West Virginia’s economy thrives with WVU Parkersburg’s support, new data shows

Parkersburg, W.Va. (February 4, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg plays a pivotal role in the region, delivering considerable economic value and strong returns for its stakeholders. Its impact is felt far beyond the classroom, as the college stimulates economic growth and enriches the quality of life throughout its service area, which includes Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties.

WVU Parkersburg’s role in shaping students’ futures is emphasized in an economic impact study by Lightcast, a labor market data provider, that uses 2022-2023 Fiscal Year data. By offering essential education, training and skills, the college prepares students for fulfilling careers while also spurring economic development through student attraction and partnerships with local businesses and vendors.

“We are so proud that WVU Parkersburg is able to provide a return on every dollar we receive, which is not always the case for a service organization,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson. “We are also thankful for the partnerships that we have with organizations like the Wood County Economic Development Authority to strategize as we plan for the future. We can do education. They do development. Together, it makes for an amazing team and an impact on the Mid-Ohio Valley that is proven by this economic impact analysis.”

WVU Parkersburg generated $178.6 million in income for the economies of Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties in 2022-2023, directly supporting 2,689 jobs. This impact means that one out of every 29 jobs in the region is connected to the college or its students. The college’s contribution, equivalent to 2.4% of the region’s total gross regional product (GRP), highlights its significant role in the local economy.

“WVU Parkersburg has always been an integral part of the community. However, under Dr. Torie Jackson’s leadership, I’m not surprised to see high economic impact that the college has had and will continue to have on the region,” said Lindsey Kerr Piersol, Executive Director of the Wood County Development Authority. “The redevelopment of the former Ohio Valley University campus into the Innovation and Technology Center will continue to add jobs, capital investment and much needed educational programs to Wood County and the seven counties that WVUP serves. Taking the generational change that WVUP has been proud of for years to new heights.”

In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, West Virginia invested $34.6 million in supporting WVU Parkersburg. This investment is expected to boost the state’s economy by 270.6 million over the course of the students’ careers. Additionally, society will gain 14.4 million in savings across both the public and private sectors.

WVU Parkersburg announces development of new Mechanical Engineering Technology Program 

WVU Parkersburg announces Fall 2024 President’s and Dean’s scholars

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 24, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the Fall 2024 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 — Orlando: Dalaney Haines

CABELL COUNTY — Ona: Cody Honaker

CALHOUN COUNTY — Mount Zion: Madison Gerlach

CLAY COUNTY — Clendenin: Tabitha Adkins

GILMER COUNTY — Sand Fork: Montaiginey Linden

JACKSON COUNTY — Cottageville: Mary Beth Cottrill, Tyler Hartley

Evans: Presli Milam

Given: Triston Lanham

Kenna: Levi Casto, Taylor Leaptrot, Ethan Snelson

Le Roy: Phala Francis

Millwood: Kaitlin Miller

Ravenswood: Billie Balser, Cherie Bowles, Jenny Dixon, Julie Durback, Chelsey Helmick, Kenedi Kunkler, Austin Lawrence, Brooke Meadows, Jace Meadows, Jacob Murray, Brody Noble, John Ramsey, Jacob Seebaugh, Myna Spencer, Brittany Summers, Jaleigh Thompson, Anthony Vespucci

Ripley: Carter Crihfield, Gabriel Haynes, Stephanie Hernandez, Zakary Kimes, Anderson Phillips, Abigail Roberts, Logan Skurupey, McKenzie Stalnaker

Sandyville: Austin Balis, Zane Balis, Dakota Keyser, Rune Tinsman, Courtney Winter

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Shepherdstown: Julie Petersen

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Phillip Jones, Samantha Wilson

South Charleston: Kailey Chapman

MASON COUNTY — Hartford: Braylon McComas

Leon: Kaleigh Thomas

Letart: Emma Gibbs, Cassandra Mcclanahan

Mason: Jace Ervin, Ethan Goodnite

Point Pleasant: Grace Coates

MONONGALIA COUNTY — Morgantown: Ashley McCoy

PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Brylee McGrady, Logan White

Friendly: Trenton Renner

St. Marys: Megan Blouir, Jacklyn Butler, Ava Childers, Chance Cox, Addison Davis, Ethan Davis, Charity Hannah, Kyleigh Rupert, Evan Sexton, Jacob Wilson

