WVU Parkersburg receives full NACCE funding request for Forging Futures welding project

WVU Parkersburg signs new students into Elementary Education program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 7, 2025) — The WVU Parkersburg Professional Studies Division hosted a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2 to honor students being admitted into the education program, as well as induct new members into Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.

Students Carly Anderson, Emily Biles, Alisha Cook, Allison Davis, Kallie Heaney, Marissa Jeffrey, Melody Johnson, Hayden Kelly, Austin Lawrence, Mary Morrison, Alissa Saffell and Wyatt Simon were admitted into the Elementary Education Program.

“The Education Signing Ceremony is a huge milestone for our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Megan McKnight, Director of Teacher Education. “Teaching is more than just a job — it’s a calling. To step into this profession, you need dedication not only to your students but also to your own growth. Great teachers never stop learning; they keep building their knowledge and skills. You’ll also serve as role models, showing others what it looks like to grow, adapt, and lead with integrity. That balance — growing yourself while helping others grow — is at the very heart of being an educator,” she continues.

In order to be admitted into the Education Program, candidates must have completed at least 45 hours of coursework, 60 hours of field placement, maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass or be exempt from three PRAXIS Core exams and complete 50 hours of service learning.

During the ceremony each student signed their name as a commitment to the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and were presented with a personalized certificate of admission to the teacher education program, as well as a copy of the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and a lapel pin symbolizing their admission and commitment to the program.

Riley Bettinger, Emily Biles, Alisha Cook, Allison Davis, Virginia Haddox, Kallie Heaney, Marissa Jeffrey, Ryleigh Moore, Mary Morrison, Amylia Myers and Bella Tagliarini Williams were all inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.

Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education, inspires and equips teachers to thrive. For over 100 years, this honor society has held fast to the beliefs of community, belonging leadership and celebration.

The Education Department had a reception with food and drinks for guests after the ceremony.

WVU Parkersburg has recently received state approval to offer new education pathways, including the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) and Paraprofessional studies programs. These credentials serve as foundational steps toward initial teacher licensure, expanding access and opportunity for future educators across the region. To learn more, visit  https://www.wvup.edu/news/new-pathways-prepare-wvu-parkersburg-students-for-education-careers/

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program, please visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/elementary-education/

From soil to success: WVU Parkersburg’s F2S Agrication program cultivates more than just crops

Parkersburg, W.Va. (September 5, 2025) — Welcome to Agrication, WVU Parkersburg’s hands-on farm-to-school program that’s planting the seeds of agricultural knowledge — and paying students to get their hands dirty while they learn.

Bees buzz in the distance, the scent of fresh soil perfumes the air, and a group of students giggle as they pull weeds and potatoes from the ground. It may sound like summer camp, but this is a classroom.

Agrication is WVU Parkersburg’s answer to the age-old student question: “When will I ever use this?” With hands in the dirt and boots in the field, students explore science, sustainability, nutrition, and even business while learning.

Offered to students in grades nine through 12, the Farm to School (F2S) Agrication program introduces teens to the wide world of agriculture: from soil science and sustainability to animal care, food systems, and farm management. The twist? Students are paid for their work.

“What really sets Agrication apart is that it blends hands-on workforce training, real-world farm operations, and personal development,” said Jesse Jameson, Agrication Coordinator. “Students aren’t just exposed to agriculture — they’re gaining industry-relevant experience that prepares them for future careers while also building responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.”

Through two-week summer rotations, students spend time on the Riverhawk Farm — working, learning, and growing in every sense of the word. Teens can earn up to $650 for completing their session while learning skills rarely offered in similar youth ag programs in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“We do a little bit of lecture in the classroom, but mostly it’s hands-on work out in the fields,” said Shaley Hughes, program coordinator. “We try to start with the cattle in the morning — brushing, feeding — then hit the garden early before the heat sets in. After lunch, it’s whatever needs doing.”

