Celebrating 21 Years of Wonder: Support Professor Oley’s Next Chapter

For over 21 years, Professor Kevin Oley has inspired over 1,000 students each year through his Biology in Society lectures at Appalachian State University. His passion for science, tireless preparation, and deep care for students have made him a cornerstone of our department and a beloved mentor to generations.

Each summer and winter break, Professor Oley has dedicated himself to researching new topics, ensuring his students receive timely, relevant, and engaging content that connects biology to their everyday lives. As he prepares to retire at the end of this semester, we celebrate his extraordinary service—and ask our community to help ease the burden of unexpected hardship.

Hurricane Helene: A Storm That Changed Everything

In September 2025, Hurricane Helene devastated our region. The Oley family’s home suffered extensive damage, including flooding and costly repairs to their roof, septic system, and water heater. They were without running water well into spring 2026. Despite these challenges,

Professor Oley remained committed to his students—reaching out to nearly 350 of them as soon as he regained power and road access, checking on their safety and sharing resources for recovery.

Medical Costs Mounting

In addition to the storm’s impact, the Oley family now faces escalating medical expenses. Mrs. Oley has endured debilitating knee pain for over four years. She has already incurred over $5,000 in uncovered costs for doctor’s visits, MRIs, and lab work. Surgery is still ahead, and the financial strain continues to grow.

Let’s Give Back to a Beloved Educator

Let’s come together to honor a man who has given so much to our students, our department, and our university. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to help Professor Oley and his family recover from storm-related home damage and cover mounting medical expenses. Your support will ensure that Professor Oley can begin his well-earned retirement without the weight of these unexpected financial burdens. Every donation—large or small—makes a difference.