Scholarship established in memory of WCU finance professor

A new scholarship has been established to honor long-time College of Business professor Grace Allen, who passed away Aug. 19 after a brief battle with cancer.   

Professor announces annual fall color forecast for mountains

Autumn leaves and the natural beauty of fall colors across Western North Carolina are a seasonal sensation that draw thousands of visitors and locals alike - and prompts an annual prognostication by biology professor Beverly Collins.  

Regional economic impact of pandemic examined by the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise

Thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory, the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise is conducting an analysis of the economic impact of the pandemic in the region.   

WCU’s Newest Professor Sees ‘virtue’ in Middle Grades Students

David Virtue has been involved with middle grades education for 20 years. So, when he first learned that he was named Western Carolina University’s Taft B. Botner Distinguished Professor of Elementary and Middle Grades Education this summer, it’s no surprise that he compared his reaction to the excitement of a middle schooler learning “they were getting a snow day.”  

Meet David Virtue  

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  

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.  

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.  

The Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance of Juneteenth

Adam Thomas is an assistant professor of history at Western Carolina University whose research examines questions of slavery, anti-slavery warfare, emancipation, race, gender, memory, childhood and kinship in colonial North America and the early U.S. We asked Dr. Thomas to provide some insight into the historical significance of Juneteenth and what the event means during these times of civil unrest and protest.