“It’s a full day,” she added. “They’re learning to drive tractors, use equipment, care for crops and work with animals.”

With West Virginia ranking among the highest in the nation for food security, the hands-on work students do at the Riverhawk Farm takes on a deeper meaning. Sure, they’re pulling weeds and harvesting vegetables, but they’re also learning about nutrition, sustainability, and the power of food to support a healthier community. From identifying helpful pests to removing diseased leaves and preparing produce for use or donation, every task ties back to the bigger picture of food security.

“Riverhawk Farm and the Agrication program don’t just teach farming — they grow food, grow people, and grow community resilience,” Jameson said. “By producing fresh, local food, training the next generation of agricultural leaders, and supporting schools and families, we’re directly addressing food security challenges in the Mid-Ohio Valley.”

“Before we went outside today, we talked about which insects help the garden and which ones hurt it,” Hughes said. “Then they went out and saw it firsthand — that kind of learning sticks.”

Freshman Rae Strother agrees.

“I came here with no experience, but Shaley and Jesse have taught me so much. Everyone here has. It’s really hands-on — and more fun than I expected.”

For many, it’s their first job. For others, it’s the first time they’ve considered farming as a future. And for a few, it’s just a great excuse to be outside and off their phones.

“I really like agriculture — and the money wasn’t a discouragement at all,” said freshman Aaron Russell. “I think I’d like to be a park ranger. That would be kind of fun.”

“I want to be a nurse, because I love people and want to help them get better,” Strother added. “But this program made me think about agriculture as a real option, too.”

From squash and sweet potatoes to heirloom tomatoes and green beans, the Riverhawk Farm is a living lab of diversity. Students help grow dozens of crops — including purple tomatoes, spaghetti squash, cucumbers, carrots, and even pumpkins — while learning how seasons, pests, and weather affect every harvest. Riverhawk Farm is a mission in action. The food grown here supports the campus and the local community, helping advance sustainability and health initiatives.

Student-harvested produce supports the Pharmacy Program, a WVU Extension initiative that provides 30 local residents with $25 worth of fresh vegetables each week — along with recipes, samples, and nutrition guidance.

“Yesterday alone, we harvested several hundred pounds,” said Hughes. “It’s rewarding to know our work feeds people.”

The program’s farm-to-school approach is deeply connected with local county schools, FFA and 4-H chapters, and works closely with the WV Department of Education and WVU Extension Agents to link fresh produce to school meals and community mock farmers markets — blending education, health and local supply chains.

The Agrication program has that rare magic: it’s educational, meaningful, and honestly, kind of fun. There’s something about watching a student pull a carrot from a garden they’ve helped care for — a mix of pride, surprise, and maybe a little dirt under the fingernails — that says it all.

“We were just out the first day, absolutely sinking in the mud picking squashes and zucchinis,” said Russell. “I was throwing them across the mud pit to put into baskets — that was probably the funnest thing so far.”

“Same experience as Aaron, but my shoes fell off in the mud,” laughed Strother. “All three of us got stuck, and Shaley had to pull me out.”

“We had to dig their boots out by hand,” Hughes said, laughing. “A couple of them needed new socks and pants, but they just rolled with it.”

Not everything is work. The farm’s unofficial mascot, Ferdinand the bull, is a favorite among the students.

“He just stands there while they pet him like a dog,” Hughes said. “He loves the attention.”

The Agrication program aims to grow more than crops. Students finish their rotation with practical, transferable skills — from driving tractors to fencing, livestock care, and produce sorting — that they take back to family farms or use in local ag businesses. Some students have already used what they learned to boost their own family’s farm operations or start small side projects.

In the next few years, WVU Parkersburg hopes to expand the program to reach more students year-round, introduce participants to its A.A.S. in Agribusiness degree, and develop new certifications in value-added production, culinary agriculture, and ag technology.

