Japanese Program News

Western Carolina University’s impact on local education isn’t limited to the teachers it sends out to Western North Carolina schools. It helps nurture them, too.

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

There’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s the bomb (-sniffing dog). Meet Hondo, the newest member of the Western Carolina University Police Department. He’s a happy-go-lucky, fetch-playing, purebred Labrador Retriever, and like his K-9 colleague Lando, he’s here to keep campus safe with his nose.

Western Carolina University has once again been selected by the Institute of International Education to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant—marking the university’s second time earning the competitive award.

Caitlin Torrence, professor in Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, recently received an $840,000 grant to fund a Health Policy Research Consortium over the next two years.

Western Carolina University construction management students carefully piloted a drone this fall to record every angle of the REACH of Haywood County shelter and surrounding property. Their mission: create a detailed 3D interactive model to help REACH leaders and supporters visualize and plan a renovation and expansion of its shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking.

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’s Mountain Heritage Center is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Mountain Heritage Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose work preserves, interprets, and celebrates the rich cultural traditions and history of Southern Appalachia.

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.

Asratun Sarmin Anjum’s journey to walking across the stage this month was a lot more unorthodox than most. Anjum, an international student from Bangladesh, ventured from her home country after her mother passed away.