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WCU Stories

Alaysia Black Hackett

Climbing Capitol Hill

In the middle of bustling Washington and just a few hundred feet to the right of the Capitol Building, is the office of the chief diversity and equity officer for the U.S. Department of Labor and Western Carolina University alumna, Alaysia Black Hackett ’01, MPA ’02.  

Drew Starkey

A Rising Star

“Outer Banks” was released on Netflix in early 2020, in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The show follows a group of teenagers in the Outer Banks — an island of haves, have-nots and clique-based rivalry and romance — as they hunt for a legendary treasure linked to a father’s mysterious disappearance.   

soccer reunion

Just for Kicks

After pausing for two years of “stoppage time” during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it’s been “play on” for participants in Western Carolina University’s “Old-Timers Soccer Reunion.”  

Bobby Raines

Coffee and Culture

In the heart of downtown Cherokee is a culturally-based coffee shop called Qualla Java. Qualla Java is named after the Qualla Boundary, the land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.   

Zoe Mehdi

Rowing in the Same Direction

WCU is helping improve children’s reading and writing skills through new professorship   

Christian WCU student

Seeking Synergies

Expansion of WCU’s engineering programs receives support from the General Assembly and industry partners  

WCU campus aerial

The Power of Giving

One Day for Western, GivingTuesday provide opportunities for philanthropic support  

outlaw cast

Outlaws and Educators

Higher education plays a starring role in Mario Van Peebles melting pot western ‘Outlaws Posse’   

new wcu basketball locker rooms

Look Good, Feel Good

Athletics facilities improvements tip off this fall with renovations for both Catamount basketball teams.  

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