Articles
Mountain Xpress
Feb 9, 2023
WTF: What can Chuck Edwards do for you?
Rep. Chuck Edwards began his term serving Western North Carolina in the U.S. House on Jan. 3. As part of his efforts to fulfill campaign promises, the District 11 Republican has made a running start in providing a variety of constituent services…
The Western Carolina Journalist
Dec 7, 2022
The Silent Epidemic: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
As we’ve moved into the 21st century, the harsh realities faced by indigenous communities covered up for generations are brought to light, and the fight for indigenous rights has grown, but not nearly enough. Not yet…
Dec 19, 2020 – Photo Credit: WCU
A day in the life of WCU Chancellor, Dr. Kelli Brown
Every student at Western Carolina University knows who Chancellor Kelli R. Brown is, but very few know what a regular day looks like for her. Only being in the position since July 1, 2019, Chancellor Brown has faced a lot of struggles during COVID-19…
Dec 7, 2022
It’s RAD teaching women to defend themselves
30 young women completed a circle around the poorly lit room in the back of the gym. Hearts beating fast from their warm-up, sweat building on foreheads, heavy breathing, and wide eyes looking to their instructors in the middle of the circle for commands to start their drills…
More articles by Lili Stapel, published in The Western Carolina Journalist
The Western Carolinian
Oct 7, 2021
What is WCU’s ‘body farm’?
Though the human decomposition facility, commonly known as the “Body Farm,” has been part of WCU for over a decade, most students still don’t know exactly what it is. Whether due to the location being kept a secret or that it’s just not discussed often, the ‘stinky jewel of western’ is shrouded in mystery for many…
Jan 31, 2022
Lunar New Year brings prosperity and opportunity to learn
Celebrated by over 2 billion people across the world, the Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year in Asian cultures. It is centered around the hope for good fortune and prosperity and is filled with lots of special foods and traditions…
More articles by Lili Stapel, published in The Western Carolinian
The Sylva Herald and Ruralite
March 31, 2021
Cullowhee man invents a better greenhouse
Transformer greenhouses invented by Bob Houghton, a retired Western Carolina University professor and former elementary school teacher, are more affordable than standard greenhouses and make all-year-round gardening an easily attainable goal…
March 3, 2021
Local support strong for litter legislation
Litter along roadways is a common problem in Jackson County and across the state. A recent bill filed in the North Carolina legislature is aimed at changing that. The Highway Cleanup act, introduced by Rep. John Bell, R-Goldsboro…
More articles by Lili Stapel, published in The Sylva Herald and Ruralite
Lili Stapel 