View source for Western Carolina University

{{Short description|Public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina, US}}
{{Redirect|Western Carolina|the region in North Carolina|Western North Carolina}}
{{primary sources|date=August 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Western Carolina University
| image = Western Carolina University seal.png
| image_size = 150 
| established = {{start date and age|August 5, 1889}}
| type = [[Public university]]
| parent = [[University of North Carolina]]
| founder = Robert Lee Madison
| accreditation = [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACS]]
| endowment = $130 million (2022)<ref>As of June 30, 2022. {{cite report |url=https://datausa.io/profile/university/western-carolina-university#:~:text=Western%20Carolina%20University%20has%20an%20endowment%20valued%20at%20about%20%24130,4.65%25%20from%20the%20previous%20year.--REVISED-February-18-2022.ashx |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY20 to FY21 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712165840/https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2021-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--REVISED-February-18-2022.ashx |url-status=live }}</ref>
| chancellor = Kelli R. Brown
| provost = Richard D. Starnes
| faculty = 548 full-time and 228 part-time (spring 2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Western+Carolina+University&s=all&id=200004 | title=College Navigator - Western Carolina University }}</ref>
| administrative_staff = 967<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web| title =2007 Fact Book and University Data| publisher =WCU| year =2008| url =http://planning.wcu.edu/2007_Factbook/Employees_Binder.pdf| access-date =2008-06-27| archive-date =2020-11-15| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192340/https://www.wcu.edu/learn/office-of-the-provost/oipe/index.aspx| url-status =live}}</ref>
| city = [[Cullowhee, North Carolina|Cullowhee]]
| state = North Carolina
| country = United States
| coor = {{Coord|35|18|35|N|83|11|00|W|region:US-NC_type:edu|display=inline,title}}
| students = 11,877 (spring 2023)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Western+Carolina+University&s=all&id=200004 | title=College Navigator - Western Carolina University }}</ref>
| undergrad = 10,145<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Western+Carolina+University&s=all&id=200004 | title=College Navigator - Western Carolina University }}</ref>
| postgrad = 1,732<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Western+Carolina+University&s=all&id=200004 | title=College Navigator - Western Carolina University }}</ref>
| campus = Distant town
| campus_size = {{convert|589|acre|km2}}
| sporting_affiliations = [[NCAA Division I]] [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] – [[Southern Conference|SoCon]]
| sports_nickname = [[Western Carolina Catamounts|Catamounts]]
| colors = Purple and gold<br />{{college color boxes|Western Carolina Catamounts}}<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Athletics Logos & Usage |date=October 2014 |url=http://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/Athleticsbrandstyleguidev4.pdf |title=Western Carolina University Athletic Guidelines |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103082905/http://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/Athleticsbrandstyleguidev4.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2015 }}</ref>
| website = {{url|https://www.wcu.edu/|wcu.edu}}
| logo = Western Carolina University Logo.svg
| logo_size = 150
| former_names = Cullowhee Academy<br />(1889–1905)<br />Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School<br />(1905–1925)<br />Cullowhee State Normal School<br />(1925–1929)<br />Western Carolina Teachers College<br />(1929–1953)<br />Western Carolina College<br />(1953–1967)
| free_label2 = Newspaper
| free2 = ''The Western Carolinian''
}}
'''Western Carolina University''' ('''WCU''') is a [[public university]] in [[Cullowhee, North Carolina]], United States. It is part of the [[University of North Carolina]] system.<ref>{{cite web| title =University of North Carolina| date =August 23, 2012| url =http://www.northcarolina.edu/campus_profiles/INST_WCU.php| access-date =2012-08-23| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121013145428/http://www.northcarolina.edu/campus_profiles/INST_WCU.php| archive-date =2012-10-13}}</ref>

The fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system, WCU was founded to educate the people of the western North Carolina mountains.<ref>{{cite web| title =Western Carolina University| publisher =University of North Carolina| year =2008| url =http://online.northcarolina.edu/site.php?id=2981| access-date =2008-06-24| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080620040831/http://online.northcarolina.edu/site.php?id=2981| archive-date =2008-06-20}}</ref> Enrollment for the fall 2020 semester was 12,243 students.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 31, 2020|title=WCU reports record enrollment, retention|url=https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/News/2020/08/wcu-ekes-out-new-enrollment-record.aspx|access-date=2020-09-24|website=www.wcu.edu |language=en|archive-date=2020-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192341/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/News/2020/08/wcu-ekes-out-new-enrollment-record.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Joyner Building.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[Joyner Building|The Joyner Building]] served as a combination classroom, auditorium, and administration facility from its completion in 1913 until the 1930s, when other buildings relieved pressure on Joyner.  It was destroyed by fire in 1981, at which time it was the oldest building on campus.]]
[[File:McKee School 1940.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|McKee Training School & Hoey Auditorium, two of many buildings on Campus built with help from the Works Progress Administration during the late 1930s and early 1940s.  McKee Hall, as it has since been rechristened, was named for [[Gertrude Dills McKee]], who was a great supporter of the university throughout her public life.]]

