WCU students’ votes may face new restrictions

A large number of WCU students’ ability to vote in upcoming N.C. elections is still in the air. The state Board of Elections is required by law to finalize its decisions today, March 15, on applications from nearly 100 public and private institutions, including the more than 250,000 students in the UNC system. This week […]

Women still need a stronger voice

The commentary was originally published in The Sylva Herald on March 8, 2019. In January, the historic 116th U.S. Congress was sworn in, leading to more women, and more women of color, holding congressional offices than ever before. According to the Pew Research Center, women now account for 24 percent of the House of Representatives […]

Is WCU diverse??

Co-written with Allyson Wainright The answer to our headline question depends on your definition of diversity. Diversity stems deeper than ethnicity and race, but as far as the eye can tell WCU is not diverse enough. There are a lot of changes taking place to instill more equity and an inclusive mindset for the students […]

The search for WCU’s next chancellor pushes on

Western Carolina University hopes for better success in the latest search for a successor to former chancellor, David O. Belcher. The Board of Trustees are looking at the list of finalists presented by the search committee where the decision will be made to recommend a potential chancellor to the UNC system interim president or return to […]

WCU students inspired to lead

Originally published in The Sylva Herald on Feb. 21, 2019. Michael Steele, who spoke to a packed crowd at the Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center during the chancellor’s list ceremony on Feb. 12, gave students inspiration to lead. Steele is known for being the first African-American elected to state office in Maryland as he […]

Legendary photographer, Mark Haskett, retires

The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on Feb. 14, 2019. How do you replace a legend? You become one. Harry Duke set the mold for photographic excellence at WCU.  He was named the university’s very first staff photographer in 1974, and retired on Aug. 30, 1985.  When the search to replace the […]