Open chat icon: Hit enter to open the chat
WVU Parkersburg
close chat window icon

Hi there! My name is Ricky the Riverhawk, your personal helper bot. Before I answer your questions, how would you describe yourself?

WVU Parkersburg installs first EV charging station on campus

WVU Parkersburg installs first EV charging station on campus

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 1, 2023) — Students finished installing the campus’s first electric vehicle charging station on Friday, May 26.

Wood County Technical Center students held a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside of the Caperton Center with caution tape and an electric saw to inaugurate the opening of the new EV charging station at WVU Parkersburg. The students, who go by Amish Electric, were part of the Electrical Technology program, instructed by Mark Holbert. Mark Powell of Gexpro, and Phil Cunix of Astorg Auto came to show their support. Cunix brought an electric truck and van to test out the charger.

“The charging station the class just completed gave the students the opportunity to take ownership of the project from the design phase to the completion of the installation,” said Holbert.

Holbert said the electric tech program teaches students about various electrical fields including residential, commercial and industrial wiring.

“The students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with planning an electrical installation, installing electrical service, wiring a house, installing electrical devices, working with different switching configurations, conduit bending, wire pulling techniques, motors, motor controls and many other electrical skills,” said Holbert. “The electrical field is always expanding into new technologies, some of them being; green energy such as solar and wind, energy savings such as LED lighting and smart houses, and electric vehicles.”

Director of the Wood County Technical Center and Caperton Center for Applied Technology Dr. Jason Hughes applauded the students for their ingenuity.

“I’m very proud of Mr. Holbert and his students for taking on this innovative project,” said Hughes. “This project illustrates the power and importance of partnerships in education.”

Holbert said the charging station project has helped students prepare for a future career in the electric industry.

“Skilled electricians are in high demand,” said Holbert. “Hopefully, with this program and the opportunity for the students to gain hands-on experience, like this EV charging station project, the students will be ready to pursue a good paying career in the electrical industry after their education is complete.”

Brayden Allen, Nathan Buskirk, Owen Collins, Jayden Dearth, Colton Floyd, Levi Gribble, Hunter Landis, Eli Law, Shamus Mahaney, Austin Ritchie, Isaac Sullivan, Bowen Taylor, Alex Tawney, and Jeffery Waldron were among the students who attended the ceremony.

“It was a really great experience,” said Alex Tawney, Williamstown High School student. “We were able to do something new and learn a lot of new things.”

Jeffery Waldron, South Parkersburg High School student, added, “It was good for us to have the experience, and it is great that the public gets to use the EV charger.”

WVU Parkersburg President Torie Jackson said the college would observe the need for additional charging stations in the future.

“As the students explained, it is an exciting opportunity for them to learn a new technology and for the college to be able to provide a charging station for community use,” said Jackson. “The growth of electric vehicles in our area will result in additional EV charging stations in future years on the campus. We will monitor usage of this first station to know any necessary expansions of EV charging on the Parkersburg campus.”

The EV station is listed on EV charging maps for public use and is across from the Caperton Center near the Walking Trail and the Welding Tower on campus.

Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover is coming to the Parkersburg Art Center

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 22, 2023) — Parkersburg Piccalilli: An Artists’ Takeover is coming to the Parkersburg Art Center on September 14 and 15, 2023. This event is brought to you by the PAC, Tamarack Foundation for the Arts and the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Registration is open now, with early bird pricing!

On September 14 and 15, Parkersburg Piccalilli will take over the Parkersburg arts and culture district, a two-day arts conference for working artists, art educators, college art students and arts organizations. This will be two days of workshops, hands-on art making, networking and celebration.

Parkersburg Piccalilli features two tracks, one is all about creative entrepreneurship and the financial side of being a working artist. The other track includes workshops by some of the region’s premier artists with hands-on art-making opportunities. On Thursday evening Piccalilli Parkersburg participants will be treated to a multi-venue reception. This “Happening” will include food, music and a pop-up exhibit of participating artists’ work.

An exciting lineup of presenters and workshop hosts for Parkersburg Piccalilli 2023 is already planned.

The Tamarack Foundation for the Arts is bringing Mitzi Sinnott, a West Virginia native, daughter of artists and a leader of cultural change in America.  She convenes conversations about race, class and science as an art form across industries and interests.  She will be home in West Virginia this fall working on a number of projects with Tamarack and will join us in Parkersburg for the conference.

