From Vol. 90, Ed. 8 May 2, 2024
Western Carolina University, like most higher education institutions, is constantly changing. With new construction proposed, immense planning is required to delegate funds, resources and man hours to meet university goals.
The university uses a living plan to determine how construction and facility updates should take place on WCU campus. The “master plan,” as it is titled, was last updated in 2022 and details major projects coming to WCU in the future.
Major projects within the master plan reflect the university’s strategic goals. The strategic planning document was updated in 2021 and gauges university success through various priorities and benchmarks.
Dr. Kim Winters served as chair of the strategic planning committee from 2020 to 2023. Winters is the Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions.
“When you’re looking at a strategic plan, you’re looking at something that defines you,” Winters said.
Strategic plans include large ongoing goals that are under continuous review. Some goals are more concrete such as goal 4.3.1 which aims to “develop two business development centers, one in Jackson County to serve southwest NC and one in Buncombe County to serve metro Asheville, that [can] physically bring together WCU’s and other entities’ business development units.”
The strategic plan can be accessed at wcu.edu/discover/about/strategic-plan/.
Strategic Direction 6 of the plan addresses responsible stewardship which focuses on facilities, technology, core resources and business policies and practices. This direction includes maintaining and delegating funds toward the master plan.
The updated 2022 campus master plan is an 83-page document with photos, renderings and detailed plans for construction and renovations into 2024.
The master plan is a living, fluid document that changes as funding and student needs change. It can be accessed wcu.edu/_files/learn/provost/2022_Campus_Master_Plan_Update.pdf.
Current projects include a renovation of Moore Hall, construction on intermural fields around Norton Residence Hall, athletic facility improvements and construction on a new engineering facility. These projects, along with many others, range from near completion to early planning stages.
The plan builds upon an idea of “reshuffling the deck” that originated in 2014. Shuffling the uses of campus buildings and spaces reimagines and strengthens existing infrastructure on Western’s campus.
The Moore building will be renovated for Arts and Sciences programs. Arts programs will be consolidated into a renovated Belk building. The university center will be renovated to create a more integrated student recreational space.
Mike Byers serves as the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. He provides oversight for the master plan.
“Projects take years to plan and to find funding. So, as you look at the Master Plan, many of those things won’t begin until years after you’ve graduated. In fact, some may not happen at all. As things change, plans have to change,” Byers said.
Students can get involved in conversations about university planning by talking to their Student Government Association leaders. Student representatives are appointed to the strategic planning committee every year. Visit affiliate.wcu.edu/sga/ to contact SGA leaders and learn more about getting involved.