In 1888, the residents of Cullowhee desired a better school for the community than was offered in public schools of that day,<ref>{{Cite book| title =Western North Carolina: A History (1730–1913) | publisher =Overmountain Press| year =1966| url =https://archive.org/details/westernnorthcar00arthgoog| page =[https://archive.org/details/westernnorthcar00arthgoog/page/n459 438] }}</ref> organized a board of trustees
and established a community school that came to be known as '''Cullowhee Academy'''.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite book| title =Western Carolina North Carolina: A History (1730–1913)| publisher =John Preston Arthur| year =1914| url =https://archive.org/details/westernnorthcar00arthgoog| page =[https://archive.org/details/westernnorthcar00arthgoog/page/n459 438]}}</ref> Founded in August 1889 as a semi-public secondary school and chartered as [[Smoky Mountain High School#Cullowhee High School|Cullowhee High School]] in 1891 (also called Cullowhee Academy), it served the Cullowhee community and boarding students from neighboring counties and other states.<ref>{{cite web| title =Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School| publisher =Hunter Library, Western Carolina University| year =2012| url =http://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/EducationWNC/cnis/| access-date =2012-08-23| archive-date =2018-09-25| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180925065248/https://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/EducationWNC/cnis/}}</ref> The founder, Robert Lee Madison, wanted to provide an education for the young people in the region and train teachers to spread education throughout the western part of the state.<ref>{{cite web| title =Robert Lee Madison| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/1780.asp| access-date =2008-04-23| archive-date =2012-12-14| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121214010937/http://www.wcu.edu/1780.asp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= History of Western Carolina University | url= http://www.wcuenglish.net/wcu_history/index.php?page=madison | date= August 23, 2012 | access-date= August 23, 2012 | archive-date= March 4, 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043305/http://www.wcuenglish.net/wcu_history/index.php?page=madison | url-status= live }}</ref> In 1893, through the efforts of Walter E. Moore,
representative from Jackson County, the North Carolina Legislature authorized an appropriation for the establishment of a normal department at the school "for the purpose of training teachers".<ref name="autogenerated1" /> This designation became the first publicly funded [[normal school]] in North Carolina.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite web| title =Heritage & History| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/227.asp| access-date =2008-04-11| archive-date =2013-01-28| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130128003125/http://wcu.edu/227.asp}}</ref>

In 1905, the state assumed title to the school's buildings and property and made it a state institution. That same year, the school's name was changed to '''Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School'''. In 1925, the school's name was changed to '''Cullowhee State Normal School'''. During its years as Cullowhee Normal, the stated purpose of the school was to train teachers for the North Carolina public schools. A coeducational institution, Cullowhee Normal trained over two thousand teachers by the mid-1920s.<ref>{{cite web| title =Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School| publisher =Hunter Library| year =2008| url =http://library.wcu.edu/digitalcoll/education/cnis/Index.htm| access-date =2008-04-12| archive-date =2008-07-24| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080724092519/http://library.wcu.edu/DigitalColl/education/cnis/Index.htm| url-status =live}}</ref>

Over the next forty years, the school expanded its curriculum and evolved into a junior college, and in 1929 it was chartered by the Legislature as a four-year institution under the name '''Western Carolina Teachers College.''' Called "the Cullowhee experiment", Madison's idea became a model for the other regional colleges in the state.<ref name="autogenerated4"/>

The demand for both liberal arts and other programs led to an expansion of the school's offerings.<ref name="autogenerated4" /> Postgraduate studies and the Master of Arts in Education degree were added to the curriculum in 1951. In 1953, the name '''Western Carolina College''' was adopted.

In 1967, the institution was designated a regional university by the [[North Carolina General Assembly]] and given its current name, Western Carolina University.<ref>{{cite web| title =Strategic Planning/Mission Statement 2004| publisher =Western Carolina University| date =January 2004| url =http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/Strategic%20Planning-Mission%20Statement%202004.htm| access-date =2008-04-23| archive-date =2016-07-21| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160721214417/http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/Strategic%20Planning-Mission%20Statement%202004.htm}}</ref> On July 1, 1972, WCU became a member of the [[University of North Carolina]] system.<ref>{{cite web| title =Western Carolina University| publisher =University of North Carolina| date =September 13, 2007| url =http://intranet.northcarolina.edu/docs/assessment/Profiles/2007-08/WCU_Inst._Profile_07-08_38.pdf| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081121003813/http://intranet.northcarolina.edu/docs/assessment/Profiles/2007-08/WCU_Inst._Profile_07-08_38.pdf| archive-date =November 21, 2008}}</ref>

One of the residence halls, Shining Rock, has been the target of several [[arson]] attacks in 2023 and 2024. The [[North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation]] entered into a joint investigation with the campus police to find the perpetrator, but the investigation stalled and the perpetrator has not been caught.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butler |first1=Stewart |title=Investigation continues in Shining Rock arson case |url=http://www.westerncarolinian.com/2023/12/17/investigation-continues-in-shining-rock-arson-case/ |website=Western Carolinian |date=17 December 2023 |access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

==Campuses==
[[File:Map of North Carolina highlighting Jackson County.svg|left|thumb|Map of North Carolina highlighting Jackson County]]

Western Carolina University is located in [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson County]], in the [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] village of [[Cullowhee, North Carolina]]. The university operates learning centers in both [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]] and [[Cherokee, North Carolina|Cherokee]] with programs offered online and at various [[community colleges]].<ref>{{cite web| title =Programs in Biltmore Park| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2012| url =http://www.wcu.edu/6249.asp| access-date =2008-04-16| archive-date =2018-09-24| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180924132044/https://www.wcu.edu/6249.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title =Cherokee Center| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080507201248/http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp| archive-date =May 7, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title =Community College and Community Center| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/2814.asp| access-date =2008-04-28| archive-date =2012-04-27| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120427130844/http://www.wcu.edu/2814.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =WCU, N.C. community colleges unveil comprehensive transfer | publisher =Western Carolina University | date =May 9, 2007 | url =http://www.wcu.edu/3242.asp | access-date =August 23, 2012 | archive-date =May 27, 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100527145018/http://www.wcu.edu/3242.asp | url-status =dead }}</ref> The main campus is located in a valley of the [[Tuckasegee River]], between the [[Blue Ridge Mountains|Blue Ridge]] and [[Great Smoky Mountains]], {{convert|52|mi|km}} west of [[Asheville, North Carolina]] and {{convert|5|mi}} south of [[Sylva, North Carolina]]. The university lies close to the [[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]], the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]], the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reservation (officially known as the [[Qualla Boundary]]), and [[United States National Forest|national forest]] lands. The campus is at an elevation of {{convert|2100|ft|m}}, but is located in a thermal valley, shielding it from some of the most extreme temperatures by the surrounding mountains. Cullowhee usually has a mild winter season and can go some winters with little to no snowfall.<ref>{{cite web| title =1971–2000 Climate Normals CULLOWHEE, NORTH CAROLINA (312200)| publisher =State Climate Office of North Carolina| year =2012| url =http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/cronos/normals.php?station=312200| access-date =2012-08-23| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130504064056/http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/cronos/normals.php?station=312200| archive-date =2013-05-04}}</ref>