PUTNAM COUNTY — Hurricane: Kayla O’Brien, Kelsea Shingleton

Scott Depot: Erica Rhodes

RITCHIE COUNTY — Cairo: Landyn Jenkins

Ellenboro: Zoe Butcher, Blake Butta

Harrisville: Wyatt Flesher, Alexis Gribble, Tyler Huffman, Haley Martin, Rebekah Martin, Bradyn Reed

Pennsboro: Emily Bush, Andrea Davis, Chandos Hamilton, Kelby Holden, Levi McKenna, Vanessa Patton, Michaela Smith, Shelby Thomas, Kiarra Weekley, Ryan Weekley, Kate Williams

Petroleum: Allyson Layfield

Pullman: Lavaya Sandy

Smithville: Marissa Jeffrey

ROANE COUNTY — Gandeeville: Garrett Workman

Spencer: Mikalah Clarkson, Marleigh Unger

TUCKER COUNTY — Davis: Sara Luzier

TYLER COUNTY — Alma: Sonny Leek

Friendly: Kashia Brown

Middlebourne: Silas Hunter

Paden City: Wesley Drake

WAYNE COUNTY — Huntington: Joshua Adkins

WIRT COUNTY — Elizabeth: Kylie Cox, Dalton Fincham, Connor Hoover, Barbara Linger, Autumn McKenna

Le Roy: Moriah Cale

Walker: Elijah Green

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: George Ankrom, Logan Bowman, Jeremy Ellis, Chloe Lott, Bradley McPeek, Hannah Morgan, Rebecca Page, Travis Turley

Davisville: Maddox Dulaney, Kallie Heaney, Bobbi Murphy

Mineral Wells: Breanna Beverage, Nathan Calvert, Jude Childers, Sophia Childers, Peyton Collins, Adam Kelly, Jacob Meyer, Colton Parsons, Haley Parsons, Lauren Powers, Zachary Redmon, Jakeb Snyder, Kimberly Thomas, William Tomlinson

Parkersburg: Brenda Barker, Madison Batten, Brian Bellville, Brandon Bennett, Sarah Lee Bennett, Taylor Black, Julia Bland, RuthAnn Blankenhorn, Kristen Brandjes, David Buchanan, Ivy Burdette, Benjamin Campbell, Cody Chipps, Stephanie Christensen, Kirstyn Cline, David Cobb, Nadia Colombo, Alexis Correale, Mark Crum, Codi Douglas, Alexis Dugan, Alec Emory, Isabella File, Amber Flinn, Mikaela Grant, William Grant, Tiffanie Grubbs, Ethan Hill, Jana Howell, Jayden Irick, John Johnson, Caydence Jones, Rylee Jones, Rebecca Kalb, Stacia Knowlton, Lindsey Kupfner, Meredith Kupfner, Elizabeth Landers, Johnathon Laxton, Sarah Lewkowicz, Ryan Lockhart, Courtney Lott, Sophia Mahoney, Nicholas Marucci, Livia Meyer, Benjamin Nash, Madison Newbanks, Hannah Parsons, Randi Patterson, Andrew Pierotti, Haylie Polan, Abram Poling, Cynthia Poling, Adam Rector, Kelly Rockhold, Amber Saltz, Jacquelyn Schall, Christopher Smith, Angel Sprouse, Grace Sprout, Alex Stanley, Logan Stanley, Parker Stanley, Alize Talarico, Kaleb Tanner, Amber Tennant, Samantha Tingler, Nhi Tran, Hailey Triplett, Jena Vincent, Daniel Westfall, Mindy Whitacre, Megan Wigal, Avery Williams, Natalie Wood, Annemarie Woofter, Ayden Yost

Petroleum: Amber Elliott

Rockport: Ryan Kimes

Vienna: Savanna Channell, Kiran Cunningham, Sophia D’Eramo, Emily Davis, Sophie Dougherty, Devon Fancher, Owen Farish, Sarah Harvey, Isabella Hissem, Jackson Hudkins, Charles Ice, Addison King, Alexis Martin, John Mills, Garrett Napier, Sophia Speed, Natalie Thorpe, Brandon Tripler, Lauren Walker, Konnor Williams

