Appalachian Receives $50,000 Gift From Furniture Foundation

Furniture World Magazine

The Furniture Foundation of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) has contributed $50,000 to Appalachian State University. The gift will fund eight $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing a double major in furniture studies in the Department of Technology and either management or marketing in the Walker College of Business. A portion of the gift will be used to purchase computers and software used in the furniture industry. "Our goal is to. graduate future managers who understand the technical, as well as the managerial aspects of the industry," said Dr. Mark Estepp, acting dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. "The furniture industry needs graduates who have strengths in two academic disciplines-a marketing or management degree from the Walker College of Business and a furniture studies degree from the Department of Technology in the College of Fine and Applied Arts," Estepp said. "It's our goal to graduate students who have strong skills in communication, supply chain management, logistics, enhanced customer service, industry related merchandising and marketing," he continued. "We believe that a graduate with a dual degree in furniture studies and business will provide these skills to the industry."