BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State Athletics has hired Tracy Keller as an assistant director of Academic Services, starting in March 2018.

For 11 consecutive semesters, App State student-athletes have achieved a collective GPA above 3.0. Keller, an Appalachian graduate, looks to help continue the strong academic environment and tradition while working specifically with student-athletes on the football team.

"I'm excited to join the academic staff here at Appalachian State University," Keller said. "Not only will I be working with a great staff that has a reputation for its tireless dedication to helping student-athletes achieve in the classroom, but I will also have the opportunity to give back to the University that gave me so much while I was a student here. I look forward to working with our student-athletes to enhance their academic success while fostering the App State experience, which is second to none."

Before returning to Appalachian, Keller served as the Director of Student-Athlete Services at Fresno State University in California. He also worked at Washington State University for more than six years in a variety of roles on the Student-Athlete Development staff.

A native of Catfish, N.C., Keller earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Appalachian State in 2005 and a Master of Arts in Higher Education, Leadership and Educational Studies in 2009. While a Mountaineer, he served as an Athletic Compliance Assistant from 2009-2010. In his free time, Keller enjoys spending time with his family and golfing.