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WCU Stories

katie peek

From the mountains to the sea, WCU alumna and coastal scientist helps to ensure longevity of coastal parks through $295k NPS grant

Growing up in Franklin, Katie Peek never dreamed she would be living in the mountains and working as a coastal scientist in WCU’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines.  

Cyndy Caravelis

Caravelis, Boyer selected to All-SoCon Faculty and Staff team

Cyndy Caravelis, a professor of criminology and criminal justice, and Brian Boyer, a residential case manager, were chosen as WCU’s representatives on the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff team.   

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EMC alumnus honored for work in Operation Warp Speed’s COVID-19 vaccine development

John Eric Powell, a 1991 graduate of WCU’s Emergency Medical Care Program currently working as a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services science adviser, is the recipient of multiple national honors.  

Jack Eaddy finalist

Band director Jack A. Eaddy Jr. named finalist for GRAMMY Music Educator Award

The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum announced the 10 finalists for the 2023 Music Educator Award, and among those 10 is WCU’s Jack A. Eaddy Jr.   

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CEAP student wins two state health and physical education awards

The saying “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” may sound cliché, but for health and physical education student Faith Bourque, this saying could not be truer.  

upcea award

Human remains detection K9 training program wins UPCEA award

WCU’s human remains detection cadaver dog training program was recently awarded the 2022 University Professional and Continuing Education Association award for special populations.  

Paul Johnson

Acclaimed college football coach Paul Johnson receives WCU Professional Achievement Award

Newland native Paul Johnson, a 1979 graduate of Western Carolina University who went on to become an acclaimed college football coach, recently received his alma mater’s Professional Achievement Award.  

lsamp

National Science Foundation awards WCU and four other UNC System schools $3.4 million grant for STEM education for minority students

The funds from this grant will be used by WCU, Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Wilmington to support students in pursuit of STEM degrees at these institutions.  

homecoming awards

Several are honored at WCU’s Homecoming 2022 celebration

Recognized were three alumni for professional accomplishments, the contributions of a husband-and-wife team for their public service and the man who oversaw WCU’s alumni activities for nearly 20 years.  

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