Graduate Annalee Blanks named UNC System Presidential Scholar

Annalee Blanks, a May 2020 graduate of Western Carolina University, has been selected as one of three University of North Carolina System presidential scholars.  

A Promise Fulfilled: David Walton was hired as director of WCU’s African American Studies minor

With the hiring of a director to create an African American Studies minor program, Western Carolina University has come one step closer to fulfilling its promise to add the offering to its curriculum. David Walton, an assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, has been named the director of WCU’s African American Studies minor. Walton will begin his new role, which includes being an assistant professor in the Department of History, Aug. 1.  

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BaShaun Smith officially becomes dean of students

After serving as Western Carolina University’s interim associate vice chancellor and dean of students since June 2019, BaShaun H.L. Smith had the interim tag removed May 1, allowing him to take on a position he said he has spent his entire career preparing for.  

Students team with MAHEC for HR pro bono consulting project

The Mountain Area Health Education Center recently hosted 12 students from Western Carolina University's Master of Science in Human Resources Program for a mutually beneficial collaboration.  

‘Gifted’ graduate grateful for opportunity to maximize her students’ learning

When Elizabeth Watson decided she wanted a master’s degree in education to better serve her gifted students, she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “My sister attended Western Carolina University and graduated with a degree in special education. To this day, she is the best special education teacher I've ever seen,” said Watson, who graduated in May with a master’s degree in special education with a focus on gifted education. “I chose to attend WCU for the simple fact that I thought, ‘Well, they must be doing something right at this university.’”  

Dawson Spencer looks forward to a challenging SGA presidency

Dawson Spencer was sworn in as Western Carolina University’s Student Government Association president on April 29. And in just over a month, he has already had a presidency like no other.  

WCU announces changes to fall semester calendar with classes to start Aug. 17

WCU has announced plans for fall 2020 that include holding the first day of classes as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 17, eliminating the traditional fall break, moving final exams online and sending students home for the remainder of the semester prior to Thanksgiving.  

Campus given 'Elite Leader' status by Andrew Goodman Foundation

Western Carolina University has been designated as an Elite Leader Campus for its student voter participation efforts, one of only five institutions in the country to be so recognized this year.  

WCU professors eagerly assist Jamaican teachers with online instruction

When Dale Carpenter, a professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Teaching and Learning, got a request from Jamaican teachers for a session on distance learning and sought volunteers, without hesitation, four professors jumped at the opportunity.