“Our dream is to see Agrication become a regional model for experiential agricultural education,” Jameson said. “We want to expand student access, strengthen career pathways, and increase our community impact, all while preparing youth for the future of agriculture through innovative and sustainable practices.”

The long-term vision? To see Riverhawk Farm produce as a regular part of campus dining, local markets, and area schools — strengthening the Mid-Ohio Valley’s local food systems and health.

“F2S Agrication is an exceptional program that immerses students in real-world agricultural production, maintenance, and operational scaling. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community and all those who have contributed to the program’s success. The participants have been outstanding, and we take great pride in the growth and knowledge each student has demonstrated over their two-week experience. We remain committed to enhancing the program each year and look forward to expanding these valuable opportunities for students across the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said John Riggs, Agriculture Director at WVU Parkersburg.

“What excites me most about leading this program is seeing growth everywhere — in the soil, in the students, and in our community,” Jameson added. “Watching students come in with little experience and leave with confidence and pride in their work is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, knowing that the food we grow is feeding local families makes every effort meaningful.”

With muddy boots, big smiles, and fresh vegetables on local tables, these students are sowing the seeds that will keep growing for years to come.

New pathways prepare WVU Parkersburg students for education careers

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Sept. 3, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is expanding its education program offerings with new credentials designed to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in early childhood and K-12 education. Students can now pursue the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) and the Paraprofessional Credential, both approved by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).

“These programs create accessible pathways for students to pursue careers in education, supporting both our communities and the state’s educational mission,” said Dr. Megan McKnight, Director of Teacher Education.

The new pathway provides a foundational and practical education for students interested in early childhood, paraprofessional support, or advancing toward a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education leading to licensure. Coursework focuses on pedagogical skills, classroom management, and subject matter knowledge aligned with WVDE standards. Hands-on projects and field experiences ensure students are prepared for real-world educational settings.

Program Highlights

• ECCAT Credential: Qualifies graduates for positions in licensed child care centers, early learning and K-12 classrooms, and related early childhood settings. Can be completed in one semester.
• Paraprofessional Credential: Prepares graduates to support teachers in K-12 schools with instructional support, classroom management, and individualized student assistance. Can be completed in two semesters, depending on course load.
• Flexible Learning: Courses are offered in hybrid formats. While the licensure track is primarily in-person, ECCAT and select paraprofessional courses are available online or in evening sessions to support working students.
• Affordable Access: Tuition and fees follow WVU Parkersburg’s standard credit-hour rates, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.

WVU Parkersburg’s program is closely aligned with WVDE workforce priorities, addressing both immediate staffing needs and long-term goals for West Virginia’s educational system. Graduates will be prepared to step directly into high-need roles in local schools and childcare centers, ensuring a pipeline of well-trained professionals ready to support children and families across the region.

The credentials are a strong fit for students pursuing careers in early childhood or K–12 education support roles, as well as first-generation, nontraditional, and working students who need flexible options. They also benefit students on the path to an Associate or Bachelor of Arts degree in education who wish to earn additional credentials along the way.

To learn more and begin the enrollment process, contact Dr. Megan McKnight at 304.424.8447 or megan.mcknight@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg returns for year seven of All Within My Hands’ Metallica Scholars Initiative

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Aug. 28, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is proud to announce its selection as one of the community colleges invited to join Year 7 of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). WVU Parkersburg awarded 123 scholarships across multiple technology and media programs—including Computer Science, Computer Information Technology, and Digital Media Production—totaling $112,75. The college has also funded approximately 151 certification exams, valued at $26,704.

Dr. Torie Jackson, President of WVU Parkersburg said:

“As we kick off another year as part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, I can’t help but feel the rhythm of something extraordinary—something bold, loud, and transformative. The Metallica Scholars Initiative is more than a grant. It’s a movement. It’s an opportunity with a guitar solo.

At WVU Parkersburg, we know what it means to rise, to push back against limits, and to fight for a better future. And thanks to Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, our students are doing just that. Whether they’re welding, coding, fixing engines, or building futures, Metallica Scholars are proving every day that hard work and access to opportunity can change lives.

