarium: A Prime Gathering Place
One of the most significant recent updates is the completion of the Summit Trail Solarium Addition. This stunning, light-filled space serves as a major indoor gathering area, designed to connect students with the natural beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, even when indoors. It is a key location for both formal and informal events.
- Function: Multi-use event space, social gathering area, and performance venue.
- Atmosphere: Modern, with extensive glass walls providing panoramic views and natural light.
- Events: Frequently hosts major university events, including cultural performances like the renowned Italian Baroque ensemble Interpreti Veneziani and various student organization mixers.
- Location: Strategically located near the Campus Store/Bookstore hallway, making it a high-traffic central point.
2. Mountaineer Campus Store and Retail Services
The PSU is home to the official university bookstore, now known as the Mountaineer Campus Store. The renovation project integrated with the Solarium addition has modernized this essential retail space, offering more than just textbooks.
- Offerings: Official Appalachian State merchandise, apparel, school supplies, convenience items, and course materials.
- Convenience: A central point for students to purchase necessities and show their Mountaineer pride.
Essential Services and Student Support Hubs
The true value of the Plemmons Student Union lies in its concentration of critical student services and organizational offices. By consolidating these resources, the PSU acts as a one-stop shop for student involvement, wellness, and academic support.
3. Central Hubs for Student Involvement and Leadership
Numerous offices dedicated to student engagement and leadership development are housed within the Union. These centers are the lifeblood of campus organizations and community outreach.
- Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) Outreach Center: The primary service-learning and volunteer center, connecting students with local and global community service opportunities.
- Center for Student Involvement and Leadership (CSIL): Provides resources and guidance for over 400 student clubs and organizations, including the crucial Club Council.
- APPS (Appalachian Popular Programming Society): The student-run organization responsible for planning and executing a wide range of campus entertainment and programming, from concerts to film screenings.
- Women's Center: A dedicated space offering support, resources, and programming focused on gender equity and women's issues.
- Office of Student Research: Supports undergraduate and graduate students in their research endeavors, often hosting events like the annual Celebration of Student Research within the PSU.
4. Dining and Wellness Amenities
The Union is a major destination for Campus Dining, offering convenient and popular food options that fuel students throughout the day. It also surprisingly houses a key wellness facility.
- Cascades: A popular dining concept known for its fresh food options, including fruit smoothies, sandwiches, and warm biscuits. It is a high-traffic spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Mount Mitchell Fitness Center: Located on the 3rd floor, this center provides students with convenient on-campus access to exercise equipment and fitness resources, named after the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains.
5. Premier Meeting and Event Spaces
The PSU is the premier venue for hosting events, conferences, and club meetings on campus. Its impressive selection of ballrooms and meeting rooms is designed to accommodate gatherings of all sizes, from small study groups to major university functions.
Key Meeting Rooms and Ballrooms:
- Grandfather Mountain Ballroom: A large, flexible space, often used for major banquets and presentations.
- Blue Ridge Ballroom: Another significant event space, ideal for conferences and large-scale workshops.
- Linville Falls: A smaller, more intimate meeting room named after a local natural landmark.
- Parkway Ballroom: Used for various events, offering a professional setting for student and faculty functions.
The PSU’s Role in Fostering Community
The Plemmons Student Union is strategically designed to fulfill its core purpose: to build a strong community among Appalachian State University students, faculty, and staff. Every service, every dining option, and every meeting room contributes to this mission.
The Union acts as a neutral ground where students from all disciplines—from the College of Arts and Sciences to the Walker College of Business—can intersect and collaborate. Hosting events like the L.E.A.D Cohort Kickoff and providing a central location for the First Generation Student Support Advisory Board ensures that the PSU is an inclusive space for all Mountaineers.
In a world of digital communication, the physical space of the PSU remains vital. It is the place for face-to-face interaction, spontaneous social connections, and the development of essential soft skills through club involvement and leadership training. From the bustling information desk to the quiet corners of the Solarium, the PSU is meticulously managed to enhance the overall learning and engagement experience at App State, truly living up to its title as the "hub for student life."
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