Appalachian State University Department of Computer Science

05/14/2026

Hello Friends,

Please join us for a celebration of the life of Kenneth Jacker.
Location: Firerock Station, 161 Firerock Station Trail, Sugar Grove, NC
Date: Saturday, June 20th
Time: 4-7pm
Remarks to be given at 5pm

We need to provide a headcount for the venue. If you plan to attend, complete the following form by May 20th:

https://forms.gle/rTkrMrvKzFiG4FuB6

Professor Jacker’s wife, Terri, would be especially pleased to see former students attend.

Location: Firerock Station, 161 Firerock Station Trail, Sugar Grove, NC Date: Saturday, June 20th Time: 4-7pm Remarks to be given at 5pm

04/09/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Kenneth Jacker on April 6, 2026.

Professor Jacker was a highly esteemed member of the Department of Computer Science, where he served on the faculty from 1979 until his retirement in 2010. Known affectionately to his students as "The Wizard," he possessed a deep and extensive knowledge of computer systems.

His teaching legacy includes a wide array of computer systems courses such as Introduction to Computer Systems, Computer Systems I, Computer Systems II, Networking, Operating Systems, and Realtime. Professor Jacker made a lasting impact by creating the SPECI project, a defining and memorable rite of passage for Computer Science students. His excellence in the classroom earned him a place in the College of Arts & Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers.

Professor Jacker’s unique website can still be viewed here: https://cs.appstate.edu/khj/

03/26/2026

Today's the Day! AppState Giving Day!!
Please help us help our amazing faculty and students. This recent news article describes two amazing students and the amazing AI projects they are working on.

Your gift today goes even farther because of these gift matches. THANK YOU!

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 will donate $16,000 to the CS AI Advancement Fund. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/computerscience

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 and Michael Crawford '14 '17 will donate $6,500 to the CS Alumni Scholarship. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/csalumni



https://cas.appstate.edu/news/app-state-students-harness-artificial-intelligence-fight-glaucoma

03/25/2026

Giving Day is tomorrow (but gifts today count too!)
Would you help one of our newest faculty members, Dr. Yeganeh Madaddi, grow her robotics lab by donating to our AI Advancement Fund? In addition to modern Robotics courses, Dr. Madaddi is doing collaborative research on glaucoma diagnosis and autism treatment.

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 will donate $16,000 to the CS AI Advancement Fund. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/computerscience

03/24/2026

Please, help more students have a chance at moments like this!

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 and Michael Crawford '14 '17 will donate $6,500 to the CS Alumni Scholarship. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/csalumni

03/19/2026

Support the next generation of creators, problem‑solvers, and technology leaders by giving to the Appalachian State University Department of Computer Science (CS) during Appalachian State Giving Day!

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 will donate $16,000 to the CS AI Advancement Fund. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/computerscience

✨ When 10 alumni and donors give to CS, Tommy Guy '07 and Michael Crawford '14 '17 will donate $6,500 to the CS Alumni Scholarship. Give now: givingday.appstate.edu/csalumni