Metallica once said, “For whom the bell tolls, time marches on.” At WVU Parkersburg, that bell tolls for our students—the dreamers, the doers, the builders. Time is marching forward, and we’re marching with it.

We are so proud to be a Metallica Scholars campus. Let the guitars scream and the sparks fly—our students are ready to answer the call.”

All Within My Hands (AWMH), the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced its Year 7 of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date, totaling approximately $3M. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 United States and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students.

“I could not be any prouder of our Metallica Scholars. We know that our country needs millions of skilled tradespeople, and it warms my heart to know that our Foundation’s efforts are making a positive impact and putting hard-working people on the path to careers in the trades. Whether it’s a school visit or a meet and greet before a show, there is no better feeling than meeting our Metallica Scholars in person and hearing their stories of grit and determination firsthand, along with their pride and commitment. It is truly inspiring. To think we started with a few schools and a couple hundred students, and we’re now in 75 schools nationwide, about to reach 10,000 students. It’s just incredible.”

-Robert Trujillo, Metallica Band Member

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with 10 colleges focused primarily on Manufacturing programs. The workforce initiative has since expanded to offer opportunities in diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

To evaluate the program’s efficacy, the University of Southern California (USC) Sol Price School of Public Policy independently researched and quantified MSI’s impact on the skilled trades and the return on investment (ROI) earlier this year. The research extended into all Year 6 community colleges, covering more than 350 fields of study at these institutions, measuring the cost of completion and anticipated salaries post-graduation. The key observation is that the ROI – the ratio of a program’s cost to anticipated median wage – across all MSI-supported programs is a very high and cost-efficient 8.3X. This means that on average, MSI graduates can expect to earn 8.3X the upfront cost of their program during their first year in the workforce.

“2025 is a watershed moment for the Metallica Scholars Initiative,” stated Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands. “With the addition of 15 new schools this fall and USC’s independent research articulating the strength of our results, we are eager to tackle the quantifiable shortage of skilled labor our nation faces. If we extrapolate these ROI numbers over a career, it demonstrates how effective and profitable learning a trade can be for the individual, and how society as a whole also benefits from community college graduates. This insight will profoundly affect MSI going forward, impacting how people view careers in the trades, encouraging more corporate and individual sponsorship, and driving its advancement across the country. We’re thrilled to incorporate these findings into this year’s planning and expansion.”

Year 7 also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnership with the Lowe’s Foundation, which has provided $1 million in support as part of its five-year, $50 million commitment to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers.

It takes a village to achieve these results, including the continued support from many long-time corporate partners of AWMH, notably workwear manufacturers Carhartt, Wolverine, and CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment. The aforementioned along with the extended Metallica Family of fans have staunchly supported AWMH from day one and worked tirelessly to advance its mission.

For a complete list of all 75 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

WVU Parkersburg announces Summer 2025 President’s and Dean’s scholars

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 21, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the Summer 2025 semester.

President’s Scholars

Students on the President’s List maintained a 4.0 grade point average while earning 12 or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:

BRAXTON COUNTY — Frametown: Hayley Lytle; Tabitha Statts

Sutton: Marie Armentrout

CABELL COUNTY — Huntington: Shiloh Gibson

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Phillip Jones; Kayla Milam

RITCHIE COUNTY — Pennsboro: Conner Shaffer

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Mallory Westbrook

WIRT COUNTY — Le Roy: Moriah Cale

WOOD COUNTY — Mineral Wells: Jennifer Fiest

Parkersburg: Sydney Coler; Sara Enoch; Jana Howell; Tatum Marlow; Jubilee Minney

Vienna: Jeffrey Burdette; Ashley Hastings; Ashley Slaven

OHIO — Caldwell: Kadence Hood

Greenville: Mitchell Montgomery

Marietta: Ashley Miller

Dean’s Scholars

Students named to the Dean’s List maintained a 3.5 grade point average while earning six or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:

BERKELEY COUNTY — Kearneysville: Krystan Cervini

BROOKE COUNTY — Weirton: Ceairra Curran

CABELL COUNTY — Huntington: James Arnett

DODDRIDGE COUNTY — West Union: Courtney Tilley

JACKSON COUNTY — Cottageville: Mary Beth Cottrill

Evans: Nicole Tate

Gay: Shawn Davis

Kenna: Erin Petry

Ravenswood: Erica Corbin, Kiley Goldsmith; Chelsey Helmick; Nicholas Knox; Austin Lawrence; Cassandra Lott; Brooke Meadows; Jaleigh Thompson; Miranda Workman

Ripley: Braxton Carpenter; Brooke Hosaflook

Sandyville: Zane Balis

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Kearneysville: Melissa Holman

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Joely Good; Kendal Holmes; Victoria McGinnis

Elkview: Norissa Rupe; Morgan Sweeney

Nitro: Mary Norvell

South Charleston: Tina Reed

MASON COUNTY — Letart: Thomas Anderson

Mount Alto: Racheal Killingsworth

Point Pleasant: Timothy Reed

OHIO COUNTY — Wheeling: Jordan Irick

PLEASANTS COUNTY — St Marys: Olivia Birkhimer; Ava Childers; Darcy Grimes; Amanda Hadley; Terry Lough; Bernadette Occilien; Eric Wherry

PRESTON COUNTY — Bruceton Mills: Wendi Glover

PUTNAM COUNTY — Eleanor: Kala Bakenhaster; Donald Fletcher

RITCHIE COUNTY — Harrisville: Lily Butcher; Wyatt Flesher; Lindsay Flevaris; Gracie Lamp; Bradyn Reed

Pennsboro: Brooklyn Bayes, Lydia Colvin; Michael Leggett; Casey VanScoy

Smithville: Marissa Jeffrey

ROANE COUNTY — Spencer: Emily Chandler; Ottumn Metheney; Marleigh Unger

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Ryley Vandyne

Sistersville: Hallie Placer; Lacie Pratt

WETZEL COUNTY — New Martinsville: Debra Glendenning; Sierra Underwood

WIRT COUNTY — Elizabeth: Pheobe Hayes

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Jackson Dearth; Jeremy Ellis; Chloe Lott; Rebecca Page; Cassidy Patterson

Belmont: Sage Harper

Davisville: Johanna Curtiss; Sara Piggott

Mineral Wells: LaToya Billiter; Brittany Brookover; Melissa Dolly; Haley Hennen; Willis Hundley

Parkersburg: Shane Anderson; Brenda Barker; Coleen Barnhart; Alethea Bateman; Anthony Beckett; Lauren Brandjes; Winston Brown; Ivy Burdette; Mace Busch; Stephanie Christensen; Ethan Cline; Stephanie Cooper; Sandi Deem; Karli Delaney; Andrew Edgar; Bethany Fought; Maegan Gaver; Kaden Goodwin; Jonathan Hammond; Korie Hildebrecht; Nicole Holbert; Adelie Howerton; Marlee Hunt; Chauncy James; Jeanette Jameson; Stephanie Ketchem; Ryan Lockhart; Abishai Loganathan; Amanda Lyons; Meridith Mckain; Ashley Nesbitt; Elizabeth Onuoha; Molly Overton; Kaylyn Parsons; Jarod Peters; Crystal Proctor; Olivia Raber; Elizabeth Ramsay; Kristi Ramsey; Lauren Raney; William Reynolds; Kaitlyn Sartin; Brianna Sharp; Jon Skidmore; Ashley Smith; Josie Smith; Krista Sponsler; Kylie Sprouse; Serenity Sprouse; Phoenix Swisher; Amber Tennant; Hayley Waybright; Megan Wigal; Annemarie Woofter; Brady Young