===Main campus in Cullowhee===

The main campus in Cullowhee offers twelve residence halls,<ref name=ResHalls>{{cite web | title =Residence Halls | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =https://www.wcu.edu/experience/life-on-campus/residential-living/residence-halls/index.aspx | year =2012 | access-date =2020-12-30 | archive-date =2020-08-08 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20200808034844/https://www.wcu.edu/experience/life-on-campus/residential-living/residence-halls/index.aspx | url-status =live }}</ref> two full-service cafeterias, a food court with fast-food outlets, health services, counseling, a bookstore, [[Hunter Library|library]], a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, movie theater, jogging trail and quarter-mile track, hiking and biking trails and intramural fields.

The campus center is the A.K. Hinds University Center.<ref>{{cite web | title =A.K. Hinds University Center | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/171.asp | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-date =2013-01-28 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000755/http://wcu.edu/171.asp | url-status =dead }}</ref>  The UC contains the university post office, a movie theater, video and commuter lounges, student organization HQs including the Student Government Association and Last Minute Productions, meeting rooms and office spaces.  Outside of the UC is the "Alumni Tower", built in 1989, on the 100th birthday of the university.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcu.edu/448.asp |title=Western Carolina University – Alumni Tower |publisher=Wcu.edu |date=October 28, 1989 |access-date=2012-04-28 |archive-date=2011-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928063121/http://www.wcu.edu/448.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A $13.5 million {{convert|73000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Student Recreation Center, was completed over the summer of 2008.<ref>{{cite web| title =Campus Recreation Center| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2012| url =http://www.wcu.edu/7719.asp| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080603000907/http://www.wcu.edu/7719.asp| archive-date =June 3, 2008}}</ref> Harrill Residence Hall was renovated to add 6,000 square feet (557 m2) and bring the 1971 building to [[LEED standards]] of environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, and re-opened in fall 2012.

The new $46.2 million Health and Human Sciences Building opened for use at the start of the 2012–13 academic year, also built to LEED standards. This facility is the first project on the Millennial Initiative property and houses WCU's educational and outreach programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The four-story facility is home to the undergraduate and graduate programs in social work and communication sciences and disorders; graduate programs in physical therapy and health sciences; and undergraduate programs in athletic training, emergency medical care, environmental health, nutrition and dietetics, nursing and recreational therapy.<ref>{{cite web | title =Residence hall, new health building open for fall | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://news-prod.wcu.edu/2012/08/new-building-renovated-residence-hall-open/ | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192406/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/index.aspx?tags=News | url-status =live }}</ref>

===Asheville campus===
WCU's educational facilities in Asheville focus on professional and graduate degrees for working students.

===Cherokee campus===
The Western Carolina University Cherokee Center in [[Cherokee, North Carolina]], was established in 1975 in cooperation with the tribal government of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.<ref>{{cite web| title =Western Carolina University Center in Cherokee| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2012| url =http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080507201248/http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp| archive-date =May 7, 2008}}</ref> The center serves Cherokee and the surrounding communities and is available to all of the people of the region. Their services include the application process, transcript request, scholarships, internships placement, high school recruitment.

==Organization and administration==
[[File:Robert lee madison.jpg|right|thumb|Robert Lee Madison, founder and first president]]
The university is led by Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, the chief administrative officer, along with Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Richard Starnes and several advisory groups.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcu.edu/335.asp |title=Western Carolina University – Office of the Chancellor |publisher=Wcu.edu |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=2011-01-09 |archive-date=2013-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201070035/http://www.wcu.edu/335.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcu.edu/334.asp |title=Western Carolina University – Office of the Provost |publisher=Wcu.edu |access-date=2011-01-09 |archive-date=2013-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000319/http://wcu.edu/334.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The institution operates under the guidance and policies of the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University.<ref>{{cite web | title =Board of Trustees | url =http://www.wcu.edu/23798.asp | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-27 | archive-date =2013-01-27 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130127233326/http://www.wcu.edu/23798.asp | url-status =dead }}</ref> WCU also falls under the administration of University of North Carolina system president [[Thomas Warren Ross|Thomas W. Ross]].  The university moved to a provost and senior vice chancellor model in 2004.

{|

|-

| valign="top" |

'''Presidents'''
 
*1889–1912 Robert Lee Madison
*1912–1920 Alonzo Carlton Reynolds
*1920–1923 Robert Lee Madison
*1923–1947 Hiram Tyram Hunter
*1947–1949 William Ernest Bird
*1949–1956 Paul Apperson Reid
*1956–1957 William Ernest Bird
*1957–1968 Paul Apperson Reid
*1968–1972 Alexander Simpson Pow
*1972 Frank Hamilton Brown, Jr. (Acting)

| valign="top" |

'''Chancellors'''
 
*1972–1973 Jack Kenneth Carlton
*1973–1973 William Hugh McEniry (Acting)
*1974–1974 Frank Hamilton Brown, Jr. (Acting)
*1974–1984 H.F. Robinson
*1984–1994 [[Myron L. Coulter]]
*1994–1995 John H. Wakeley (Interim)
*1995–2011 [[John W. Bardo]]
*2011–2017 David Orr Belcher
*2018–2019 Alison Morrison-Shetlar (Acting)
*2019–Present Kelli R. Brown

| valign="top" |

'''Provosts'''
 
*2004–2010 Kyle R. Carter
*2010–2011 Linda Stanford (Interim)
*2011–2012 Beth Tyson-Lofquist (Interim)
*2012–2013 Angela Laird Brenton;
*2013–2014 Beth Tyson-Lofquist (Interim)
*2014–2017 Alison Morrison-Shetlar
*2018–2019 Carol Burton (Acting)
*2019 Alison Morrison-Shetlar
*2019–Present Richard Starnes
|}

