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Western Carolina University

About Western Carolina University

About Us

Why Work at Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University is more than a workplace—it’s a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the success of our students and the strength of our institution. Our employees are inspired by the meaningful difference we make together in the lives of more than 11,000 students who call WCU home.
Here are just a few reasons WCU is a great place to work:
A Commitment to Community
Do you value being involved locally? So do we. WCU offers robust service-learning and community outreach programs that invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with and serve our region in countless ways.
Recognized Excellence
WCU has been named the Top Employer in North Carolina by Forbes for 2025 and ranks #7 in the United States for company culture.
Academic Distinction and Opportunity
As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina System, WCU attracts students from around the globe for our nationally ranked programs, affordability through NC Promise, and exceptional student support. We’re consistently recognized as a Top Adventure College, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities in the heart of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
An Inspiring Location
Our main campus in Cullowhee is just 15 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With hiking and biking trails on campus and countless more nearby, outdoor adventure is always within reach.
Leading in Research and Honors
WCU is home to the oldest and largest Honors College in the UNC System and ranks among the Top 5 institutions nationally for undergraduate research projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
A Cultural Hub for the Region
From professional-quality theater led by Broadway star Terrence Mann to nationally recognized music programs, WCU enriches the arts in our region. Our Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and 
Healthcare Education
Our competitive healthcare programs are housed in a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility, featuring cutting-edge technology and community clinics that provide hands-on learning experiences.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.

Awards
Western Carolina University (WCU) is proud to be recognized across multiple areas that reflect our unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Our distinguished faculty includes national award-winning authors, internationally recognized experts, and recipients of prestigious honors such as Emmy Awards, O. Henry Awards, and National Endowment for the Arts grants.
WCU has earned numerous accolades, including:
•    Top Green College by The Princeton Review
•    Top 5 in the Nation for Undergraduate Research
•    Best College Value by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
•    #1 Outdoor Adventure College for three consecutive years by Blue Ridge Outdoors
The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, a Sudler Trophy recipient, has showcased its excellence on some of the world’s biggest stages, including:
•    The Rose Bowl Parade (2011)
•    The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014 and 2019)
•    The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland (2024)
WCU is also proud to be designated a Military Friendly® School for 2025–2026, earning both the Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School honors.
Each year, our faculty and staff are celebrated for outstanding achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.

Benefits
Western Carolina University offers a wide array of high-quality benefit plans from which to choose. These include comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, a choice between two retirement programs, both of which provide a valuable retirement benefit, as well as optional retirement savings opportunities. Employees also benefit from a generous leave program. For more information, please visit our benefits page at UNC Benefits.

Mission and Vision
Our Mission (who we are):
To improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in our region, state and nation through engaged learning opportunities in our academic programs, educational outreach, research and creative activities, and cultural activities. 
Our Core Values and Guiding Principles (what guides and inspires us):
Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Learning
Collaboration with and Respect for our Communities
Free and Open Interchange of Ideas
Responsible Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness
Organizational and Environmental Sustainability
Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Our Vision Statement (who we want to be):
To be a national model for student learning and engagement that embraces its responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.
 

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