Vienna: Emily Biles; Savanna Channell; Justin Eaton; Codie Goots; Lyndsay Haugh; Brittany Hicks; Amia Jenkins; Laquiche Jones; Addison King; Alexis Martin; James Martin; Kadence Perez; Natasha Staats; Amy Summers; Maya Turner; Harmony Watkins; Justin Welsh

Walker: Mackenzie Byrd

Washington: Gabriella Brady; Brent Dotson; Cynthia Dotson; Alexis Eichhorn; Jennie Goff; Morgan Hall; Lindsay Jones; Benjamin Kaminski; Jenna Limer; Adreana Linville; Oshelle Miller; Chad Moore; Sierra Mundy; Kayla Shaffer; Sidney Windland

Waverly: Kayle Cottrill; Charlotte Daniels; Hannah Smith

Williamstown: Emily Bailey; Savannha Cottrill; Marilah Morris; Alexis Sivard; Hunter Smith; Rylee Wise

OHIO — Belpre: Hailey Burdette; Heath Foutty; Nathaniel Marks; Ashley Wilson

Beverly: Keitha Schilling

Guysville: Travis Ziesemer

Columbus: Eunice Onyeukwu

Fleming: Kenady Sams

Little Hocking: Ashley Dalrymple; Michael Phelps

Marietta: Megan Bowling; Camey Gerst; David Hendrickson; Abigail Jones; Emma Jones; Korland Kampmeier; Annie Mack; Amber Matthews; Adam Pierce; Alisha Winstanley; Eric Wright

Newport: Morgan Haught

Pomeroy: Tanner Palmer

Racine: Christian Howell

Roseville: Jonathan Kiker

Reedsville: Brandi Durst

Vincent: Kelsey Bartmess

KENTUCKY — Louisa: Joshua Moore

MASSACHUSETTS — Pittsfield: Jacob Schnabel

PUTNAM COUNTY — Eleanor: Kala Bakenhaster

TEXAS — San Angelo: Ryan Carman

Portland: Jesus Vasquez

UTAH — Marriott-Slaterville: Ashlee Trujillo

WASHINGTON — Tenino: Carly Stephens.

Summer 2025 WVU Parkersburg graduates announced 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 21, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is proud to recognize its Summer 2025 graduates who have earned certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. These graduates exemplify academic excellence, dedication and perseverance.

Graduates achieving a 3.50 to 4.00 grade point average (GPA) have been awarded academic honors, as follows: 3.50-3.749, Cum Laude; 3.75-3.99, Magna Cum Laude; and 4.0, Summa Cum Laude. The December WVU Parkersburg graduates are listed below by county and state:

WEST VIRGINIA GRADUATES

BERKELEY COUNTY — Martinsburg: Solomon Lincoln, AAS, BOG

BOONE COUNTY — Racine: Hannah Stout, AAS, Child Development

BRAXTON COUNTY — Frametown: Tabitha Statts, AAS, BOG

Sutton: Marie Armentrout, AAS, BOG, Magna Cum Laude

BROOKE COUNTY — Wellsburg: Teira Parrish, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice

GILMER COUNTY — Glenville: Jordanne Beall, BS, Nursing

JACKSON COUNTY — Evans: Cole Hutton, CERT, Business Administration

Kenna: Cody Bailey, AAS, BOG; Dharma Thomas, CERT, Business Administration

Ravenswood: Kiley Goldsmith, BAS, Supervisory Management; Sabrina Mills, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Miranda Workman, CERT, Esthetics, Cum Laude

Ripley: Gabriel Haynes, CERT, Digital Communication, Cum Laude, AAS, Digital Communication, Cum Laude; Stephanie Hernandez, CERT, Business Administration; Zakary Kimes, CERT, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Isaac Parsons, BS, Nursing; Olivia Talbert, AAS, Elementary Education; Amy White, AAS, Business Administration

