Western Carolinian

Features Article List

Alumni Spotlight: Joshua James

Joshua James, who works for the Jackson County Animal Shelter, is no stranger to Cullowhee. Before graduating in 2004, James became involved around campus, especially with rugby. It is an activity that he is passionate about to this day. After assisting the Men’s Rugby team for two years, James is proud to be an official coach this year.
Before They Were Educators: Dr. Hal Herzog

Dr. Hal Herzog is a man beyond description. He is an atom, constantly bursting with electrifying energy, an evolutionary psychologist, finding answers to questions no one ever knew to ask; a storyteller, sharing his knowledge artistically in forms accessible to anyone.
David Patten: The Catamount student with 3 Super Bowl rings

There is a man walking around Western Carolina University’s campus that has three NFL Super Bowl rings. Former NFL player and Catamount Alumni David Patten has returned to WCU to join the coaching staff. The former NFL wide receiver, who won three NFL championships with the New England Patriots, is excited to be a part of WCU’s football program and to help advance the program.
Cheryl Johnston becomes board certified in forensic anthropology

One of the professors at Western Carolina University, Cheryl Johnston, became board certified in forensic anthropology. To qualify for board certification, Johnston said, “You have to have a Ph.D., be in forensic anthropology, and have three years post Ph.
WCU travels to snowy Wisconsin for NCUR

Western Carolina University once again ranked in the top five in the 27th National Conference on Undergraduate Research. This year, NCUR was held at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse from April 11-13, with over 400 universities represented. Every year, a different university hosts NCUR to celebrate excellence in undergraduate research through posters, oral presentations, visual arts and performances.
Meet the Animals: WNC Nature Center showcases NC native wildlife

If you like animals and are looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, try visiting the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville. With over 40 acres of Southern Appalachian habitat and over 60 species of animals, the WNC Nature Center is sure to both entertain and educate.
A Tribute to Dr. Charles Candler McConnell, Jr., a true neighbor

[Editor's Note: This is an editorial piece written by a staff writer who knew Dr. Charles McConnell, Jr.] Are there ever enough of the right words to describe the lives of those who have touched so many? At the end of January, Jackson County lost one who cared deeply and fully for its citizens, Dr.
Before They Were Educators: Dr. Mark Couture

Hola, ¿cómo estás? Te damos gracias por la lectura. If you can read that, you might have taken Spanish with Dr. Mark Couture, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages at Western Carolina University. Couture grew up in northern Michigan in a small town with one stoplight.
Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro shine Christmas spirit

The town of Dillsboro strung up their amazing annual Christmas spirit during two weekends in December, the 7-8 and 14-15. Sparkling lights and luminaries filled up the chilly nights as the visiting spectators, including children and adults of all ages, walked along the short streets that flowed with the warmth of Christmas.
Dillsboro welcomes students to WCU Night for Annual Lighting of the Luminaries

That time of year filled with unexpected gifts of joy and goodwill is drawing close with old and new traditions. Christmas is around the corner, along with the Annual Lighting of the Luminaries in Dillsboro event which is “scheduled to be on December 7-8 and 14-15,” according to Julie Spiro, executive director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Service Learning: Get involved with 4-H

There are many opportunities available for students from Western Carolina University to work with children and teenagers in the community. The 4-H of Jackson County offers one of those opportunities. Heather Gordon, who is in charge of 4-H Youth Development, stated, “[We] are looking for a different kind of volunteer.
Inside the Forensic Osteology Research Station at WCU

The Forensic Anthropology Program at Western Carolina University opened the Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST) in 2006, a human decomposition facility that was only the second of its kind in the nation at that time. Dr. Cheryl Johnston, associate professor of forensic anthropology, sat down with The Western Carolinian to give an inside glimpse into the mysterious facility irreverently referred to as the “body farm.
Before They Were Educators: Jeanne Dulworth

Jeanne Dulworth began as a journalism major at Western Carolina University. After an interview with her academic adviser, however, she realized her personality did not suit the field. Instead, she chose social work. Born in Brevard, Dulworth was raised by two teachers, who instilled in her a lifelong desire to learn.
The Piano Man: Meet Chancellor David Belcher

The son of a Baptist minister and an elementary school teacher, Chancellor David O. Belcher grew up in the small town of Barnwell, S.C., a place where “everybody knew everybody,” according to Belcher. “My father led the largest church in the town, which had a population of just under 1,000 people, so I had a very extended family,” said Belcher, who describes Barnwell as a very nurturing environment to grow up in.
First deaf graduate of WCU passes away, leaves behind legacy

On Aug. 3, 1946, Jimmie Ray Crawford was born profoundly deaf in the small mountain town of Waynesville. His parents could only guess at the accomplishments their child would achieve. Last month, Crawford passed away, but his legacy as the man who took to court the major players of the UNC-System and Western Carolina University lives on through his accomplishments.
How to survive living off campus

Moving off campus is as big of an adjustment as moving on campus was when students were freshmen. Suddenly, there is cooking, cleaning and trying to find a parking space to worry about and plan. This guide will make life a little easier and help cause less stress.
Alexander Macaulay, a professor teaching due to fate

Some people are lucky in that they are clearly and forcefully steered into the right career choice for them. One such person is Dr. Alexander Macaulay, a professor in the history department at Western Carolina University. His destiny was clearly to become a teacher but never a lawyer.
Food shortages cause concern at local food banks

Imagine not knowing where your next meal will come from. You may live in a civilized town or go to Western Carolina University, but with school bills and housing you cannot afford to purchase a healthy, well-balanced meal three times a day. For Jackson County, this is true for a number of citizens every day.
Faculty and staff honored at Awards Convocation

Western Carolina University honored its top faculty and staff at the annual spring Awards Convocation on April 27. Chancellor David O. Belcher presented the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching to Lisa Briggs, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice.
Alumni Spotlight: Paige Roberson

Western Carolina University alumni Paige Roberson is set to become Sylva’s new town manager on July 1. Roberson graduated from Western Carolina in May 2011 and has quickly climbed the ladder in the Town of Sylva Administration department. In August 2011, she began in a part-time position as the Main Street Economic Director and moved forward as assistant to the town manager in April.