Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 26, 2021)- “The Poorhouse Rag,” WVU Parkersburg’s literary magazine, is calling all writers and artists affiliated with the college to submit their works addressing an emphasis on social justice. This includes, but is not limited to, race, poverty, social status, disability and any topic on which the writer wishes to speak up and out to inform and enlighten.

“The Poorhouse Rag” is led by the WVU Parkersburg Editorial Collective of Dr. Alicia Matheny Beeson, Dr. Danielle Kelly, Dr. Sandra Kolankiewicz, Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, Joyce Stover and Dr. Woody Wilson. The Editorial Collective’s goal is to gather diverse perspectives from the campus community and feature as many of those voices within the final print of the magazine.

“Throughout this past year, the pandemic and other current events have brought to the forefront issues with social justice, inclusion, equity and equality which is what the magazine’s themes want to highlight,” said Kelly. “The editorial team decided the larger theme provided ample avenues for self-expression for students, faculty, staff and community members to address within their work.”

All writing and artworks will be considered for one of two prizes – the $50 President’s Prize for the college president’s favorite submission; and the $50 Foundation Prize for artwork only. The Foundation Prize winner’s work will serve as the issue’s cover.

Jesse Siefert of the Parkersburg Art Center will judge the Foundation Prize. Genre submission prizes- one in poetry, prose and children’s literature- will be judged by various editorial team members and English department faculty through a blind reading process.

“The Fall 2020 edition was impacted by the sudden switch to remote learning due to the pandemic,” said Kelly. “However, this year, the editorial collective is hopeful to increase submissions as everyone has settled into the online environment, and through the growing presence of a creative writing class being offered this spring, and through advertising the submission opportunity to all campus and community members.”

Submissions are open until June 1, 2021. Entrants should submit their work to thepoorhouserag@wvup.edu and include the submission genre in the subject line, a statement of WVUP affiliation in the body of the email, and a brief third-person bio.

For more information and to see the guidelines, visit wvup.edu/poorhouserag.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 20, 2021) – For the Spring 2021 semester at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, 19 Early College students applied for and earned their Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) in General Education, and five students also applied for and earned their Associate of Arts (AA) in General Education.

WVU Parkersburg Early College program allows eligible high school students to take college-level courses on their school’s campus or at a WVU Parkersburg campus for a reduced tuition rate.

To earn a CAS in General Education, a student must successfully earn 30 credit hours from courses in math, science, English, fine arts and other designated areas of study with a 2.0 or higher overall GPA. To earn an AA in General Education, a student must successfully earn 60 credit hours from previously mentioned courses with a 2.0 or higher overall GPA.

“Students who take advantage of dual credit/Early College are able to fulfill needed general education courses while still experiencing the safety net of their high school environment and at a less expensive tuition,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “At WVU Parkersburg, we are thrilled to partner with 11 high schools and vocational-technical centers to provide courses for students that enable them to expand opportunities and to realize that college may be the correct path for them.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Early College is open to all public school districts, private schools and homeschools in Doddridge, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties in W.Va., and Washington County in Ohio. For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program, please visit wvup.edu/earlycollege or contact EarlyCollege@wvup.edu.

Students earning their CAS are:

Doddridge County High School
Alyssa Barnes
Raine Fritz
Jared Harris
Eliana Sias

Homeschool
CiAnna Murray
Lauren Sexton

Parkersburg High School
Mackenzie Byrd

Parkersburg South High School
Correttia Davis

Ritchie County High School
Kaleb Cole
Alexis Enoch
Madeline Hilvers
Gabrielle Jones
Katelyn Lambert
Dakota Wayne

St. Marys High School
Bralynn Davis
Isabella Davis
Jacob Elder
Lara Fetty
Emily Hadley
Hannah Hudson
Abigail Peckens
Logan Rice
Kylie Wright

Students earning their AA are:

St. Marys High School
Bralynn Davis
Jacob Elder
Lara Fetty
Hannah Hudson
Kylie Wright

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 16, 2021) – The Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute (MOVTI) and WVU Parkersburg are ready to help high school students earn college credit and fast-track their careers in Elementary Education.

