WCU College of Arts & Sciences

07/10/2026

This week our Geology students traveled to Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky where they studied sedimentary rocks to recreate past river and ocean systems of 300+ million years ago!

04/10/2026

Creek Day!

Here are some of our Biology and NRM students sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates and measuring stream physical characteristics at Cullowhee Creek!

29/09/2026

WCU’s very own Dr. Yang’s applied research project uses a sociological approach to tackle some of the thorniest issues surrounding support for aging populations. Take a look at the story!

What if independence isn’t about needing less support—but having more dependable ways to get it when you need it? That question is at the heart of a new research project at Western Carolina University exploring whether individuals can come together to create ways of giving and receiving support ...

23/09/2026

Salamanders!🦎

WCU biology students went out with Professors Joe Pechmann, Jeremy Hyman, and Weaver Haney to document a new hybrid species of salamander here in Cullowhee!

This has been an ongoing 50 year study by WCU biology students and faculty to determine the hybrid species zone (habitat scope).

18/09/2026

Celebrating the 175th Birthday of Jackson County with 95.3 WWCU and our very own Whee-TV! Our students at Whee-TV had the unique opportunity to represent Western and record the event while celebrate along side Jackson County residents.

27/08/2026

Communication isn't just about talking. Sometimes it's about working together without saying a word. 🧩

Students in Cynthia Wray's COMM 312: Small Group and Team Communication class challenged themselves to complete puzzles using both verbal and nonverbal communication, then reflected on leadership, team roles, collaboration, and competition. A fun hands-on exercise that brought communication theory to life!

05/08/2026

🌿🐝 Congratulations to Michael Morris, a Western Carolina University student who has been awarded the The Elizabeth Gardner Norweb Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship from the Garden Club of America!

Michael's research explores how land use and tree canopy cover affect flying insect populations in urban environments. By sampling insects at 37 sites near Asheville, North Carolina, he aims to better understand how differences in urban landscapes influence insect biomass, abundance, and community composition. His findings could help inform city planners and support the development of more sustainable, biodiversity-friendly communities.

Insect populations have been declining worldwide, and Michael's work seeks to shed light on the environmental factors that may be contributing to those declines. We are proud to see his research recognized through this prestigious national scholarship and look forward to the impact of his work.

Congratulations, Michael! 💜💛🐾

13/07/2026

🎬 COMM 201 Summer Bridge students were the first to tour WCU's updated WHEE CAT TV Studio! Students explored the space, learned from Communication faculty, and got a behind-the-scenes look at broadcasting in action.

11/06/2026

Hidden beneath the surface, groundbreaking research is taking place. 🌿💧
A WCU Biology graduate student is exploring the quiet, often unseen world of a rare aquatic plant in the Little River system—shedding light on a species that rarely reveals itself.

Their work highlights the importance of curiosity, persistence, and protecting the ecosystems that surround us. Read more at the link below ⬇️

https://highlandsbiological.org/a-plant-that-rarely-reveals-itself/

03/06/2026

Catamounts abroad! 🌎

Our Department of Communication is offering two study abroad classes this summer: International Communication: Democracy and Media and Social Media Storytelling: On Assignment in Vienna and Prague. Led by Dr. Matt Binford and Dr. Katerina Spasovska, our students are sharpening their skills, deepening their knowledge, and immersing themselves in new cultures. Not a bad way to spend a summer! ✈️ ☀️ 📒