Dr. Myron L. Coulter became chancellor in 1984. He determined to consolidate and refine the growth that had occurred under Chancellor Robinson, to ensure that Western “paced its growth.” His immediate goal was to continue the improvement in the quality of the institution, especially in the areas of enrollment, public image, and planning.
In terms of programs, Chancellor Coulter’s background in elementary education led him to emphasize Western’s historic concern for teacher education. The Center for Teaching Excellence to support Western’s own faculty was established, and the Rural Education Center and the WCU Micronet computer network were created to enrich instructional programs for rural schools. In addition, the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching, planning for which had begun in 1983, began its operations in 1986. Dedicated to enhancing teaching as a profession, NCCAT became a national model for the professional development of school teachers.
Chancellor Coulter also brought experience in international programs to the campus and soon signed a number of international agreements. One agreement offered Western’s assistance in upgrading 36 teacher colleges in Thailand. Another expanded an existing "Sister University" relationship with Yunnan University in the People’s Republic of China involving undergraduate student exchanges and regional economic development aid.
Chancellor Coulter retired in 1994 and was succeeded by Dr. John W. Bardo. Under Chancellor Bardo the university has experienced another period of dramatic growth. Enrollment grew from 6,800 to 9,000 in 2008. Supported in part by a 2000 statewide bond referendum, campus facilities have been renovated and expanded. Student housing now includes a "Village" complex for Greek and other student organizations along with four new dormitories. In addition to the university’s residential construction, growing enrollment has also generated a dramatic demand for off-campus housing that is supplied by a large number of private housing complexes on the fringes of the campus. Other university construction includes centers for the arts and for applied technology and new sports facilities.
Chancellor Bardo undertook initiatives to raise university standards (“raising the bar”). He laid out three priorities: academic excellence, the fine and performing arts, and regional outreach. General education was revised, all students were required to bring computers to the university, retention issues were addressed, and the Honors College has been increased from 77 students in 1997 to 1,400.
Student recreational opportunities were also broadened. A multi-purpose Recreation Center was opened. New stadiums were built for women’s softball, soccer, and track and field. Women’s and many of the men’s intercollegiate teams did well during the period. Football and men’s basketball more often struggled, with the exception of the 1996 men’s basketball team that came agonizingly close (within a few seconds and two points) to making NCAA tournament history in its effort to become the first number 16 seed to defeat a number 1 seed.
In 2005 the university announced the Millennial Initiative, a partnership with business, industry, and government intended to increase hands-on opportunities for students. This will occur primarily on a new 344-acre Millennial Campus west of NC 107. The initial buildings on the Millennial Campus will be for health and gerontological sciences and for education. Private businesses will also build on it to create a symbiotic relationship with university research.
After a sometimes difficult but always proud first century, Western Carolina University is well-positioned for success as it faces the new challenges of its second century.
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