Deborah and John Bardo

Your achievements in 2007 attracted a great deal of attention, from a USA Today story that highlighted student engagement at WCU to national honors, including the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award, a No. 1 ranking in affordability from GetEducated.com for our online bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice, and a top five ranking from Fortune Small Business magazine for our online master’s degree program in entrepreneurship.

On campus, a complete academic reorganization took place. We welcomed new colleges and university leaders. The building boom continued with the start of construction on a dining hall and renovations at Forsyth Building. The momentum soon will move to our Millennial Campus, with the state funding $43.8 million for construction of a health sciences building.

This year we also unveiled The Campaign for Western, the first comprehensive fundraising effort of its kind in the university’s history. I am proud to report that we are well on our way to reaching our $40 million goal.

In 2008, several significant initiatives will move forward. Through the Quality Enhancement Plan, we will enhance learning experiences for students. Our new tenure and promotion plan will reward faculty who apply their expertise to “real world” needs. Through both, we will become a more fully engaged regional university. Thank you for being part of these extraordinary efforts.

Deborah and I both appreciate the warmth and caring that you share year round as part of the Western family. You are the heartbeat of this special place we call Cullowhee. We wish each of you a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,
John and Deborah Bardo