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WCU Stories

Students in a biology lab

Biology Professor Mack Powell Discusses Finding a COVID-19 Vaccine

As a professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Biology who specializes in immunology and infectious diseases, Mack Powell finds the COVID-19 pandemic particularly interesting. The virus has rapidly spread across the world, shutting down many countries along the way, while killing thousands in the process.  

Students Studying outside

A Unique, Experiential Master's Program

Western Carolina University has announced a new master’s degree in experiential and outdoor education that will be offered through the College of Education and Allied Professions beginning with the fall semester. The program is designed for professionals and those seeking careers in positions such as environmental educators, camp directors, wilderness therapy instructors, park rangers and outdoor adventure instructors.   

Eli building out his installation project

MFA student leaves his mark

The stadium is stunning, a beautiful geometric design built from contrasting woods that highlight the warmth and strength of the handcrafted structure. Sited in a public green space, surrounded by grass and trees, the small-scale model invites passersby to step inside and imagine its power — exactly what its builder had in mind.  

Alexa Turnbull

MFA Student Alexa Turnbull Uses Her Time and Talents for the Good of Others

Alexa Turnbull has always had a passion for art, which is why she is currently a student in the Master of Fine Art Program at Western Carolina University. Alexa is using her talent to fuel her other passion, which is helping incarcerated members of the LGBTQ community and sex workers. It’s a cause she feels deeply about, which is why after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Florida State, Alexa set up Seether Bookstore.   

Student at the UC

Apply By February 1st

We look for students who fight for success. The students who come to Western Carolina University are ready to explore, to challenge themselves and work harder for their ambitions. They come to WCU to be inspired by a community of support that recognizes their potential and will work to help define and achieve their goals. Here you'll be surrounded by great teachers and mentors in one of the most beautiful and naturally diverse regions of the world. Apply by February 1st to get started! apply.wcu.edu  

Student writing on a blackboard

A Hire Advantage

Working on your college campus probably won’t make you rich, but what if it offered something potentially even more valuable in the long term? Western Carolina University actually offers that – through a program designed to make student employment a more impactful experience  

Natalie Newman in her store

Drive, Ambition and Entrepreneurship: How One Alumna Stayed Local to Apply Her Degree

Natalie Newman knew she had the drive and ambition to run her own business, but what she needed was direction and inspiration. She found both in Western Carolina University’s master’s degree program in innovation leadership and entrepreneurship through the College of Business.  

Constance Owl

Saving A Dying Language

Graduate History student working to translate Cherokee language from native newspapers. Constance Owl’s master’s degree thesis is more than a means to a graduate degree in American history. It’s a portal to understanding and perhaps saving, a disappearing language.  

Cassidy Burns

Freshman Cassidy Burns wins National Student Production Award

It was Halloween weekend and Western Carolina University freshman Cassidy Burns was visiting a friend at Clemson University when she got a phone call from her mother. Burns and her friend were in Starbucks when her phone rang. Her mom told her to check out Twitter where the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences was live-streaming its 4th Annual National Student Production Awards.   

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