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WCU Stories

Julie Spiro Donaldson

Loving Jackson County

Julie Spiro Donaldson ’99 believes there’s no amount of effort too small to give, and it’s with that belief in mind that she’s changed Jackson County.  

Kyle Pifer

The Pifer Era Begins

Kyle Pifer was ready for growth and new challenges when he arrived at Western Carolina University in late 2020. Four and a half years later, he was standing up on a podium as WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown introduced him as WCU’s next director of athletics.  

Zebby Mathews

Road to the Show

The Western Carolina University alumnus went from High-A, the third-highest level in the minors, all the way to earning a spot with Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins in a matter of months.  

Bailey Trumm

Shoot Your Shot

Bailey Trumm ’24 was overjoyed when she received her first acceptance letter to medical school.  

Chancellor Kelli Brown

Notes from Chancellor Brown

Celebrating our accomplishments is especially important this year as we honor the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and its impact on our region.  

Grady Jones

A Student's View

Being a student here means more than pursuing a degree. It means becoming part of a community that challenges you to think critically, engage meaningfully and serve others with heart.  

Skybox

Homefield Makeover

A long-awaited $37 million upgrade to renovate the west side stands of Western Carolina University’s aging E.J. Whitmire Stadium is now underway.  

Jerry Miller

Plastic Rain

WCU researchers study microplastics in wake of Hurricane Helene.  

Malinda Pennington

WCU faculty member receives $9,000 to conduct autism training workshops across NC

As an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University finishing her psychology degree, Malinda Pennington, assistant professor in the Special Education and Inclusive Learning program at Western Carolina University, needed an internship to fulfill the requirement for an abnormal psychology course.   

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