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WCU Stories

Elizabeth Watson in her classroom

‘Gifted’ graduate grateful for opportunity to maximize her students’ learning

When Elizabeth Watson decided she wanted a master’s degree in education to better serve her gifted students, she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “My sister attended Western Carolina University and graduated with a degree in special education. To this day, she is the best special education teacher I've ever seen,” said Watson, who graduated in May with a master’s degree in special education with a focus on gifted education. “I chose to attend WCU for the simple fact that I thought, ‘Well, they must be doing something right at this university.’”  

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Dawson Spencer looks forward to a challenging SGA presidency

Dawson Spencer was sworn in as Western Carolina University’s Student Government Association president on April 29. And in just over a month, he has already had a presidency like no other.  

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WCU announces changes to fall semester calendar with classes to start Aug. 17

WCU has announced plans for fall 2020 that include holding the first day of classes as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 17, eliminating the traditional fall break, moving final exams online and sending students home for the remainder of the semester prior to Thanksgiving.  

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Campus given 'Elite Leader' status by Andrew Goodman Foundation

Western Carolina University has been designated as an Elite Leader Campus for its student voter participation efforts, one of only five institutions in the country to be so recognized this year.  

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WCU professors eagerly assist Jamaican teachers with online instruction

When Dale Carpenter, a professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Teaching and Learning, got a request from Jamaican teachers for a session on distance learning and sought volunteers, without hesitation, four professors jumped at the opportunity.  

Fire Ant

Fire Ant Problems Increase in Mountains, Including Higher Elevations of the Region

Move over murder hornets. Fire ants, those vicious insects with a painful sting and destructive ways, are becoming more pervasive in the mountains, according to research from the Highlands Biological Station of Western Carolina University.  

Dawn Neatherly.

The Mountains had Her at Hello

Dawn Neatherly was a precocious 11-year-old from Morganton when she first set foot on Western Carolina University’s campus in 1974 to attend the Cullowhee Experience, a four-week enrichment camp for academically and intellectually gifted students.  

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New online art and wellness magazine is a real Masterpeace

Filled with photographs, paintings and artwork supplied by students from across Western North Carolina, “Masterpeace” was created to celebrate student art while delivering mental health and wellness information.  

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Communication professor Don Connelly wins fifth Broadcast Education Association award

Don Connelly, professor of communication at Western Carolina University, recently became a five-time winner of the Charles and Lucile King Family Foundation “Best of Festival” award, presented by the Broadcast Education Association.  

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