Western Wednesdays Replays

Breaking Barriers ft. Nora Lynn Finch

Join us on this special episode of Western Wednesdays as we sit down with Nora Lynn Finch, a proud WCU alumna and a pioneering figure in women's college sports. Discover her inspiring journey, the challenges she overcame, and her lasting impact on the world of athletics.

Balancing Life and Leadership ft. Mike Crawford

Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we explore the inspiring journey of Western Carolina University alum Mike Crawford, who became the COO of Forvis, one of the top accounting firms in the US. Discover how he balanced his successful career with a fulfilling personal life and the pivotal moments at WCU that shaped his path.

Swimming with the Sharks ft. Garrett Ozar

Join us on Western Wednesdays as we chat with Garrett Ozar, co-founder of Eterneva and proud Western Carolina University alum. Discover how his innovative company, featured on Shark Tank, is transforming the way we remember our loved ones.

The Art of Winemaking ft. Sharon Fenchak

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with Sharon Fenchak, the esteemed winemaker at Biltmore Estate and a proud graduate of Western Carolina University's MBA program. Sharon shares her journey from the classroom to crafting award-winning wines, offering insights into the art and science of winemaking.

Tee Time ft. JT Poston

PGA Tour golfer and Western Carolina University alumnus JT Poston joins us for Western Wednesdays, sharing his inspiring journey from Hickory, North Carolina to the pinnacle of professional golf. Discover the stories behind his passion for the sport, nurtured by his father and grandfather, leading to a standout collegiate career at WCU. 

Navigating Recovery ft. Jim Rowell and John Connet

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, join us as we talk with Jim Rowell and John Connet, two local leaders who played pivotal roles in their communities’ recovery after Hurricane Helene. Hear their inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and the power of community in the face of disaster.

Wildlife and Waterways ft. Dale Collins and Preston Jacobsen

Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we chat with Western Carolina University alumni Dale Collins, owner of Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, and Preston Jacobsen from Haywood Waterways. Discover their journeys and insights into the world of fly fishing and water conservation!

Olympic Silver to Bobsled Dreams ft. Manteo Mitchell

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with alumnus and Olympic silver medalist Manteo Mitchell. Known for his incredible performance in track and field at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Manteo shares his journey and insights. Now embarking on a new adventure, he discusses his exciting transition into the sport of bobsledding.

NC Teachers of the Year! ft. Heather Smith and Abby Bentley

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we shine a spotlight on Heather Smith and Abby Bentley, the remarkable educators honored as North Carolina's Teacher and Beginning Teacher of the Year. Both graduates of Western Carolina University, Abby and Heather now inspire and educate students in Haywood County.

Drumroll, please... ft. Randall Harris of NEEDTOBREATHE

Join us on Western Wednesdays for an enlightening discussion with Randall Harris, drummer of NEEDTOBREATHE and proud graduate of Western Carolina University. Explore his musical journey and how his education has influenced his craft.

Ensuring Prosperity ft. Cherokee Indian Hospital

Alumni and friends of WCU share their journey from students to healthcare professionals at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, dedicated to serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These incredible catamounts discuss the unique challenges and rewards of providing culturally sensitive care within their community, offering insights into the intersection of education, culture, and healthcare.

One Day for Western!

Join us for a special live recording of Western Wednesdays, the podcast produced by Western Carolina University, as we celebrate One Day for Western—a day dedicated to supporting WCU's mission and community. Tune in to hear from students and donors alike as we highlight the impact of their generosity and commitment to advancing education and opportunity at WCU.

Deeply Determined ft. Amanda Muse

In this month's Western Wednesdays episode, we chat with Amanda Muse, a talented film composer based in Los Angeles, California, who graduated from Western Carolina University. Amanda shares insights into her journey from the mountains of western North Carolina to the heart of Hollywood, discussing her musical inspirations, creative process, and experiences scoring for the silver screen.

Serendipity ft. Brenda Gorsuch

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we sit down with Brenda Gorsuch, a seasoned educator who graduated from Western Carolina University. With a career devoted to shaping young minds, Brenda shares insights from her journey as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs within the ever-evolving field of education.

Right Place at the Right Time ft. Debbie Wright

Debbie K. Wright is a 1977 graduate of WCU with a bachelor's degree in biology who went on to have a distinguished 40-year career as an attorney specializing in the areas of patents, intellectual property, and technology transfer. Wright has been hailed as a pioneer who has broken ground and shattered ceilings for women and African Americans alike.

