Op-Ed By DAVID O. BELCHER I had the privilege of presiding over Western Carolina University’s Dec. 16 commencement ceremonies and witnessing the great emotion and sense of accomplishment among the graduates. A point of pride at this December’s commencement was that nearly half of the fall graduating class hails from the 18 westernmost counties of […]
The futures of WCU and WNC – the region it was founded to serve – will forever be inextricably linked
December 18, 2017 by
First snow closes WCU on last day of classes
December 8, 2017 by
The rapidly changing winter weather conditions prompted the university to suspend face-to-face classes (daytime and evening) in Cullowhee and Biltmore Park-Asheville today, Dec. 8. The weather closed all local public and charter schools in Jackson and Haywood county. For WCU employees, University offices will be operating under Condition 1 – Reduced Operations. Commuting faculty and staff […]
WCU rallies in support for Chancellor Belcher
December 7, 2017 by
Battles are fought and conquered with the community around one strong enough to withstand any obstacle. In a time of need, Western Carolina University has become just that for Chancellor David O. Belcher. On April 21, 2016, Belcher sent out an email to the entire WCU campus informing that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. […]
WCU’s Chancellor Belcher goes on medical leave, provost steps as interim
November 27, 2017 by
UPDATE 11/29/2017 Story from WCU’s Office of Communications and Public Relations University of North Carolina System President Margaret Spellings has appointed Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar to serve as acting chancellor of Western Carolina University effective Jan. 1, 2018. The official announcement is available at the UNC System website. Dr. Morrison-Shetlar will serve in this role while Chancellor David O. […]
‘Free Speech’ measure draws some concerns at WCU Faculty Senate
November 23, 2017 by
This story was written by Haley Smith, originally published in The Sylva Herald. Last week, Western Carolina University faculty responded to state legislation intended to protect free speech on public college campuses. During their Nov. 16 meeting, with only 13 members out of 30 present, WCU’s Faculty Senate expressed concerns about the “Restore Campus Free Speech Act,” […]
Jerry Wolfe: WWII veteran and Cherokee’s “Beloved Man”
November 11, 2017 by
For approximately the last 20 years, Eastern Band Cherokee Indian elder Jerry Wolfe, 93, has been working as a volunteer at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian greeting tourists and other visitors at the ticket counter with a “Siyo” meaning “Hello.” In an effort to preserve his traditions, Wolfe openly shares his Cherokee heritage to […]
