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WCU Stories

WCU students at picnic shelter

CATALYST program ignites passion for research and leadership in honors students

The second annual CATALYST: Summer Research and Leadership Program was held in summer 2025 at Western Carolina University, welcoming 18 enthusiastic incoming honors students. A collaboration between the Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College, the program underscores the vital connection between undergraduate research and leadership.   

WCU travelers at the Great Wall flying the WCU flag

Students get deep dive into Chinese culture, business during WCU summer travel course

Participants in a Western Carolina University faculty-led summer travel course to China say it was more than just a study-abroad program—it was a transformative journey that left students with unforgettable memories, deep cultural insights and a renewed sense of global citizenship.   

Football stadium at WCU

Understanding the House v. NCAA Settlement and what it means for WCU

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. Western Carolina University has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience. This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.  

Cassie Dickson demonstrating spinning and dying to students at WCU

Mountain Heritage Center to host Mini-Mountain Heritage Day July 17

The Mountain Heritage Center, a museum of Appalachian culture at Western Carolina University, will hold a crafts demonstration and music performance from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.   

Tayler Franklin working in a lab at Pearl Harbor

WCU senior Tayler Franklin helps identify fallen soldiers at Pearl Harbor

Amidst a second world war, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Lives were lost, others were changed and one day later, the United States entered the largest conflict in human history.  

WCU friends in Lesbon

Catamount Adventures series takes alumni, friends to Portugal, Spain

A collection of Catamounts recently toured Europe’s Iberian Peninsula from Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the municipalities of Merida and Olivenza in western Spain as part of Western Carolina University’s second international Catamount Adventures excursion.  

Rob Young in black shirt

WCU Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines receives $54,612 grant from NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources

The Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University has just received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for $54,612.   

Jenna Dryer at Glacial Lake

Digging it: WCU senior Jenna Dreyer works archaeology internship in Washington state

One of Jenna Dreyer’s favorite things about her field of study is just being outside — but her surroundings this summer look a bit different from the familiar confines of Cullowhee.  

Heidi Von Dohlen (right) and Jess Weiler (left)

NC Principal Fellows program expands with supplemental funding

Heidi Von Dohlen was an educator and school principal for 27 years before becoming the director of the Principal Fellows program at Western Carolina University. During her time as an administrator, she worked to turn her school district into a place where students loved to learn, and teachers loved to teach.   

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