- Community & Alumni Engagement
- Cherokee Center
Cherokee Center
The headquarters for your college needs
The WCU Cherokee Center was founded in 1975 when Lawrence Arvey founded the center as a hub for professors that would teach the college level courses across the street from the Old Cherokee High School. As the years went on, those professors were no longer needed because the teacher could become certified to teach the course themselves.
The Center has become the headquarters for all outreach and involvement in the Cherokee community. We provide many services to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians students and the surrounding region.
These services include the application process, transcript request, scholarships, internships placement, high school recruitment, and much more. The center staff is here to support you and any way possible. The WCU Cherokee Center is your connection to Western Carolina University.
Resources for Potential Students
Cherokee Center advisory Board
Community Involvement
The Cherokee Center runs many activities and services for the local community:
- College Fairs
- Recruitment days
- Application workshops
- Educational workshops for all students
- Community service events
- Educational campus performances or demonstrations
- Educational campus lectures or speakers
- Mentoring/job shadowing activities
- Tours of local and historical sites
- Alumni engagement
Cherokee Center Staff
Sky Sampson
Director of the Cherokee Center
An enrolled member of the Eastern Band, Sampson earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in public relations at WCU in 2010 before going on to receive her master’s degree in human environmental sciences at the University of Alabama in 2014. She has served as program manager for the Cherokee Youth Council of the Cherokee Boys Club since May 2011. As director of the Cherokee Center, Sampson will serve as a liaison between WCU and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Elias Huskey
Administrative Support Associate
An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Huskey graduated from Swain County High School and is currently working towards his associates degree. He is the former chairman of the Junaluska Leadership Council and is a 2013 alumni of the Remember the Removal bike ride that travels from New Echota, GA to Tahlequah, OK. As the Administrative Support for the Cherokee Center, Huskey will work to provide excellent support to the Director and the Cherokee Center.
A Glimpse into the Past of the Cherokee Center
Cherokee Center built in 1975
Community Support spreads
Local students
EBCI Resources
Native Student Tribal Affiliates
Shadow Cats
Learn more about our professional development and job shadowing program for all EBCI high school students between the ages of 14-18 years old.