WCU Stories      October 7, 2019

Celeste Headlee, author of “We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter,” will visit Western Carolina University on Monday, Oct. 28, for a facilitated conversation, book signing and reception as part of WCU’s One Book Program.

In addition to being the author of “We Need to Talk,” this academic year’s One Book selection, Headlee is an award-winning broadcast journalist and professional speaker. In her 20-year career in public radio, she has been a program producer and host, interviewing hundreds of people from all walks of life and learning the power of conversation.

At 6 p.m. in the A.K Hinds University Center Grandroom, Headlee will discuss civil discourse, the art of conversation and empathy. She will be joined by facilitator Edward Lopez, director of WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise. A reception and book signing will be held at 7 p.m. in the Illusions room of the University Center.

The presentation, a DegreePlus event for students, is free and open to the public.

The One Book Program mission is to engage first-year students, as well as the campus community, in a common intellectual experience that promotes critical thinking and interdisciplinary conversation. Students are encouraged to read the book before fall semester. The program is sponsored by WCU’s Office of Student Transitions in the Division of Student Success.

Headlee’s visit is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise. Copies of the book were provided to all first-year students through WCU’s Division of Academic Affairs. For more information, contact the Office of Student Transitions at 828-227-3017.