WWCU FM Public Affairs Programs: Recent Episodes
Lyndan, Grayson and others!
Ward Sewell hosts with guest speaker Paige Christie, Executive Director of the Community Table. Ward and Paige discuss what the purpose of the Community Table in Sylva, NC is and how it is being affected by COVID-19.
This episode focuses on how domestic violence effects the area of Jackson County and how the Center for Domestic Peace helps. Robert Ledford hosts with guest speaker Wesley Myers, Executive Director of Jackson County Center for Domestic Peace.
This episode focuses on COVID-19 in Jackson County, North Carolina and how residence can receive vaccines. Kilikena Jordan hosts with guest speaker Melissa McKnight, Deputy Health Director of the Jackson County Department of Public Health. *Note - This program is about COVID-19. Local and national conditions are subject to change.
Kendall Harris hosts with guest speaker Jennifer Turner-Lynn, Assistant Director of REACH of Macon County. Turner-Lynn provides information on the services REACH offers as well as what they do for the WNC community. Domestic violence is something everyone needs to be aware of and understand.
Gibby McIntire hosts with guest speaker Nikki Jones, WNC Program Director of Muddy Sneakers. Jones gives information on Muddy Sneakers and how it can have a positive impact on a child and their education.
Connor Knox hosts with guest Jeff Wright, Southeast Project Coordinator of Trout Unlimited. Wright speaks about fishing in western North Carolina and the efforts that Trout Unlimited is taking to conserve our waters.
Steven Gary hosts with guest speaker Briana Ford, WCU's Director of Military Student Services. Ford speaks about how this program helps students, staff, and faculty at the university understand our student veterans.
Bryson Rodier hosts with guest speaker, Lori Ann Bailey, Executive Director of the Nantahala Health Foundation.
Host Gibby McIntire is talking with Nikki Jones, WNC Program Director on how Muddy Sneakers can have a positive impact on a child and their education.
Dr. Burton talks about the complexities of bringing students back to campus, as University classes remain online until February 15. Dr. Burton highlights the diligent work of faculty and staff on campus and talks about how Western is waiting on vaccines and approval to be a community vaccine hub for our community.
Jennifer has worked with REACH for over ten years and highlights the growing need for services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. REACH of Macon serves Jackson County in conjunction with the Center for Domestic Peace and provides a range of services from a housing shelter, to rape crisis companions.
Erin Mcmanus, Farm Director, talks about the services FSF provides to individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even with COVID-19, FSF invites folks of all ages to their programs free of charge. Running on people power and community support, full spectrum farms now serves people all around the country.
Jacob Buchanan, Assistant Superintendent, updates the community on how public schools are keeping students safe. Jackson County is a 1:1 district, meaning each student has a device to reach the internet. Buchanan calls their teachers rockstars and superheroes, and highlights the tremendous efforts to keep transmission minimal.
Pat Thomas, Director and Founder of A4A, talks about the spike in need for pet assistance in 2020. Thomas advises that pets are both an emotional and financial responsibility- however there is assistance when pet owners need it!
Dr. Andrew Denson is a professor of U.S. and Native American history at Western Carolina University. Dr. Denson discusses the validity of the contemporary idea of thanksgiving and offers insight into being a more socially aware member of society.
The Director of Mountain Heritage Center, Pam Meister, talks about the significance of the history of women's voting rights. She is joined by undergraduate students Sara Stanley and Autumn Chandler, who emphasize the importance of the intergenerational teamwork of women.
Before the election, Dr. Cooper covered why voting is important and how this election will make history, this time he rejoins WWCU to talk about what happened. This election season was tighter than most, however the themes we are seeing have repeated before as Dr. Cooper explains.
Executive Director Eddie Wells talks about the multitude of programs offered to the aging population of Jackson County.
In this 2020 public affairs program, Sgt. Brittany Thompson highlights the importance of community-based policing, which advocates for victims. Thompson further describes the day to day of her job, how policing is changing, and how this year in particular has affected policing.
