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WCU Stories

George Frizzell

New book about Horace Kephart explores his ‘other’ writings

Several years of research, compilation and collaboration by two writers from WCU have resulted in a scholarly book about Horace Kephart, a pivotal figure in the region from the early 20th century.  

Domestic Violence Initiative

Caravelis begins pilot program for therapy dog to aid domestic violence victims

An initiative by Cyndy Caravelis, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, will include a pilot program to use a therapy dog to aid domestic violence victims and their families in Jackson County.   

T.J. Holland

Cherokee Studies Program’s endowed scholarship renamed for T.J. Holland

The Cherokee Studies Program will rename its endowed scholarship in memory of T.J. Holland, an alumnus and lifelong leader in the community and Cherokee cultural preservation and revitalization.  

Spring flowers

WCU to delay start of spring semester by two weeks, shorten traditional break

WCU has announced plans for the 2021 spring semester that include delaying the start of classes by two weeks, eliminating spring break and providing an abbreviated midterm break.   

Portrait of rivercane

Master's Degree in Biology Cultivates a Career

Rivercane was once plentiful in Western North Carolina. The tall, slender plant, a member of the bamboo family, still grows in thick stands along some riverbanks, but not in an abundance as in years past. Increased development and intentional removal throughout the region have reduced its presence on the local landscape, in some instances quite dramatically.   

Belcher bust

Bronze sculpture captures essence of late Chancellor David Belcher

A bronze bust of former Chancellor David O. Belcher will be displayed at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.  

April Perry and Her family

WCU's April Perry recognized as top professional in region by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

April Perry, an associate professor in the College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University, has been named to the Standout Blue Ridge Class of 2020 by the Carolinas’ chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  

Students in a socially distant classroom

Teaching: COVID-19 Style

There was a time when faculty members spent most of their days preparing their lectures, presenting them to their students and being available during office hours for extra instruction. Some also had the additional task of preparing for laboratory work or work outside of campus, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Then came the coronavirus, COVID-19, and a new way of teaching was born.  

Drone campus

Nine faculty members promoted to full professor

Nine faculty members have been promoted to full professor in recognition of a sustained record of professional and academic achievement.  

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