The Center Director holds a permanent half-time administrative appointment and the Program Director holds a part-time administrative position. Both are assisted by a full-time administrative assistant. The Center Director oversees an operation that includes the the Appalachian Journal (including a full-time faculty Editor and support staff), graduate student assistants, and student temporary employees. The Program Director holds a part-time position that includes student advising and program support.

The faculty of Appalachian State University were central to the development of the new Appalachian Studies program. ASU has the highest concentration of first-rank Appalachian regional scholars of any institution, anywhere. Appalachian Studies faculty recommended by the Center Director and University College for appointment by the Provost, are drawn from eleven academic departments across campus and embrace a variety of interests, methods, and theoretical approaches. They provide instruction in the program, advise students, and serve on graduate committees, the Appalachian Studies Advisory Committee, and other committees including those dealing with scholarships, curriculum review, and personnel evaluation.