CSFE Blog
Professor Sean Mulholland became the CSFE Director in July 2022.![Local businesses and chains are feeling the effects of economic rebalancing](https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2020/07/two-stainless-steel-forks-on-top-of-place-mat-1342641-1080x675.jpg)
Local businesses and chains are feeling the effects of economic rebalancing
Several local and chain businesses in Western North Carolina have announced permanent closures in recent weeks as the economy continues to struggle with the impact of the pandemic. In its recent coverage, WLOS News 13 reached out to Center For the Study of Free...
![Dr. Edward Lopez on the impact of COVID-19 on WNC small businesses](https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2020/06/shallow-focus-photo-of-white-open-sigange-3345876-1080x675.jpg)
Dr. Edward Lopez on the impact of COVID-19 on WNC small businesses
Small businesses are bearing the brunt of the economic shut-down as a result of COVID-19. In a recent interview on WLOS News 13, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise Director Dr. Edward Lopez spoke about the conditions affecting small business owners. Recent...
What does a dip in positive cases mean for North Carolina?
Confirmed cases have plummeted in North Carolina in the past four days, down from a record high of 1,768 on 6/12 to well below trend at 751 today 6/16. Does this mean the actual threat of the disease is also plummeting? It could instead reflect that testing also...
![Introducing CSFE COVID-19 Research Project](https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2020/06/3848194-1080x675.jpg)
Introducing CSFE COVID-19 Research Project
The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound consequences on the well-being of North Carolinians. Many of these consequences are difficult to anticipate and understand. Our team of researchers here at CSFE has been busy at work. As we move forward with our new CSFE...
![COVID-19 and Empty College Seats: Interview with Sean Mulholland](https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2020/06/mulholland_head_shot_photo_v05-1080x675.jpg)
COVID-19 and Empty College Seats: Interview with Sean Mulholland
Our Associate Director Sean Mulholland has a new study on the college enrollment effects of COVID-19. He spoke recently with Shannon Watkins of The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal about the new research paper, “COVID-19 Prevalence and Empty College Seats.”
What does a spike in positive COVID cases mean for NC?
Yesterday on June 4, North Carolina completed 19,039 diagnostic tests. This is by far the most in a single day so far, and it's well above trend. North Carolina's test numbers spike on Thursdays. The reasons are complicated, but many of those reasons reflect...
Catching up with Ann Bennett
We occasionally use this blog to catch up with our former students who are now onto great things. In this installment, we are “Catching up with Ann Bennett.” Ann is a 2018 graduate of WCU with an interdisciplinary degree in Spanish, Japanese, and economics. For the...
A look back at a moment in CSFE history when we hosted the Man on the Moon, Charlie Duke
The Free Enterprise Speaker Series welcomed Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut and the youngest person to walk on the moon, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. “I was invited to speak to the students and...
Catching Up with Alex Kanode
We occasionally use this blog to catch up with our former students who are now onto great things. In this installment, we are “Catching Up with Alex Kanode”. Alex is a 2016 graduate of WCU with dual majors in Sociology and International Studies and a minor in...
EPIC Innovation held their annual Shark Tank, pitch party
EPIC Innovation organized its 5th Annual Fall Pitch Party at Western Carolina University on October 7, 2019 with over 100 people in attendance. EPIC is a student initiative within the College of Business that encourages entrepreneurship through Elevating Potential,...