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WCU Stories

Tim Thompson

Senior Tim Thompson makes his mark at Los Angeles studio

Cullowhee is no Los Angeles, but there’s a little bit of Hollywood on the campus of Western Carolina University.   

Summer sympsoium students

More than music: Inside WCU’s Summer Symposium

Once more, the hills of Cullowhee are alive with the sound of music.   

Fans cheer on the Catamount football team from Paws Porch

Catamount Club shatters 2,000-member goal to unlock $1 million challenge gift

Prospective members of Western Carolina University’s Catamount Club had at least 1 million reasons for joining the university’s athletics booster organization for the 2025-2026 season.  

Landey Green

Running to help: WCU student-athlete Landey Green helps others through two internships

Landey Green does it all. She’s a driven psychology student at Western Carolina University and a tireless runner, competing for both the Catamount women’s track and field and cross country teams. The summer season is usually a time to wind down for student-athletes, but not Green.   

WCU students at picnic shelter

CATALYST program ignites passion for research and leadership in honors students

The second annual CATALYST: Summer Research and Leadership Program was held in summer 2025 at Western Carolina University, welcoming 18 enthusiastic incoming honors students. A collaboration between the Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College, the program underscores the vital connection between undergraduate research and leadership.   

WCU travelers at the Great Wall flying the WCU flag

Students get deep dive into Chinese culture, business during WCU summer travel course

Participants in a Western Carolina University faculty-led summer travel course to China say it was more than just a study-abroad program—it was a transformative journey that left students with unforgettable memories, deep cultural insights and a renewed sense of global citizenship.   

Football stadium at WCU

Understanding the House v. NCAA Settlement and what it means for WCU

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. Western Carolina University has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience. This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.  

Cassie Dickson demonstrating spinning and dying to students at WCU

Mountain Heritage Center to host Mini-Mountain Heritage Day July 17

The Mountain Heritage Center, a museum of Appalachian culture at Western Carolina University, will hold a crafts demonstration and music performance from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.   

WCU friends in Lesbon

Catamount Adventures series takes alumni, friends to Portugal, Spain

A collection of Catamounts recently toured Europe’s Iberian Peninsula from Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the municipalities of Merida and Olivenza in western Spain as part of Western Carolina University’s second international Catamount Adventures excursion.  

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