Heather Hulburt Norris

Norris began her higher education at James Madison University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.{{Cite web |title= Office of the Chancellor: Dr. Heather Norris Bio |url= https://chancellor.appstate.edu/biography/}} She later completed a Master of Science in Finance and a Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University. After graduating, Norris served as an assistant professor of finance at Bowling Green State University from 1995 to 1997 and at West Virginia University from 1997 to 2003. {{Cite web |title= Norris named App State's next chancellor effective March 1 |url=https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/asu_news/norris-named-app-states-next-chancellor-effective-march-1/article_58756ab6-f51b-11ef-9e4e-d76e87e76a08.html |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Watauga Democrat|language=en}} She also held a position as a visiting assistant professor of finance at Pennsylvania State University from 2000 to 2001.{{Cite web |title= Office of the Chancellor: Dr. Heather Norris Bio |url= https://chancellor.appstate.edu/biography/}}

In 2003, Norris joined Appalachian State University as an assistant professor in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance.{{Cite web|last=Finnegan |first=Daniel |title=Appalachian State University names Heather Hulburt Norris chancellor|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2025/02/28/heather-hulburt-norris-chancellor-appalachian-st.html|access-date=2025-05-05|website=Triad Business Journal|date=28 February 2025 |language=en}} She became assistant dean for undergraduate programs in 2005 and interim dean in 2015. She became the seventh dean of the Walker College of Business in 2016. During her tenure, the college grew its fundraising by nearly 70%, securing three endowed professorships and undergoing a major remodeling.{{Cite web|last=Ellis|first=Kevin |title=Appalachian State names Norris as new chancellor|url=https://businessnc.com/appalachian-state-names-norris-as-new-chancellor/|website=Business North Carolina|date=27 February 2025 |language=en}}

She became provost and executive vice chancellor on an interim basis in 2020 and fully in 2021.{{Cite web|last=Murphy|first=Brian |title=App State interim chancellor earns permanent role|url=https://www.wral.com/story/app-state-interim-chancellor-earns-permanent-role/21883570/|website=WRAL|date=27 February 2025 |language=en}}

On April 19, 2024, University of North Carolina system president Peter Hans announced her appointment as interim chancellor, succeeding Sheri Everts.{{Cite web|last=Brennan|first=Moss |title=Norris wants to continue building relationships as chancellor|url=https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/asu_news/norris-wants-to-continue-building-relationships-as-chancellor/article_3e52937c-f84d-11ef-80a7-838d44b27015.html|website=Watauga Democrat|date=5 March 2025 |language=en}} While Norris was serving as interim chancellor, Appalachian State University earned an R2 Carnegie Classification, indicating high research activity and doctoral degree production.{{Cite web |last=Stump |first=Jessica |date=13 February 2025 |title=App State earns R2 designation for high research activity and doctorate production |url=https://today.appstate.edu/2025/02/13/r2 |website=AppalachianToday |language=en}}

During her tenure as interim chancellor, Norris also led the university’s response to Hurricane Helene, which struck Boone, North Carolina, the home of Appalachian State University, in late September 2024. The university canceled classes for approximately three weeks due to the storm’s impact.{{Cite web|last=Dean|first=Korie |title=UNC Asheville, App State, WCU extend class cancellations for weeks due to Helene’s impacts|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article293325619.html|website=The News & Observer|date=3 December 2024|language=en}} UNC System President Peter Hans described Norris as a “steady and healing presence through the very difficult months” following the storm.{{Cite web|last=Dean|first=Korie |title=Appalachian State has a new chancellor. She’s already led the school through Helene|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article301061064.html|website=Charlotte Observer|date=27 February 2025 |language=en}}

On February 27, 2025, Norris was named the permanent chancellor of Appalachian State University, with her appointment taking effect on March 1, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Moss |title=Norris wants to continue building relationships as chancellor |url=https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/asu_news/norris-wants-to-continue-building-relationships-as-chancellor/article_3e52937c-f84d-11ef-80a7-838d44b27015.html |website=Watauga Democrat |date=5 March 2025 |language=en}}

Norris and her husband, Robert, a 1987 Appalachian State University alumnus and former staff member at Appalachian State University, have one daughter, Emma.{{Cite web|last=Gretzinger|first=Erin |title=UNC System Approves Interim Chancellor to Lead Appalachian State University|url=https://today.appstate.edu/2025/02/27/norris|access-date=2025-05-05|website=theAssemblyNC|date=27 February 2025 |language=en}}

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Category:Appalachian State University faculty

Category:James Madison University alumni

Category:Bowling Green State University faculty

Category:West Virginia University faculty

Category:Women heads of universities and colleges

Category:Heads of universities and colleges in the United States

Category:American academic administrators

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Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:American women academics

Category:21st-century American women