This new partnership will allow MOVTI students to take two WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education classes, earning six hours of college credit and 40 hours of field placement. Twenty of the field placement hours will be in a special education setting.

“This is progress towards creating true program of study pathways for students transitioning from high school to college,” said Dr. Ryan Haught, MOVTI director. “It is also an excellent example of collaboration between one of our state’s career and technical education centers and one of our state’s community colleges. Targeting a career path in our region, where the current need exceeds the current supply of qualified applicants.”

The courses, Introduction to Education (EDUC 100) and Introduction to Exceptional Children (EDUC 200), will familiarize students with the teaching profession and give them the opportunity to receive hands-on experience observing and practicing teaching theories in a real classroom.

“We are excited about this new partnership with MOVTI, especially because it focuses on students exploring the teaching profession, gaining experience in the field and earning college credit,” said Dr. Chad Crumbaker, WVU Parkersburg provost. “Working hand-in-hand with the team at MOVTI to develop and implement this innovative pathway is vital to success. We hope to partner with MOVTI and other schools in our region to develop additional pathways such as this for students in our communities.”

Students may choose one of two pathways to receive college credit.

First, students may receive financial assistance from MOVTI to complete the courses through an agreement (MOU) by successfully passing the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills test. The Praxis I test may be taken during or after the course instruction has been completed.

Praxis tests measure the academic skills and subject knowledge needed for teaching and is required for educator licensure.

In the second pathway, students may pay WVU Parkersburg’s Early College tuition rate of $150 per course. Students will be awarded credit immediately upon completing and passing each course.

“This opportunity to work with MOVTI is incredible! In today’s climate, I believe we are on the cutting-edge of helping our students find the right career path in the shortest amount of time,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education division chairperson. “This program will be a rigorous and relevant career path to teaching with hands-on experience.”

For more information about MOVTI and to become a student, visit movti.org or call 304-684-2464. To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Elementary Education program, contact Dr. Lancaster at david.lancaster@wvup.edu or 304-424-8314. Reach out to Michelle Nabers, WVU Parkersburg Early College coordinator, at mnabers@wvup.edu or 304-424-8209 for high school enrollment in college courses.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 10, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated the achievements of students during an online honors ceremony at wvup.edu/virtual-honors-ceremony. College leadership, faculty and staff filmed video presentations or provided written congratulations to honor the accomplishments of the students they nominated.

“As we wrap up the current academic year, one of the most challenging years to be a college student, we cannot pass the opportunity to celebrate the successes of our students,” said WVU Parkersburg Provost Dr. Chad Crumbaker. “We are proud of our students and their achievements and excited about their future successes. Please join us in congratulating these award-winning students!”

The Student Government Association also recognized the Student Organization of the Year and Faculty and Staff of the Year for the main campus and Jackson County Center.

The complete list of award winners includes:

Dottie Bibbee Student of the Year Award
James Dobbs
Sarah Weeks

Early College Achievement in Music
Lauren Sexton
Eliza Lawrentz

Faculty of the Year
Amy West

Faculty of the Year (Jackson County Center)
Laura Carpenter

Fall 2020 Child Development Student of the Year
Monica Heiney

Outstanding Analytical Student
Rachel Snyder

Outstanding Emerging Artist Award
Samantha Pittman
Elizabeth Martin

Outstanding Jackson County Center Student
Rachel Fisher

Outstanding Leadership Award
Traci Mills

 Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year
Alex Musilli

 Outstanding Patient Care Technician Student of the Year
Elizabeth Collins McCune

Outstanding Service Award
Kimberly Matheny

 Outstanding Surgical Technology Student
Rebecca Garrett

Outstanding Volunteer Award
Jamie Gillespie

Phi Theta Kappa All-WV Academic Team Member
Jared Smith

 Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Academic Team Member
Jared Smith

Phi Theta Kappa New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar
Jared Smith

Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Region Eastern District Representative
Fallyn Buffington

Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Region President
Allison Ezell

 RN to BSN Student of the Year
Jennifer Williamson

Top Student Teacher for Fall 2020
Savana Goff

Top Student Teacher for Spring 2021
Laura Maidens

Spring 2021 Child Development Student of the Year
Vanessa Hendrick

Staff of the Year
Amy Richards

Staff of the Year (Jackson County Center)
Barbara Dunbar

Student Organization of the Year
Ecohawks

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 8, 2021) – The sun shone brightly as the smiles of graduates and their families during WVU Parkersburg’s in-person commencement ceremony. This is the 50^th annual spring commencement for the college as it celebrates 60 years of higher education.

