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WVU Parkersburg Student Makes Appearance in HBO Max Documentary

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 26, 2022) — Cameras filmed students in the Ripley High School auditorium as they discussed their plan to put on a musical. Excitement building day after day was soon shut down by the announcement of a pandemic. Now, these same cameras filmed students inside their homes as they continued to navigate through high school, and later, college.

My So-Called High School Rank is a documentary directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg that highlights the growing pressures of high school seniors around the country, from California to New York to West Virginia. The directors chose to feature Ripley High School in Jackson County, W.Va. because of how greatly it stood out from other schools. 

One of the Ripley students highlighted was WVU Parkersburg student Evan Bain.

“Ripley High School was chosen for the documentary because we decided to put on Ranked. I was pretty skeptical at first—it was wild to think about HBO coming to West Virginia,” said Bain. 

Ranked is a musical written by Davis Taylor Gomes and Kyle Holmes about high school seniors in a dystopian world where their class rank determines their value as a person. However, the musical could not be performed live as the pandemic hit—a large portion of the documentary. 

The change in students’ lives due to the pandemic was greatly touched on. The film crew went into the students’ homes to show how students adapted to quarantine and what sacrifices they had to make.

“The filming process was crazy interesting. They would come and record us rehearsing at school, leaving us mostly alone,” said Bain. “However, when they came to our houses to record, they would have us do a little activity. For example, I spent a day in online college classes.”

According to Bain, the documentary represents West Virginia in a positive light compared to how Appalachia has been previously portrayed in Hollywood.

“I really like the documentary! It has a really powerful message that most of our generation can relate to,” said Bain. “I think it represents West Virginia as a whole really well. You usually hear banjos and fiddles edited behind footage of West Virginia, but there’s nothing like that here.”

A large part of the documentary is the high school seniors’ journeys to college admissions. The audience sees students get denied and admitted to a variety of campuses. At the time of the documentary, Bain was a Business Administration major at WVU Parkersburg. 

“Funnily enough, I switched to the Digital Media Production major after watching this documentary crew at work. They showed me that working creatively can pay the bills. That’s a life I couldn’t turn down,” said Bain.

Bain is now entering his second semester as a Digital Media Production student. 

My So-Called High School Rank is available to view on HBO Max. To learn more about our Digital Media Production program, visit wvup.edu/digital-media-production.

Chemours Future of Chemistry Scholarship Deadline Quickly Approaching

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 20, 2022) – High school students seeking hands-on training in electrical systems, maintenance repair, technician work and welding may apply to the Chemours Future of Chemistry Scholarship program until Dec. 31, 2022.

As part of Chemours’ Corporate Responsibility Commitment to increase access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills, the Chemours Future of Chemistry Scholarship program provides scholarships to talented, high-potential high school students who plan to pursue post-secondary studies in STEM.

In collaboration with WVU Parkesburg, Chemours will help provide financial assistance for students earning degrees in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Electrical Reliability and Maintenance, Mutli-Craft Technology, Reliability and Maintenance Technology or Welding Technology. The scholarship’s maximum reward is $14,000 ($3,500 per semester).

“This is a real opportunity for students in the Mid-Ohio Valley to experience an academic path to a trades position,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president. “By partnering with companies like Chemours, we are able to provide programs that meet the needs of employers and help students find employment.”

Applicants must be completing or have completed high school successfully with a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a full-time student at WVU Parkersburg for the Fall 2023 semester, be enrolled in one of the previously mentioned programs, and be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.

Visit wvup.edu/chemours-scholarship for an application and more information. Please return applications and required documentation to rebecca.rhodes@wvup.edu or

WVU at Parkersburg Foundation
300 Campus Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104

WVU Parkersburg’s Open Enrollment Day Offers Chance to Register for January Classes

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 19, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg invites area residents and students to join the activities at its Open Enrollment Day on Thursday, Dec. 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the main campus.

“We look forward to meeting our local high school students and those interested in entering the workforce,” said Nicole Shutts, Admissions counselor. “It is also a unique opportunity for current college students to learn about WVU Parkersburg’s many offerings and how they can become a Riverhawk.”

She continued, “College is full of opportunity, and sometimes, especially after the first semester, you may realize you want to continue on a different path. So, whether students are looking for a new major, smaller class size or a place closer to home, we are here to serve them.”

During Open Enrollment Day, guests can tour WVU Parkersburg’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Applied Technology Center, Criminal Justice Crime Scene Simulation Lab, Digital Media Production Studio and Nursing Simulation Labs.

