Winds of Change - College 2016 - 60

COLLEGE Profiles I n a charming small town surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Western Carolina University offers a philosophy of hands-on learning and guided research. Since its modest beginnings in 1889 with only 18 students gathered in a single room, WCU has blossomed into a booming academic center with more than 10,000 students. Ranked No. 13 on U.S. News and World Report's list of top public universities in the South, WCU prides itself on a strong sense of community, a wide range of highly regarded academic departments, state-of-the-art facilities, and nationally ranked undergraduate research programs. WCU faculty members understand the importance of learning by doing, making it a solid choice for undergraduate students seeking research experience. The university provides a manual and hands-on guidance for bachelor's degree students participating in laboratory research, or even working on their own projects. In the past year 121 students had projects accepted by the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) - the second-highest acceptance rate of 383 participating schools. This marks the 11th consecutive year that WCU has ranked in the top 10 for the highest rate of NCUR approval. The research experience isn't limited to undergraduates. Graduate students are also invited to assist faculty with their research projects, including a study of the synthesis of new metallic nanostructures and how they react to light. All students have the opportunity to participate in research at the U.S. Forest Service Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, one of North America's longest-running continuous environmental studies. An especially fascinating WCU resource is the Forensic Osteology Research Station, one of only six labs of its kind in the world. This 60 WINDS OF CHANGE * 2016-2017 SPECIAL COLLEGE ISSUE outdoor human decomposition facility is used to educate forensic anthropology students. WCU in Cullowhee boasts more than 60 other on-campus programs for undergraduates and 33 for graduate students. A few STEM undergraduate majors are engineering, biology, environmental science, and geology. WCU also offers master's programs in biology and chemistry. WCU chemistry students have an opportunity to work toward both their BS and MS through the Chemistry Four + One Program. Students in this program can receive their BS in chemistry after four years, and earn their MS with only one additional year of classes. Located in the heart of the historic Eastern Band of Cherokee lands, WCU has a Cherokee Studies Department that offers an interdisciplinary minor for undergraduate students. The school also has an MA program in American history with a Cherokee studies track, a graduate certificate program in Cherokee studies, and a culturally based Native health program. These programs are bolstered by the Cherokee Language Revitalization Project, through which students can now take four semesters of Cherokee language classes. When they aren't hard at work creating nanomaterials and studying decomposition, WCU students can venture into the great outdoors. Cullowhee's location, nestled near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, means there are excellent hiking and mountain biking prospects. During the warm months students can cool off in the Tuckasegee River. The rural setting of Cullowhee is truly a nature-lover's dream, but for a change of pace, students can make the hour-or-so drive to Asheville, N.C., where street performers, independent bookstores, and locally made crafts await. - Sarah E. Dollard aises.org PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (3) Western Carolina University Cullowhee, N.C. * wcu.edu http://www.wcu.edu http://www.aises.org

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