The ceremony was held Saturday, May 8, at 2 p.m., in the upper parking lot of the Parkersburg campus. Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president for Institutional Advancement, and WVU at Parkersburg Foundation president and CEO, gave the commencement address.

“You before us are a symbol of our present and our future,” said Jackson. “Throughout your life, you have driven many country roads with bottleneck turns and curves. But, you have realized that as long as you keep moving forward, you will arrive at an amazing destination, even if it’s not the one you first imagined for yourself.”

Jackson is a proud WVU Parkersburg alumna who built the college’s four-year Communication and Media Studies program and founded its radio station, WPKM 96.3 FM, the Beet. In her administrative roles, she championed the Fall 2020 virtual commencement and was the strongest advocate for the Spring 2021 commencement to take place face-to-face.

“I believe what we need is often hidden in what we have,” said Jackson. “Each student crossing the stage today has a story of accomplishment, and here at WVU Parkersburg, they were encouraged, accepted and pushed to succeed. Here, they found home.”

Over 100 graduates crossed the stage, with a total of 358 students earning certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades. The college also awarded four honorary degrees and emeritus status to five college faculty and staff.

Honorary degrees were given to Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer; Sam Winans, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chair; Cheryl Donohoe, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors member and Dr. Torie Jackson, Spring 2021 commencement speaker.

Emeritus status is bestowed upon past university faculty and staff for their service and distinguished career and may be awarded posthumously. WVU Parkersburg presented emeritus status to Debbie Baker, professor; Dr. Cindy Gissy, associate provost and professor; Janice McCue, program coordinator; Cheryl B. Robinson, professor and Dr. Sy Sarkarat, professor.

Also, during commencement, WVU Parkersburg recognized Dr. Missy Spivy as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Spivy is an associate professor in the Education division, faculty senate representative and accreditation leader in her division, ensuring teacher candidates in the Elementary Education program meet rigorous standards prior to graduation.

To watch the Spring 2021 commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 30, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been recognized as one of the top-ranked institutions in the U.S. for its Digital Communication program. The college ranked No. 23 in the nation for its Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Media Studies pathway.

Programs across the nation were evaluated by BachelorsDegreeCenter.org, a publication dedicated to helping students find the best educational program most suited to their financial, academic and personal needs.

“I’m extremely proud that the efforts of our talented faculty and staff that make this program effective and desirable were acknowledged,” said Dave Thompson, Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences division chairperson. “I’m equally pleased that students felt they received the quality education necessary for their career successes.”

The Communication and Media Studies degree with a concentration in Digital Communication ranked for its affordability, acceptance rate and student support. Of students surveyed, 88% say instructors excelled at tailoring classes to fit student interests. Also, 76% of students said the institution offered flexibility in scheduling classes.

WVU Parkersburg offers hands-on learning for those interested in pursuing a degree in Digital Communication. With the WPKM radio station, digital media production lab and internships with large content creators like Disney, students gain real experience to build resumes and portfolios.

Students create original programming and shows for the radio station, become campus journalists for the school’s online publication, The Chronicle, and practice video and audio editing in a new professional recording studio.

“The CMS program at WVU Parkersburg prides itself in creating courses that produce workforce-ready students with the creative skills to become leaders in their industry,” said Olivia Reeder, WVU Parkersburg director of Experiential Learning and Public Affairs. “By offering experiential learning opportunities on campus and throughout the community, we are preparing our students and giving them the experience needed to land a job in this competitive market.

If a student is a W.Va. resident, they may be eligible for WV Invests while pursuing an associate degree in Digital Communication. WV Invests will cover remaining tuition after all other federal and state grant awards are used.