Walker: Miranda Beatty, Chloe Dicks, Zachary Farnsworth

Washington: Jenifer Armstrong, Sara Bowers, Lanie Cook, Adelle Fleak, Destiny Foutty, Hadley Freshour, Greyson Godfrey, LaDawn Joy, Benjamin Kaminski, Michael Midkiff, Sierra Mundy, Landon Plants, Alexis Smith, Jackson Thorn, Sidney Windland

Waverly: Caleb Adkins

Williamstown: Kaci Adkins, Sean Frye, Justin Gorby, Alexander Hurst, Brylee Jones, Courtnie Lester, Ashley Pennisi, Blake Pottmeyer, Jesse Shivlar, Courtney Wood

KENTUCKY — Louisa: Joshua Moore

OHIO — Racine: Christian Howell

Sardis: Brandon Miller

Barlow: Taylor Anderson

Belpre: Tori Chaney, Makaylee Deaton, Elisabeth Eye-Rohr, Kaleigh Hesson, Nathaniel Marks

Beverly: Che’ Venoy

Cutler: Jessica Sargent

Fleming: Anastasia Nicholas

Little Hocking: Michael Phelps

Lowell: Abagail Offenberger

Marietta: Abigail Jones, Ashley Miller

New Matamoras: Kalyn Cochran

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:

BARBOUR COUNTY — Philippi: Andrew Morris

CABELL COUNTY — Barboursville: Cheyanne Hively

Huntington: Hannah Lewis

Lesage: John Legg

CALHOUN COUNTY — Big Bend: Joshua Hixon

Creston: Hunter Hall

Grantsville: Bradyn Craft

CLAY COUNTY — Duck: Megan Sears

DODDRIDGE COUNTY — Salem: Julie Blake

West Union: Jared Harris, Haleigh Lipscomb

FAYETTE COUNTY — Oak Hill: Shaunna Lipscomb

GILMER COUNTY — Glenville: Jordanne Beall

GRANT COUNTY — Petersburg: Wesley Cosner

GREENBRIER COUNTY — Lewisburg: Mary Pence

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY — Purgitsville: Abigail Eye

HARDY COUNTY — Moorefield: Jordan Mongold

HARRISON COUNTY — Bridgeport: Briana Bothwell, Alexus Workman

JACKSON COUNTY — Evans: Emma Bragg, Parker Cobb, Madison Hatcher, Luke Lowry, Nicole Tate

Gay: Shawn Davis

Given: Luke Bostic, Lanna Bragg

Millwood: Kailey Durback

Ravenswood: Daniel Caldwell, Haley Dawson, Rodney Dearth, Gage Delong, Tannar Ebos, Joel Fisher, Gracie Gould, Jacob Harvey, Zoie Meadows, Sabrina Mills, Emily Parsons, Kevin Rawson, Kaity Ross, Deanna Schindler, Aspen Sheets, Brady Swain, Molly Washburn, Emma Weekley, Peyton Wolfe

Ripley: Brooklyn Anderson, Kyanah Baldwin, Hunter Brown, Braxton Carpenter, Isaiah Casto, Victoria Cochran, Evelyn Crooks, Kelsie Davis, Skylar Fowles, Adam Geer, Cody Harless, Nicholas Harless, Sara Jones, Kenzie Litton, Kallie McCutcheon, Isaac Parsons, Madison Price, Garrett Rhodes, Ian Roach, Autumn Robinson, Trista Scarberry, Zaya Settle, Savannah Shamblin, Wyatt Simon

Sandyville: Bradley Anderson, Nathaniel Casto, Kasara DiSciullo, Ethan Fry, Megan Hill, Kirsten Hinzman, Anna Salvado

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Kayla Davis, Breana Hall, Taylor Hicks, Melissa Hodges, Kaulin Johnson, Andrew Jones, Kimberly Palmer, Kara Reedy

