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WCU Stories

Frankie Bauer

Alumni explores historical, cultural, political and personal connections that cross tribal designations

Frankie Bauer came to Western Carolina University in 2016 to pursue a master’s degree in history. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Bauer concentrated on Cherokee Studies, defending his thesis and earning his degree in fall 2018.  

Dawn Brown at a conference table

Master of Project Management puts IT employee on a path of upward trajectory

A few years back, Western Carolina University’s Division of Information Technology added a project management office. Because IT employee Dawn Brown worked closely with the project office, she thought it might be beneficial to learn more about project management. She enrolled in WCU’s Master of Project Management (MPM) Program. Not only has it proven to be helpful in her IT role, but Brown said she now has a complete understanding of the entire project management process.  

Faculty and Staff at an I Love WCU celebration

‘I Love WCU’ to celebrate alumni, students and new giving societies

It’s February and that means big love for Western Carolina University during the “I Love WCU” celebration.  

Kelly Kent

Alumna Kelly Kent says she really does love WCU

Kelly Kent, of Mooresville, thanks Western Carolina University for providing her with opportunities she didn’t know existed. “My time as a student is filled with great memories,” said Kent, who graduated in 1984 with a degree in early childhood education and reading. “Opportunities opened up for me that I wouldn’t have known existed otherwise. WCU offered me the chance to do things, to join clubs, meet people and make lifelong friends, to participate in various activities, attend concerts and events, and of course, learn through quality academic instruction. It helped me chart my life.”   

Ann Crosby

Care, concern shown from WCU Nurse Anesthesia graduate

Ann Crosby, a certified registered nurse anesthetist found inspiration for her career during a difficult time and Western Carolina University helped provide the means for her goals.  

Sarah Carpenter

WCU graduate student receives Fullerton Medical Scholarship Award

Sarah Carpenter is a firm believer in paying it forward, which is why she and her husband make it point to always give back to their community. So, when Carpenter recently learned she was the recipient of the Fullerton Medical Scholarship Award, the Western Carolina University nurse practitioner graduate student said it was a result of her commitment to giving.   

Tom Friazer

It’s ‘stop the presses’ for WCU’s longtime print shop director

It seems the stars were aligned for Tom Frazier to live a life of paper and ink, of milestones and memories, of students and their dreams. Even he will acknowledge the ease with which new doors opened as others closed, always leading him to places that seemed to need him most.   

Bill Studenc

WCU ‘spin daddy’ is hanging up his reporter’s notebook

Our December Alumni Spotlight: Bill Studenc - In 1988, Ronald Reagan was president, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister of the United Kingdom and Bill Studenc started working at Western Carolina University in what was then called the Office of Public Information.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Congratulations Class of 2020 from the WCU Alumni Family

Welcome to the Catamount Alumni family graduates from the class of 2020! We're so proud of you! Go Cats!  

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