Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 9, 2021) – Adapting to digital trends like podcasting and original content creation, West Virginia University at Parkersburg introduces a new program – Digital Media Production.

The program will offer an in-depth glimpse into the digital production industry. Students will be trained on industry-standard equipment, including drone cinematography, broadcast switchers for multi-camera video shoots, consoles for live and studio audio production, DMX-controlled stage lighting and more.

WVU Parkersburg also built a new Digital Media Production Studio to house a live tracking room, two isolation booths (one for percussion) and a mixing booth. Area musicians will be invited to record and provide real-world experience for students to mix music tracks.

Skills gained in the program will prepare students for careers as directors, sounds engineers, videographers, podcasters, producers, documentarians and sports and entertainment journalists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 18% from now until 2029 and have an average pay of $60,000 per year.

“We’re going to teach with industry-standard equipment, offer more hands-on laboratory time than ever before and see students start internships with large content creator companies as well as partner with local businesses for marketing and public relations initiatives,” said Jeremy Harrison, Digital Media Production program coordinator. “The classes will also prepare students to sit for Adobe and Avid Pro Tools certifications to help boost resumes and show understanding of digital media skills.”

Students in the Digital Communication, Communication and Media Studies and Strategic Communication majors will also be able to take classes from the new program. In areas of journalism, marketing, communications and public relations, employees will likely be expected to have skills in video and audio production.

Digital Media Production will offer a certificate and two-year associate degree. Upon graduation, students may enter WVU Parkersburg’s Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Communication and Media Studies program or transfer credits to another college or university for further field study.

Enrollment for the Fall 2021 semester begins Monday, April 12.

For more information or to register for Digital Media Production, contact Jeremy Harrison at jeremy.harrison@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 257.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 5, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recently honored at the Ohio Region Awards Convention on March 27. Sigma Omega was presented with eight individual and chapter-wide awards during the ceremony.

 

Chapter honors included the Catch a Shining Star Award for its regional engagement. Sigma Omega was also recognized as a Three Star Chapter for building a strong and engaged group, conveying excellence in achieving goals.

 

Sigma Omega chapter officers Fallyn Buffington (President), Allison Ezell (Vice President) and Serena Graham (Secretary) were recognized with the Order of the Torch award. These students were nominated by a chapter advisor as the most distinguished officer team.

 

Buffington and Ezell were also inducted as the new Eastern District Representative and President for the Ohio Region of Phi Theta Kappa, respectively.

 

“I am so proud of this group of students and their accomplishments,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor. “Becoming members of the Ohio Region has allowed us to become so much more involved on a regional level with Phi Theta Kappa.”

 

Butler herself won the Horizon Award for Advisors for her demonstration of teamwork, leadership, engagement and enthusiasm for the Society’s Hallmarks. Chapter Advisor Andrew Walker received the Advising Milestone Award for his five years of service.

 

Chapter member Jared Smith was announced as an All-USA Academic Team member. He was one of 20 students chosen from more than 2,000 nominations and awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Smith also was announced as a West Virginia and national New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, an outstanding workforce-bound student, and awarded a $2,250 scholarship. He is also being recognized as an All-West Virginia Academic Team member.

 

“I joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student at East Central Junior College in 1983. It changed my life,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “It is still changing the lives of students today, and I could not be prouder of our Phi Theta Kappa at WVU Parkersburg and their advisors. Their leadership lights the path for others to follow.”

 

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 2, 2021) – The Blennerhassett Elementary School Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program is benefiting from a new donation by the WVU Parkersburg Education division to help its students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.

The division recently provided LEGO STEAM kits to the school, which students can use to participate in the LEGO Education Playmakers Challenge. The challenge leads students in grades K-1 through the engineering design process, engaging in challenges that allow them to explore creativity, language and mathematical skills.

“It is a wonderful feeling to know we are able to assist in some small way teachers such as Ms. Lisa Smith to challenge students in the classrooms,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education chairperson. “There are few experiences in life that compare with observing a student learning through play.”

“Students are challenged to research and come up with new ways to get active by designing play places and an obstacle course,” said Lisa Smith, Blennerhassett Elementary School STEAM teacher. “Our kindergarten and first graders enjoy learning about simple machines through play with the kits.”

Hands-on learning encourages team building and helps students become more independent in their learning. Students who participate in hands-on learning also see an increase in engagement, motor skills and lesson retention.

