In 1888, WCU first began as Cullowhee Academy, one teacher training 100 students how to be “competent teachers.” By 1929, the school grew into Western Carolina Teachers College. Finally, 38 years later in 1967, WCU was recognized as a university by North Carolina state legislature. Through the evolution of the […]
Author: Max Poku-Kankam
Mountain Heritage Center captures history with new George Masa exhibit
An exhibit about George Masa, a Japanese immigrant who photographed and mapped Western North Carolina from 1915-1933, opened in the Mountain Heritage Center. The exhibit opened Jan. 17 and will stay open until Aug. 15. Masa was a vital part of the conservation and newfound love for the Smoky Mountains. […]
Pressure creates diamonds: Shark Tank contestant and WCU alumni speaks to students
Most people who appear on Shark Tank and make a deal walk away empty-handed. That was not the case for WCU alumni Garrett Ozar. Ozar is a co-founder of Eterneva, a company that transforms deceased people’s ashes into diamonds. He recently returned to WCU to share how he created a […]
Center for Career and Professional Development helps students search for jobs
WCU’s Center for Career and Professional Development hosted an event in the Career Studio Nov. 6 offering job-searching strategies for graduating students. The CCPD focuses on supporting students during college and beyond. Services are available to students during their time at WCU and after graduation. According to Statista, as of […]
Fraternities to complete Narcan training
Greek life hosts many social events, many of which can become extremely chaotic. However, fraternity brothers are completing Narcan training to help ensure safety at socials. Jackson County is no stranger to drug charges. Between May 8 and May 12, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office led an operation that led […]
Two-wheeled hoax: Scooter larcenies turn out to be false alarm
Between Aug. 25 and 27, the University Police Department sent out a timely warning notifying students about larceny of electronic bikes and scooters, scaring student scooter owners. Jonathan Byers, a sophomore student at WCU, has heard about the warnings and has taken extra precautions because of it. “Anytime I have […]
Lights, camera, action: Movies are back on campus
This semester, movies are back being played at WCU in a new style. Last Minute Productions, the student-led programming team for campus activities, is known for their free weekly movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays. LMP accesses the movies through a movie licensing supplier. “They’re like the middle agent between […]
The past, present and potential future of DEI in the UNC System
Sometimes staying neutral creates more anger than if you chose a side. All colleges in the University of North Carolina System were given a deadline to share their compliance plans to the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy created by the UNC Board of Governors on Sept. 1. […]
History of the War on Drugs from the 1950s to the 1980s
From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 The War on Drugs has been a never-ending cycle of people being fearful of the use of drugs in suburban areas. Matt Lassiter spoke at WCU on April 19 about his book “The Suburban Crisis.” Lassiter is a professor at the University […]
Mental health issues addressed by WCU and outside organizations
From Vol. 90, Ed. 08 May 2, 2024 College is stressful. Classes, clubs, planning for your future and jobs weigh on your shoulders until you cannot stand them anymore. Multiple organizations at WCU are working to bring attention to mental health and offer strategies to combat stress, just in time […]