HCC Foundation hosts ‘Campus Connections’

The Haywood Community College Foundation is hosting “Campus Connections” this academic year to showcase programs to the community. Similar to a program open house, these events will offer attendees the opportunity to meet instructors and students in a small group setting.

Offered at different times throughout the year, each event will showcase the learning technologies of the program to highlight the real-world experience students gain in the classroom that are transferable skills into their next career step.

The upcoming events include:

  • 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16, in the Natural Resources in the Walnut building — The Natural Resources Program features two main degree options — Fish & Wildlife and Forestry Technology. We invite you to learn about these paths, see the lab spaces, and learn about the amazing field trip opportunities provided to students allowing them to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it out in the field.
  • 11 a.m. Oct. 29, in the Cosmetology in the Chestnut building. The Cosmetology program not only teaches technique but provides a learning lab space for students to gain real-world experience in application and customer service. This October event also allows guests to see the decorated manikins, showcasing talent in hair design, color, makeup and more.

RSVP at haywood.edu/foundation/campus-connections.php.

SCC accepting submissions for ‘Milestone’

Submissions are being accepted for the 16th edition of the “Milestone,” the biennial art and literary review published by Southwestern Community College (SCC).

”Milestone” showcases the creative expressions of local writers and visual artists. The periodical is representative of the abundance of talent in the region and seeks to foster creative potential by providing artists an opportunity to gain public awareness.

All residents of Jackson, Macon, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, as well as SCC students and alumni, are eligible. Only unpublished work may be submitted. Prose should not exceed 2,000 words, and poems should be limited to two pages in length. Each writer may submit up to five poems and up to two stories. All prose must be double-spaced and submitted in paper format or via email. In addition, each page must be numbered, and the author’s name, address, telephone number, and email address should be included by itself on the last page of each submission.

Visual artists and photographers may submit only black-and-white copies of original artwork. Visual arts may include black-and-white artwork in pencil, pen, ink, watercolor, digital art, and/or black-and-white photography.

Submissions for visual arts must also include name, address, telephone number, email address, title of work, and photo caption (if applicable) on the back of each submission. Artists and photographers may also submit more than one work.

First- and second-place cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: poetry, prose (short story or nonfiction works), and visual arts, including photography.

Literary submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 1, and sent to SCC Milestone, Attn. Mike Park; 447 College Drive; Sylva, NC 28779 or via email to milestone@southwesterncc.edu. Submissions in visual art must be postmarked by the same date and sent to the same address, Attn. Bob Keeling or via email to bkeeling@southwesterncc.edu.

For more information, contact Mike Park at milestone@southwesterncc.edu  or 828.339.4215.

WCU to host legacy pinning event

A group of Western Carolina University’s (WCU) newest students will be ceremoniously welcomed as members of the Catamount family by some of their own relatives who previously attended WCU as the university holds its annual Legacy Pinning event Saturday, Sept. 19.

Sponsored by WCU’s Office of Engagement, the Legacy Pinning celebration is a special tradition that honors incoming students who are continuing a family connection to the university, said Stacey Miller, senior director of engagement and annual giving.

The Legacy Pinning event will be held in the main arena of the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center, beginning at 10 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. Legacy first-year and transfer students and one designated alumni family member participating in the pinning ceremony may attend at no cost. Additional family members and guests are welcome to attend for $10 per person.

The event is part of Family Weekend at WCU, which includes a home football game, as the Catamounts host Presbyterian College. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. in the newly renovated E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Legacy pinning participants are invited to a pregame alumni tailgate in the Fieldhouse Lot beginning after the ceremony and ending at kickoff. After the game, the Office of Engagement will host the annual parent donor social event from 5-6:30 p.m.

For answers to questions, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@wcu.edu or 828.227.7335. Register for the Legacy Pinning event online. For more information about Family Weekend activities, visit wcu.edu/experience/campus-activities/family-weekend/index.aspx.

WCU welcomes record enrollment, largest-ever freshman class 

Western Carolina University’s Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness released its Fall 2026 enrollment statistics, as WCU welcomed its largest freshman class and biggest student population in university history.

According to the report, 2,385 first-time full-time freshmen made Cullowhee home this fall, a 26.8% increase from last year, bringing total enrollment to 12,308.

This fall’s freshman class saw an increase in honors students (2.37%), and WCU welcomed more new transfers (4.85%) and new graduate students (2.94%). Also, the freshman class’ average weighted high school GPA was 3.82, a slight increase from last fall.