“Hands-on learning is essential for students who are moving from concrete to abstract thinking. Students are learning perseverance, collaboration skills and learning from mistakes throughout the project,” said Smith. “They practice engineering design by researching, creating, testing, and improving their models. The best part is that they are having so much fun while they are learning they don’t even realize how much work they are doing.”

The Elementary Education provides tools like the LEGO STEAM kits for WVU Parkersburg students to use free of charge during their field experiences. Using available state-of-the-art materials, manipulatives and new technology, teaching candidates can better prepare for the profession and serve their classrooms.

“We just want to thank WVU Parkersburg for making this project possible with our students,” said Smith. “The students can’t wait to work on the project every week, and it’s so exciting to watch the cross-curricular learning taking place.”

To learn more about the Education division and programs offered, visit wvup.edu/education.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 30, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Health and Wellness and Student Support Services will host a People First Language training on Monday, April 5, at 12:15 p.m. The event will be streamed to the college’s Facebook page at wvup.edu/live.

The training will be presented by Christina Smith of Astrive, an organization founded to serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities and their families by focusing on the areas of integrated employment, special education, inclusion, home and community-based services and health and safety preparedness initiatives.

Smith is a professional in the non-profit arena, and over the past 19 years, has provided programs, services and advocacy to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As a sister and mother to family members with disabilities, Smith highlights the important role of advocacy when assisting families who are seeking community supports and services.

During the training, participants will learn how to appropriately communicate with and about children and adults with disabilities, why the combination of language and behavior (disability etiquette) is important to individuals with disabilities and their family members and more.

People-first language also emphasizes the equality and dignity of all people, realizing that a person always comes first before their identifying statement.

“We must learn to honor a person as a human being first because they are more important than any label,” said Pamela Santer, WVU Parkersburg Health and Wellness coordinator.

People First Language is sponsored by WVU Parkersburg’s Opening Pathways for Equity Now (OPEN) Project led by Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of Enrollment Management and Jackson County Center CEO.

“As a member of the OPEN Task Force, I believe that effective communication is paramount to human survival,” said Smith. “We are so excited to partner with Astrive to provide this much needed training!”

For more information, please contact Pamela Santer at pamela.santer@wvup.edu or 304-428-2900, or Kurt Klettner at kurt.klettner@wvup.edu or 304-424-8378.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 29, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has announced that there will be no tuition increase for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Board of Governors voted on March 11 that students will pay the same tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year as they do now.

“WVU Parkersburg has always been committed to fair and affordable tuition rates, which is why we consistently rank in the top one-third most affordable associate degree and as the most affordable baccalaureate degree in West Virginia,” said Alice Harris, executive vice president of Finance and Administration. “Affordable tuition provides individuals with access to our high-quality, life-changing, accredited programs. A publicly-funded university such as WVU Parkersburg has a moral and ethical obligation to keep tuition rates as affordable as possible while providing enough revenue to support its outstanding programs.”

WVU Parkersburg offers the lowest bachelor’s degree tuition rate in West Virginia and in-state tuition rates to all Ohio residents, making it one of the most affordable, accredited four-year colleges in the nation. Additionally, WVU Parkersburg’s tuition charges are capped, so any credits taken over 12 credit hours per semester are offered at no additional charge. Scholarships, need-based grants, loans and employment opportunities are also offered to students to help cover the cost of attendance.

The tuition rate for the associate’s degree program is $160 per credit hour. For the bachelor’s degree program, the tuition rate is $221 per credit hour and the Early College program’s tuition rate is $50 per credit hour.

“It pleases me that our Board of Governors always acts with the best interest of the students in mind and is willing to support any reasonable administrative recommendation that puts students first and helps them to achieve their educational goals,” said Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Parkersburg president. “Our Board and our administration are oriented toward uplifting the students in every possible way, and this is the reasoning behind my recommendation that we not raise tuition at this time. Students are meeting so many challenges because of the pandemic–issues of grief and loss, loss of jobs, decreases in family income, feelings of isolation. We need to do everything we can do to make their achievement of a higher education easier and nothing to make it more difficult. WVUP is in solid fiscal condition and able to meet its budgetary needs without a tuition increase this year. This fact gave the Board the confidence it needed to make this investment in our students.”

For more information on WVU Parkersburg’s tuition and fees, go to wvup.edu/tuition-fees.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 26, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program has entered into a partnership with Doddridge County Schools to give education students hands-on experience in the field.