Phil Eich, founder of Storyville Social, a marketing agency that uses writing, photography, videography and podcasting to create story-centered marketing will be sharing his talents, and how he used them, to teach ways of engagement in social media. WV Mainstreet is hosting this presentation.

Also presenting is Elaine Luttrell, back by popular demand this year, to discuss the business of art. She is the founder of Minerva Financial Arts, a company devoted to building financial literacy and empowerment in creative individuals through education and coaching.

Award-winning Marshall University arts professor Sandra Reed will provide a hands-on workshop.  As an artist, Reed has investigated the academic traditions of figure and landscape painting and is currently working on mixed-media abstractions. Reed has mounted eleven solo shows, including Selvage (April 2022), and participated in more than twenty-five group exhibitions.

All registered conferencegoers are invited to bring up to two pieces of their original art to display at the pop-up exhibit on Thursday night! The idea behind this conference is that it is participatory. Learn from presenters and learn from one another.

Go to https://www.parkersburgartcenter.org/upcomingcurrent-events to register!!  Early bird pricing is still in effect.

For more information contact the Parkesburg Arts Center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859.

WVU Parkersburg Veterans Corps to hold Memorial Day Program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 17, 2023) — The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Veterans Corps will host a Memorial Day celebration in honor of those who gave their life serving in the U.S. military. The program will be at noon on May 25, 2023, in the College Theater.

“Part of West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s mission is to provide life-changing educational opportunities,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg Veterans Advocate. “This Memorial Day ceremony is a great opportunity to provide education on how these honorable men and women sacrificed everything to change all Americans’ lives for the better. I hope the entire Parkersburg area community joins us and shows the whole world that we are so appreciative of their enormous sacrifice.”

Pearley Brown III, an Assistant Professor of English at WVU Parkersburg, will be speaking at the ceremony. Brown is the son of Master Sergeant Pearley Brown Jr., a veteran who fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“I always feel honored to host a Memorial Day event at WVUP,” said Shearlock. “I believe that all Americans owe an enormous debt to the courageous men and women who died defending our country and our way of life.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information or to become a WVU Parkersburg Veterans Corps member, please contact Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 337.

WVU Parkersburg names Dr. Torie Jackson as President

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 16, 2023) — West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors named Dr. Torie Jackson as the university’s president Tuesday, May 16, during a 3 p.m. board meeting held in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room.

Jackson will assume the presidency on July 1, 2023. She is currently the interim president and Chief Executive Officer at WVU Parkersburg. She has also served WVU Parkersburg in various leadership roles since her start in higher education in 2004.

“We are excited and honored that Dr. Torie Jackson has been selected as the new President of WVUP. Dr. Jackson’s experiences – both personally and professionally – and her outlook on life make her uniquely suited for this position,” said Steve Hardman, Chair of WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors. “Dr. Jackson received a doctorate in higher education from WVU. She has served WVUP in many capacities, including Faculty Member of the Year, Faculty Senate President, Department Chair, Vice President, and Interim President. Dr. Jackson has truly excelled in each of these positions.”

“We had a great Search Committee comprised of outstanding faculty. Staff, students and members of the community. They were focused and dedicated, and took their work very seriously,” Hardman added. “The result is the selection of a truly exceptional president. We are so pleased that Dr. Jackson has been selected to lead WVUP into a very bright future.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to lead the institution that first embraced me years ago. I appreciate the support of our board of governors, our faculty and staff, and our students,” said Jackson. “I will continue to work to make sure all of us are WVU Parkersburg Proud!”

Jackson succeeds herself as interim president. Since Dr. Chris Gilmer departed from the college, she has held the title since July 1, 2022, to become the president at West Virginia University Potomac State College.

“We recently have completed our strategic plan for the college, and it will take a team approach to reach those goals and outcomes,” said Jackson when asked about her plans for the presidency. “We will also continue to work with industry professionals to prepare a workforce for upcoming jobs and focus efforts on recruitment and retention of students in all programs.”

Jackson is a Ritchie County native who has been a member of WVU Parkersburg since 2008. She is an alum of WVUP with an associate of applied science in journalism. She has a Regents Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in journalism, a Master’s in corporate/organizational communication, and a doctorate in higher education administration, all from West Virginia University. Jackson is married to Todd Jackson, a deputy sheriff in Ritchie County, and is the mother to three sons, Creed, Heath, and Ruger.

