Our Work
Research, partnerships, and project support are just a few ways we're making an impact.
Speaker Series
Free and open to the public, we aim to give our community the chance to explore all points of view on issues of the day. We offer a forum for the campus and community to hear from renowned experts and understand multiple perspectives through civil, informed, and fruitful discourse.
Economics Education
As part of our mission to serve the community, we provide educators in WNC with professional development opportunities and in-classroom resources to help them teach financial and economics education to the next generation of scholars.
NC Data Dashboard
Our new, online information tool designed to provide easy access to recent economic trends in the counties of Western North Carolina and across the entire state to everyone from community-minded residents and college students conducting research to industry and business executives exploring possible locations for expansion.
Supported Research and Issue Briefs
In support of our mission to provide economics research and thought leadership focused on issues in economic development in our region, we sponsor students, faculty and community members in their scholarly pursuits. Through scholarly inquiry and policy analysis, we hope to fulfill our desire to be an interdisciplinary forum that supports Western Carolina University faculty, students, and community members to exchange ideas, engage in mutual outreach, and collaborate on applied research.
Upcoming Events
Previous Events
Building Success with Jeff Percival
On Februrary 6, 2019, The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise hosted Jeff Percival of Percival Enterprises for a workshop on success. The event was cohosted with Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda chapter at WCU. Jeff Percival has spent the last...
Free Enterprise Speaker Series hosting documentary, discussion
Western Carolina University’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series will host the documentary “Bus Stop Jobs” and hold an open discussion about poverty and economic mobility in North Carolina on Monday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. in the A.K. Hinds University Center theater. The...
In The News
Free Enterprise Speaker Series hosting documentary, discussion
Western Carolina University’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series will host the documentary “Bus Stop Jobs” and hold an open discussion about poverty and economic mobility in North Carolina on Monday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. in the A.K. Hinds University Center theater. The...
Cheerleader for capitalism visits campus as part of Distinguished Lecture Series
Someone currently enrolled at Western Carolina University will go on to have a significant career in the leadership of a major American company, predicts one of the country’s leading businessmen. “Mark my word,” said Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot, during a WCU...
Free Enterprise Speaker Series hosts ‘Democracy in Decline’ program
Less than a month before the November midterm elections, Western Carolina University’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series will host a presentation titled “Democracy in Decline,” examining international developments in voting and free societies, on Thursday, Oct. 25. Free...