Swinging to Success ft. Courtney Gunter and Victoria Ladd

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Victoria Ladd and Courtney Gunter, two outstanding Catamounts from Western Carolina University's women's golf team. Victoria shares her passion for the game and the dedication that helped propel the team to regional and national success, while Courtney unveils her strategic approach and the lessons learned from her journey as a coach and former collegiate golfer.

Nature, Addiction, and the Human Condition ft. David Joy

In this episode, we explore the life and work of David Joy, an alumnus of Western Carolina University and a critically acclaimed author. Joy's writing is rooted in the Appalachian region, and his novels and essays often explore themes of poverty, addiction, and the natural world. Join us as we dive into Joy's background, discuss his literary influences, and examine some of his most notable works. 

Behind the Camera ft. Will and Deni McIntyre

What do Maya Angelou, Dick Vitale, and Tammy Bakker all have in common? They've all been on the other side of the camera from Will and Deni McIntyre. We had the chance to sit down with these former catamounts to talk about a life, and career, in photography and video production.

The Costs of College

As we enter into the heart of the college admission cycle, it’s worth asking: what is the value of a college degree? What drives the cost of higher education? What’s the best way to pay for it?

We’ve pulled together an expert panel to help answer these questions and more, including Phil Cauley ’83, WCU’s associate vice chancellor for undergraduate admissions, Dr. Sean Mulholland, professor of economics, and Donna Winbon ’80, a financial planner.

Catamounts in the Classroom: Challenges and Opportunities in Public Education

This month on Western Wednesdays, we’ll talk with classroom teachers and administrators to hear how they’re grappling with pandemic learning loss, what new challenges they face around student wellness, and what keeps them motivated to keep doing the work. 

An Impact that Reverberates ft. Pride of the Mountains

Few things about WCU’s Pride of the Mountains marching band fly under the radar—a 500-member ensemble is hard to miss, after all. However, Western’s marching band has changed leadership and education in our region in a way that few other organizations at WCU or anywhere in the system can lay claim to.

The Power of Place: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and WCU

WCU’s recently updated mission statement specifically calls for a “robust connectedness” with the communities of southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or EBCI. That relationship is the topic of this month’s Western Wednesday. Join Marty Ramsey as he talks with Sky Sampson, director of WCU’s Cherokee Center, and other panelists about the exciting work happening on campus and on the Qualla Boundary.

2022 Fall Sports Preview

Fall is getting closer, and the Catamount sports teams are gearing up for an exciting season ahead. Watch a preview of the upcoming season in this month’s Western Wednesday!

Special Guest Include:

• Kerwin Bell – Head Football Coach
• Karen Glover – Head Volleyball Coach
• Chad Miller – Head Women’s Soccer Coach
• Jesse Norman – Head Cross Country Coach

Feeding the Franchise ft. Joey Blake '12

The Los Angeles Rams have backup quarterbacks. They have backup coaching staff. But they only have one director of performance nutrition and wellness, and that is Joey Blake '12. Blake, who graduated from Western with a degree in dietetics and nutrition, joined the Rams organization in 2017, and now he's responsible for the dietary needs of a five billion-dollar franchise.

Bells in the Valley

The May edition of Western Wednesdays takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Bells in the Valley - a 22-minute documentary on the history of Western Carolina University. Originally produced in 1989, the documentary was updated in 2012 and then again in 2022 to include some of WCU’s more recent history. Learn from the makers of the documentary Arledge Armenaki, Bruce Frazier, and Gurney Chambers.

Henry Logan and Ronnie Carr Replay

February’s Western Wednesday highlights WCU Hall of Fame legends Henry Logan and Ronnie Carr. Logan was a four-time All-American and had a phenomenal career scoring average of 30.7 points per game.  He was WCU’s first African American intercollegiate athlete. Carr was an all-star player at WCU in the early 1980s. He made the first three-point goal in NCAA college basketball history. 

