From Waynesville to the Big Apple
By Michael Beadle
Nick Taylor’s career in journalism has spanned four decades and several cities, but it all began in Western North Carolina.
WCU launches ambitious $40 million campaign
Western Carolina University Chancellor John W. Bardo has officially launched the first comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university’s 118-year history, a drive to raise at least $40 million in private support to help meet a renewed emphasis on academic quality.
Catamount Conservation: Eco-CATS challenge WCU community to take on more environmental responsibility
By Michael Beadle
The cost of college can get pretty expensive, especially when it comes to paying the monthly electric bill.
WCU buys on-campus commercial buildings
Western Carolina University is now the proud owner of the strip of commercial property known locally as the downtown Cullowhee business district.
WCU students help with Cullowhee church plans
The competition between Western Carolina University students to win a building contract at a Cullowhee church was just for fun, but the construction ideas and issues they pointed out recently were real — and appreciated.
Nice threads: WCU Fine Arts Museum exhibit features fiber art instructors and professors from throughout the Southeast
By Michael Beadle
Imagine hundreds of stainless steel threads woven together to make a scarf that looks like silk. An optical illusion of sorts, but nonetheless real and exquisite.
The Energy Challenge: WCU summit calls attention to problems, possibilities
By Michael Beadle
North Carolina’s population is expected to rise by nearly 3 million people in the next two decades. As we use up more and more natural resources like oil and coal, how will we handle the energy needs of the future?
Tribe, area colleges collaborate on art degrees
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Officials with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on Monday unveiled plans for a new Associate in Fine Arts degree focusing on Native American art to be offered in collaboration with Southwestern Community College.
Where to from here? Graduates wishing to stay in the region find themselves facing career, lifestyle compromises
By Sarah Kucharski • Staff Writer
Turn to the classified pages in any Western North Carolina newspaper and the employment section bears similar traits. Jobs listed tend to be those in the growing service sector — housekeepers, night shift hotel clerks, secretaries, wait staff, retail sales. And listings under the “professional” heading are sparse.
$6.9 million gift to WCU largest in its history
As industry experts warn of a worsening international shortage of construction professionals, Western Carolina University and one of the nation’s largest personnel recruiting firms are teaming up to boost the number of college graduates prepared for management positions in the construction industry.