===University media===
The university produces the following publications and broadcasts:
* ''Western Carolina Magazine:''<ref>{{cite web | title =Western Carolina Magazine | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://magazine.wcu.edu | year =2012 | access-date =2020-11-15 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192414/https://www.wcu.edu/engage/alumni/alumni-blog/index.aspx?tags=WCU%20Magazine | url-status =live }}</ref> A seasonal publication primarily for alumni and friends of WCU, Western Carolina Magazine contains features on university people and programs, alumni updates, and news and events.
* ''Inside WCU'':<ref>{{cite web | title =The Reporter | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://thereporter.wcu.edu | year =2012 | access-date =2010-03-29 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192414/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/index.aspx?tags=News | url-status =live }}</ref> A weekly electronic newsletter for the faculty and staff of WCU, The Reporter features news, events and campus community updates.
* ''MountainRise:''<ref>{{cite web | title =MountainRise | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/facctr/mountainrise/ | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-date =2018-05-03 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042328/https://www.wcu.edu/facctr/mountainrise/ | url-status =dead }}</ref> An open, peer-reviewed, international electronic journal published twice a year by the Coulter Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Western Carolina University for the purpose of being an international vehicle for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL).

WCU students, faculty and staff also contribute to:
*''WCU on iTunes U''<ref>{{cite web | title =WCU on iTunes U | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://itunes.wcu.edu/ | year =2009 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120924094603/http://itunes.wcu.edu/ | archive-date =2012-09-24 }}</ref> Faculty and students are podcasting using WCU on iTunes U service from [[Apple Inc]]. This media repository was publicly listed on the [[iTunes U]] Colleges and Universities listings in August 2009.

==Rankings==
{{Infobox US university ranking
| Forbes = 
| Wamo_NU = 131
| THE_WSJ = 
| USNWR_NU = 231 (tie)
| USNWR_W = 
}}

==Academics and research==

===Academic structure===
Western Carolina University's academic programs are housed in six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Allied Professions, David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, Health and Human Sciences, and Engineering and Technology.

In addition, Western Carolina University's Brinson Honors College coordinates courses and events in every area of student and offers several interdisciplinary program, the Graduate School coordinates the admission process, funding support, and awarding of degrees to graduate students, and Hunter Library provides academic support for all academic units.<ref>{{cite web | title =Western Carolina University – Colleges | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/ | access-date =2021-01-01 | archive-date =2021-01-22 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210122000829/https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/ | url-status =live }}</ref>

===Academic programs===
With its main campus located on the site of an ancient Cherokee Indian village<ref>{{cite web| title =Students Sift Through Centuries at Mound Site on Western Carolina's Campus| publisher =Western Carolina University| date =July 2, 2003| url =http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/mounddig.htm| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20030716054613/http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/mounddig.htm| archive-date =July 16, 2003}}</ref> and adjacent to the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina has a commitment to the rich traditions of both the [[Appalachia]]n and [[Cherokee]] cultures. The university's Mountain Heritage Center;<ref name="Mountain Heritage Center">{{cite web | title =Mountain Heritage Center | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/index.aspx | year =2012 | access-date =2021-01-03 | archive-date =2021-01-01 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210101013404/https://www.wcu.edu/engage/mountain-heritage-center/index.aspx | url-status =live }}</ref> Cherokee Center;<ref>{{cite web | title =Cherokee Center | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080507201248/http://www.wcu.edu/6306.asp | archive-date =May 7, 2008 | year =2012 }}</ref> Craft Revival Project;<ref>{{cite web | title =Craft Revival Project | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/CraftRevival/index.htm | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-23 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192427/https://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/CraftRevival/index.htm | url-status =live }}</ref> Cherokee Studies Program<ref>{{cite web | title =Cherokee Studies Program | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/6302.asp | year =2012 | access-date =2008-02-27 | archive-date =2013-05-31 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130531012717/http://www.wcu.edu/6302.asp | url-status =dead }}</ref> and WCU's partnership to preserve the Cherokee language<ref>{{cite web| title =Preserving the Cherokee Language| publisher =Western Carolina University| url =http://www.wcu.edu/298.asp| year =2012| access-date =2008-02-27| archive-date =2018-08-13| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180813143156/https://www.wcu.edu/298.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref> all reflect that influence – and provide educational resources for the region.<ref>{{cite web| title =University Awards and Accolades| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2009| url =http://www.wcu.edu/6620.asp| access-date =2009-02-24| archive-date =2011-06-28| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110628204003/http://www.wcu.edu/6620.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref>

Western is [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|classified]] among "M1: Master's Colleges and Universities – Larger programs"<ref>{{cite web |title=Western Carolina University |publisher=[[Indiana University]] |date=2020 |url=https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=200004 |access-date=2020-04-07 |archive-date=2020-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192416/https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=200004 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in the elective "community engagement" category.<ref>{{cite web| title =Carnegie Foundation recognizes WCU for community engagement| publisher =Western Carolina University| date =December 19, 2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/12218.asp| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081223123556/http://www.wcu.edu/12218.asp| archive-date =December 23, 2008}}</ref> WCU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the [[Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]] to award degrees at the bachelor, masters, intermediate, and doctoral levels. The university holds 21 program accreditations and is a member of more than 30 state and national associations and organizations to which its professional programs are related. In 2009, the Corporation for National and Community Service recognized WCU by awarding the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for "exemplary commitment to service and civic engagement" on WCU's campus and beyond.<ref>{{cite web| title =WCU recognized with distinction on national honor roll for service| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2009| url =http://www.wcu.edu/12941.asp| access-date =2009-02-27| archive-date =2012-03-08| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120308131453/http://www.wcu.edu/12941.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref>

As the sixth-largest producer of teachers in North Carolina, the College of Education and Allied Professions was the national winner of the Association of Teacher Educators' Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award<ref>{{cite web| title =WCU Teacher Education Program is Recipient of National Award| publisher =Western Carolina University| date =February 24, 2006| url =http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/2006/CEAPnationalaward.htm| access-date =April 11, 2008| archive-date =August 22, 2016| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160822123924/http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/2006/CEAPnationalaward.htm| url-status =dead}}</ref> in 2006.  The college is also the 2007 co-winner of the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award<ref>{{cite web| title =Teacher education program wins national Christa McAuliffe Award| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/5183.asp| access-date =2008-02-01| archive-date =2013-01-28| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000330/http://wcu.edu/5183.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref> presented by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The Christa McAuliffe Award nationally recognizes outstanding programs in teacher education at AASCU member institutions.

