Western Carolina University’s first opera, a complete success

Western Carolina University’s School of Music took on a whole new challenge when creating this opera. From making sure Ron Rash’s works were honored and reflected in the inspiration of lyrics and feeling, a school-run musical collaboration with special guests, and an overwhelming amount of care and detail, down to the lighting and design work […]

Cherokee Language Program expands with grant

Story originally published at The Western Carolinian. Last fall, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program received a significant grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Cherokee language preservation efforts.  The $223,014 grant, among other support from WCU and outside organizations, has allowed the program to develop into an official minor and certification program.  “We’ve […]

Settlement sends county money to fight drugs

The US Government reached a historic $56 billion in cumulative agreements nationwide, the United States government has begun to distribute relief through settlements in the aftermath of various lawsuits against opioid distribution from American pharmacies. The state of North Carolina is set to receive $1.5 billion in total, announced by Attorney General Josh Stein in […]

Renter beware: Students share their apartment horror stories

A version of this story was originally published in The Western Carolinian, Dec. 14 edition For many students, the transition from a residence hall to an apartment feels like a dream. No parents, no RAs and, for most, living in an apartment is their first opportunity to be on their own. However, for many students […]

WCU forgotten: Story behind the Moore building

Western Carolina University is full of architecture both new and old. Among some of the historical buildings that are still in use are the Breeze Gymnasium, McKee, Albright-Benton, and the University Auditorium. However, the grandfather of historical buildings still standing on campus today is the Moore building. Unfortunately, Moore has sat silent for years and […]

Brian Boyer: NASCAR fan, student friend, and student advocate

Nick Childs Story originally published in The Western Carolinian If you have spent any period at Western, you might have heard the name Brian Boyer tossed around on campus.  Boyer is the Residential Case Manager. His job is to connect to the students and be there to help foster student success. His position was created solely to […]