As early as their junior year, students will be given the opportunity to be placed within a school to gain hands-on experience in a Doddridge County School District classroom. Students will be observing elementary school teachers and practicing teaching skills in a real school setting.

“I find this partnership to be a great opportunity for the Doddridge County and WVUP. We will be able to work together with a common goal to support all students,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education Division chairperson. “When I refer to all students, I’m talking about the Elementary students in Doddridge County and the teacher candidates from WVUP. It truly is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The college also has the Partnership Education Center to prepare teaching candidates for their profession before they enter the field. The skills learned in the classroom will be partnered with the hands-on experience students will receive in the field and will overall better prepare the teaching candidates for their professional classroom setting.

“This agreement between WVU Parkersburg and Doddridge County Schools will provide a synergy between academic excellence and outstanding on-site teacher training,” said Adam Cheeseman, Doddridge County Schools superintendent. “Doddridge County is a leader and innovator in the classroom and we eagerly anticipate providing relevant classroom opportunities to WVU Parkersburg students.  What student teachers learn from our teachers, staff, and students will prepare them for a successful career wherever their profession takes them.”

For more information about the Elementary Education Program, please contact Dr. Lancaster at david.lancaster@wvup.edu or 304-424-8314. Visit wvup.edu/education to learn more about the WVU Parkersburg Education Division.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 23, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Art Club is holding a Spring Raffle to benefit the club and Humane Society of Parkersburg. Donations will support club activities as well as the shelter’s everyday needs and veterinary care of animals.

Raffle tickets are $1 apiece or six tickets for $5. Raffle prizes include:

• C.A. House of Music: C.A. drawstring bag, ChopSaver Chapstick, manuscript paper, Vic Firth Drumsticks, kazoo, harmonicas, Yamaha necklace, pencils, instrument polishing cloth, tote bag, guitar strings, guitar picks, guitar pick key chain holder and stickers.

• J.R.’s Donut Castle: Coupon for one free dozen cake/glazed donuts.

• Hallmark: Tervis stainless steel portable cup, magnetic notepad, wooden decorative sign and dog-themed journal.

• Great American Cookies: Gift certificate for one free medium decorated cake.

• Handmade jewelry by Amanda Stone.

• Handmade jewelry by Dr. Lauri Reidmiller.

• Mother Earth: Scented therapy balm, t-shirt, tote bag, calming accessories, Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender, bath bombs, candles, magazines, french lavender body wash and Alive! Super Fruits Women 50+ Super Fruits Powder Blend.

• J&M’s Used Bookstore: Trekking the World Board Game and $25 gift card.

• Pet Supplies Plus: Redford food and scoop, drawstring bag, dog chew toy, discount card for dog washes at Pet Supplies Plus, kitten mouse pad, RedFood Naturals dog jerky, dog toy, three freeze-dry formula for cats, two freeze-dry formula for dogs, Pet Supplies Plus water bottle, portable lint roller, food storage clip and Redford tennis ball.

• Emerson Bowling Lanes: One free game of bowling passes (5).

• Attitudes Hair Salon: One free cut and style.

• Hue Askew Designs: Face mask and tie-dye shirt.

Click here to submit a PayPal donation, and be sure to select “Art Club” as the designated recipient. The winners will be announced on the Art Club Facebook page (facebook.com/artclubwvup) on April 10. For more information, contact Dr. Lauri Reidmiller at lreidmil@wvup.edu or Art Club President Hannah Faber at hfaber1@wvup.edu.

College wins silver, bronze and merit awards for marketing and advertising work

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 22, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Marketing & Communications team was honored with seven awards in the 36th annual Educational Advertising Awards competition, sponsored by the Higher Education Marketing Report.

This is the second year the college has been recognized for its marketing efforts by the country’s largest educational advertising awards competition.
WVU Parkersburg earned a silver and bronze award in the Television Advertising – Single Ad and Ad Series categories, respectively. The single ad “Find Your Future” shows WVU Parkersburg’s continued service to students as faculty deliver engaging and high-quality education in an online format due to the pandemic. The “It Feels Like Home” ad series features students’ testimonies as to why they decided to stay close to home and attend WVU Parkersburg, such as hands-on learning programs, saving $30,000 in tuition, the Veterans Resource Center and Early College program.

The college developed the “It Feels Like Home” series for print, winning a merit award in the Newspaper Advertising – Single category. A bronze award was also given for a single newspaper ad celebrating WVU Parkersburg’s past and future in providing successful educational opportunities to students.