The Nursing and Health Sciences division has introduced the LPN to RN program, an accelerated pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. The program is designed to take 16 months and provides students online, evening and weekend courses so they can continue working while achieving their degrees.

For those seeking to enter the workforce quickly, WVU Parkersburg also offers Agribusiness, Aluminum Welding, Custodial, Dental Assistant, HVAC, Medical Office Specialist, Phlebotomy and Peer Recovery Support short-term career training programs. Between $1,500 and $2,000 in cost, these programs are usually six to 15 weeks, and students will take a certification exam upon completion.

In addition to providing over 50 certification and degree programs, WVU Parkersburg offers robust student support, including free disability/accessibility services, mental health counseling, tutoring and veterans assistance.

Not to mention, the Coplin Health Clinic recently opened on the main campus. Services offered include primary and acute (walk-in) care for all ages and behavioral health services. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about Open Enrollment Day, contact the WVU Parkersburg Center for Student Services at 304-424-8310 or admissions@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Student Organization attends WV Criminal Justice Educators Association annual state conference

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec 14, 2022) – In November, members of the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Student Organization attended the 25th Annual WV Criminal Justice Educators Association conference held at Fairmont State University. They heard from various presenters on criminal justice topics, spoke with representatives from national agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and participated in a re-entry simulation and discussion with formerly incarcerated individuals.

The conference provides opportunities for criminal justice students and faculty from across the state to present their work and hear from each other about current issues in the field. Andrew Walker, WVU Parkersburg associate professor and Criminal Justice program coordinator, presented research on forensic awareness and its impact on crimes.

WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice student Hannah Stephens presented her work originally completed in the program’s Serial Homicide course. Stephens also received the Conference Scholar Award and placed first in the statewide undergraduate paper competition. Her paper, “Samuel Little: A Brief Summary and Analysis of America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer,” will be published in the Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice.

The students also participated in competitions at the conference. The quiz bowl team, consisting of students Breauna Anderson, Nichole Dellinger, Jasmine Hockman, Megan Higgins, and Hannah Stephens, made it to the final round and placed second in the competition. The crime scene team, consisting of Isaac Algmin, Breauna Anderson, Franki Harrah, Megan Higgins, Nichole Dellinger, and Hannah Stephens, won second place in their competition.

 

From left to right: Breauna Anderson, Nichole Dellinger, Jasmine Hockman, Hannah Stephens, Megan Higgins and Dr. Joshua Smallridge (Fairmont State University). The Quiz Bowl team gets ready for the conference competition.

 

From left to right: Andrew Walker, Hannah Stephens and Amy Strong. Stephens is a 2022 Conference Scholar award winner.

 

WVU Parkersburg Students Attend WVCJEA Conference. From left to right: Alivia Gray, Andrew Walker, Jasmine Hockman, Hannah Stephens, Megan Higgins, Amy Strong, Nichole Dellinger, Isaac Algmin, Franki Harrah, Breauna Anderson.

 

The WV Criminal Justice Educators Association began in 1992 to promote the change of educational ideas and coursework among institutions of higher learning and criminal justice training entities in the state. Walker is a past president of the association, and WVU Parkersburg Instructor Amy Strong was elected second vice president. She will serve as the chair for the 2023 Annual Conference hosted at WVU Parkersburg.

Graduates and Families Join for WVU Parkersburg’s Annual Fall Commencement

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 10, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., in its College Activities Center. Christie Willis, WVU Parkersburg alumna and Wood County Schools superintendent, served as the keynote speaker.

Willis reminded the Fall 2022 class of graduates that there are many opportunities available to them, but to always use their positions in life to elevate others. She also emphasized that it is only when people follow their passions that they become successful.

“And when you follow your passion, the possibilities are endless,” Willis said. “If you believe in what you’re doing, enjoying your work and finding purpose in your career, you will never work a day in your life.”

She continued, “Work for something that is worth something. When you dedicate your life’s work to improving the lives of others, there will be personal fulfillment, and you will be successful.”

Willis earned her Bachelor of Arts from WVU Parkersburg in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from WVU in 2005. A teacher at heart, her passion for the classroom and learning has influenced her vision for enhancing the education system locally and at the state level.

 

From left to right: Steve Hardman, WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chair; Christie Willis, Wood County Schools Superintendent; and Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president. Willis is awarded the WVU Parkersburg Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in serving as the Fall 2022 Commencement speaker.