“Western Carolina University’s record enrollment of 12,308 students, including the largest incoming freshman class in our history, reflects the growing demand for a WCU education,” said William Moultrie, vice chancellor for the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success. “Welcoming 2,385 new freshmen while increasing total enrollment by nearly 4% is an exciting milestone for our university.”

The application for fall 2027 opened on Aug. 1, and WCU welcomes all prospective students to visit campus this fall. The university’s first open house of the academic year is Saturday, Oct. 31.

For more information about open house or to schedule a tour, go to visit.wcu.edu.

Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center names new director

Cowee School Art and Heritage Center’s Board of Directors welcomed Will Anderson as the next executive director, beginning July 1, 2026.

Anderson comes to Cowee School with more than 25 years of leadership experience serving as a senior executive in the finance, corporate management and nonprofit fields. Most recently, he served five years as the executive director for Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, Kentucky. He previously worked as a CEO in Alaska, where he led many economic development projects while also prioritizing the social and cultural health of the regions he served. He brings a unique blend of business skills combined with a background in the arts and a passion for strengthening and preserving cultural heritage.

“An extensive search for this position was conducted over several months led by a committee selected by the board of directors. It is with great pleasure that I speak for the full Board when I welcome Will as our new executive director. Will’s past experiences are a perfect fit with the mission of Cowee School, Arts and Heritage Center,” said Anne Hyder, chair of the Board.

Anderson earned bachelor’s degrees from Seattle Pacific University, where he studied both music and psychology, and Western Washington University, where he majored in accounting. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. Anderson previously served as a trustee or board member of numerous nonprofit organizations including Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska Foundation, the Koniag Education Foundation, the Alutiiq Heritage Foundation, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Beloit Art Center. Born in Kodiak, Alaska, Anderson is Alaska Native of Sugpiaq descent.

“I am extremely excited to work for an organization that is part of such a rich and vibrant community,” he said. “Cowee School has a very active and supportive board of directors, and I can see how its programming is so important to the region. I feel grateful to have been chosen to lead Cowee School.”

New members join WCU volunteer boards

Several members of the Western Carolina University community have been appointed to the university’s three primary volunteer boards supporting philanthropy, alumni engagement and athletics.

The WCU Foundation Board of Directors welcomed Beverly Barr, Michael Blackmon, Melanie Clark and Matt Martin. The Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed Carrie Carpenter, Kaileigh Naylor, Aaron Speyer and Dawson Spencer. The Catamount Club Board of Directors added Alex Crenshaw, Matt Magnus, Kirk Roach, Todd Roper and Ali Schreiber.

New members were approved during a series of meetings held throughout the spring and early summer.

“Our volunteer boards are critical to the Division of Advancement and our efforts to provide the engagement and philanthropic support necessary to ensure Western Carolina University can fulfill its mission,” said Ben Pendry, WCU vice chancellor for advancement. “We look forward to working with these dedicated leaders as we continue supporting our students, university and region.”

The appointments come as WCU nears the conclusion of its historic “Fill the Western Sky” fundraising campaign, which has raised support for academic programs, student engagement initiatives and Catamount athletics.

Pepsi-Cola of Whittier donates $6,000 to support SCC students

One of the most loyal and longest-running supporters Southwestern Community College students has had over the years is Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Whittier. Recently, Pepsi Area Manager Thomas Hibbs stopped by SCC’s Jackson Campus to make a donation of $6,000 to the SCC Foundation.

The gift serves dual purposes, as $5,000 allows Pepsi to become a Diamond-level sponsor for the 12th-annual Boots, Blue Jeans and Bling Gala, which will be held on Sept. 26 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. All proceeds from that event support SCC student scholarships.

The remaining $1,000 of this donation was made to the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students experiencing an unexpected financial crisis.

To learn more about the gala or to secure your tickets or a table sponsorship, visit SouthwesternCC.edu/gala.

Haywood Community College hosts fundraiser for students

Get ready to shop for a cause at Soles Helping Souls, a one-of-a-kind fundraising event hosted by the Haywood Community College Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 6. This exciting evening combines fashion, fun and philanthropy to support the HCC Foundation Lavender Fund.

The event will feature over 300 pairs of ladies’ brand-name shoes in the box, such as Fly London, Taos, Born and more. These shoes are offered at a discount, with proceeds benefiting HCC students. This shopping experience is elevated, with local vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, artisan soaps, bath bombs and other boutique treasures. There will also be heavy appetizers and a cash bar.

Tickets are only $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP access, which grants early entry at 5:30 p.m. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Hemlock Building on HCC’s campus. To purchase tickets, visit givebutter.com/soles-helping-souls2.