Outstanding Service Award
Appalachian's #1 cheerleader
She is affectionately known as Mrs. Yosef, which is a fitting title for Julia Ross Adams '56– one of Appalachian State University’s most ardent supporters. Adams attended Appalachian from 1952-56, earning a degree in physical education and social studies. In addition to her academic pursuits, Adams was a cheerleader, vice president of the Student Government Association, vice president of the Westminster Fellowship and a member of the Women’s “A” Club, Women’s Athletic Association and Kappa Delta. She was also president of the Varsouvianna Dance Club and secretary of the Modern Dance Club. In 1955 and 1956 Adams was selected to be in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Adams spent 40 years as an educator in Florida, which included serving as a physical education teacher, health teacher, and health resource teacher. The last 17 years of her career she served as the supervisor of health education for the Duval County Public School System in Jacksonville, Florida. Adams also served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education’s Drug Free School Program.
In 1996 she received the EVE Woman of the Year Award presented by the Florida Times Union. Later that year, Adams returned to Boone and in a black and gold wedding married Gerald Adams known as Mr. Yosef, director of the university’s Yosef Club. Following her return she taught health education in Appalachian’s Reich College of Education for nine years. Adams received the Appalachian Student Government Association Outstanding Faculty Award in 2001-02 and 2003-04.
Julia Adams has a long record of service to the university. She was president of the Appalachian Alumni Association from 2001-02, vice president of the Alumni Association from 2000-01 and the association’s secretary from 1999-2000. As president of the Alumni Association, she was an ex officio member of Appalachian’s Board of Trustees and the Appalachian State University Foundation. Adams also served on the Yosef Advisory Board, the university’s Strategic Planning Commission and on the search committee for the assistant vice chancellor for alumni affairs. She has volunteered her time at countless university functions, including homecoming, game day activities, chancellor receptions held across the region, and with Yosef Office, Chancellor’s office and McKinney Alumni Center activities. Adams regularly assists with Freshman Move-In Day, and serves on the High Country Alumni Chapter board.
“Julia Adams, first and foremost, is an outstanding, unselfish ambassador for Appalachian,” wrote past Alumni Association president William L. Brown Sr. “She is constantly aware of situations that allow her to speak for our university.” Alumnus Alan Brantley echoes Brown’s sentiments. “Julia Adams possesses the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and service to Appalachian that many aspire to but few ever accomplish,” he said.
All-time outstanding service award winners
