Children can have a fun and interactive learning experience through WVU Parkersburg’s Kids’ College 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 29, 2026) — Children ages 8 to 12 can attend WVU Parkersburg’s annual Kids’ College program this summer for a mix of fun and educational classes.

“Kids’ College has been a staple at WVU Parkersburg for over a decade. This summer program is an opportunity for kids ages eight to 12 to have fun while exploring future career opportunities,” said April Crone, program coordinator. “We are excited to once again offer hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, teamwork and curiosity.”

Classes are primarily taught by WVU Parkersburg faculty and community partners and introduce youth to a variety of college subjects and career paths. Participants can choose four classes per week, with topics ranging from arts and crafts and science to technology and creative writing.

Class offerings may include:

• Farm Technology
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Welding
• Music Technology
• Photography
• Yoga
• Anime Drawing
• Arts & Crafts
• Kids in Motion
• Science Lab
• Career Exploration
• Cartoon Drawing
• First Aid
• Theater

Kids’ College will take place from June 15-18, June 22-25 and June 29 though July 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $150 per week with lunch provided. The deadline to register is May 31, 2026

For more information, email wed@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8274.

Teens explore forensic science at WVU Parkersburg’s CSI Academy

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 28, 2026) — This summer, teens with an interest in forensic science can experience what it’s like to be law enforcement officers and criminal investigators at WVU Parkersburg’s Teen CSI Academy.

Led by WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice professors and local industry experts, the hands-on summer program gives students the opportunity to explore crime scene reconstruction, evidence processing, criminal profiling, case trial preparation and more.

“The Teen CSI Academy allows teens to learn more about the reality of crime scene investigations and the criminal justice field. It also gives them a preview of college-level criminal justice courses,” said Andrew Walker, Teen CSI Academy instructor and associate professor of Criminal Justice. “The academy provides many unique hands-on learning opportunities and a variety of guest speakers to gain insights into criminal justice professions.”

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 Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, 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. Students 13-18 years of age can sign up, including 18-year-olds who are currently enrolled in high school or graduating in Spring 2026. Visit https://wvup.edu/teenCJ  to register today!

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

WVU Parkersburg get a taste of medicine at WVU Parkersburg’s Medical Explorers program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 26, 2026) — This summer, teens who are interested in a career in medicine can get a closer look with real healthcare professionals.

The Teen Medical Explorers Academy at WVU Parkersburg offers young adults a unique opportunity to step into the roles of various health care professionals. WVU Parkersburg Nursing & Health Sciences instructors will guide participants in patient care within on-campus medical labs, including surgery preparation and baby delivery.

“The Teen Medical Explorers Academy at WVU Parkersburg offers numerous advantages for students interested in the medical field,” said Kathy Frum, dean of the Nursing & Health Sciences Division. “The academy emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to engage in simulations, labs and real-world scenarios that deepen their understanding of medical practices and principles.”

Frum continued, “Participants can explore various health care professions, from nursing to allied health, helping them identify their interests and potential career paths early on. Students have opportunities to connect with health care professionals, faculty and peers, building relationships that can be beneficial for future internships or job opportunities.”

Throughout the academy, high school students will experience a variety of activities and interactive sessions, covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and patient care — all guided by experienced instructors. Students will also participate in hands-on training, including basic life support and first aid.

The key highlight of the program is a visit to WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, where participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a health care facility. The academy is designed to deepen students’ knowledge, foster their passion for medicine, and provide insight into potential career paths in health care.

Program activities will include:

• Use of personal protection equipment
  • Taking vitals and patient care
  • Wheelchair and crutch safety
  • Getting certified in CPR
  • Discovering different occupations in the medical field
  • Mock operating room & obstetrics simulations

The Teen Medical Explorers will take place Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $150 per student. Lunch will be provided.

The academy is limited to the first 20 participants with a registration deadline of June 1, 2026. Applications may be downloaded at https://wvup.event451.sites.451.io/event/wvup.events.1442216

For more information, please contact wed@wvup.edu or 304-424-8274.

WVU Parkersburg students earn national recognition in Spring 2026 National Cyber League competition

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 22, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg students earned national recognition through their performance in the Spring 2026 National Cyber League competition, demonstrating strong cybersecurity skills against thousands of competitors nationwide.

Seventeen WVU Parkersburg students competed in both the individual and team portions of the Spring 2026 National Cyber League season. In the individual competition, more than 7,000 students from colleges, universities and high schools across the country participated. Three WVU Parkersburg students placed in the top 20% nationally, with one student finishing 198th overall.

In the team competition, five WVU Parkersburg teams competed against more than 3,600 teams nationwide, with all five teams placing in the top 15% nationally. Two WVU Parkersburg teams earned top-100 finishes, placing 29th and 95th overall.

