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WCU Stories

Wardell and Diane

Gift from alumnus establishes new scholarship fund to support WCU social work students

A first-generation college student who earned his bachelor's degree at Western Carolina University before embarking upon a 46-year career including several posts on Capitol Hill has created a new endowed scholarship fund to support social work students at his alma mater.  

Alex Gary

Alex Gary to resign after nearly five years as Athletics Director at WCU

Western Carolina University announced today that Alex Gary, Catamount Athletics director since May 2020, has resigned from his position.   

Mountain sunset

Restoring through research: WCU professors assist law enforcement and National Weather Service

In the days after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, first responders and volunteers rushed to help their neighbors. Checking in on loved ones, restoring electricity to homes and businesses, and conducting search and rescue missions already looked like a daunting uphill battle.  

Wanda Herren works with high school students on computers at SMHS

Retired Jackson County educator endows scholarship for WCU math education students

Public school students in Western North Carolina’s eighth educational district who plan to major in mathematics education at Western Carolina University soon will be eligible for scholarship assistance thanks to a financial commitment from longtime math educator Wanda Stephens Herren of Cullowhee.  

Gretchen Dietz working with engineering students

WCU launches engineering discovery program with new director Gretchen Dietz

Upbeat music plays as students walk into an introductory engineering class with Western Carolina University faculty member Gretchen Dietz, who smiles as she checks in with students: “How’s everyone doing? Any fun facts to share? Today, we are 3D CAD modeling. Does anyone already know how? Let’s use this knowledge to help your classmates and learn from each other!”  

Mekeila Santiago

Student spotlight: WCU senior Mekeila Santiago stays involved through time on campus

Mekeila Santiago remembers her mom hounding her to get involved before she even stepped foot inside a classroom at Western Carolina University.  

Kennedy and Hardin with potable energy model

Electrical engineering students create a portable energy model for Duke Energy

Ben Griffith and Hardin Kennedy, two seniors majoring in electrical engineering at Western Carolina University, have created a portable educational model for Duke Energy.   

Diane Styers

Restoring through research: professors navigate floodwaters post-Helene

As Hurricane Helene slowed and sat over Western North Carolina, dumping record amounts of rain, flooding began to devastate the region. In Asheville, the French Broad River rose nearly 25 feet higher than its normal water levels. The water carried cars downstream, leveled buildings, and picked up debris that mixed and churned in the river. This once-in-a-thousand-year weather event has now become the third-deadliest hurricane in U.S. history.  

Coach Wike with WCU men's golf team in 2002

Wike Scholarship to aid WCU football players, golfers seeking careers in education

A scholarship fund honoring the memories of a longtime Western Carolina University coach and his spouse, also a lifelong educator, will soon provide financial assistance to Catamount student-athletes on the football and men’s and women’s golf teams.  

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