Our campus is so lucky to have such great people leading us! One of those people is Dean of Students J.J. Brown. J.J. is known for being a friendly face around Appalachian and for always being there for his students.
College: The University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleDegree: BA in Speech Communication and MS in College Student Personnel
Q: How long have you worked at App?A: I started working at Appalachian during the summer of 2010, so just over four years.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?A: I enjoy getting to meet so many students through a variety of situations. I particularly enjoy seeing students overcome some of their struggles while in school and go on to graduation.
Q: What’s the most difficult part about being the dean of students?A: The hardest part for me is to see some of the challenges some individuals face while going to school. It might be a health challenge, struggles with depression, family dynamics, or just trying to juggle many, many responsibilities. Some of these stories are heartbreaking, but I am honored to serve in this capacity to help others.
Q: What three words best describe your job?A: Advocate, Listener and Compassion
Q: What do you love most about living in Boone and getting to raise your family here?A: My family and I love living here and enjoy the many outdoor activities available here. We particularly enjoy the local restaurants and businesses and interacting with students working at any of these establishments.
Q: When you’re not working, what are you usually doing?A: When I am not at work, I am usually hanging out with my partner and our two boys, Tucker (12), and Cooper (9) at the soccer field, on a hike, fly-fishing or on an adventure somewhere.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?A: I am not sure this is a talent, but I love photography. All of the images on the walls of our house are from pictures I have taken over the years. I love to take pictures of landscapes, nature and my family. I also one day hope to learn to play the guitar, which is on my list of things to learn.