37 Interesting Facts about Western Carolina University

Dan April 14, 2023

Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Established in 1889, WCU is part of the University of North Carolina system and offers over 115 undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven colleges. The university has a student population of over 11,000 and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:17.

WCU has a strong commitment to student success and offers a number of resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. The university’s Center for Student Success provides academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, while the Student Success Center offers support for students with disabilities and those experiencing personal or academic challenges.

The university is known for its focus on experiential learning, with a number of opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and community engagement. WCU’s faculty are highly experienced and dedicated to their students’ success, with many actively engaged in research and scholarship in their respective fields.

WCU is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, providing students with access to a range of outdoor recreational activities and natural beauty. The university’s campus is home to a number of cultural and recreational facilities, including a performing arts center, art galleries, and athletic facilities. Additionally, the university is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.

Here are 37 interesting facts about Western Carolina University to know more about this public university.

1. Western Carolina University was founded in 1889 and is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
2. The university is part of the University of North Carolina system.
3. WCU has a student population of around 11,000.
4. The university has a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:17.
5. WCU offers over 115 undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven colleges.
6. The university has a strong commitment to student success and offers a range of resources and support services.
7. WCU’s Center for Student Success provides academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
8. The Student Success Center offers support for students with disabilities and those experiencing personal or academic challenges.
9. The university is known for its focus on experiential learning.
10. WCU offers a number of opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and community engagement.
11. The university has a highly experienced and dedicated faculty.
12. Many WCU faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship in their respective fields.
13. The university has a number of centers and institutes focused on research and community engagement.
14. The university’s main campus is located on 600 acres in the Appalachian Mountains.
15. The university has a number of satellite campuses and instructional sites across Western North Carolina.
16. WCU is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
17. The university has a LEED Gold-certified building on campus, the Health and Human Sciences Building.
18. The university’s Green Energy Park is a unique facility that uses landfill gas to fuel glassblowing and metalworking studios.
19. The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
20. WCU offers a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusivity.
21. The university has a number of student organizations and clubs focused on diversity and social justice issues.
22. The university has a highly ranked nursing program.
23. WCU’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
24. The university offers a number of programs in education and teaching.
25. WCU’s engineering and technology programs are highly regarded.
26. The university has a number of programs in the arts and humanities, including music, theater, and visual arts.
27. The university’s School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
28. WCU’s School of Stage and Screen offers a range of programs in theater and film.
29. The university has a number of athletic programs, including football, basketball, and soccer.
30. WCU’s athletic teams are known as the Catamounts.
31. The university has a strong tradition of outdoor recreation and adventure sports.
32. WCU’s Outdoor Program offers a range of activities, including hiking, climbing, and whitewater rafting.
33. The university has a number of student-run media outlets, including a radio station and a newspaper.
34. WCU is home to a number of art galleries and exhibition spaces.
35. The university’s Fine Art Museum features a collection of over 1,500 works of art.
36. WCU has a number of partnerships and collaborations with other institutions and organizations.
37. WCU’s Center for Service Learning offers a range of programs and opportunities for students to engage in community service.

Western Carolina University is a thriving institution with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. With a range of programs and resources designed to support students, a highly experienced and dedicated faculty, and a strong focus on experiential learning and research, WCU offers an exceptional educational experience. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, education, the arts, or any other field, WCU has something to offer. With its beautiful Appalachian Mountain setting, commitment to sustainability and diversity, and emphasis on outdoor recreation and adventure sports, WCU is an ideal place to live and learn.