Western Carolina University student Shaneé Sullivan went with a hearing-impaired seventh-grader to lunch after tutoring him for the first time and was moved when he started signing words for their food—words they had just covered. “Without being prompted, he took the lesson I taught him and applied it,” said […]
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WCU grad students help children with autism in local community
Graduate students from Western Carolina University’s communication sciences and disorders department worked with Julie Ogletree, a speech-language pathologist in Jackson County, to develop a social skills group for children with autism. Children with autism have difficulty with communication and social interaction, and have trouble reading social cues and being sensitive […]
Student-crafted exhibit explores N.C. barbecue culture, history
An exhibit at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center explores the culture and history of North Carolina barbecue—where it came from, why North Carolinians argue about it and how it brings people together. “Feeding the Social Fire: Slow-cooked Culture through North Carolina Barbecue” will be on display until Oct. […]
North Carolina prepared if oil approaches
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which first began almost two months ago, has been deemed the worse oil disaster in American history. The damage and expenses that have accumulated during the past weeks surpasses every previous oil related disaster. Because of the speed and quantity of oil […]
NC Forest Service may increase fees for outdoor recreation
Many recreational outdoorsmen and women may have to pay more money to do the activities they enjoy. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing increasing or creating more user fees at some recreation areas on Nantahala and Pisgah national forests. The proposals include creating a fee for the first time at […]
WCU graduate found dead in Tuckaseigee River
The body of a Western Carolina University graduate was found around Noon on Friday, June 4 in the Tuckaseigee River west of Dillsboro after hours of searches conducted by area officials. The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Allen Stanley Brisson of Fayetteville, who received a bachelor’s degree in management from […]
Cherokee man pleads not guilty to girlfriend’s murder
A Cherokee man pleaded not guilty on Monday, June 7 to the murder of his girlfriend.James Ernest Lespier, 31, is charged with one count of murder in the death of 22-year-old Erien Amanda Smith, known as Mandi to friends and family. At the defendant’s arraignment hearing in Asheville, Magistrate Judge […]
Thriving in the Real World: Recent graduate Cody White
It’s no secret that the current job market has future Western graduates worried about the future of their careers. Recent WCU graduate, Cody White, was fortunate and was able to find a job utilizing his degree, although it was not an easy process. White graduated from Western in the spring […]
Before They Were Educators: Dr. Lawrence
(Editor’s Note: The following is the first part of a series of articles looking at the lives of WCU faculty and staff before they were educators.) What did the faculty of Western Carolina do before they began working for the university? Assistant Director of English Education, Dr. Brian […]
From WCU baseball player to country singer
Western Carolina University has graduated several celebrities throughout the years, ranging from professional athletes, to senators, to comedians. We can now include a very charming Nashville recording star to the list of notable alumni. Matt Stillwell graduated from Western in 1998 with a degree in business management. Stillwell, who currently […]