[8] The fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system, WCU was founded to educate the people of the western North Carolina mountains.

[15][16] In 1893, through the efforts of Walter E. Moore, representative from Jackson County, the North Carolina Legislature authorized an appropriation for the establishment of a normal department at the school "for the purpose of training teachers".

[20] One of the residence halls, Shining Rock, has been the target of several arson attacks starting November 2023 and stopping February 2024.

The university operates learning centers in both Asheville and Cherokee with programs offered online and at various community colleges.

At an elevation of 2,100 feet (640 m), but located in a thermal valley, the campus enjoys the best of all four seasons but is shielded from most extreme temperatures by surrounding peaks.

[27] While winters in the valley are generally mild, snow is not unusual in the higher elevations of Jackson County around Cashiers or Balsam.

In nearby Sapphire Valley, snowmaking machines maintain prime snow skiing conditions from mid-December through February.

[28] The many rivers, streams and forests surrounding Cullowhee, combined with the mild climate of Southern Appalachia, offer many opportunities for outdoor activities.

[33] The main campus in Cullowhee offers most of the amenities of a small town, including twelve residence halls,[34] two full-service cafeterias, a food court with fast-food outlets, health services, counseling, a bookstore, library, a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, movie theater, jogging trail and quarter-mile track, hiking and biking trails and intramural fields.

[37] Harrill Residence Hall was renovated to add 6,000 square feet (557 m2) and bring the 1971 building to LEED standards of environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, and re-opened in fall 2012.

The new $46.2 million Health and Human Sciences Building opened for use at the start of the 2012–13 academic year, also built to LEED standards.

This facility is the first project on the Millennial Initiative property and houses WCU's educational and outreach programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Their services include the application process, transcript request, scholarships, internships placement, high school recruitment.

[42] WCU also falls under the administration of University of North Carolina system president Thomas W. Ross.

Vice-Chancellors for Academic Affairs Provosts The university produces the following publications and broadcasts: WCU students, faculty and staff also contribute to: Western Carolina University's academic programs are housed in six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Allied Professions, David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, Health and Human Sciences, and Engineering and Technology.

In addition, Western Carolina University's Brinson Honors College coordinates courses and events in every area of student and offers several interdisciplinary program, the Graduate School coordinates the admission process, funding support, and awarding of degrees to graduate students, and Hunter Library provides academic support for all academic units.

[55] Western is classified among "M1: Master's Colleges and Universities – Larger programs"[56] and in the elective "community engagement" category.

The Christa McAuliffe Award nationally recognizes outstanding programs in teacher education at AASCU member institutions.

[66] In August 2009, Balsam Hall, the first part of a $50.2 million Honors College residential community located at the center of campus opened, housing 426 students.

In Fall 2010, Blue Ridge Hall completed the community and add an additional 400 beds for Honors College students and Teaching Fellows.

[67] In the spring of 2000, WCU was officially designated a National Merit sponsoring university, just the fourth institution of higher education in North Carolina, public or private, to receive that distinction[68] The university grants scholarships to students who qualify as National Merit Finalists.

As a member of the Southern Conference, Western Carolina University participates in NCAA Division I athletics.

Western Carolina and Appalachian State have a football rivalry in which they once competed in the Battle for the Old Mountain Jug on an annual basis.

[92] Western Carolina and East Tennessee State have a football rivalry in which they compete in the Blue Ridge Border Battle.

Announcers described their performance as "This is the largest band this parade has seen in decades", "This is the best of the best", and "They don't mess around at Western Carolina".

Greeks get personal guidance in planning their curriculum and choosing classes and instructors, and assistance with registration and financial aid.