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WCU Stories

Student Democracy Coalition

Student Democracy Coalition gets grant for work this election

The Student Democracy Coalition has gotten a healthy financial boost this election year, thanks to a recent grant.   

Monarch butterflies

Monarch butterfly migration aided by native plants on WCU campus, Highlands Biological Station

The North Carolina mountains are a corridor along the “Butterfly Highway,” an annual migration route of monarch butterflies from the eastern United States and Canada to Mexico, with WCU a frequent stop along the way.  

Student Life Masks21

Modified Open House sessions for prospective students to begin Oct. 24

Western Carolina University will pop up the tents for prospective students and their families and friends as the university holds Open House on Saturday, Oct. 24.  

George Frizzell

New book about Horace Kephart explores his ‘other’ writings

Several years of research, compilation and collaboration by two writers from WCU have resulted in a scholarly book about Horace Kephart, a pivotal figure in the region from the early 20th century.  

Domestic Violence Initiative

Caravelis begins pilot program for therapy dog to aid domestic violence victims

An initiative by Cyndy Caravelis, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, will include a pilot program to use a therapy dog to aid domestic violence victims and their families in Jackson County.   

T.J. Holland

Cherokee Studies Program’s endowed scholarship renamed for T.J. Holland

The Cherokee Studies Program will rename its endowed scholarship in memory of T.J. Holland, an alumnus and lifelong leader in the community and Cherokee cultural preservation and revitalization.  

Spring flowers

WCU to delay start of spring semester by two weeks, shorten traditional break

WCU has announced plans for the 2021 spring semester that include delaying the start of classes by two weeks, eliminating spring break and providing an abbreviated midterm break.   

Portrait of rivercane

Master's Degree in Biology Cultivates a Career

Rivercane was once plentiful in Western North Carolina. The tall, slender plant, a member of the bamboo family, still grows in thick stands along some riverbanks, but not in an abundance as in years past. Increased development and intentional removal throughout the region have reduced its presence on the local landscape, in some instances quite dramatically.   

Belcher bust

Bronze sculpture captures essence of late Chancellor David Belcher

A bronze bust of former Chancellor David O. Belcher will be displayed at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.  

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