Developing future teachers is what fuels professor Brad Witzel

Brad Witzel said he has a lot of teaching left in him, at least 15 to 20 years. That’s why it’s taken him some time to get used to being called a distinguished professor. Witzel will join Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions this fall as the Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor of Special Education. Rather than look at the honor as a career-defining moment on the downside of his teaching, Witzel views it differently.   

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NASA institute honors geology faculty member for early career accomplishments

Amy Fagan, associate professor of geology at Western Carolina University, is one of two winners of a NASA award given annually to scientists from around the world who make significant contributions to the science or exploration communities early in their careers.  

Police Chief Lillard named national runner-up in Campus Safety magazine’s annual awards

Chief of Police Steve Lillard was named national runner-up in the higher education division of Campus Safety magazine’s 2020 Director of the Year awards.  

The Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance of Juneteenth

Adam Thomas is an assistant professor of history at Western Carolina University whose research examines questions of slavery, anti-slavery warfare, emancipation, race, gender, memory, childhood and kinship in colonial North America and the early U.S. We asked Dr. Thomas to provide some insight into the historical significance of Juneteenth and what the event means during these times of civil unrest and protest.  

Staff Senate expands campus support, community involvement

Staff Senate increased its expectations for community service this year, setting a goal of 450 volunteer hours and a 100 percent participation rate by senators.   

Environmental health professionals provide additional, much-needed pandemic care

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a public health crisis of historic portions, with the phrase 'frontline workers' becoming a large part of the daily lexicon. And the Environmental Health Program at Western Carolina University has contributed its fair share of professionals to those ranks at the local, state and national levels.  

Distinguished professorships in education, computer info, musical theatre filled by WCU trustees

The WCU Board of Trustees approved the appointment of four new distinguished professors to teach, conduct research and provide community outreach.  

College of Engineering and Technology dean joins STEM organizational board

Jeff Ray, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, has been named to the board of directors for FIRST NC, a statewide nonprofit group that works to inspire the next generation of engineers, computer scientists and educators.   

A Promise Fulfilled: David Walton was hired as director of WCU’s African American Studies minor

With the hiring of a director to create an African American Studies minor program, Western Carolina University has come one step closer to fulfilling its promise to add the offering to its curriculum. David Walton, an assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, has been named the director of WCU’s African American Studies minor. Walton will begin his new role, which includes being an assistant professor in the Department of History, Aug. 1.  

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