Skip to main content

WCU Stories

Coach Wike with WCU men's golf team in 2002

Wike Scholarship to aid WCU football players, golfers seeking careers in education

A scholarship fund honoring the memories of a longtime Western Carolina University coach and his spouse, also a lifelong educator, will soon provide financial assistance to Catamount student-athletes on the football and men’s and women’s golf teams.  

Dennis and Kelli Brown

WCU chancellor, ‘first dude’ back the ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign with a $4 million estate gift

When Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown unveiled plans for a comprehensive fundraising campaign shortly after her arrival in 2019, she prioritized seeking philanthropic support for enhancements to the overall student experience, including academics, athletics, and community and global engagement.  

Current cat eyes design

The hills have eyes

A fresh set of eyes finds a new generation of Catamounts. More than 30 years after Paws’ billboard debut, designers at Western Carolina University continue to update the much beloved symbol off U.S. 23.   

Reg and Judy Moody

WCU grieves the loss of longtime friend, supporter, community leader Reg Moody

The Western Carolina University community is grieving the loss of longtime friend, benefactor and volunteer Reginald “Reg” E. Moody Sr., a Jackson County businessman and civic leader who died Monday, Feb. 17, at the age of 89 after a period of declining health.  

Ashlyn Hannon

New Thompson Scholar program supports study-abroad for WCU Honors College students

A life-changing study-abroad opportunity in France for a shy undergraduate student with limited international travel experience helped spark a newfound sense of self-confidence and a successful business career, which inspired a financial contribution that is helping Western Carolina University students follow in his globe-trotting footsteps.  

Brinson Honors College

WCU mourns passing of Honors College benefactor Greg Thompson

Members of the Western Carolina University community are mourning the loss of friend and donor Greg Thompson, known as a generous supporter of WCU’s Brinson Honors College and a passionate advocate for the life-changing experience of studying internationally.  

Wallace and Jeanette Hyde

WCU mourns loss of former Trustee Jeanette Wallace Hyde

A statement from Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown on the death of former U.S. Ambassador Jeanette W. Hyde, who previously served on the WCU Board of Trustees and who is the namesake of an endowed professorship in gerontological social work.  

Brian Railsback

WCU’s 7th scholarship funded by Whitehead family pays tribute to Honors College founding dean

A newly established scholarship fund at Western Carolina University is designed to celebrate the contributions of the founding dean of what is now known as the Brinson Honors College, Brian Railsback, by providing financial assistance to the college’s students.  

WCU students on Project CARE ski trip

Fund for WCU supports cultural, educational programming to improve student retention

With the help of $5,000 in funding from the 1889 Impact Grants Program, Western Carolina University’s Office of Intercultural Affairs increased cultural and educational programming and enhanced efforts to support student success and retention.  

Office of Web Services