Western Wednesdays

From Catamount student‑athlete to championship coach and educator, Miranda Stamper’s Western journey comes full circle. Now a PE teacher and the driving force behind the Lady Braves basketball program, she reflects on how her time at WCU shaped her path and how she’s passing those lessons on to the next generation of student‑athletes.

Frank and Becky Brown’s Western story is rooted in Cullowhee and continues through a lifetime of service. From meeting while working in Cherokee to their enduring commitment to WCU, their connection to this place and its people runs deep. Join us as they reflect on where they started and why giving back to Western still matters so much.

This episode highlights Dawson Spencer, a two-time Western Carolina University graduate who now serves the state through his work with the NC Department of Public Safety. During his time at WCU, Dawson made an indelible impact as both a passionate tour guide and as SGA President, helping lead the university community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary voice for students. His commitment to service, leadership, and the Catamount community continues to shine in his professional life today.

This episode shines a spotlight on Steve White, a proud WCU alumnus whose dedication to Catamount athletics has spanned decades. After serving many years as Western Carolina’s Sports Information Director, Steve remains a beloved and influential figure across campus. Whether behind the scenes or cheering from the sidelines, no one embodies the spirit and passion of WCU athletics quite like Steve White.

We close out the 2025 season with Celina Woods, a distinguished 1985 graduate of Western Carolina University, award-winning attorney, and passionate advocate for children. With nearly 20 WCU graduates in her family, Celina’s story is one of deep legacy, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service. As a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, she continues to give back to the university that helped shape her path.

This episode celebrates Larry Naylor, a proud Western Carolina University alumnus and retired Lt. Colonel whose legacy runs deep in Catamount country. With two brothers and two daughters also graduating from WCU, the Naylor family—affectionately known as Naylor Nation—represents generations of dedication, service, and love for Western. Larry shares stories from his military career and reflects on the powerful role WCU has played in his life and family.

This week, we catch up with Zebby Matthews, Minnesota Twins pitcher and proud Western Carolina University alumnus. Zebby reflects on his time as a Catamount, how WCU helped shape his path to professional baseball, and what life is like now in the big leagues. From strikeouts in Cullowhee to the mound in Minnesota, it’s a journey worth celebrating.

This week, we spotlight Monty Graham and Brett Banther, two Western Carolina University alumni who now help lead innovation and industry collaboration at the WCU RAPID Center. As part of the College of Engineering and Technology, they share how their work supports advanced manufacturing and provides hands-on opportunities for students to solve real-world challenges.

In this episode, we feature Jake Robinson, a former WCU student-athlete, current member of the Board of Trustees, and CEO of Champion Credit Union. From the court to the boardroom, Jake shares how his experiences at Western Carolina University shaped his leadership journey and commitment to community-focused financial services.

This week, we highlight Danita Johnson, a trailblazing alumna of Western Carolina University and the current President of Business Operations for D.C. United. From her roots in Fayetteville, NC, to becoming the first Black woman to hold this executive role in Major League Soccer, Danita shares her inspiring journey through the world of professional sports and leadership.

Join us this week as we spotlight Kinley Cook, a proud Western Carolina University graduate with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management. Now serving as a dedicated park ranger with the National Park Service, Kinley shares her journey from the mountains of WCU to protecting some of America’s most treasured natural landscapes. Discover how her passion for the outdoors turned into a fulfilling career in conservation and public service.

Join us for an exciting episode of Western Wednesdays as we chat with Josh Jones, the Vice President of Sports Marketing and Management at Kevin Harvick Incorporated. A Western Carolina University alumnus, Josh played football and majored in sports management. Hear about his remarkable journey from college athlete to managing top-tier athletes in NASCAR, the PGA Tour, and UFC.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Western Wednesdays as we sit down with Matt Henley, the current Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University. A proud alumnus, Matt is celebrating his 35th season with the renowned Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. Tune in to hear about his journey, the evolution of the band, and his vision for the future.

Join us on this special episode of Western Wednesdays as we sit down with Nora Lynn Finch, a proud WCU alumna and a pioneering figure in women's college sports. Discover her inspiring journey, the challenges she overcame, and her lasting impact on the world of athletics.

Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we explore the inspiring journey of Western Carolina University alum Mike Crawford, who became the COO of Forvis, one of the top accounting firms in the US. Discover how he balanced his successful career with a fulfilling personal life and the pivotal moments at WCU that shaped his path.

Join us on Western Wednesdays as we chat with Garrett Ozar, co-founder of Eterneva and proud Western Carolina University alum. Discover how his innovative company, featured on Shark Tank, is transforming the way we remember our loved ones.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with Sharon Fenchak, the esteemed winemaker at Biltmore Estate and a proud graduate of Western Carolina University's MBA program. Sharon shares her journey from the classroom to crafting award-winning wines, offering insights into the art and science of winemaking.