WVU Parkersburg holds 52nd annual spring commencement

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 9, 2023) — WVU Parkersburg held its 52nd annual spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. J. Craig McAtee, executive director and CEO for the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers, served as the keynote speaker.

McAtee reflected on his life experiences and told the spring class of 2023 to strive for greatness because perfection doesn’t exist.

“If it ain’t broke, break it because everything can be done better,” said McAtee. “The bottom line is nothing can be considered perfect.”

McAtee serves as the principal of his consulting company, McAtee Ventures, LLC, and was a former director of Additive Manufacturing Technology for Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). He has spent over 25 years in engineering and senior leadership positions for Swagelok Company, an international manufacturing organization based in Cleveland. He is an alum of Parkersburg High School who attended Parkersburg Community College (now WVUP) before moving to Cleveland in 1973. He graduated from Tri-C in 1975, Kent State University with an Industrial Engineering BA in 1977, Malone College with a BA in 1997, and Cleveland State University with an Executive MBA in 2000.

WVU Parkersburg Interim President Dr. Torie Jackson also encouraged the graduating class, reminding them to believe in their talents and that they have a support system beyond their family and friends.

“My advice is very simple: think of new and innovative ways to do things and agree to get out of your comfort zone, and push yourself to accomplish those dreams, knowing you always have a support system in your alma mater,” said Jackson. “Today you show perseverance, and we celebrate your success with you.”

One hundred thirty graduates crossed the stage, with a total of 291 students earning certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades. The college also presented recognition awards and honorary degrees to exceptional members of the campus and surrounding community, including:

  • Honorary degree recipients: Robert “Todd” Fox, venture leader, and ethics champion at Chemours; Jeff Matheny, former Board of Governors chair; and John Denbigh, former Board of Governors chair.
  • Alumni of the Year: Amy West, Program Director, received the award posthumously for her work on the surgical technician program at WVU Parkersburg, and her role as a recruiter and teacher.

Also, during the commencement, WVU Parkersburg recognized Holly Dexter, assistant professor of business, as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. She is leading the reaffirmation of accreditation of the business programs through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accreditation body.

To watch the Spring 2023 commencement ceremony, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAtLHcNuLFU.

Teens can become detectives through WVU Parkersburg’s CSI Academy

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May  3, 2023) – This summer, teens who are interested in forensic science can step into the shoes of law enforcement officers and criminal investigators during WVU Parkersburg’s Teen CSI Academy.

The college’s Criminal Justice professors and leading area experts will guide students through hands-on experience in crime scene reconstruction, evidence processing, criminal profiling, preparing case trials and more during this summer program.

“The Teen CSI Academy breaks down the myths and realities of crime scene and criminal investigations with real-world, hands-on experiences for the participants,” said Andrew Walker, Teen CSI Academy instructor. “We also discuss opportunities for studying criminal justice in college and the variety of career options for individuals interested in the field. Past participants of the academy have enjoyed examining crime scenes, analyzing criminal behavior, and a few participants have even continued their education in our program after high school,”

Academy activities will include:

  • Crime scene photography and documentation
  • Fingerprint identification
  • Identifying blood evidence
  • Collecting trace evidence and footwear impressions
  • Criminal profiling techniques
  • The court process and testifying in court

The academy will take place Tuesday, June 6 through Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $150 per student with lunch provided.

The academy is limited to the first 20 participants. The deadline to register is May 31, 2023. Applications may be downloaded at wvup.edu/teen-csi.

For more information, please contact wed@wvup.edu or 304-424-8383.

WVU Parkersburg narrows President search to two finalists

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 3, 2023) — The West Virginia University Parkersburg Board of Governors announced Dr. Cathy Monteroso and Dr. Torie Jackson as finalists for Presidency on Tuesday.

“After the search committee met and interviewed, we had 37 applicants. Seven semi-finalists were chosen to be interviewed by zoom,” said Joseph Oliverio, board of governors member and search committee chair, during a Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, May 2. “The two finalists moving forward — are Dr. Cathy Monteroso and Dr. Torie Jackson.”

Monteroso is the interim president at West Liberty University. She has a bachelor’s in history from East Tennessee State University, a master’s in physical education from Azusa Pacific University, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Northcentral University. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education.

Jackson is the interim president and the chief executive officer at WVUP. She is an alum of WVUP with an associate of applied science in journalism. She has a Regents Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in journalism, a master’s in corporate/organizational communication, and a doctorate in higher education administration, all from West Virginia University. She has been working in higher education since 2004.

