Some Appalachian State University professors are undertaking extensive commutes, traveling 100 miles or more, due to a combination of rising local housing costs and personal family circumstances. These challenges have spurred the creation of a faculty-focused online community and underscore the importance of dedicated on-campus housing.
Evan Ringel, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, exemplifies this trend with his regular commute from Hillsborough to Boone. His journey begins early on Tuesdays and Thursdays; he wakes at 4 a.m., hits the road 30 minutes later, and arrives on campus by 7:30 a.m. for office hours. Ringel, his wife, and their daughter initially moved to Boone in August 2024, renting a 700-square-foot duplex near campus. However, as their daughter grew, the family required more space and privacy. They subsequently relocated to a 1,900-square-foot house in Hillsborough, paying approximately the same amount as they did for the smaller Boone duplex. The move also facilitates his wife's attendance at medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill and places them closer to Ringel's parents in Hillsborough, where he grew up. Despite the demanding travel schedule, Ringel expressed his commitment to both his profession and his family, stating that he will make the drive "if driving back and forth is what it takes" for his family to pursue their dreams.
Recognizing a gap in resources for faculty, Melissa Adams, an associate professor of public relations, established the "App State Super Commuters" Facebook group. Adams noted that faculty lack the extensive housing resources available to students and found that a pre-existing university board did not adequately meet faculty needs. The group, which currently includes five members such as Ringel, serves as a platform for staff to exchange vital information on road conditions and potential housing options. Adams hopes that increased awareness will attract more faculty members, anticipating that the group will be "very beneficial to members" for finding necessary information.
Adams herself relocated due to housing affordability issues. Originally from Wilkes County, she has experience moving for her career, having previously lived in Greensboro, Durham, and Milwaukee. She resided in Boone for five years after moving there in 2019 but returned to Carrboro as expenses climbed. Adams cited a $400 rent increase for an unrepaired property following Hurricane Helene as a pivotal factor. As a "single, middle-aged woman," she found she could no longer afford Boone on one salary and sought a more familiar and affordable living situation. She recalled that Boone was significantly more affordable when she initially accepted her position.
In an effort to address the housing needs of its personnel, App State developed Innovation Ridge, an on-campus community specifically for staff and faculty. This community held its soft opening last fall and currently houses approximately 60 App State professionals. Innovation Ridge is continuing to expand its offerings to accommodate more faculty members seeking housing in Boone. Kendra Birch, the leasing manager at Innovation Ridge, explained that rent prices are determined through an annual budget process, which accounts for the costs of property operation and maintenance. While a base rate is established, prices can be adjusted for "standing specials, like rent concessions," with reductions varying by unit type and requiring approval from both the university and management. Birch stated the goal is to provide "as easy a time as possible" for App State personnel who choose to reside there.
Adams highlighted that the average individual is advised to allocate 30% of their annual salary to rent, a benchmark that some professors struggle to meet due to health, family income, or other financial obligations. Until more affordable and suitable housing options become consistently available in Boone, App State's super commuters will continue their long journeys. Despite the demanding nature of these commutes, Adams affirmed her enjoyment of teaching, the flexibility offered by her role, and her interactions with students, concluding that these aspects collectively make "the drive worthwhile."
