WCU opens $110.5 million science building

Until 2016, then-Chancellor David O. Belcher spent much of his time and energy as leader of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee telling anyone who would listen that WCU’s future was in danger. Specifically, the future of its engineering, science and nursing programs.

The reason for that danger was an aging natural sciences building that was too small to accommodate the growing number of students pursuing science careers, vibrated so significantly when the air conditioning units kicked on that using sensitive scientific equipment was impossible, and dealt constantly with mold, plumbing and storage issues.

Last week, the university community celebrated the grand opening of a $110.5 million, 189,000-square-foot building that serves as the ultimate answer to the questions Belcher began asking years ago.


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