Western Carolina's Forensic Research Facility (commonly referred to as the "FoREST") is just the second facility of its kind nationally.<ref>{{cite web| title =Forensic Research Facility| publisher =Western Carolina University| year =2008| url =http://www.wcu.edu/293.asp| access-date =2008-10-08| archive-date =2016-03-05| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012241/http://www.wcu.edu/293.asp| url-status =dead}}</ref> The decomposition research station is an extremely valuable resource for researchers and forensic anthropology students to study natural decomposition.

Western Carolina University's Brinson Honors College provides an academic community in which high-achieving students challenge themselves to meet and exceed their own academic goals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Carolina University |url=https://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-enrichment/the-honors-college/index.aspx |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Brinson Honors College |language=en}}</ref> WCU's Honors College was the first residential honors college in the [[University of North Carolina System]], beginning in 1997 with only 77 students in Reynolds Hall. It now has more than 1,300 students and residential space in Balsam and Blue Ridge residence halls.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-09-08 |title=Honors College has new name, thanks to donors Jack and Judy Brinson |url=https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/News/2020/09/honors-college-has-new-name-thanks-to-donors-jack-and-judy-brinson.aspx |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Western Carolina University |language=en}}</ref> The Honors College was later renamed to the Brinson Honors College in September 2020 to honor Jack and Judy Brinson.<ref name=":0" /> The Brinson Honors College is one of a few in the state to offer a residential option and among a few nationwide to award graduates with a special honors diploma. Entering freshman, must meet one of the following criteria to be considered for consideration into the Brinson Honors College: weighted GPA of 4.2 minimum, unweighted GPA of 3.8 minimum, class rank of 10%, ACT score of 30 minimum, or SAT score of 1370.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Western Carolina University |url=https://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-enrichment/the-honors-college/honors-admission/criteria.aspx |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Admission Criteria |language=en}}</ref> To graduate from the Brinson Honors College, students must have a cumulative WCU GPA of at least 3.5 and they must have completed 27 credit hours with honors designation or 24 credit hours with honors designation and completion of DegreePlus Level 3.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Western Carolina University |url=https://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-enrichment/the-honors-college/honors-academics/honors-requirements.aspx |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=Honors Requirements |language=en}}</ref> Students who graduate from the Brinson Honors College receive the specially designed Brinson Honors College diploma, the Honors medallion, and walk at the head of their class.<ref name=":1" /> The college is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council.<ref>{{cite web | title =Member Institutions – National Collegiate Honors Council | work =National Collegiate Honors Council | url =http://nchchonors.org/members-area/member-institutions-4/ | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-23 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120902224619/http://nchchonors.org/members-area/member-institutions-4/ | archive-date =2012-09-02 }}</ref>  In August 2009, Balsam Hall, the first part of a $50.2 million Honors College residential community located at the center of campus opened, housing 426 students. In Fall 2010, Blue Ridge Hall completed the community and add an additional 400 beds for Honors College students and Teaching Fellows.<ref>{{cite web| title =Balsam Hall opens to first 298 residents| publisher =the Reporter| year =2009| url =http://thereporter.wcu.edu/2009/08/new-residence-hall-opens-to-first-298-students/| access-date =2010-03-29| archive-date =2020-11-15| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192359/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/index.aspx?tags=News| url-status =live}}</ref>

In the spring of 2000, WCU was officially designated a [[National Merit]] sponsoring university, just the fourth institution of higher education in North Carolina, public or private, to receive that distinction<ref>{{cite web| title =WCU Becomes fourth National Merit Sponsor Among N.C. Universities| publisher =Western Carolina University| date =April 12, 2000| url =http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/merit.html| access-date =June 10, 2007| archive-date =October 30, 2016| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161030113321/http://www.wcu.edu/pubinfo/news/merit.html| url-status =dead}}</ref>  The university grants scholarships to students who qualify as National Merit Finalists. The Western Meritorious Award for Finalists provides a four-year scholarship, which covers the equivalent amount of in-state tuition, fees, room, and board, to National Merit Finalists, who also receive a computer.

The 2012 edition of the ''U.S. News & World Report'' guide to "America's Best Colleges" ranks Western Carolina University 14th<ref>{{cite web| title =U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2012| publisher =U.S. News & World Report| date =August 2012| url =http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-south/top-public| access-date =2012-08-23| archive-date =2011-08-18| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110818195717/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-south/top-public| url-status =live}}</ref>  among public universities in the South that offer master's degrees.

