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WCU Stories

Tyler McKenzie in New York City

Giving Back is a Given for Alumnus and Broadway Performer

If ever there was a Western Carolina University graduate who was living his dream, it would be Tyler McKenzie. McKenzie, a 2013 graduate from WCU's School of Stage and Screen, is traveling across the country, dancing and singing as a member of the ensemble in the second national tour of the Broadway hit "Hamilton."  

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WCU holds two commencements to honor fall class, summer graduates

A pair of graduating students delivered the primary addresses Saturday (Dec. 15) as WCU held commencement exercises to recognize the academic accomplishments of its fall class and a group of alumni who completed requirements to receive their degrees last summer.  

Driver Blythe

Blythe Ambition: Eastern Band Member Sees Higher Education as Goal for His Community

Earning an associate degree from Southwestern Community College after transferring there from Mars Hill, and a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University, where he graduated in December and gave the commencement address. He’ll continue his education in the fall at WCU, where he is enrolled in the school’s master’s degree program in social work. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Blythe is believed to be the first Native American to give a commencement speech at WCU — an unexpected honor that left him in awe and “like the weight of the world” was on his shoulders — but in a good way.  

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Annual Dulcimer U Winter Weekend coming up at Lake Junaluska

Instruction will be provided on the mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, ukulele and guitar.  

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Staff Senate Scholarship Fund passes $100,000 milestone, becomes self-sustaining

The fund was created in 2007 to promote higher education and help relatives of staff members finance their educations at WCU.  

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Certificate for nonprofit professionals offered at Biltmore Park site

Each of the eight modules begin with a one-day workshop at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park and is followed by four weeks of online content.  

WCU Campus

SACSCOC satisfied with monitoring report issued in September

Public announcement that the accrediting body approved of WCU’s efforts to address issues related to institutional effectiveness processes and Jamaica programs came at the commission’s annual meeting in New Orleans.  

WCU Campus

German language course to be offered online starting in January

Among the topics to be covered are formal and informal introductions, origins and hometowns, shopping, traveling, eating, clothing and colors.  

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Students develop crisis communications plans for regional clients

Over a period of three months, five student teams worked on plans designed to help organizations identify, plan for and respond to potential crises.   

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