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WCU Stories

New association for retired faculty and staff officers

Reinvigorated WCU retirees association elects officers, plans activities

Following a period of decreased activity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was exacerbated by the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the Association of Retired Faculty and Staff of Western Carolina University has embarked upon a process of organizational reinvigoration.  

Incoming WCU students gather for a group photo

WCU alumni roll out the welcome mat for new incoming students

Nearly 150 incoming first-year students at Western Carolina University received an early welcome to their future alma mater and a few lessons in “all things Catamount” during a series of July receptions across North Carolina and in Atlanta.  

Fans cheer on the Catamount football team from Paws Porch

Catamount Club shatters 2,000-member goal to unlock $1 million challenge gift

Prospective members of Western Carolina University’s Catamount Club had at least 1 million reasons for joining the university’s athletics booster organization for the 2025-2026 season.  

Football stadium at WCU

Understanding the House v. NCAA Settlement and what it means for WCU

In June 2025, the House v. NCAA Settlement reshaped college athletics by allowing Division I schools to provide more financial support to student-athletes, including backpay for past NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and a new revenue-sharing model. Western Carolina University has opted into this agreement to enhance student-athlete support, remain competitive, and strengthen its commitment to a vibrant, well-rounded college experience. This FAQ explains what the Settlement means for WCU, its athletes, and the broader Catamount community.  

WCU friends in Lesbon

Catamount Adventures series takes alumni, friends to Portugal, Spain

A collection of Catamounts recently toured Europe’s Iberian Peninsula from Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the municipalities of Merida and Olivenza in western Spain as part of Western Carolina University’s second international Catamount Adventures excursion.  

Zapps at WCU athletics banquet

Couple who met at WCU orientation make ‘Fill the Western Sky’ leadership gift to athletics

Back in 2012, Western Carolina University graduates Jonathan Zapp and Brittany Bennefield provided a different interpretation of their alma mater’s status as “an engaged institution” when they had their engagement photographs taken on campus with Paws, the Catamount mascot.  

Groundbreaking ceremony

WCU holds groundbreaking for renovations to E.J. Whitmire Stadium

A long-awaited $37 million upgrade to renovate the west side stands of Western Carolina University’s aging E.J. Whitmire Stadium is now underway with an official groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, June 12, in the shadows of the construction zone.  

Kyle Pifer

Kyle Pifer named WCU Director of Athletics

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced today, Monday, May 19, the selection of Kyle Pifer to serve as the director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special-called meeting earlier in the day.  

Catamount Club

Catamount Club to launch search for successor to assistant director C.J. Mitchell

The Catamount Club will soon begin searching for a new assistant director of development with the departure of C.J. Mitchell, who had been working with Western Carolina University’s athletics booster organization for the past year.  

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