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WCU Stories

Senior toast at WCU

Senior Toast honors philanthropy of soon-to-be graduates

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown recently saluted more than 50 WCU seniors who have gotten an early start on building a legacy of philanthropy by making financial gifts to the university before they have received their diplomas.  

WCU military student

WCU earns 2025-2026 Military Friendly® school designation

Western Carolina University has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation and the Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.  

Patricia Bricker

Bricker gets new WNC Community of Practice off the ground

An ice storm shifted the first Western North Carolina Elementary STEM Community of Practice meeting to Zoom last minute, but Patricia Bricker’s project didn’t freeze up.  

The Hodges

Alumnus divides gift to create scholarship honoring educator wife, support athletics upgrades

Western Carolina University alumnus and Asheville resident Stephen Hodge had a bit of difficulty deciding whether to direct a recent financial contribution for his alma mater to support academics or athletics. So, the banking executive who grew up in Rutherfordton reached the conclusion to do both.  

2025 winners

University faculty, staff award winners announced for ‘25

Once again, Western Carolina University was recognized as a top place to work. So great in fact, that WCU was ranked No. 3 of 498 on Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employers.  

Drake Barlow at softball game at WCU

A whole lot of heart: WCU softball bat boy defies odds, cheers on Catamounts

Drake Barlow walks up to home plate with the most swagger out of anyone on game days. He sports a sick pair of shades, some Catamount gear and a toothy grin that coaches across the Southern Conference have come to know.   

Maddie

WCU to introduce Maddie, the virtual engagement officer

There’s a new member of the Division of Advancement team at Western Carolina University, and her name is Maddie.   

Donors and student athletes during the gala

Athletics Gala shines spotlight on Catamount student-athletes, impact of supporters

More than 150 citizens of Catamount Nation rallied Saturday, April 12, in Asheville to celebrate the accomplishments of student-athletes who have represented Western Carolina University during the 2024-2025 sports seasons.   

WCU students work with elementary math students

College of Education and Allied Professions earns A-plus for elementary math education courses

Professors at Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions accepted their second A-plus score from the National Center on Teacher Quality this April.  

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