In 2015, the [[North Carolina General Assembly]] approved the NC Promise Tuition Plan, a tuition reduction plan to make three universities  - WCU, [[Elizabeth City State University]], and [[University of North Carolina at Pembroke]] - more affordable and accessible. The NC Promise began in the fall semester of 2018 and drastically reduces the tuition cost for students. In-state students pay $500 a semester and out-of-state students pay $2,500 a semester.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.northcarolina.edu/Prospective-Students/NC-Promise|title=NC Promise {{!}} UNC System Office|website=www.northcarolina.edu|access-date=2019-07-03|archive-date=2019-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815012754/https://www.northcarolina.edu/prospective-students/nc-promise|url-status=live}}</ref> Attendance has increased for three consecutive years with the total attendance as of Fall 2020 at 12,243 students, being the ninth time in the past ten years record enrollment has been recorded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/News/2020/08/wcu-ekes-out-new-enrollment-record.aspx|title=Western Carolina University|website=WCU Reports Record Enrollment|language=en|access-date=2019-07-03|archive-date=2019-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726221143/https://www.wcu.edu/discover/about/fast-facts.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Centers, institutes, and affiliates===
Community focus, economic development, scholarly research, business development, preservation of the Cherokee & Appalachian Mountain cultures, and the advancement of technology & public policy are the guiding foci of Western Carolina's Centers, Institutes & Affiliates.<ref>{{cite web | title =Centers, Institutes and Affiliates | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/223.asp | year =2012}}</ref>

==Student life==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023<ref>{{cite web |title= College Scorecard: Western Carolina University|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?200004-Western-Carolina-University|website=College Scorecard |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=September 1, 2025}}</ref>
|-
! Race and ethnicity
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|76|%|2||background:cyan}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|9|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| [[African Americans|Black]]
|align=right| {{bartable|7|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races]]
|align=right| {{bartable|4|%|2||background:violet}}
|-
| [[International student]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:#008080}}
|-
| [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]/[[Alaska Native]]
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:yellow}}
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
| Unknown
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:grey}} 
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Economic diversity]]
|-
| Income-based Pell Grant recipients
|align=right| {{bartable|34|%|2||background:red}}
|}

===Residential life===
The main campus at Cullowhee has residential facilities for students. These include seventeen residence halls,<ref name=ResHalls /> two full-service cafeterias, and one food court with fast-food outlets. The halls house more than 4,500 WCU students each academic year.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wcu.edu/discover/about/fast-facts.aspx | title = Fast Facts | work = About Western Carolina University | publisher = Western Carolina University | access-date = May 2, 2018 | archive-date = July 26, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190726221143/https://www.wcu.edu/discover/about/fast-facts.aspx | url-status = live }}</ref> The campus residence buildings include one with a priority given to graduate students, named Madison Hall. Balsam Hall and Blue Ridge Hall are residence halls for Brinson Honors College students. These halls are centrally located to campus and are connected via an arch between them. The Village, home to residential Greek and student organizations. Three new residence facilities were recently completed from a $50.2 million residence hall project. The newest residence halls are referred to as "The Rocks". They consist of three buildings, Black Rock, Shining Rock, and Water Rock. They were all fully opened in Spring of 2023 and are located in place of former Scott and Walker Halls.

===Athletics===
{{Main|Western Carolina Catamounts}}
[[File:Ramsey Regional Activity Center in Cullowhee, NC.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center]]

As a member of the [[Southern Conference]], Western Carolina University participates in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]] athletics.  Intercollegiate athletics include football, men and women's basketball, baseball, softball, women's soccer, men and women's golf, men and women's track and field (Indoor and Outdoor), cross country running, women's volleyball and tennis. Catamount football is a member of [[Division I FCS]] and plays at Whitmire Stadium. The [[Ramsey Center]] is home to men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball. Baseball is played at Hennon Stadium, softball is played at the Catamount Softball Complex, and the Catamount Athletic Complex is home to women's soccer, tennis, and track and field.

On November 29, 1980, Western Carolina's Ronnie Carr made the first intercollegiate three-point field goal, in a game against [[Middle Tennessee State University]], a game WCU won 77–70.<ref>{{cite web| title =Three-point era got its start with Ronnie Carr| publisher =Rivals.com| date =May 21, 2007| url =http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=675171| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120309172943/http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=675171| archive-date =March 9, 2012}}</ref> The ball he used is on display at the [[Basketball Hall of Fame]] in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Western Carolina and [[Appalachian State Mountaineers football|Appalachian State]] have a football rivalry in which they once competed in the [[Battle for the Old Mountain Jug]] on an annual basis.<ref>{{cite web| title =Western Carolina Announces 2008 Schedule| publisher =College Sporting News| year =2008| url =http://www.collegesportingnews.com/article.asp?articleid=89747| access-date =2008-06-24| archive-date =2020-11-15| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192414/http://www.collegesportingnews.com/?articleid=89747| url-status =live}}</ref> Western Carolina and [[East Tennessee State University|East Tennessee State]] have a football rivalry in which they compete in the Blue Ridge Border Battle. The Catamounts football team was runner-up in the [[Division I-AA]] National Football Championship Game in 1983.<ref>{{cite web | title =1983–84 FCS Championship | url =http://www.fanbase.com/128297-1983-12-17 | archive-url =https://archive.today/20130122204602/http://www.fanbase.com/128297-1983-12-17 | archive-date =2013-01-22 | year =2011 }}</ref>

Current NCAA sports at WCU include:
* Men - Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Track and Field
* Women - Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

In 2016 the WCU dance team won third place at the [[National Dance Alliance|NDA Nationals dance competition]], performing in [[Daytona Beach, Florida]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyAFizag9ls WCU Dance Team - NDA 2016 - Daytona Beach] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192410/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyAFizag9ls |date=2020-11-15 }} WCU Dance Team - NDA 2016 - Daytona Beach.</ref>

===Music===

====Concerts and recitals====
The Schools of Music and Fine and Performing Arts offer a variety of events featuring students, faculty, and outside performers. These cultural opportunities are typically relatively cheap, and students can often attend them free of charge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wcu.edu/academics/departments-schools-colleges/FPA/schools-departments-and-centers/music/prospective-music-students/music-ensembles/ |title=Western Carolina University - Music Ensembles |website=wcu.edu |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227170530/http://www.wcu.edu/academics/departments-schools-colleges/FPA/schools-departments-and-centers/music/prospective-music-students/music-ensembles/ |archive-date=27 February 2015 }}</ref>

====Pride of the Mountains====
{{Main|Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band}}

The Pride of the Mountains is the largest college marching band in the Carolinas and Tennessee. As of Fall 2014, the marching band includes just over 500 members, making it one of the largest marching bands in the United States.  The band is open to all Western Carolina students regardless of class or major, with approximately 60% of its members non-music majors.

