The article discusses the challenges faced by App State professors who commute long distances, particularly focusing on Evan Ringel, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication. Ringel commutes from Hillsborough, requiring him to wake up at 4 a.m. and travel for several hours to reach Boone. He and his family moved to Hillsborough for more space and affordability, especially after his daughter started walking.
Professor Melissa Adams highlights the lack of housing resources for faculty, leading her to create a Facebook group called “App State Super Commuters” for staff to share information on commuting and housing. Innovation Ridge, an on-campus community for faculty, aims to address housing shortages, but professors still find it challenging to manage rental costs amid rising expenses.
Despite the difficulties of commuting, both Ringel and Adams express a strong commitment to their roles at App State and a desire for their families to thrive. The article emphasizes the importance of community and support systems for those navigating commuting challenges in academia.
