During its second century, 蘑菇短视频 made especially significant strides under Chancellor John W. Bardo, who served from 1995 to 2011. Bardo focused on the role of technology in education and higher education's impact on community and economic development. The university began developing its "Millennial Campus" on the west side of N.C. Highway 107, aimed at fostering public/private partnerships through a blend of academic research, and commercial facilities. The Millennial Campus also included the 160,000 sq. Ft. Health and Human Sciences building, featuring classrooms, research labs, rehabilitation clinics, and state-of-the-art medicinal capabilities. On the athletic front, 蘑菇短视频 celebrated the success of its 1996 men's basketball team in reaching the NCAA Tournament while the women鈥檚 team made the NCAAs in 2005 and 2009. Construction of new facilities for women's soccer and softball also marked a period of growth and achievement for the university.
UNC System President William Friday invests Chancellor Coulter with his seal of office during Coulter鈥檚 inauguration on April 20, 1985.
Chancellor Coulter signed an agreement with the president of Yunnan University of the People鈥檚 Republic of China in May 1985. The agreement extended the 鈥淪ister University鈥� relationship to include undergraduate student exchanges and an emphasis on regional economic development.
The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching was built to recognize and support outstanding North Carolina public school teachers. Since 1985, it has emerged as a national model for the enhancement of teaching as an art and a profession, providing dynamic study and advanced learning opportunities for teachers.
John W. Bardo was the Chancellor of 蘑菇短视频 from 1995 to 2011. Dr. Bardo held a doctorate in sociology from the Ohio State University and would regularly speak on issues of technology in education and the role of higher education in economic and community development. During his tenure, 蘑菇短视频 made significant strides in becoming a nationally-recognized center for teaching and learning.
Until 2018, no number 16 seed had ever defeated a number 1 seed in NCAA basketball tournament history, but in March 1996 it almost happened. Although Coach Phil Hopkins鈥檚 Catamounts only had a 17-12 record, they won three straight Southern Conference Tournament games including the championship game against Davidson. That victory placed them in the NCAA first-round game against 25-5 Purdue. The Cats controlled much of the game with a zone defense. In the final seconds, Purdue desperately held on to win 73-71. Western Carolina had two last chances -- a three-pointer to win by point guard Joel Fleming, and a 15-footer to tie by Joe Stafford. Both shots looked good, but both hit the back of the rim.
The new running track/soccer field complex was opened in 2005. It is located on the site of the previous track, includes a complete replacement of the track, a new soccer field in the track's infield, lighting, locker rooms for men and women, a 1,200-seat grandstand, restrooms, a concession and storage building, and a footbridge across Cullowhee Creek. The Catamounts won the 2023 SOCON Championship at the complex.
The inaugural season of Catamount softball and the opening of the new facility both took place in early 2006. The Lady Cats commemorated the opening of the new facility in style -- they swept the home-opening doubleheader, defeating S.C. State -- and then went on to win the Southern Conference regular season championship.
The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) at 蘑菇短视频 is an exciting cultural arts and art education destination for Western North Carolina and the surrounding region. Set in a beautiful valley between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, the center combines state-of-the-art educational opportunities for students and instructors with a fresh and inspiring venue for world-class performers and artists. Its three components include a 1,000-seat concert hall, an academic wing, and a fine arts museum.
Encompassing 28,000 square feet, the Center for Applied Technology is equipped with high-tech tools for programs of study in engineering and technology, music, communication, and sales and marketing. It includes engineering laboratories for technology-based manufacturing, network-quality television and recording studios, and a center for the study of business-to-business sales.
Built in 2012, 蘑菇短视频鈥檚 160,000 sq. ft. Health and Human Sciences building on the Millennial Campus has 13 classrooms, 20 program-specific laboratories, four research laboratories, specialized outpatient health and rehabilitation clinics, offices, gathering spaces and a coffeehouse. Among unique features of the building are extensive videoconferencing and telemedicine capabilities and a video production studio. The facility features a rehabilitation pool where students learn and practice aquatic therapy.