In 2014, the band performed in the [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]] with 510 band members participating.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuszup1CQfc https://www.youtube.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192439/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuszup1CQfc |date=2020-11-15 }} Western Carolina University at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014).</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_slJVRp41g https://www.youtube.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192457/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_slJVRp41g |date=2020-11-15 }} Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Pride of the Mountains to participate in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | publisher = Western Carolina University | url = http://news-prod.wcu.edu/2013/04/pride-of-the-mountains-to-participate-in-2014-macys-thanksgiving-parade/ | year = 2013 | access-date = 2013-09-04 | archive-date = 2020-11-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192418/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/index.aspx?tags=News | url-status = live }}</ref> The Pride of the Mountains also performed at a [[Carolina Panthers]] halftime show in 2011.<ref>{{cite web | title=SLIDESHOW: Band marches at NFL game | publisher=Western Carolina University The Reporter | url=http://thereporter.wcu.edu/2011/09/slideshow-band-marches-at-nfl-game/ | year=2011 | access-date=2013-09-04 | archive-date=2020-11-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192500/https://www.wcu.edu/stories/posts/index.aspx?tags=News | url-status=live }}</ref> The band was also the special guest at the [[Bands of America]] Grand National Championships in Indianapolis in 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2012, an honor given to only one college band in the United States each year. In addition, the band was also a special guest at the [[Bands of America]] Regional's held in Atlanta in 1995, 2006, 2010, and 2011.  In 2009, the Pride of the Mountains was selected as one of the five best collegiate marching bands in the nation by the College Band Directors National Association and featured in the book "Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best" by Paul Buyer.

The band is the 2009 recipient of the [[Sudler Trophy]] awarded by the [[John Philip Sousa Foundation]].<ref name="CTHeisman">{{cite web| title =WCU band wins 'Heisman' of marching bands| publisher =The Asheville Citizen-Time| year =2009| url =http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090528/MOUNTAINNEWS/905280318}}</ref> They participated in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and won the most votes in a "best band" in the parade poll hosted by KTLA-TV.<ref>{{cite web | title =The Pride wins favorite band poll, returns home | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://roseparade.wcu.edu/the-pride-wins-favorite-band-poll-returns-home/ | year =2011 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192412/http://roseparade.wcu.edu/the-pride-wins-favorite-band-poll-returns-home/ | url-status =live }}</ref>

===Greek life===
WCU is home to a wide range of Greek [[fraternities]] and [[sororities]], as well as several councils and societies.<ref>{{cite web | title =Greek Life at WCU | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/12520.asp | year =2012}}</ref> The Greek community offers many social opportunities to enrich college life. Greeks get personal guidance in planning their curriculum and choosing classes and instructors, and assistance with registration and financial aid. Chapter study sessions, educational programs, tutoring, and study partners and teams offer support for developing and maintaining [[study skills]]. Greeks are recognized for their academic successes through Greek scholarship and awards programs and honor societies such as the Order of Omega. According to 2011–12 figures from ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'', 3.4% of WCU's male undergraduate students are in fraternities, while 3.6% of female undergraduate students are in sororities.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web| title =America's Best Colleges 2008: Western Carolina University: At a glance| publisher =usnews.com| year =2012| url =http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/western-carolina-university-2981| access-date =2012-08-24| archive-date =2012-10-23| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121023172309/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/western-carolina-university-2981| url-status =live}}</ref>

===WCU student media===
Housed in the Student Media Center (Old Student Union) on the hill area of campus are WCU's Student Media Organizations.<ref>{{cite web | title =Student Media | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/108.asp | year =2012}}</ref> The following organizations are a part of WCU Student Media:
*WWCU-FM: Power 90.5 broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as Jackson County's only FM radio station.
* WCAT: Cable & Internet radio station broadcasting on the campus closed-circuit television station 22.
* TV 62: The student-run campus television station, offering original programing to the campus on channel 62. It is WCU's closed-circuit television station with offices located in the A.K. Hinds University Center, an organization offering original programming that allows students to showcase their short films, as well as announce events on campus and highlight recent sporting events.
* ''The Nomad'': WCU's Literature & Art magazine, published once a year in the Spring semester.
* ''The Gadfly'': WCU's Journal of Social Criticism and Philosophy. Satirical pieces philosophically critiquing society-at-large in a humorous manner. Published once a semester.<ref>{{cite web | title =The Gadfly | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/11994.asp | year =2012}}</ref>
* ''Western Carolinian Newspaper'': A bi-weekly newspaper focusing on news and events relevant to the campus and surrounding community. Available in print in the local area and on-line at www.westerncarolinian.com.<ref>{{cite web | title =Western Carolinian | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.westerncarolinian.com/ | year =2012 | access-date =2012-08-24 | archive-date =2020-11-15 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201115192443/http://www.westerncarolinian.com/ | url-status =live }}</ref>
* ''The Western Carolina Journalist'': An online newspaper ran by the Communication department covering news about WCU and the surrounding areas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewesterncarolinajournalist.com/ |title=The Western Carolina Journalist |publisher=Thewesterncarolinajournalist.com |date=2014-05-31 |access-date=2014-08-24 |archive-date=2014-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828030814/http://www.thewesterncarolinajournalist.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* ''The Tuckasegee Valley Historical Review'': An annually published graduate history journal with a primarily local focus.<ref>{{cite web | title =Tuckasegee Valley Historical Review | publisher =Western Carolina University | url =http://www.wcu.edu/8152.asp | year =2012}}</ref>

==Notable people==

===Alumni===
{{Alumni|date=January 2021}}
{{Excessive examples|section|date=July 2025}}