WVU Parkersburg Interim President Dr. Torie Jackson also encouraged the graduating class, asking them to always think outside the box and make plans for transformative rewards.

“We can tell you big dreams are welcome here, so continue to dream big,” Jackson said. “Think of new and innovative ways to do things and don’t jump back into the box just because of the comfort it provides. Today, you show perseverance, and we all share that success with you.”

Over 120 graduates crossed the stage, with 321 students earning certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.

 

From left to right: Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president and Jared Smith, WVU Parkersburg graduate. Smith, a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, receives his Regents Bachelor of Arts with Magna Cum Laude honors.

To watch the Fall 2022 commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.

Amanda Stevens to share success story at Fall Speaker Series on Nov. 30

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 21, 2022) – WVU Parkersburg’s Professional Studies Division is hosting a Fall Speaker Series where prominent local leaders share their success stories. The final presentation will take place on Nov. 30, from 12:15 – 1:00 p.m., in the College Theater, with speaker Amanda Stevens.

Stevens began her role as executive director of Downtown PKB in September 2021. Before that, Stevens held two positions at Artsbridge. First as the organization’s office manager, then as the executive director, overseeing programs, grant writing and fundraising.

She has been a grant reader and a panelist for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. She has been instrumental in overseeing several large-scale events and art installations, including a partnership between Artsbridge and the Grand Central Mall to create the glass mosaic mural inside the new Williamstown Elementary School.

Before Artsbridge, Stevens worked for her family’s business, DeBarr Trucking Co., in Parkersburg, W.Va. Directly after obtaining a degree from WVU Parkersburg, Stevens was a licensed real estate agent in West Virginia.

She has been a singer with local bands for over 20 years at fairs and festivals and has served as music director at her church. She has also been a vocal coach to community youth and has participated in theatre throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“It is an intentional effort, on the part of the Division of Professional Studies, to provide the community with the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant, intellectually stimulating event and engage with a respected local professional,” Assistant Professor Andrew Walker said.

The Fall Speaker Series event is free to attend, and all community members are welcome.

For more information, visit wvup.edu/fallspeakerseries.

Coplin Health Systems Opens New Health Clinic on WVU Parkersburg Campus

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 17, 2022) – With a mission to meet the health and wellness needs of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Coplin Health Systems celebrated its grand opening at the WVU Parkersburg campus. The clinic is located by the college’s lower parking lot at 73 Nicolette Road in Parkersburg.

The opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday. Participating in the ribbon cutting were representatives from Coplin Health Systems, WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors and Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Potomac State interim president.

 

From left to right: Doug Full, Coplin Health Systems finance chair; Rob Dudley, Coplin Health Systems chief executive officer; Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president; Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Potomac State interim president; Steve Hardman, WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chair.

 

Gilmer formed a partnership with Coplin Health Systems during his previous presidency at WVU Parkersburg. His mission was always to provide high-quality healthcare to students, faculty, staff and the community at large.

The new center features a “G” on the left column of its entrance, signifying Gilmer’s work to make this dream a reality.

“This will be a great clinic for the campus and for the community of Davisville,” said Rob Dudley, Coplin Health Systems chief executive officer. “This project has taken time, but he [Gilmer] never gave up, and we never gave up. Our priority is to offer quality yet affordable healthcare and advocate for children and families.”

 

Dudley addresses attendees during Tuesday’s grand opening.

 

Services offered include primary and acute (walk-in) care for all ages and behavioral health services. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

One of four patient exam rooms at the clinic located on WVU Parkersburg’s main campus.

 

This conference room will serve as a behavioral health meeting space for individuals and groups. The center also features a therapy room for children.

 

Coplin Health Systems is a Federally Qualified Health Center. As such, providers will care for individuals and families with full, partial or no insurance coverage. The organization also offers a sliding scale payment model to make care affordable regardless of a person’s income.

The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation has also established the Student Health Fund to financially assist students who cannot afford health care costs, such as co-pays.

“It is our commitment to provide students the resources necessary to achieve,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president. “We identified a need in our community, and Coplin was the answer. WVU Parkersburg appreciates their shared commitment to those who are currently underserved.”

Jackson County Center students, faculty and staff will be able to receive the same services at the Ripley Family Care, Jackson County School Wellness Center or River Valley Family Care in Ravenswood.

