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  

Summer Undergraduate Research Program’s digital switch proving successful

SURP Goes Digital - The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Western Carolina University is taking a different approach this year, a recalibration for the times.  

Explore the Research  

Developing future teachers is what fuels professor Brad Witzel

Brad Witzel said he has a lot of teaching left in him, at least 15 to 20 years. That’s why it’s taken him some time to get used to being called a distinguished professor. Witzel will join Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions this fall as the Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor of Special Education. Rather than look at the honor as a career-defining moment on the downside of his teaching, Witzel views it differently.   

Read His Story  

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.