Cherokee Center

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

Current Students and Alumni

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

A Glimpse into the Past of the Cherokee Center