The Chancellor's List

The Chancellor's List is an honor and designation that recognizes the exemplary accomplishment of Undergraduate students who have earned a 3.8 GPA during the previous semester at WCU. Students who have earned this prestigious award are role models as university citizens, having demonstrated their commitment to academic and personal excellence. These students understand that while it is important to excel in the classroom, it is equally important to engage with their community – on campus and in the region – and to make a difference in the lives of those around them. It is with great pride that we recognize Chancellor’s List recipients for their hard work and commitment to success!

Spring 2025 Chancellor's List will take place on February 17 at 5 PM.

Chancellor's List- Chancellor Brown

Qualifications for Chancellor's List Award:

Student must have been an Undergraduate
Student must have achieved a 3.8 GPA or higher during the semester
Student must have retained full-time status (12 credit hours or more) for the entire semester
A student must not earn the grades of D+, D, D-, F, or Incomplete (I) during the semester

This celebration and reception is hosted each semester, in September and February. Each celebration features remarks from the Chancellor and Provost, in addition to an inspiring keynote address. Distinguished speakers and leaders, known for their accomplishments, grit, and dedication to success, share diverse perspectives and personal passions. A reception follows the remarks.

Spring 2025 Keynote Speaker:

Larry Naylor

Past keynote speakers:

Fall 2024 - Heather Smith - Alumnae, Teacher
Spring 2024 - Jonah Slentz - Alumnus; pharmaceutical scientist
Fall 2023 -TJ Eaves- Alumnus, JD; Associate General Counsel
Spring 2023 - Preston Blakely- Alumnus; Mayor of Fletcher, N.C.
Fall 2022 - Jeremy Jones- Author; Memoir, "Bearwallow: A Personal History of a Mountain Homeland"
Spring 2022 - Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle- Author, "Even As We Breathe"
Fall 2021 - Catherine Carter, Reciepient of The Board of Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
Spring 2020 - Liz Murray, author of the national best selling Novel, "Breaking Night"
Fall 2019 - John Quiñones, ABC news correspondent and host of "What Would You Do?"
Spring 2019 - Michael Steele, political analyst and former Chair of the Republican National Comittee
Fall 2018 - Honorable Loretta Lynch, Former Attorney General of the United States
Spring 2018 - Richard Sneed, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Fall 2017 - Kwame Jackson, acclaimed entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker
Spring 2017 - Donovan Livingston, renowned spoken-word poet and scholar