David Starnes, athletic bands director, departs WCU for Atlanta position

David Starnes, director of athletic bands and assistant professor in the School of Music within the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, announced his resignation Friday, Aug. 7.  

Fall semester to get underway with care, caution in place

Fall semester 2020 will look different than anything Western Carolina University has experienced before.   

Opening Assembly to go virtual Aug. 12

WCU’s traditional Opening Assembly will have a different look this fall – and a broader audience, thanks to a scheduled video livestream.  

Rapid Center uses 3D printers to make face shields for faculty, staff

Faculty, students and staff in WCU's College of Engineering and Technology have turned their attention to helping employees return safely to campus this fall with the development of personal protective equipment.  

Discover Their Work  

NASA institute honors geology faculty member for early career accomplishments

Amy Fagan, associate professor of geology at Western Carolina University, is one of two winners of a NASA award given annually to scientists from around the world who make significant contributions to the science or exploration communities early in their careers.  

Jackson County ranked second in nation for areas to start new businesses

Jackson County and the unincorporated community of Cullowhee surrounding Western Carolina University have been ranked as the nation’s second most economically dynamic “micropolitan area” of 50 profiled in a report by the Heartland Forward, an institute for economic development.  

Doug Reed, longtime director of public information, passes away at 92

A. Douglas “Doug” Reed, who served as director of public information and a top-level adviser for 30 years through 10 administrations at Western Carolina University, died Sunday, July 19, at his home in Cullowhee at age 92.  

Police Chief Lillard named national runner-up in Campus Safety magazine’s annual awards

Chief of Police Steve Lillard was named national runner-up in the higher education division of Campus Safety magazine’s 2020 Director of the Year awards.  

Face coverings, sanitizer, thermometers will be provided to faculty, staff in COVID-19 fight

Faculty and staff soon will be receiving bags of personal protective items that are designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus as part of the institution’s “Catamounts Care” campaign.