PGA Tour golfer and Western Carolina University alumnus JT Poston joins us for Western Wednesdays, sharing his inspiring journey from Hickory, North Carolina to the pinnacle of professional golf. Discover the stories behind his passion for the sport, nurtured by his father and grandfather, leading to a standout collegiate career at WCU. Fresh off his thrilling third PGA Tour victory at the Shriners Children’s Open, JT talks about the unwavering support from the Catamount community and personal milestones, including welcoming his child, Scotty, into the world.Get a front-row seat to JT's experiences on the professional golf circuit, where he plays alongside legendary figures like Tiger Woods. He recounts the awe of achieving his childhood dream and the importance of mentorship from seasoned golfers at Sea Island. JT reveals how the unexpected presence of Catamount fans across the country has created a unique sense of community, fueling his drive and focus in a challenging sport.Peek behind the scenes of a week on the PGA Tour with insights from JT on his routine—highlighting the significance of consistency. Learn about his efforts to give back through the JT Poston Invitational, supporting WCU’s men’s golf team and promoting youth golf in Western North Carolina. Hear JT reflect on how personal relationships, from his grandfather's profound influence to his connection with the current WCU team, play a crucial role in a sport often perceived as solitary. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or simply appreciate a compelling success story, this conversation offers something for everyone.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, join us as we talk with Jim Rowell and John Connet, two local leaders who played pivotal roles in their communities’ recovery after Hurricane Helene. Hear their inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and the power of community in the face of disaster.

Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we chat with Western Carolina University alumni Dale Collins, owner of Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, and Preston Jacobsen from Haywood Waterways. Discover their journeys and insights into the world of fly fishing and water conservation!

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with alumnus and Olympic silver medalist Manteo Mitchell. Known for his incredible performance in track and field at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Manteo shares his journey and insights. Now embarking on a new adventure, he discusses his exciting transition into the sport of bobsledding.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we shine a spotlight on Heather Smith and Abby Bentley, the remarkable educators honored as North Carolina's Teacher and Beginning Teacher of the Year. Both graduates of Western Carolina University, Abby and Heather now inspire and educate students in Haywood County. Join us as we explore their journeys, teaching philosophies, and the impact they've made in their community.

Join us on Western Wednesdays for an enlightening discussion with Randall Harris, drummer of NEEDTOBREATHE and proud graduate of Western Carolina University. Explore his musical journey and how his education has influenced his craft.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, alumni and friends of Western Carolina University share their journey from students to healthcare professionals at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, dedicated to serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These incredible catamounts discuss the unique challenges and rewards of providing culturally sensitive care within their community, offering insights into the intersection of education, culture, and healthcare in the heart of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Join us for a special live episode of Western Wednesdays as we celebrate WCU's annual day of giving, One Day for Western. Tune in to hear our students share their stories of impact and learn how you can support our university's legacy with a single day of generosity.

Join us on this week's Western Wednesdays episode as we chat with Amanda Muse, a talented film composer based in Los Angeles, California, who graduated from Western Carolina University. Amanda shares insights into her journey from the mountains of western North Carolina to the heart of Hollywood, discussing her musical inspirations, creative process, and experiences scoring for the silver screen. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the intersection of WCU roots and cinematic flair in the world of film composition.

In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we sit down with Brenda Gorsuch, a seasoned educator who graduated from Western Carolina University. With a career devoted to shaping young minds, Brenda shares insights from her journey as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs within the ever-evolving field of education.

When she was a high school student in rural eastern North Carolina, Debbie Wright’s algebra teacher happened to submit her name to a National Science Foundation math program. Soon, Debbie was one of ten students selected to participate in the program, which was held in Cullowhee. She was in the right place at the right time—and her experiences in that program influenced her so much that she looked beyond Cornell and Purdue to come back to WCU for her undergraduate degree. There, she found her way in the sciences and into Professor Paul Wright’s genetics lab, a vanguard program at the time. For Debbie, it was once again the chance to be in the right place at the right time. I hope you’ll give this interview a listen to learn about how Debbie strung together all of those serendipitous moments into a long, distinguished career that ultimately led her to become the chief legal counsel for patents at Kraft. Those accomplishments and more led WCU’s Alumni Association to bestow the Professional Achievement Award upon Debbie this past fall.

In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Victoria Ladd and Courtney Gunter, two outstanding Catamounts from Western Carolina University's women's golf team. Victoria shares her passion for the game and the dedication that helped propel the team to regional and national success, while Courtney unveils her strategic approach and the lessons learned from her journey as a coach and former collegiate golfer.

In this episode, we explore the life and work of David Joy, an alumnus of Western Carolina University and a critically acclaimed author. Joy's writing is rooted in the Appalachian region, and his novels and essays often explore themes of poverty, addiction, and the natural world. Join us as we dive into Joy's background, discuss his literary influences, and examine some of his most notable works. Through our conversation, we gain insight into Joy's unique perspective on life in the American South and the power of storytelling to capture the complexities of the human experience.