“We are very fortunate to have such great students in this program,” said Jeremy Harrison, WVU Parkersburg Digital Communication instructor. “We, as instructors, must strive to give them the best learning experience possible so they can thrive in an ever-changing industry.”

To view the complete rankings, visit bachelorsdegreecenter.org/best-digital-communications-degrees/.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Communication and Media Studies programs, visit wvup.edu/hfass, or contact Jeremy Harrison at jeremy.harrison@wvup.edu or Logan Mace at logan.mace@wvup.edu.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s student environmental group, the Ecohawks, is organizing an Earth Day celebration on Thursday, April 22, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., on the main campus’ walking trail. The event is free and open to the public.

A full day of family-friendly activities are planned. Children may make terrariums from recycled plastic bottles and pine cone bird feeders and meet Smokey Bear. A variety of flowers and vegetables will also be available for giveaways.

A bat house information station will be available and pre-made houses for sell. The West Virginia Division of Forestry and Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action group will also have stations with tree and plant identification guides and how individuals can use more environmentally sustainable products in their daily lives.

The identification guides may be used on the college’s walking trail to classify wildlife.

“It is our duty to protect the world we share, its ecosystems and species,” said Valerie Keinath, Ecohawks advisor. “The Ecohawks hope to inspire and encourage others to give back to the planet and preserve its beauty, and in return, humanity.”

Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables and other refreshments will be available for purchase and follow
COVID-19 and health department guidelines. All will be provided in Earth-friendly compostable containers.

All attendees are asked to follow the college’s health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

For more information, contact Valerie Keinath at vkeinart@wvup.edu or 304-424-8327.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 13, 2021) – High school students seeking hands-on training in technician work and maintenance repair may apply to the Constellium Skilled Trades Scholarship Program.

The Skilled Trades Scholarship program is a collaboration between Constellium and WVU Parkersburg to help provide financial assistance to earn an associate degree in Multi-Craft Technology or Reliability and Maintenance Technology. After students complete their degree, they will have a five-year employment commitment with Constellium.

“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 vice president of Institutional Advancement. “By partnering with companies like Constellium, we are able to provide programs that meet the needs of employers and help students find employment.”

Applicants must be a current high school senior, obtain a letter of recommendation, supply proof of their GPA and school attendance and successfully pass a drug and/or alcohol screening process. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the above criteria and interview process.

Visit wvup.edu/skilled-trades-app for a scholarship application and more information. Please return applications and required documentation by April 23 to:

Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC
Skilled Trades Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 68
Ravenswood, WV 26164

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 12, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held its Spring 2021 induction ceremony for invited students who accepted membership.

 

Students inducted include:

 

Majeda Al Waked

 

Amber Arko

 

Dusty Fox

 

Adrien Gibbs

 

Adam Hoschar

 

Robert Jarvis

 

Caraline Lancaster

 

Danielle Lockhart

 

Christine Morgan

 

Darlin Muelas Cruz

 

Elijah Randolph

 

Madison Scott

 

Shelby Simonton

 

Annessa Sweeney

 

David “Dean” Underwood

 

Dr. Cynthia Gissy, former WVU Parkersburg associate provost for Academic and Student Affairs, served as the keynote speaker for the event. College President Dr. Chris Gilmer and David Sigmund, Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Regional coordinator, also shared words of encouragement to the new inductees.

 

“Phi Theta Kappa is a transformative organization that has been changing the lives of students for many years,” said Gilmer. “I am certain it will enrich these students just as I know they will be enriching to PTK.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of college students. The Society is represented on nearly 1,300 community colleges across 11 nations. Phi Theta Kappa also helps students grow as scholars and leaders through skill development, scholarships and more.

 

Membership to Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and extended to students meeting specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed at least 12 credit hours of associate degree coursework.

 

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter, contact advisors Marie Butler (mbutler1@wvup.edu), Andrew Rochus (arochus1@wvup.edu) or Andrew Walker (wwalker1@wvup.edu). 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 14, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, April 14. Due to COVID-19, the members will not meet face-to-face. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. via video conference.

For further details and instructions on how to attend the meeting, please contact Brady Whipkey at brady.whipkey@wvup.edu.

Visit wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/agendas/ to view the complete agenda.