Sandyville: Zane Balis, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Courtney Winter, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Kearneysville: Myckayla Reed, CERT, Child Development, Cum Laude

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Kara Thomas, AAS, Child Development, CERT, Child Development; Samantha Vititoe, BS, Nursing

Clendenin: Josi Coiner, CERT, Child Development

Dunbar: Cierra Messer, AAS, Child Development, CERT, Child Development

MONONGALIA COUNTY — Morgantown: William Ward, RBA

NICHOLAS COUNTY — Summersville: Brandy Brown, AAS, BOG

PLEASANTS COUNTY — St. Marys: Isaac Anderson, CERT, Criminal Justice; Gabrielle Cunningham, BS, Nursing; Charity Hannah, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude; Amy Maston, AAS, BOG; Eric Wherry, CERT, Business Administration;

PUTNAM COUNTY — Hurricane: Kayla O’Brien, AAS, Child Development, Cum Laude, CERT, Child Development, Cum Laude

Scott Depot: Erica Rhodes, BS, Nursing

RITCHIE COUNTY — Harrisville: Lindsay Flevaris, RBA, Cum Laude; Raya Morrison, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude

Pennsboro: Jaydon Holt, RBA; Conner Shaffer, RBA, Cum Laude; Casey VanScoy, BAS, Business Administration

ROANE COUNTY — Elkview: Sabrina Canterbury, BS, Nursing

Gandeeville: James Miller, RBA,

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Mallory Westbrook, BAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude

Sistersville: Hallie Placer, BAS, Business Administration; Ethan Riddle, AAS, Computer Science

WAYNE COUNTY — Kenova: Mackenzie Rogers, CERT, Child Development

WETZEL COUNTY — New Martinsville: Amanda Owens, RBA

WIRT COUNTY — Elizabeth: Kelly Digman, BS, Nursing; Pheobe Hayes, CERT, Business Administration

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Chloe Lott, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Cassidy Patterson, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice;

Davisville: Kylee Border, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Darca Sapp, AAS, BOG

Mineral Wells: Rhodessa Hoselton, AAS, BOG; Gracie Parks, AAS, Criminal Justice; Haley Parsons, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Patience Randolph, CERT, Criminal Justice; Nathan Schramm, CERT, Business Administration

Parkersburg: Isabel Arreola, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Natalie Atkinson, AA, General Education; Alethea Bateman, BS, Nursing; Jaya Bell, BAS, Comm & Media – Strategic Comm, Magna Cum Laude; Taylor Black, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Julia Bland, CERT, Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude;  Crystal Bonnell, RBA; Stephanie Christensen, CERT, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Sarah Enoch, AAS, BOG; Kaden Goodwin, AAS, Business Administration; Maxximillian Greer, AAS, Criminal Justice; Jasmine Hockman, AAS, Criminal Justice; Denise Hoover, CERT, Digital Media Production, Cum Laude; Jana Howell, RBA, Cum Laude, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Haleigh Hurst, AS, General Education; Christian Lobbins, AS, General Education; Allie Lockhart, CERT, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Tatum Marlow, CERT, Esthetics, Magna Cum Laude; Daniel Miller, BAS, Child Development; Haylie Polan, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude; Katlyn Rake, CERT, Business Administration; Kristi Ramsey, RBA;Alec Richards, AAS, Computer & Information Tech; Emma Starcher, BS, Business Administration; Paula Tewksbury, AAS, BOG; Nhi Tran, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Julia Vincent, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude

Vienna: Jeffrey Burdette, AAS, BOG; Victoria Chichester, CERT, Child Development; Emily Davis, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Ryan Halley, AAS, Production Technician; Addison King, RBA, Cum Laude; Maximillian Lass, AAS, BOG; Samuel Potts, CERT, Business Administration; Mackenzie Rader, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Emily Snyder, CERT, Business Administration; Amy Summers, RBA; Chase Uppole, AAS, Welding Technology, CERT, Welding;