In this Public Affairs Program, Dr. Perry is joined by two members of the student democracy coalition. The three of them talk about the importance of voting, the on campus polling places, and upcoming fall 2020 events.
Biology professor Beverly Collins shares her prediction for the fall color change. Originally aired September 2021.
Sam Miller describes what changes will be seen on campus, what classroom safety measures can be expected and where to get University updates. Some people know him as the break up guy, find out why!
Pam Buchanan talks about how the Bird building will look different this year, but still provide the same expert care to students and staff of WCU.
In this interview Dr. Cooper explains why every vote counts and how important local elections are.
University life is taking a new shape in light of Corona Virus. Dr. Brown details how campus is coping with Covid and keeping up with changes.
McKnight talks about how their office is working to keep people safe, reduce in house numbers and continue providing health care. They are still open by appointment for all usual services, and McKnight outlines them as well as provides contact information for the department. Corona Virus has changed the way people look at health care, and virtual appointments allow people all over to still be served.
Homebase is the only functioning student support system of its kind within the UNC system. Even with COVID-19, Homebase is open for students to access their computer lab, food pantry, and laundry room. Dean talks about the importance of Homebase on this campus, and the importance of student support everywhere.
Vecinos translates to neighbor and is an organization focused on getting medical help to farm workers in Western North Carolina. In light of the epidemic, it is important to highlight the essential workers that provide food and how they can best be served in times of need- despite language barriers. Vecinos provides many services including medical translators, food drives and clothing distribution.
The community table provides holiday meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas day 11am to 1pm.
Tunnel began at Western Illinois University and branched out into many public Universities to spread awareness about oppression in the united states and abroad. TOO will take place here at WCU November 13 and 14 and is completely designed, scripted and acted out by Western students.
The edited, aired version is also available, however Dr. Allen has a way with words that shouldn't go to waste. This is the full phone conversation that was later edited for on air use.
Dr. Levern Hamlin Allen was the first student of African American decent enrolled in any North Carolina School. The Fall of 2019 marked the opening of the freshman residence hall, Levern Hamlin Allen Hall. In this program Allen talks about her time at Western, as well as her life apart from this institution.
This is a summer focused program that tells the do's and dont's to hiking, the summer fun happening in Jackson county and allows us to learn a little more about our outdoor recreation manager, Molly.
Host David Fernandez and Sergeant Jacob Deal of WCU Police Department discuss crosswalk safety on campus at Western Carolina University.
This nonprofit organization reaches out to the community to encourage people to "get their hands dirty" to really get involved with and educated about the natural resource water is. This program highlights the adopt a river program, how to safely irrigate, how dirt effects water quality and yearly programs like kids in the creek!
Founder and President Chioma Opara talks about the Organization for African Students and how it represents the African culture within rural Western North Carolina. This program highlights the past and future events associated with the organization, with many events focusing on African culture through music, dance and cuisine. April 2019 is the two year anniversary for this organization on Western's Campus.
This public affairs program touches on who our dean of students is an overview of what he does how to get in contact with him what goals he sees western achieving and ways to make the campus thrive
Clean Slate Coalition is a program for women based in Sylva, NC and serving the surrounding area. Listen to hear what they do!
A discussion with owner/founder Pat Thomas about Advocates for Animals in Jackson County. What their goals are, what services they offer, and tips on how to safely care for pets in the home and outdoors.
Previously known as dance marathon, Miracle is a program where people dance for 12 hours to look out for kids in Greenville, SC. Listen to learn more!
In this short interview, Plantenberg talks about how to keep up with your mental health- and calls to end the stigma on making sure our mindset is as healthy as our body!
In this interview, Ricardo talks about the diversity in each individual, how to make a college campus personal, and how he is diverse.
This is a public affairs program with Intercultural Affairs on Western Carolina University's campus. Dr. Patterson discusses topics about inequality, how people can get involved on campus, and what the ICA means for WCU