Dear Campus Community,
Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented damage to five states in the country, and close to home in our own mountains of Western North Carolina. Our thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of people who have been impacted by extensive damage and flooding. We know that many in our campus community have friends and relatives who have been affected by this devastation. Those seeking to connect with people who may have lost power and cell service, or who need further information can access the Red Cross website. The state of NC has developed a site that can be searched for real-time information on road conditions statewide. Currently, “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.”
On-Campus Support
On campus, we have resources to support our community:
You may reach out to the Counseling Center to set up an appointment by emailing counseling@peace.edu, or you may just drop by Joyner House to arrange a time to speak with a counselor. As a reminder, the Counseling Center has walk-in hours on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. In addition, TimelyCare, which is included for all traditional undergraduate students, offers 24/7 care for both physical and mental well being. Visit timelycare.com/WPUwellness for assistance.
Several of our college campuses within the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) family have been affected by this disaster: Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, Lees McCray College in Banner Elk, Brevard College in Brevard, Montreat College in Montreat, and Mars Hill College in Mars Hill. Others without power or with limited connectivity include Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory and Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs. NCICU is working together with the NC Division of Emergency Management teams and other responders to support these campuses.
The William Peace University community wants to help and support all those affected by Hurricane Helene, and information will be forthcoming about how you can be a part of that effort.
With Peace,
President Lynn Morton
