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Football stadium at WCU

Understanding the House v. NCAA Settlement and what it means for WCU

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. Western Carolina University has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience. This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.  

Cassie Dickson demonstrating spinning and dying to students at WCU

Mountain Heritage Center to host Mini-Mountain Heritage Day July 17

The Mountain Heritage Center, a museum of Appalachian culture at Western Carolina University, will hold a crafts demonstration and music performance from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.   

WCU friends in Lesbon

Catamount Adventures series takes alumni, friends to Portugal, Spain

A collection of Catamounts recently toured Europe’s Iberian Peninsula from Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the municipalities of Merida and Olivenza in western Spain as part of Western Carolina University’s second international Catamount Adventures excursion.  

Rob Young in black shirt

WCU Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines receives $54,612 grant from NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources

The Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University has just received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for $54,612.   

Jenna Dryer at Glacial Lake

Digging it: WCU senior Jenna Dreyer works archaeology internship in Washington state

One of Jenna Dreyer’s favorite things about her field of study is just being outside — but her surroundings this summer look a bit different from the familiar confines of Cullowhee.  

Heidi Von Dohlen (right) and Jess Weiler (left)

NC Principal Fellows program expands with supplemental funding

Heidi Von Dohlen was an educator and school principal for 27 years before becoming the director of the Principal Fellows program at Western Carolina University. During her time as an administrator, she worked to turn her school district into a place where students loved to learn, and teachers loved to teach.   

Joe Pechmann and students out in the field

WCU professor protects the Dusky Gopher Frog from extinction

Several cattle tanks filled with swarms of tadpoles were all that kept the dusky gopher frog from going extinct. Now, Joe Pechmann, professor of biology at Western Carolina University, is helping the frogs return to their historical range and populations.  

Haywood County School System students Abby Price and Laneice Southers take an industry tour at the local Sonoco facility.

WCU instructor, local nonprofit partner on entrepreneurship camp for underserved youth

A Western Carolina University instructor of management will be leading a weeklong entrepreneurship and leadership camp for underserved youth in Western North Carolina to help them get an early jump on learning some of the steps necessary for starting a business.  

Linville Gorge photographed by George Masa

Mountain Heritage Center invites public to explore George Masa exhibition through August 15

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center invites the public to explore a powerful new exhibition, “A Stranger No More: George Masa and His Art,” on display now through August 15.  

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