Blog

Leaders at Western Carolina University certainly knew that interest from prospective students was on the rise, but this fall’s enrollment is shaping up to be historic.

Western Carolina University has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to support infrastructure improvements at the WCU-Cullowhee Dam, a project aimed at providing resiliency for critical public water systems and strengthening the region's outdoor recreational economy.

One of Kellen Carpenter’s first memories during his early days working at Hunter Library as a technician in special collections is of helping an older gentleman find a picture of his family band. The gentleman had come in with his grandchildren to show them pictures from when he had performed at the Hubert Hays Youth Jamboree with his brothers.

Advanced semiconductor testing equipment at Western Carolina University is providing students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to explore the high-demand field of semiconductor technology.

Western Carolina University’s undergraduate elementary education program has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its excellence in preparing future teachers to teach reading.

Western Carolina University School of Nursing faculty members April Messer and Angie Trombley recently received a $10,000 grant from the Daisy Foundation to conduct a project titled “Nurse-Led Social Connection for Rural Elder Adults.”

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown has been named the recipient of the 2026 Jackson County Distinguished Citizen Award, presented by Scouting America’s Daniel Boone Council in recognition of her outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the community.

Matt Canter made the choice to attend Western Carolina University while ankle-deep in the Tuckasegee River, fighting a hungry rainbow trout at the other end of his fly rod. He hadn’t seen campus or met his peers, but Canter didn’t need more convincing. For the future fly-fishing guide and owner of Brookings Anglers, the pristine waters surrounding Cullowhee had done the job well enough

Western Carolina University’s Highlands Biological Station is a haven for native plant and animal species. Carnivorous pitcher plants line the shore of the lake and trap unsuspecting insects, while pollinators dance across the firework-like eruptions of the red petals of Bee Balm, and the delicate, drooping white flowers of Oconee Bell hide in the shade along the trails.

Western Carolina University will launch a new Master of Science (M.S.) in engineering program in Fall 2026, expanding graduate level opportunities in the College of Engineering and Technology and addressing growing regional and workforce demand for engineers with advanced credentials.