West Virginia’s Learn & Earn Program Provides More Than $3 Million for Partnerships with 81 Businesses Over the Past Year to Help Build Their Workforce

State’s Community & Technical College System highlights workforce partnerships during National Apprenticeship Week

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Community & Technical College System (CTCS) is highlighting successful workforce partnerships during National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative from Nov. 14-18 through the U.S. Department of Labor that showcases the economic value of apprenticeships across the country. In support of the state’s apprenticeship programs, Gov. Jim Justice has declared this week National Apprenticeship in the Mountain State.

Through CTCS, which leads efforts with the state’s nine community and technical colleges to partner with businesses and meet their workforce needs, students and businesses have a multitude of opportunities for on-the-job training that can lead to full-time careers. The state’s leading workforce development and educational partnership, Learn & Earn, distributed more than $3 million over the past year to connect students with work opportunities through 81 businesses across the state.

Learn & Earn connects employers with students eager to gain valuable, paid experience in their fields of study. The program allows students to take technical courses while gaining paid work experiences, while companies can meet their immediate staffing needs as they build a skilled workforce. Students’ pay is shared 50/50 between the state and company. Companies are not required to hire the students upon graduation, but the program currently has a placement rate of more 90 percent.

iTech, a technology solutions provider, partnered with WVU Parkersburg to employ Learn & Earn students in the fields of accounting, information technology (IT) and marketing during the 2021-22 school year.

“We’re having fun here, and we’re growing by bringing on students as new employees,” said Mike Williams, owner and CEO of iTech. “The great thing about the Learn & Earn program is that I get a one- to two-year interview with these students. In return, it is a great way for the students to explore their career goals and find out if we are the right fit for their future.”

Alana Cottrill, a Spring 2022 WVU Parkersburg graduate who earned her Certificate and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, was a marketing Learn & Earn student at iTech. In her role, she designed company marketing materials, social media content, press releases and more.

“I feel like I have grown since being in the Learn & Earn program,” Cottrill said. “I’ve received real-life experiences that will help me and the company as I go on in my career.”

Through CTCS, the state also coordinates Apprenticeships in Motion (AIM), a program made possible by a nearly $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that prepares students for IT jobs that are in increasingly high demand across the state. Similar to Learn & Earn, AIM connects employers with students through colleges, allowing apprentices to take technical courses while gaining paid work experiences. The program also provides opportunities for businesses to upskill their current employees.

“Hiring IT professionals with cybersecurity skills is very difficult, especially in West Virginia,” said Norman Gunderson, Vice President/WV Division GM, Global Science & Technology Inc., which partnered with AIM to hire IT students. “The AIM program allowed us to ‘grow our own.’”

To explore how Learn & Earn or AIM can help build your workforce, contact the CTCS office at 304-558-0265.

WVU Parkersburg Ranked No. 1 in State for Affordability

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 14, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been recognized as the most affordable college in the state by University HQ. The published rankings help students discover the best school that matches their budget and career path by comparing college tuition rates, the number of degrees offered and graduating salaries across the U.S.

In addition, WVU Parkersburg was ranked No. 18 for the Most Affordable Business Management degree and No. 28 for the Most Affordable Business Administration degree in the nation.

“Part of our mission at WVU Parkersburg is to provide educational opportunities for our service region. I’m very proud that we are reaching that goal at a very high level, evident by these national rankings,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg interim vice president for Academic Affairs. “This is good news for our students, community and the college.”

WVU Parkersburg offers in-state and out-of-state tuition below the national average, and students have the opportunity to receive financial assistance, like WVUP Ascend and WV Invests.

WVUP Ascend removes barriers to receiving a certificate or associate degree by providing additional academic, financial and personal supports. These supports include waivers for tuition and fees, Kroger gift cards for groceries and/or gas, textbook assistance, career counseling, tutoring and more.

WV Invests is a grant program for community and technical college students. After a student uses all of their federal and/or state aid, WV Invests will step in to cover the remaining tuition and fee costs.

The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation supports students by offering over 150 different scholarships.

Also, WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program allows high school students to take college credits at a reduced rate of $150 per course. Students have the potential to graduate high school with a certificate or associate degree. Therefore, students and parents can save over $20,000 in tuition by enrolling in Early College.

Visit wvup.edu/future-students or call 304.424.8310 to view WVU Parkersburg’s majors, cost and aid, and other services. For information and registration regarding Early College, visit wvup.edu/earlycollege or call 304.424.8209.

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