The National Cyber League is a cybersecurity competition that provides students with hands-on experience solving real-world cybersecurity challenges. Competition categories include digital forensics, password cracking, network traffic analysis, web application exploitation, cryptography and vulnerability identification.

“We are thrilled with how well our students performed this season,” said Doug Rhodes, coach and faculty member at WVU Parkersburg. “The students put in a tremendous amount of work throughout the semester, and their results reflect that effort. I’m excited to see how they continue to grow and compete in the future.”

NCL’s Cyber Power Rankings are based on top team performance, top individual student performance and aggregate student performance from each institution. Based on Spring 2026 competition results, WVU Parkersburg ranked 37th nationally in the Cyber Power Rankings and 16th in the Eastern Division, the highest ranking among West Virginia colleges and universities.

Each year, more than 10,000 students from more than 500 colleges and universities and 100 high schools across the United States participate in National Cyber League competitions, helping students develop and demonstrate practical cybersecurity skills in a competitive environment.

Participation in competitions such as the National Cyber League supports WVU Parkersburg’s commitment to providing career-focused, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in the growing cybersecurity field.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg academic programs, visit wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg celebrates largest graduating class in university history at Spring 2026 commencement ceremony

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 9, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, recognizing the achievements of the largest graduating class in the university’s history. The ceremony honored 645 graduates earning 760 credentials, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates and professional workforce credentials.

A total of 252 graduates participated in the ceremony, marking the largest participating commencement class in WVU Parkersburg history. Among the graduating class, 97 students graduated cum laude, 82 magna cum laude and 36 summa cum laude.

Trista Scarberry, president of the Student Government Association, welcomed graduates and guests and reflected on the perseverance, sacrifice and resilience that defined the student journey. She encouraged graduates to recognize the value of their degree not simply as an academic credential, but as a reflection of their hard work, determination and personal growth.

“Your degree is not just a piece of paper,” Scarberry said. “Your degree shows the real you…  the you that is smart, dedicated, strong and hardworking.”

In her presidential remarks, Torie Jackson challenged graduates to reject limiting labels and define themselves by their character, purpose and potential rather than titles alone. Jackson reminded students that while degrees open doors, the impact they make will be shaped by how they serve others, lead in their communities and embrace the many roles they will hold throughout life.

“Don’t limit yourself to a single label,” Jackson said. “Be who you choose to be.”

The ceremony’s commencement address was delivered by Jermaine Ford, president of Florence-Darlington Technical College. A first-generation community college graduate, Ford has led the college since 2021, spearheading institutional transformation focused on student success, workforce development and expanding educational access for underserved populations.

In his address, Ford celebrated graduates for their sacrifices, resilience and determination, using the metaphor of keys, doors, stairs and floors to encourage students to recognize the opportunities education provides and the persistence required to continue moving forward.

“Education is the most powerful key in the world,” Ford said. “But a key only works if you use it.”

Ford reminded graduates that closed doors do not always mean the end of opportunity, but often signal growth, redirection and the need for perseverance.

The university awarded 488 associate degrees and certificates, 152 bachelor’s degrees and recognized 120 graduates from professional credit programs.

Special Recognitions

WVU Parkersburg also honored several individuals for distinguished service and contributions to the institution and community:

• Honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees were awarded to Rebecca Deem McGinnis and Brian Hackathorn in recognition of their exceptional service, leadership and support of the university. McGinnis was recognized for her transformational leadership and volunteer service, including her role in helping guide the acceptance of the historic $10 million gift that made the Innovation and Technology Center possible. Hackathorn was honored for his critical contributions to the development of the Innovation and Technology Center and his dedication to the institution’s success.
• Katie Life was named the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year for her student-centered teaching, instructional innovation and commitment to student success.
• Dan Williamson received emeritus status in recognition of 43 years of dedicated service to WVU Parkersburg and its students.

For more information about academic programs and opportunities at WVU Parkersburg, visit wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg celebrates future skilled professionals at Annual CTE Signing Ceremony

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 27, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg celebrated the next generation of skilled professionals during its annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Ceremony held Friday, April 24, in the Caperton Center. The event recognized high school students who have committed to pursuing technical education at WVU Parkersburg beginning in fall 2026.

The ceremony was part of the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) National Signing Day, a nationwide initiative uniting more than 75 community and technical colleges in honoring students entering high-demand technical fields. The event highlights the value of career and technical education while strengthening partnerships between secondary education, higher education and the workforce.

“After 13 years of education, you’re making the right choice by continuing that journey with WVU Parkersburg,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg. “We’re excited to welcome you into our family and to see you build on the skills you’ve developed through your CTE programs.”

