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WCU Stories

students in a classroom

Promise Kept

More than two years after its debut, the groundbreaking tuition reduction plan known as NC Promise is, by most accounts, a solid success that is meeting the goals of improving access to higher education by providing a financial leg-up to undergraduate students who might not otherwise be able to afford it and lowering student loan debt. Enrollment has increased significantly at Western Carolina University and two other University of North Carolina System institutions that are part of the plan. Students say the lower tuition cost is making a difference in their lives, and the amount of student debt incurred is on the decline.  

Portrait of Nick

No Bones About It

As a forensic anthropologist, Western Carolina University assistant professor Nicholas Passalacqua has always believed he was doing important work through his teaching and his research.  

Read His Story  

Ramsey Center

Spring commencement, fall ceremonies rescheduled over 4 days in December

WCU is planning a four-day series of ceremonies to honor spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates.   

Forsyth

Angela 'AJ' Grube named as next College of Business dean

Angela “A.J.” Grube, a member of the faculty in the College of Business for more than 20 years, has been named to lead the college as its next permanent dean, effective Jan. 1.  

Portrait of Richard Starnes

Chancellor appoints Richard Starnes to provost

WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown has announced the appointment of Richard D. Starnes as the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, effective immediately.  

Cat Statue Fall

WCU to waive application fee for freshmen as part of statewide campaign starting Oct. 19

WCU is among the institutions of higher education that will participate in “North Carolina Countdown to College,” an annual campaign to support college access through the waiving of freshmen application fees.  

Brian Boyer on campus with Students

The View from Here

Every summer, I give advice to incoming freshmen as they prepare to begin their college careers. I encourage them to take this advice for what it is worth, but I also tell them that WCU staff members are excited to welcome new students “home” every year — pandemic or no. Here’s some of that advice...  

Students on zoom

Students find old-fashion greeting cards bring joy, comfort to elderly residents in isolation

A simple gesture by a group of Western Carolina University students helped brighten the day — if not the month — of a generation of elderly folks who still place high value on the written word — heart emojis and Facebook likes, be darned.  

Image of Chris Faw

New giving society spurs alumni to expand support to students

For Chris Faw, it was a rustic wooden sign near the old entrance to Western Carolina University that featured the year the school was founded. For Emily Glesias, it was her memory of being a writing tutor and writing fellow while a student at WCU and knowing she could continue that support as an alumna.  

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