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WCU Stories

Headshot of Rich Price

Rich Price named executive director of economic development and regional partnerships

Rich Price, a passionate and proud 1988 graduate of WCU, has spent the last seven years as the director of economic development for Jackson County.   

Pride Week

WCU teams with Blue Ridge Pride Center, UNCA for local LGBTQ project

A collaboration between WCU, the University of North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge Pride Center will gather oral histories, archival materials and photos for an ongoing LGBTQ community research project.  

Cat Statue mask

COVID-19 dashboard updates resume Jan. 11 with additional information

Western Carolina University’s COVID-19 dashboard will resume its weekday updates.   

Band of Brothers

WCU’s own ‘Band of Brothers’ contribute to Sylva food bank, soup kitchen

The longstanding support by Western Carolina University in fighting local hunger isn’t taking a holiday break, even at the height of the pandemic.  

Patrick Brannon

Highlands Biological Station reflects, continues adaptive success with programs

In a typical school year, Highlands Biological Station serves nearly 10,000 students through more than 250 programs, for 50-plus schools across the mountain region. This was not a typical school year.   

Rewalk technology

Walk This Way

Thanks to a robotic-assisted physical therapy method underway at a clinic housed in the Health and Human Sciences Building at Western Carolina University, a local man is getting back on his feet - literally. The innovative device is one in a series of products by ReWalk, a medical device company that designs and develops mobility products for individuals with lower limb disabilities. While there are other manufacturers and systems, WCU is one of only two ReWalk training facilities in North Carolina.  

Salem Parris

CEAP alumna rises to pandemic challenge as first-year teacher, wins county award

Salem Parris, a 2019 alumna of the College of Education and Allied Professions, was selected as Haywood County’s 2020 Beginning Teacher of the Year.  

Students in a classroom

Pandemic Drives Demand for Professional and Graduate Programs

As Asheville’s population and economy look to recover from months of slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regional professionals are increasingly seeking ways to develop their skills, increase their credentials and stand out among the competition for new opportunities and career advancement. Increased demand resulted in a record enrollment this fall for Western Carolina University’s Asheville-based programs, with a 10 percent growth in students served compared to fall 2019.   

Learn More  

Close up of a touchless candy despenser

Engineering Treats

Engineering students find creative ways to distribute Halloween candy. The traditional ways to celebrate Halloween will be the next victim of the global pandemic, COVID-19.  

Explore the Project  

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