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WCU Stories

Aerial Shot of Campus with

A Decade in Review

The past ten years at Western Carolina University have been transformational, to say the least. Our student population has consistently grown; our campus has evolved to support the future, and all members of our Catamount family have experienced many life-changing moments here at WCU. After taking a moment to reflect back, we now look to the future. Not only for our university but also for our students, faculty, staff, and community that call Western Carolina University home.  

Paws at the residence in front of a Christmas tree

Happy Holidays

This holiday season Western Carolina University First Gentleman Dennis Brown solicited the assistance of Paws and a group of WCU students to help decorate the Chancellor’s Residence and surprise Chancellor Kelli R. Brown for the couple’s first holiday on campus.  

Group of Animated Students

CAPS finds way to ‘meet students’ with award-winning videos

Realizing that it was time to come up with a more effective way to reach additional students, Kim Gorman, director of Western Carolina University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and her staff decided to meet students where they were – on YouTube.  

WCU Student Brittney Windham

Brittany Windham finds her place in the Black Student Union

In seeking a university to attend, Brittney Windham hoped to find a school that had a Black Student Union she could join. During the spring semester of her freshman year, Windham joined Western Carolina University’s Black Student Union. Shortly thereafter, she entered the Miss Black Student Union pageant – and won.   

Latinx Students on Campus

Latinx Heritage Month

Here at WCU, we strive to create an environment in which everyone can feel welcome, regardless of their background. To celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, we're putting the spotlight on some of the organizations and staff members who help make this campus an inclusive place for all students.  

Students Studying

Lowering the Debt for WCU Students

$1.53 Trillion. That is the current estimated student loan debt in America, and it grows minute by minute. While those Western Carolina University undergraduates who owe student debt graduate with an average of $20,500 of debt - almost $17,000 less than the national average - our goal is to continue to provide options for students to incur as little debt as possible.   

Aaron Plantenberg and Jaelyn Wynn

Catamounts for Recovery offers a safe space for recovering students

Western Carolina University is doing its part to help those affected by this crisis. In addition to receiving counseling help at Counseling and Psychological Services, students can receive support from Catamounts for Recovery. A student-run organization, Catamounts for Recovery is a sober community of individuals supporting recovery from substance use and assistance with mental health issues.  

Chancellor Brown, First-Gentleman Dennis, Paws and students in front of the Chancellors Residence

Countdown to Cullowhee: 1 Day

Move-in day is one of the most exciting days on campus every year…new Catamounts and their parents are buzzing with anticipation for the opening of a new chapter. And upperclassmen return to continue their studies. Now that Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and her husband Dennis are all moved-in, they can’t wait for our students to arrive and begin another incredible academic year!  

Students on Campus

Countdown to Cullowhee: 2 Days

A familiar face, a friendly smile, an excited wave… As students return home Cullowhee, campus is filled with vibrant life once again. It’s time to gather with friends, catch-up, and kick off a new year school year full of opportunity.  

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