Washington: Gabriella Brady, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Dustin Corley, BAS, Business Administration;

Waverly: Gracie Richards, AAS, Criminal Justice; Hannah Smith, CERT, Esthetics, Cum Laude

Williamstown: Dax Chancellor, AAS, Digital Media Production; Hunter Smith, AAS, Elementary Education; Joseph Strauss, CERT, Business Administration; Tia Townsend, BS, Nursing

OHIO GRADUATES

Belpre: Logan Adams, AAS, Business Administration, CERT Business Administration; Kayla Clark, AAS, BOG

Little Hocking: Ashley Dalrymple, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

Marietta: Megan Bowling, AAS, Drafting; Tori Ellis, AA, General Education; Austin Maston, AAS, BOG; Adam Pierce, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude

Newport: Morgan Haught, AAS, Elementary Education

Pataskala: Amanda Moore, AAS, BOG

Rutland: Shalynn Snyder, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum, Laude

MASSACHUSETTS GRADUATES

Pittsfield: Jacob Schnabel, AAS, BOG

TEXAS GRADUATES

Abilene: Cutter Crowe, AAS, Occupational Development.

WVU Parkersburg Board approves $7 million investment in ITC, supporting student success

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 20, 2025) — From multimillion-dollar campus improvements to welcoming a passionate new student voice, WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, August 19, showcased a college driving innovation.

The Board approved $7 million from unrestricted reserves to support continued renovations and expansion of the Innovation and Technology Center (ITC). The center’s West Wing officially opened this fall with 159 students enrolled in Computer Science and Computer Information Technology courses.

Board Chair Blaine Hess praised the WVU Parkersburg ITC for its opening and expressed excitement about the campus’ future and the impact it will have on students, the local economy, and the Mid-Ohio Valley.

In addition, the board welcomed Trista Scarberry, who was sworn in as the student representative by the Honorable Timothy Sweeney, 3rd Circuit Court Judge.

Scarberry, a Ripley native and 2022 Ripley High School graduate, transferred to WVU Parkersburg in spring 2024 after previously studying nursing at Fairmont State University. Now an elementary education major with double emphases in mathematics and special education, she serves as Student Government Association president and is deeply involved on campus and in her community.

“Being part of the Board of Governors is such an exciting opportunity,” Scarberry said. “WVU Parkersburg makes me feel like more than just a student — I’m able to build real relationships with mentors, administrators, and community leaders. I can’t wait to represent my fellow students and help strengthen engagement across campus.”

Scarberry’s leadership extends beyond campus. She works in WVU Parkersburg’s Financial Aid office, at CAMC Memorial as a patient transporter, and with WVU Extension, where she helps lead 4-H camps statewide. She also serves as secretary of the Ripley High School FFA Alumni chapter.

The meeting also highlighted the college’s continued enrollment growth. Student enrollment over the summer saw a 15% increase in FTE enrollment for programs, and fall enrollment is up 8%, marking the ninth consecutive semester of growth.

In her president’s report, Dr. Torie Jackson discussed several new initiatives. The college is launching the STAND program, a statewide initiative for skilled trades, apprenticeships, and non-traditional degrees, with Jeff Holland serving as the instructor for students in the program. Over the summer, administrators established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force led by Dr. Kyle Landcaster. The group will identify opportunities to use AI to enhance student support, academic delivery, staff productivity, and operational cost efficiency, and will prepare recommendations for the President on AI tools and implementation projects.

Additionally, WVU Parkersburg is equipping its campus community with skills to respond to individuals in crisis. Sixteen faculty and staff members have completed mental health first aid training to recognize signs of mental health and substance use concerns, helping create a safety net of care across classrooms, offices, and student spaces.

“We shall bravely take the steps for growth, because within this campus community, and with the support of our board, we know that together we can achieve more,” said Jackson.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025.