Christmas Voices and Brass Replay

December's Western Wednesday features Dr. Andrew Adams, telling us the story of Richard Trevarthon and Dr. James Dooley, central figures in the musical life of Western Carolina University and throughout our region. This Western Wednesday explores their elaborate performance from 1995 entitled Christmas Voices and Brass, exploring the lives and careers of both men, and features live performances of holiday music written by both Mr. Trevarthen and Dr. Dooley

Men's and Women's Basketball Preview

It's shaping up to be an exciting basketball season in Cullowhee! Watch a preview of the upcoming Men's and Women's Catamount basketball season at this month's Western Wednesday! 
Special guests include:

• Alex Gary- Director of Athletics
• Justin Gray- Men's Head Basketball Coach
• Kiley Hill- Women's Head Basketball Coach

Benefits and Opportunities for Graduate Education

Wednesday, September 29th Special guests include Jacob Lowman, Graduate Student Vice President, Dr. Ashley Thrasher, Master of Athletic Training Program, Dr. Kevan Frazier, Executive Director of Programs at Biltmore Park, Dr. Brian Kloeppel, Dean of the Graduate School and Research.

Pride of the Mountains: Director Jack Eaddy

August's Western Wednesday features Dr. Jack Eaddy, director of athletic bands and Pride of the Mountains at WCU! Dr. Eaddy joined WCU in May 2021. He previously served as the assistant director of bands at McNeese State University and the University of South Carolina. Join us for a special Western Wednesday event with him as he reflects on the legacy of Pride of the Mountains and his plans for an exciting fall!

Fall 2021 Catamount Sports Preview

The Office of Alumni Engagement and the Department of Athletics is excited to present a preview of this Fall Catamounts Sports season! With a new head coach in football and a new director of athletic bands and Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, it's shaping up to be an exciting fall in Cullowhee. The guest panel includes Alex Gary – Athletics Director, Kerwin Bell – Football Coach, Karen Glover – Volleyball Coach, Chad Miller – Women’s Soccer Coach, Jesse Norman – Cross Country Coach.

Prospects for COVID-19 Economic Recovery in NC

This Western Wednesday includes a presentation about the impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina's economy and its projected road to recovery. Special guests include Dr. AJ Grube, newly appointed dean of the College of Business, and Dr. Edward Lopez, professor, and director for the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise.

Reminisce with the 1996 Catamount Basketball Team

March’s Western Wednesday highlights the 1996 Catamount men’s basketball team to reminisce about that magical Southern Conference Championship season and punching their ticket to the 1996 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Former longtime WCU Sports Information Director and Catamount Historian, Steve White '67, moderates the reminiscing session.

WCU COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Revisit this special panel edition of Western Wednesday! Western Carolina University leadership and key faculty discuss WCU's new COVID-19 vaccine clinic and its plans to serve the Western North Carolina region. Guests in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel, followed by closing remarks from Chancellor Kelli R. Brown.

Danita Johnson '05 President of Business Operations DC United Soccer Team

February's Western Wednesday features Danita Johnson '05, who recently joined Major League Soccer club, D.C. United, as President of Business Operations. Johnson is the first Black president of a Major League Soccer club, and is one of the highest-ranking female executives in the sports industry.

Reminiscing with the 1983 Catamount Football Team

December's Western Wednesday highlights the 1983 Catamount football team who will reminisce about that magical season and their run to the ‘83 NCAA National Championship game. Former longtime WCU Sports Information Director and Catamount Historian Steve White '67, moderates the reminiscing session.

Alumni Awards Virtual Ceremony

Learn more about the four WCU Alumni Association Award recipients below and watch the recorded ceremony.

Mr. Bob Folsom ’66, ’68, Distinguished Service Award, Mr. Jake Robinson ’10, Young Alumni Award; Dr. Carol Burton ’87, ’89, Professional Achievement Award; Dr. Jason E. Bond ’93, Academic Achievement Award

Talking Election 2020 with Dr. Chris Cooper

October's Western Wednesday features Dr. Chris Cooper, Robert Lee Madison Distinguished Professor and Department Head of Political Science and Public Affairs at WCU. His areas of scholarship include elections as well as the politics of North Carolina and the South overall. 

Trials and Tribulations of Simulation in Health Professions Education

Dr. Anderson is the Dean and Professor of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Western Carolina University. She has over thirty years of acute and critical care nursing experience in various roles ranging from staff to administration and academia.

"In the Valley" with Ron Rash

August's Western Wednesday featured Ron Rash, an accomplished author and English professor at WCU. He will be discussing his newest book titled "In the Valley,"  a collection of stories that feature the return of characters that made his book "Serena" popular. 

Fall 2020 Campus Health

Western Wednesday is a monthly event featuring a WCU faculty or staff member who will speak about their area of expertise. July's Western Wednesday is with Pamela ("Pam") Buchanan, WCU Director of Health Services.