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WCU Stories

Battle of the bands logo

Alumni participation sought for WCU Battle of the Bands competition

Perhaps you are a Western Carolina University alumnus who performed in a musical group back in your college days and who has been thinking about getting the band back together. Or maybe your band is still playing today, cranking the amps up to 11.  

Alexis Harp

Young alumni spotlight: Harp passes on guidance as Greek life adviser

Alexis Harp was lost her first few semesters of undergrad. Imposter syndrome was hitting her hard. She was a first-generation college student navigating the world of higher education, and to top it all off, she originally didn’t even want to go to college.   

WCTC women's basketball team in the 1940s

WCU Mountain Heritage Center opens new Clearing the Hurdles exhibit

The Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University (WCU) is proud to announce the opening of its newest exhibit on Sept. 2, Clearing the Hurdles: Women and Sport at WCU, 1889 to the Present.   

Kara McMullen

A Wild Beginning: Alumna Kara McMullen on a career in Panthertown

When Western Carolina University alumna Kara McMullen stands on the wet stone of Salt Rock Gap, thousands of acres of chirping forest span before her, a sprawling network of trails buried just beneath.  

Michael and Rebecca Schlosser photographed in 2019

A gift of hope: Supporting students in their mental health journey

Universities and colleges across the United States are finding that an ever-increasing number of students on their campuses are dealing with a variety of mental health issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to thoughts of suicide.  

Florida Ahado

Alumna kicks off post grad life with NCDHHS internship

Recent Western Carolina University alumna Florida Ahado drives around Raleigh and is reminded of her impact about everywhere she goes.   

Members of Lambda Chi Alpha

WCU Greek Challenge nets $1.5 million for Catamount Club; winners announced

Members of Western Carolina University fraternities and sororities contributed more than $1.5 million to the Catamount Club during the 2024-2025 edition of the Greek Challenge, an annual competition to see which organizations can raise the most money in support of the university’s athletics program.  

Incoming WCU students gather for a group photo

WCU alumni roll out the welcome mat for new incoming students

Nearly 150 incoming first-year students at Western Carolina University received an early welcome to their future alma mater and a few lessons in “all things Catamount” during a series of July receptions across North Carolina and in Atlanta.  

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.  

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