Skip to main content

WCU Stories

Sarah Parsons works on bee pollinator garden

Sarah Parsons continues campus pollinators work with UNC MRI grant

While insects have gotten a bad rap as “creepy crawlies” to be squished or stepped on, humanity is highly dependent on them. Many insects are integral to pollination, which is crucial to the survival of plant ecosystems and crops that keep people fed.   

Andrew Bobilya

Andrew J. Bobilya receives 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award

Andrew J. Bobilya, director of Western Carolina University’s experiential and outdoor education master’s program, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award.   

Leaves from the moon tree

Out of this world: ‘Moon Tree’ arrives on WCU campus

Amy Fagan, an associate professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, knows she’s a bit of a space addict.  

WCU nursing students

WCU School of Nursing awarded grant to jumpstart workshop series

Western Carolina University School of Nursing director and associate professor Terrica Durbin understands the need for nurses — and so do local patrons. The WCU School of Nursing was awarded a $40,562 grant by the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville.   

Daisy and Flora Myers

Hunter Library staff create website for families to find unclaimed photos

Years ago, residents and tourists brought their film for developing at Sherrill’s Photography Studio in Waynesville. Sometimes, the person who dropped off the film did not return to pick up their photographs and the only clue to their identity was their last name written on the unclaimed envelope.   

Chancellor Brown

Chancellor Kelli R. Brown appointed to AASCU board of directors

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown has been appointed to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities board of directors.  

students sorting through relief supplies

Catamount Resiliency: Be the Helper

“When I was a boy and saw scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” This is a well-known quote by beloved television host Fred Rogers about looking for the people who spring into action when bad things happen.  

UP students

Catamount Resiliency: Buddying UP

The WCU University Participant program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disability. The program aims to facilitate UP students' transition from secondary school to adult life with education, employment, and independent living.  

Richie cooking at his grill

Catamount Resiliency: Campus Response

In the hours and days after Hurricane Helene hit, students were asked to stay put as traveling outside of Jackson County was unsafe. The loss of internet and cell service made traveling hazardous, and the surrounding areas were unknown.  

Office of Web Services