The search for WCU’s next Chancellor continues through forums

Co-written with Jonathan Birek A leader is someone of great confidence, composure and compassion. They are resilient yet accountable. Western Carolina University was able to see this first-hand from former Chancellor, David O. Belcher. The university is now tasked with finding his successor while continuing to grow and prosper. The new chancellor should be ready […]

What you can do to stay healthy this flu season

This winter a rapid flu epidemic is sweeping across the nation. Around 53 deaths have been reported across the United States from flu symptoms alone. According to Pam Buchanan of WCU Health Services, an average of 10-15 patients a day come to the Byrd medical center with flu-like symptoms – approximately 10 percent of the student […]

Center for Service Learning leads the way with student involvement

A part of what defines WCU as an engaging and prospering institution is how it values a community effort. One way they present this through service learning. The Center for Service Learning (CSL) is a program here on campus that integrates everyday values as a person in society into education. Service learning acquires what students […]

NC Congressional and Legislative maps under scrutiny

North Carolina has a problem – a map problem to be specific. Both North Carolina’s Generally Assembly map and the U.S. Congress map have been challenged in federal and state courts. In an email, Dr. Todd Collins, WCU’s Public Policy Institute Director and political science professor, explains how the two maps impact North Carolina’s future elections […]

Local group calls attention to DACA issue

Story originally published in The Sylva Herald Members of Indivisible Common Ground WNC gathered to demonstrate their concerns for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) at noon in front of the Jackson County courthouse fountain Wednesday, Jan. 24. The group consists of citizens of Jackson County and surrounding areas. Members will continue to gather to address […]

Blast of Arctic weather challenges homeless, those who serve them

This story was written by Quintin Ellison, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Along with cooking for the local soup kitchen’s regular clientele, Gary Wood was hard at work Tuesday preparing enough chili and cornbread to serve an extra 39 people – Jackson County’s homeless. Those facing the vicious cold without homes are finding shelter in local […]