WVU Parkersburg forms psychology honors chapter

State's first chapter of psychology honor society established at WVU Parkersburg.

CONTACT: Dr. Phil McClung, professor of psychology, 304-424-8268.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The state's first chapter of the psychology honor society Psi Beta has been established at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.  Five WVU Parkersburg students were recently inducted into the new chapter.

Psi Beta is the national honor society in psychology for community and junior colleges and was the first two-year college honor society approved for membership in the Association of College Honor Societies.

Newly inducted members into WVU Parkersburg's chapter include: Rachel Deem, who received her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University in December. She is a member of the campus Honors College and the Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society. She also serves as president of the WVU Parkersburg Psychology Club and was recently named co-chair of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid-Ohio Valley affiliate. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology. She resides in Parkersburg with her husband Todd and their two children: Aliza and Christian.

Marie Butler, who received her RBA degree in December, graduating summa cum laude, is a member of the Sigma Omega chapter of PTK and the campus Honors College. She serves as vice president of the WVU Parkersburg Psychology Club and will serve as chairman of the Mid-Ohio Valley NAMI group. She plans to pursue graduate and doctoral studies in higher education administration. She serves on the board of directors for Lovingkindness Child Care Center. She is employed with the West Virginia Division of Energy in Charleston and resides in Parkersburg with her husband John, son DJ, and stepson Kole.

Jamie Dilly, who received her RBA degree with an emphasis in Psychology in December, is a member of the campus Honors College, and serves as treasurer for the WVU Parkersburg Psychology Club. Her future plans consist of attending medical school to become a doctor. Jamie and her husband Joseph reside in Parkersburg and are the parents of 7-year old Austin and 3-year old Abigail.

Krishana Dye is a sophomore majoring in Psychology at WVU Parkersburg. She is a member of the campus Honors College and an active member of the WVU Parkersburg Psychology Club. Krishana plans to transfer to WVU to pursue a doctorate degree in psychology with future plans of opening her own practice. Krishana is a resident of Mineral Wells and employed at Cracker Barrel.

Melissa Weppler is a junior RBA student pursing an emphasis in sociology. She is a member of the campus Honors College; a member of PTK; and an active member of the WVUParkersburg Psychology Club. Employed as a radiologist, Melissa also holds memberships in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the Association of Registered Radiologic Technologists and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary #159.   She and her husband Scott reside in Williamstown with their 10-year old daughter Kristianna.

An induction ceremony for both the charter chapter and members was conducted by Denise McClung, interim chair of the Social Sciences Division. Danita Brown, interim dean of students, spoke to the group regarding the importance of psychology and its impact on the community.

Psi Beta membership is limited to students who rank in the top 35 percent, hold at least a “B” average in psychology, demonstrate a genuine interest in psychology and maintain high standards of personal behavior and integrity. The mission of Psi Beta is to encourage professional development of psychology students in two-year colleges through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service.

Advisors for the new chapter are faculty members Phil McClung, professor of psychology, and Cathy Mutz, associate professor of psychology and director of campus disability services. Both are also advisors to the college’s Psychology Club. The new chapter will work closely with both the Psychology Club and the Mid-Ohio Valley affiliate group of NAMI.