What do Maya Angelou, Dick Vitale, and Tammy Bakker all have in common? They've all been on the other side of the camera from Will and Deni McIntyre. We had the chance to sit down with these former catamounts to talk about a life, and career, in photography and video production.

As we enter into the heart of the college admission cycle, it’s worth asking: what is the value of a college degree? What drives the cost of higher education? What’s the best way to pay for it? We’ve pulled together an expert panel to help answer these questions and more, including Phil Cauley ’83, WCU’s associate vice chancellor for undergraduate admissions, Dr. Sean Mulholland, professor of economics, and Donna Winbon ’80, a financial planner.

Western Carolina University was founded in the late 19th century as a teachers college and has graduated thousands of educators who have poured their hearts into classrooms in the region and across the state. But it is safe to say that today's public school classroom is unlike any other in American history. This month we're going to talk about what that classroom looks like.  Joining us for our discussion is Dr. Kim Winter, Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions, Dr. Marlow Artis, principal of Craven Early College High School, Dr. Dana Ayers, Superintendent of Jackson County Schools, Kayleigh McAlister Kassel, middle school teacher at the Catamount School, and Maggie King, assistant principal of Waynesville and Canton middle schools. 

Few things about WCU’s Pride of the Mountains marching band fly under the radar—a 500-member ensemble is hard to miss, after all. However, Western’s marching band has changed leadership and education in our region in a way that few other organizations at WCU or anywhere in the system can lay claim to. Join us this Western Wednesday as we learn about the band’s impact off of the field, including its plans to bring the Pride of the Mountains across the pond. We’ll hear from POTM director Jack Eaddy and staff, current students, and local band director and POTM alumnus Alex Larsen ’17.

WCU’s recently updated mission statement specifically calls for a “robust connectedness” with the communities of southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or EBCI. That relationship is the topic of this month’s Western Wednesday. Join Marty Ramsey as he talks with Sky Sampson, director of WCU’s Cherokee Center, and other panelists about the exciting work happening on campus and on the Qualla Boundary.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting fall in Cullowhee! Join WCU’s Office of Engagement and the Division of Athletics for a preview of the fall Catamount Sports season at this month’s Western Wednesday! Special guests include:Kerwin Bell, Head Football CoachKaren Glover, Head Volleyball CoachChad Miller, Head Women’s Soccer CoachJesse Norman, Head Cross Country CoachDaniel Hooker, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations

The Los Angeles Rams have backup quarterbacks. They have a backup coaching staff. But they only have one director of performance nutrition and wellness, and that is Joey Blake '12. Blake, who graduated from Western with a degree in dietetics and nutrition, joined the Rams organization in 2017, and now he's responsible for the dietary needs of a five billion-dollar franchise. Join us as we hear from Joey about how he's applying his Western education at the highest level of professional sports.

In this month's episode we'll be taking a behind the scenes look at the making of Bells in the Valley—a 22 minute documentary of the history of Western Carolina University. Originally produced as part of WCU’s centennial celebration in 1989, the documentary was updated in 2012, and then again in 2022, to include some of WCU’s more recent history. We sat down with Arledge Armenaki who served as producer and director, Bruce Frazier who composed and recorded the original music and served as the music consultant, and with Gurney Chambers who served as the narrator for all three renditions of Bells in the Valley. All three of our guests are also former faculty members of Western Carolina University.

On February 24th, 2022, Vladimir Putin sent Russian armed forces into the country of Ukraine, beginning a war in Ukraine that is still impacting the region and the world, today. We sat down with associate professor of history, Dr. David Dorondo, to take an in-depth look at what led to this moment, how it has developed, and how it will impact the future of Ukraine and the world. 

In the fall of 2021, WCU opened the doors of a brand new, 110 million dollar science building bearing the name of one of the university’s fiercest advocates, Senator Tom Apodaca. This state-of-the-art building was part of a 2 billion dollar state bond that was approved by voters and just one of the many projects supported by Senator Apodaca during his tenure in the state legislature.Since most folks haven’t been able to see the 183,000 square foot building in person, we decided to bring the building to you. We had the chance to take a tour through the building with Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, David Kinner, to see the impact this facility is going to have on our students. 

While Western Wednesdays have been around for 18 months, we’re excited to bring it to you in the world of podcasts. Every month we’ll be sitting down with alumni from all different backgrounds to talk about how WCU influenced them and their careers.To kick things off, we spent an evening catching up with Ronnie Carr and Henry Logan about their impact on catamount basketball. Steve White, catamount athletics historian, moderated an incredible conversation about their time at WCU and beyond. We hope you enjoy the show.