The Division of Advancement and External Affairs is responsible for the University's comprehensive public relations, publications, and institutional marketing programs, including communications, promotions, imaging, and positioning; alumni affairs; and development of private financial resources beyond state appropriations. The division supports student recruitment and serves as liaison with regional, state, and national organizations and agencies.
The division includes the offices of Public Relations, Development, Alumni Affairs, and Regional Affairs; the Catamount Club (athletics fund raising and support) and the Mountain Heritage Center. The division administratively houses the Western Carolina University Foundation, chartered in 1971 to promote University goals and private-sector fund raising.
Office of Development. The Office of Development is responsible for private-sector fund-raising and comprises Planned Giving, Major Gifts, Loyalty Fund programs, Athletic Fund-Raising, and Special Projects.
Office of Public Relations. The Office of Public Relations is responsible for the administration of university programs in public information, marketing, and publications. It is the liaison between university personnel and the news media, including newspapers, radio, and television stations, and coordinates the planning and design of all University publications, exhibits, and displays, including those in electronic formats. It is responsible for producing or arranging for production of all university film, video, electronic media, and slide-tape presentations intended for the public.
Office of Regional Affairs. The office of Regional Affairs serves as the University's liaison with local, regional, state, and federal governments and agencies and with regional civic and economic development organizations. The office seeks to enhance relationships and partnerships with public and private entities, supports initiatives to secure public agancy funding and legislative priorities, and focuses on local and regional economic development.
Mountain Heritage Center. The center collects, interprets, and disseminates knowledge about the Southern Appalachian region and its people. The center's research and artifact collections promote public awareness of the region's rich natural and cultural heritage using publications, exhibitions, and demonstrations presented both on campus and throughout Western North Carolina. The center also collaborates with public schools in preparing programs for educational enrichment and provides a learning experience for university students through internships.
This page is maintained by Nancy Carden in the
Office of Academic Affairs.
Last updated: 2/21/2003.
Copyright 2003 by Western Carolina University.