The Board of Governors invited the two finalists to campus on May 12 to visit with faculty, staff and students, and to share a meal with the board.

The board will announce its choice for President during its next regular meeting on May 16.

WVUP’s PTK receives recognition at the 2023 Ohio Region Awards Conference

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 2, 2023) — WVU Parkersburg’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter was recognized at the 2023 Ohio Region Awards Conference.

“While I’m very proud of our 2023 officer team (Tiana Tauber and Caroline Northedge), they literally carried the chapter this year,” said Marie Butler, PTK lead advisor. “In order for us to be a more successful chapter, we need more members to be involved and engaged with PTK. We will host a Summer 2023 membership period this year, and we are hoping we have some members rise up to the opportunity to become officers of the chapter.”

The Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was a recipient of several awards at the 2023 Ohio Region Awards Conference “Celebrating Excellence,” including:

  • The Sigma Omega chapter was recognized as establishing and reaching a Five Star Level chapter status for 2023.
  • The Sigma Omega chapter was recognized as a distinguished chapter regarding Theme 5 (“Soul of Play”) of this year’s Honors In Action Project (“The Art and Science of Play.”)
  • The Sigma Omega chapter was recognized as the Most Improved Chapter of the OH Region and was awarded the Progress Award, including a $300 scholarship for one member to attend the 2024 International Conference (“Catalyst”) to be held in Orlando, FL. This will assist in paying a portion of the registration fee of one Sigma Omega chapter member to attend 2024 Catalyst.

The Regional Conference took place at Columbus State Community College, April 19, with Butler attending, and accepting the awards on behalf of Sigma Omega chapter members. All Ohio Regional PTK conferences model the International PTK Conference — “Catalyst” — by providing attendees general sessions, breakout sessions, reports of the individual districts within the OH region as well as election and induction for the 2023-24 regional officer team.

For more information about PTK, contact advisors Marie Butler at mbutler@wvup.edu, or Andrew Walker at wwalker1@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg’s Phi Theta Kappa sponsored Adopt-a-Highway Clean-Up event

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 2, 2023) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega chapter sponsored an Adopt a Highway cleanup that took place on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

“Fourteen volunteers (Brayden Boothe-Nelson, Adam Fox, Jonah Fox, Zack Burner, Candy Parsons, Kelly Digman, Colton Richards, Ayden Yost, Abby Moore, PTK chapter officer Caroline Northedge, PTK Alumni Victoria Poellot-Tauber, PTK chapter president Tiana Tauber, PTK advisors Andrew Walker and Marie Butler) came out to pick up litter from the edge of the roadways around campus, including Nicolette Road, Swisher Lane, Woodberry Lane, and Campus Drive,” said Marie Butler,  PTK Advisor.

“We had a very successful event with a total of 9 large bags of trash/aluminum cans/pop bottles/Styrofoam cups, 2 tires and a large piece of plastic as well as numerous cigarette butts picked up in 2 hours’ time.”

PTK is an invitation-only honor society on campus. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed at least 12 credit hours of associate degree work.

However, the event is open to all members of the campus community to take a few hours to give back to the surrounding community.  The Adopt a Highway cleanup event also fulfills required community service hours for the WV Invests, Ascend, Elementary Education and Nursing programs.

For more information about PTK, contact advisors Marie Butler (mbutler1@wvup.edu) or Andrew Walker (wwalker1@wvup.edu).

WVU Parkersburg to hold Take Your Child to Work Day

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 18, 2023) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg is pleased to announce the return of Take Your Child to Work Day, which is in connection with the National Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day.

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, WVUP employees are encouraged to bring their child, or a special child in their life, to celebrate the many career, educational and entertainment events we offer right here at WVUP!

“As a parent, it is always a delight to showcase your workplace and the responsibilities of your job to your family,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, interim president of WVU Parkersburg. “Having an opportunity to engage our children in campus activities allows them a peek into their parents’ work lives and helps promote the fun of WVUP.”

This annual event highlights the college’s support for its employees, their families and all WVUP community members. WVU Parkersburg will host tours and activities geared towards kids ages 6-18 allowing them to explore areas like The Riverhawk Farm, the Criminal Justice Lab, and the nursing department.

For more information, please contact Olivia Reeder at oreeder@wvup.edu.

APPLY NOW
Apply Now
Back to top preload imagepreload image