MPA Alumni on the Front Line of Response to COVID-19

Locally executed, state-managed and federally supported. That’s how the Federal Emergency Management Agency has long described the ideal way to respond to major disasters. Graduates of WCU’s MPA program are on the front line of this‘locally executed’ response to COVID-19.  

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Graduates of WCU's MPA program on front line of 'locally executed' response to COVID-19

Locally executed, state managed and federally supported. That’s how the Federal Emergency Management Agency has long described the ideal way to respond to major disasters.  

An MBA Brings it All Home for Waynesville Woman

Emily McCurry can make anyone feel right at home ― maybe because she most certainly is. Home for her is Waynesville, where she was born and raised. She is a community leader, with a long list of local service and civic organizations, and a successful businesswoman, with an office on Main Street.   

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Alumni Spotlight: Sue Lynn Ledford

Sue Lynn Ledford learned to care for sick people as a young nursing student at Western Carolina University. Today, she uses the same approach as director of population health and field services for WellCare of North Carolina, a provider health plan for Medicare and Medicaid.  

Catamount Coloring Contest

Beat the quarantine blues with everyone's favorite Catamount! While you're at home, download one of our coloring pages and join in on the fun with the Catamount Coloring Contest.   

Soon-To-Be Gone

Residents of Scott and Walker halls share their memories of the iconic high-rise dormitories, scheduled for demolition later this year. The box fans in the windows. The panty raids. The middle-of-the-night fire alarms. The in-room movie nights. The climbing of nine flights of stairs to avoid the long lines at the elevator on move-in day. The developing of lifelong friendships and relationships.  

Not Just Brick and Mortar

Late Western Carolina University Chancellor Myron Coulter, who led the university from 1984 to 1994, was looking to create a symbol worthy of representing the institution when he proposed the construction of what is now known as the Alumni Tower. The 66-foot-tall brick structure was built on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center in 1989, WCU’s centennial year, and officially presented to the university as a gift from the WCU Alumni Association on Homecoming day that October.  

Two Sparrows Town

The ground upon which Western Carolina University is built — and continues building today — has centuries of stories to tell. Some are told in history books and museum exhibits, while others are buried away. Some reemerge through archaeological research sparked by new construction on campus, as the university upgrades, renovates and expands its facilities. Hidden below WCU’s surface is Tali Tsisgwayahi, or “Two Sparrows Town,” the first Cherokee town of the Tuckaseigee River valley.  

Alumni of the Month: Paul and Vicky Faris

Meet Catamounts Paul and Vicky Faris