Western Carolina University chief communications officer, Bill Studenc, will retire in January after almost 32 years of employment at the university. One can often see him walking around campus with a notepad in his hand and a smile on his face. As chief communications officer, Studenc wrote and managed press releases, collaborated with reporters on […]
COVID-19 spikes force WCU to shift from in-person to virtual commencements for December
Story from the WCU Public Relations office. In response to concerns about the surge of COVID-19 cases across North Carolina and the U.S. and in consultation with the Jackson County Department of Public Heath, Western Carolina University is canceling the modified in-person commencement ceremonies scheduled for Dec. 10-13 and shifting to a series of virtual […]
“Get on board” with WCU students skateboarding petition
For many students at Western Carolina University, skateboarding is a reliable and relaxing form of transportation on campus that is quick and efficient. It is not unusual to see students coasting around campus with penny-boards, longboards, and skateboards, but according to Title IX of the Official Parking Regulations, skateboards are banned on campus. WCU sent […]
WCU students affected by COVID-19
Most students in college stress about grades and social life, however during a global pandemic, they are risking their lives to go to school. As of Nov. 23, 406 students have tested positive for COVID-19 at WCU since the start of testing on July 1 as reported by the university’ss COVID-19 Data Dashboard. However, this information […]
Jackson cases rise; death toll now stands at 8
By Dave Russell Story originally published in The Sylva Herald on Nov. 12, 2020 edition Jackson County recorded its eighth death due to COVID-19 last Wednesday. The victim was between the ages of 25-49 years old and had underlying health conditions, according to Melissa McKnight of the Jackson County Department of Public Health. COVID-19 cases […]