*[[Gerald Austin]] – [[National Football League|NFL]] referee
*[[Bobbi Baker]] – actress, best known for her role as Kiki on the Tyler Perry sitcom ''[[House of Payne]]''
*[[James A. Beaty, Jr.]] – current U.S. District Judge and former nominee to the [[U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit]]
*[[Dean Biasucci]] – athlete (former placekicker, NFL [[Indianapolis Colts]]), actor
*[[Gregory Bovino]] - commander-at-large of the United States Border Patrol as of 2025
*[[Linda L. Bray]] – first female in the military to lead troops into combat
*[[Sean Bridgers]] – actor, writer, director, producer
*[[Andrew C. Brock]] – [[North Carolina Senate|North Carolina State Senator]]
*[[Jared Burton]] – retired [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] [[pitcher]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burtoja01.shtml|title= Jared Burton|publisher= Baseball-Reference.Com|access-date= October 3, 2012|archive-date= February 1, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180201093346/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burtoja01.shtml|url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Keion Crossen]] - cornerback, [[Miami Dolphins]]
*[[Geoff Collins (American football)|Geoff Collins]] - former head football coach at [[Georgia Tech]]
*[[Louis Cooper]] – NFL linebacker
*[[Jeanelle C. Moore|Jeanelle Coulter Moore]] – First Lady of North Carolina
*[[Ariana DeBose]] – Academy Award Winning actress, singer, and dancer
*[[Ryan Dorsey]] - actor
*[[Louis Ducruet]]- scout at [[AS Monaco FC]], 12th in line to the [[Monarchy of Monaco|Monégesque throne]], grandson to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly
*[[Carol Fowler Durham]] – professor of Nursing at [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]], interprofessional teams expert
*[[Joe Firstman]] – musician and musical director
*[[Ernest A. Fitzgerald]] (1947) – bishop of the [[United Methodist Church]]
*[[Judy Green (volleyball coach)|Judy Green]] – head volleyball coach for the [[University of Alabama]]
*[[Mel Gibson (basketball)|Mel Gibson]] – former basketball player for the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]
*[[Rich Hall]] – comedian, writer
*[[Greg Holland (baseball)|Greg Holland]] – MLB pitcher and MLB All-Star
*[[Brad Hoover]] – former fullback for the NFL [[Carolina Panthers]]
*[[Frank Huguelet]] – retired professional wrestler (as "'Heavy Metal' Ric Savage'"), television host
*[[Sarah Hutchings]] – Composer
*[[Paul Johnson (American football coach, born 1957)|Paul Johnson]] – former head football coach at [[Georgia Tech]]
*[[Jeanne Jolly]] – singer, songwriter
*[[Tony Jones (offensive tackle)|Tony Jones]] – football player with the [[Cleveland Browns]], [[Baltimore Ravens]], and [[Denver Broncos]]
*[[Andrew Jordan (football player)|Andrew Jordan]] – [[tight end]] in the NFL
*[[David Joy (author)|David Joy]] – author
*[[Lisa M. Koonin]]  –  [[public health]] official
*[[Keith LeClair]] – athlete and baseball coach at Western Carolina University
*[[Henry Logan (basketball)|Henry Logan]] – athlete; in 1964 became North Carolina's first African-American to play basketball for a "white" public institution
*[[Kevin Martin (basketball, born 1983)|Kevin Martin]] – professional basketball player<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martike02.html|title= Kevin Martin|publisher= Basketball=Reference.com|access-date= December 21, 2012|archive-date= January 17, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130117172454/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martike02.html|url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Manteo Mitchell]] – track and field athlete, 2012 London Olympic medalist
*[[Percy Watson|Nick McNeil]] – former NFL player, [[WWE]] professional wrestler (as '"Showtime!' Percy Watson")
*[[Mary Cordell Nesbitt]] – politician
*[[David Patten]] – NFL wide receiver
*[[Dave Pember]] – former pitcher for MLB [[Milwaukee Brewers]]
*[[J. T. Poston]] - [[professional golfer]]
*[[Rachel Reilly (Big Brother)|Rachel Reilly]] – reality television show contestant, television host
*[[David Sedaris]] – humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor
*[[Geno Segers]] – former professional rugby player, actor.
*[[Clyde Simmons]] – defensive end for the NFL [[Philadelphia Eagles]]
*[[Tim Sinicki]] – head baseball coach at intercollegiate [[Binghamton Bearcats baseball|Binghamton]]<ref name=sinicki>{{cite news|last1=Mangan|first1=Mike|title=Five Questions: Binghamton University's Tim Sinicki|url=http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20140603/SPORTS03/306030015/Five-Questions-Binghamton-University-s-Tim-Sinicki|access-date=June 28, 2014|work=PressConnects.com|publisher=Press & Sun-Bulletin|date=June 3, 2014|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6QfYd0g5u?url=http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20140603/SPORTS03/306030015/Five-Questions-Binghamton-University-s-Tim-Sinicki?nclick_check=1|archive-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Drew Starkey]] - actor
*[[Matt Stillwell]] – Nashville recording artist
*[[Wayne Tolleson]] – [[Major League Baseball]] player 1981-1990
*[[Hedy West]] – American folk singer
*[[Willie Williams (cornerback, born 1970)|Willie Williams]] – NFL defensive back for [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] and [[Seattle Seahawks]]
*[[Zebby Matthews]] - American professional baseball pitcher for the [[Minnesota Twins]]

===Faculty===
*[[Cordelia Camp]] – writer and educator
*[[Robert J. Conley]] – award-winning author
*[[Terrence Mann]] – stage actor, director, singer, songwriter, and dancer
*[[Ron Rash]] – award-winning author
*[[Matt Rhule]] - head coach, [[Nebraska Cornhuskers]]
*[[Laura Wright (academic)|Laura Wright]] – founder of academic field of [[vegan studies]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons cat}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://catamountsports.com/ Western Carolina Athletics website]

{{Western Carolina University}}
{{University of North Carolina}}
{{Southern Conference navbox}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Western Carolina University| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1889]]
[[Category:Education in Jackson County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]
[[Category:Public universities and colleges in North Carolina]]
[[Category:University of North Carolina]]
[[Category:Education in Asheville, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Education in Swain County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Jackson County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:1889 establishments in North Carolina]]