A total of 40 students were admitted to WVU Parkersburg, pursuing in-demand career pathways including nursing, welding, cosmetology, electricity and instrumentation, engineering technology, computer science and criminal justice. Those students included: Haylee Bell; Hannah Biles; Lillian Blair; Shyanne Dearth; Reagan Engle; Jayden Ervine; Annabell Gibson; Tori Green; Trinity Hardman; Lillie Hamilton; Alea Hess; Emma Huber; Hanna James; Addison Jackson; Eli Johnson; Jayden Johnson; Connor Joy; Brayden Lewis; Payten Mackey; Gavin Maxwell; Emma Miller; Maci Miller; Brock Modesitt; Shayle Montgomery; Benjamin Morris; Andriella Perkins; Elayna Porter; Anniya Powell; Ashley Reaser; Corell Reck; Abigail Roberts; Savannah Rutherford; Annabelle Sandy; Karli Short; Kaylie Smith; Kendall Smith; William Watts; Katlyn Wood; Abigail Young.

Dr. Jason Hughes, director of the Wood County Technical Center and Caperton Center for Applied Technology, emphasized the role of career exploration in shaping students’ futures.

“Many of these students discovered what they want to do through career and technical education,” Hughes said. “They’ve had the opportunity to build real skills, and now they’re choosing to continue that path at WVU Parkersburg.”

Valerie Tucker, WVU Parkersburg CTE Early College liaison, highlighted the significance of the moment for students and their future careers.

“This is more than a ceremony, it’s a recognition of the hard work and determination these students have shown,” Tucker said. “Career and technical education builds a foundation for lifelong success, giving students the experience and confidence to move forward with purpose.”

During the event, students formally signed their intent to enroll, marking an important step toward careers in technical industries. Financial aid and academic advising representatives were also available to assist students and families with next steps in the enrollment process.

The annual CTE Signing Ceremony serves as both a celebration and a commitment, recognizing students’ achievements while reinforcing the growing importance of skilled trades and technical careers in the region’s workforce.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/early-college/. For questions or to speak with someone in the Early College office, email earlycollege@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8237.

WVU Parkersburg students take the lead on global film festival experience

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 14, 2026) — In a classroom at WVU Parkersburg, the lights dim as a film begins to play. On the screen, a story unfolds from thousands of miles away. In the seats, students lean forward — not just as viewers, but as decision-makers helping shape an international film festival.

For students involved in the inaugural MOV Film Festival, set for April 17-18, the semester has become something far beyond lectures and assignments. It is a hands-on role in bringing a global event to life.

More than 1,000 films from 49 countries across six continents have been submitted, and students are at the center of the process — reviewing entries, debating their merits and helping determine which stories will be showcased. Students are also helping make final decisions on award winners, giving them a direct role in shaping the festival’s outcome.

For Digital Media Production student Jacob Walton, the experience has redefined what learning can look like.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been part of something this big,” Walton said. “You don’t realize how much work goes into something like this until you’re actually doing it.”

Inside the classroom, film screenings turn into in-depth discussions. Students analyze storytelling, production quality and emotional impact, often uncovering unexpected favorites.

“It’s not just watching films,” Walton said. “You’re breaking them down, comparing them and trying to understand what makes each one stand out.”

Integrated Marketing Communications student Destiny Foutty said the collaborative nature of the process has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

“We watched submissions together on a projected screen and talked about each film in depth,” Foutty said. “We rated them and left comments, and it led to really great conversations. We even found hidden gems we wanted to feature.”

For Foutty, the festival also offers an opportunity to build skills that align with her future in the news industry.

“I love meeting people and asking questions,” she said. “Getting to talk with filmmakers will be really interesting.”

As the festival approaches, students are preparing to move from behind the screen into active roles during the event. They will greet attendees, engage with film makers with industry experience and help create an experience that connects the Mid-Ohio Valley to stories from around the world.

“I’m looking forward to meeting some of the filmmakers, including local creators,” Foutty said. “I’ve heard we even have submissions from Australia, which is really exciting.”

The experience also offers students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize a large-scale event, from coordination to promotion to audience engagement, while also serving as a networking opportunity to connect with other filmmakers.

“There’s definitely pressure,” Walton said. “But it’s exciting at the same time because it feels like what we’re actually doing matters.”

For many students, the festival represents more than just an event. It is a first step into the kind of work they hope to pursue after graduation.

By placing students at the center of an international production, WVU Parkersburg is creating an opportunity to gain real-world experience without leaving the Mid-Ohio Valley. Faculty say the festival is designed not only to build technical skills, but also to inspire students to create new work and develop professional portfolios.

“This is how I pass it forward to the next generation,” said Cody Davis, an Integrated Marketing Communications instructor at WVU Parkersburg.

The MOV Film Festival will take place April 17-18, 2026, at WVU Parkersburg from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

WVU Parkersburg students showcase skills at Reverse Career Fair