WCU entrepreneur students: Their motivation and drive

Version of the story originally in the Western Carolinian WCU students, Stephen Rider and Liah Vaartjes, have cracked the code on staying motivated while chasing their goals. He is a full-time political science major and she studies recreational therapy but there is one thing that sets them apart from fellow students – they own two […]

Bethany Davidson: Successful entrepreneur and college professor

The world of business is a competitive place and that goes double for the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the U.S. economy and has been on a growing trend in recent years. When it comes to starting your own business, it helps to know what […]

WCU’s progress in making campus accessible for all

WCU’s campus is not fully accessible for people with physical disabilities. Owen Perkins, a freshman at WCU, has a visual impairment.   “It’s not the most walkable campus,” said Perkins. See the video below on how hard it is for Perkins to navigate campus. Many organizations at WCU are providing resources and accommodations for students with disabilities, but more […]

The Silent Epidemic: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

As we’ve moved into the 21st century, the harsh realities faced by indigenous communities covered up for generations are brought to light, and the fight for indigenous rights has grown, but not nearly enough. Not yet. In honor of November being Native American Heritage month, WCU offered various events on campus to help educate while […]

It’s RAD teaching women to defend themselves

30 young women completed a circle around the poorly lit room in the back of the gym. Hearts beating fast from their warm-up, sweat building on foreheads, heavy breathing, and wide eyes looking to their instructors in the middle of the circle for commands to start their drills. “Defensive stance,” yelled instructor Gayle Maddox, turning […]

Cat Singers: An ensemble of diversity

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Carolina University vocal ensemble Catamount “Cat” Singers saw a revitalization with the end of a campus-wide mask mandate and the hiring of Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson in 2021. As Assistant Voice Professor, Jackson sought to lead this ensemble with a new and improved philosophy: the power of inclusivity. Jackson […]