An ad series featuring students in roles as mothers, fathers, veterans, community leaders and coaches won a silver award in the Outdoor Advertising category.
Rounding out the awards, “Dream Big, Stay Local,” an entry in the Magazine Advertising – Single category, won silver as it highlights the Jackson County Center and the many college services available. “Behind Every Mask is a Smile,” a poster with President Dr. Chris Gilmer and Ricky the Riverhawk encouraging safe health practices on campus, won the COVID Response Materials bronze award.

“Being recognized for materials that are created by our marketing team and our student marketing interns is an honor,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president for Institutional Advancement. “However, the greatest honor is the daily job we have of telling the narrative of the many amazing students at WVU Parkersburg and the exciting opportunities that await them on our campus. If you want to know more about WVUP, just ask us. We are always ready to share our story.”

This year, the Educational Advertising Awards received more than 2,000 entries from over 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Judges for the awards competition consisted of a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors and marketing and advertising professionals.

A full list of Educational Advertising Awards winners can be found at educationaladvertisingawards.com.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 19, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has once again been recognized as one of the top-ranked institutions in the U.S. for its Child Development program. The college ranked No. 1 for its Associate of Applied Science in Child Development degree program.
The bachelor’s degree program also ranked No. 8 for having the best Child Development emphasis.

More than 340 programs were evaluated by Intelligent.com, a student-focused publication that helps students make informed decisions about higher education programs offered by top institutions across the county.

“I am very pleased that our Child Development program has received such high rankings on a national level,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education division chairperson. “Time and time again, WVU Parkersburg proves to be the best in the community, state and nation.”

Each program is evaluated based on reputation, class flexibility and strength, qualified faculty and cost.

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a degree in Child Development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree and then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way. All students admitted to the program receive in-state tuition rates, regardless of geographical location.

If a student is a W.Va. resident, they may be eligible for WV Invests while pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Child Development. WV Invests will cover remaining tuition and fee costs after all other federal and state grant awards are used.

Not to mention, the Associate of Applied Science in Child Development program accepts transfer credits from the WV Infant and Toddler (WVIT), EDGE Credit, Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) and Child Development Associate (CDA).

“It is great that the WVU Parkersburg Child Development program’s efforts to provide life-changing, quality education to early childhood professionals has been recognized on the national level,” said Christi Calvert, WVU Parkersburg Child Development program coordinator.

To view the complete rankings, visit intelligent.com/best-online-child-development-degree-programs.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Child Development program, visit wvup.edu/education or contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000 ext. 430 or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 12, 2021) – High-achieving student Jared Smith has been named the WVU Parkersburg representative for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) 2021 All-USA Academic Team. Only 20 students from more than 2,000 nominations were selected, and as a team member, Smith will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Smith is not only a representative for the WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter of PTK, but he is also a student veteran serving as president of the college Veterans Corps. As part of his All-USA Academic Team member application, Smith wrote about his leadership in establishing and chairing the Mansfield, Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument project by the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.

“This provides a unique opportunity of healing, education and outreach to the public of our Gold Star Families and their heroes,” said Smith. “The project also provided me with an opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much.”

From picking a memorial site to raising over $67,000 in monetary and in-kind donations and organizing the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies, Smith and his committee members were able to advocate for Gold Star Families and allow others to start their healing process.

“Jared became quickly engaged with our chapter and is always motivating our officer team,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega PTK chapter advisor. “He has a wonderful life story to share and I am so happy Phi Theta Kappa has been an instrument to allow him to share that story. Our chapter is extremely proud of him being selected for this prestigious honor!”

While Smith receives recognition and distinction for his leadership and service to the community and college, he gives credit to his life experiences and mentors who have shaped him into the person he is today.

“The cause is greater than I. For so many, this is a simple truth taken for granted,” said Smith. “At age 21, I survived three combat actions that should have taken my life, yet I was never even wounded. I knew that there was a much bigger plan for my life…I needed to live a life worth the sacrifice of those who have given their all, who have given their lives for our great country.”

He continued, “I believe the early success I have found is because I continue to surround myself with people who are greater than I.”

Smith served in the United States Army Reserves from 2002-2016, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, and he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in the Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2014-2015. Smith is currently pursuing his Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science degree, which will lead to the Regents Bachelor of Arts program.