Clendenin: Josi Coiner, Brianna Osborne, Kaydence Steele

Hernshaw: Nicholas McCracken

Nitro: Mary Norvell

Saint Albans: Candace Gonzalez

South Charleston: Zoey Hammond

LEWIS COUNTY — Weston: Maggie Wyatt

LOGAN COUNTY — Accoville: Nancy Vance

MARSHALL COUNTY — Moundsville: Aven McGuire

Proctor: Allison Blake

MASON COUNTY — Gallipolis Ferry: Conner Ralbusky

Leon: Colletta Rayburn

Letart: Thomas Anderson, Ashton Broughman, Adrianna Stewart

Mason: Carrie Hankinson

New Haven: Alisha Lyons

Point Pleasant: Scott Goldsberry, Dylan Keefer, Tristin Rainey, Timothy Reed

MONONGALIA COUNTY — Morgantown: Samantha Dille

NICHOLAS COUNTY — Craigsville: Danielle Milam

OHIO COUNTY — Wheeling: Jennifer Bryan

PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Linsie Asher, McKenna Broce, Tyson Kimball, Cali Masters, Scott McGraw, Brady Rinard, Layla Snively

Friendly: Andrea Yoho

St. Marys: Nick Casto, Gabrielle Cunningham, Alyssa Dawson, Katie Lawrence, Adam Mercer, Alexandra Wilson, Erika Becker, Olivia Birkhimer, Ella Bullman, Audra Cunningham, Brayden Davis, Drake Duty, Logan Eddy, Mariah Evans, Micah Evans, Darcy Grimes, Laura Hacker, Amanda Hadley, Ryleigh Haught, Noah Hubbard, Brayden Illar, Savannah Keife, Ryan Kent, Anna Kimball, Sidney Kisner, Preston Lawhon, Clover Moody, Mary Morrison, Autumn Mossor, Jay Mote, Bernadette Occilien, Addison Parks, Jack Peyton, Annabelle Pfalzgraf, Callie Powell, Brodrick Rice, Peyton Rogers, Madeline Steele, Madison Sturgeon, Bella Tagliarini, Allyson Tidwell, Emma Weikart, Kenzie West

Waverly: Taylor Brode, Addyson Cummings, Aaron Drake, Emma Kirby, Luke Shingleton

PUTNAM COUNTY — Culloden: Patricia Adams

Hurricane: Jared Brotsky

RALEIGH COUNTY — Beckley: Brittany Harless, Sara Jones

Piney View: Crystal Whittaker

White Oak: Jessica Lilly

RITCHIE COUNTY — Auburn: Chaohui Liang

Cairo: Laci Hilkey, Emily Marshall, Morgan Miner, Madeline Nichols, Andrew Steed, Jessica Waggoner

Ellenboro: Baylee Butta, Trevor Cowan, Madison Hall, Gabriel Ray, Bentlee Williams

Harrisville: Hayden Bartlett, Lydia Colvin, Kaleigh Engel, Garrett Flesher, Morgan George, Riley Gribble, Isaac Hodges, Emma Howell, Andrea Huffman, Isaac King, Gracie Lamp, Rowan Mallery, Raya Morrison, Haley Nutt, Addison Perkins, Chasta Rinehart, Lindzey Saltz, Turner Shriver, Kaysis Smith

Pennsboro: Kennedi Grimm, Jonah Hamilton, Amanda Hayes, Rhett Johnson, Alexis McDonald, Clarinda Perkins, Sarah Ridgway, Rae Rupert, Conner Shaffer, Maddilea Shaffer, Warren White

Pullman: Cole Waugaman

ROANE COUNTY — Elkview: Sabrina Canterbury

Gandeeville: Jovie Beebe

Gay: Felicia Spencer

Le Roy: Fair Smelko

Looneyville: Brandon Charles, Lexi Mitchell

Reedy: Katelyn Mullen, Kalista Williams

Spencer: Braylin Bowe, Evan Gaughan, Lucas Hall, Shay Harper, Addison Hersman, Kennedy Lawson, Kacie Mace, Addison Parkins, Colton Saunders, Tyson Watson, Payton Wellings, Zachary Whitehouse

Walton: Emma Sloan, Larkin Spinks

TAYLOR COUNTY — Flemington: Paige Zacavish

TYLER COUNTY — Alma: Lea Ahouse, Lily Thompson

Friendly: Elizabeth Adams

Jacksonburg: Danielle Sams

Middlebourne: Sara Conner, Bridget Doak, Lakyn Fletcher, Caylei Forrester, Macie Highley, Raina Long, Dane Nelson, Mallory Westbrook

New Martinsville: Kendi Jackson

Paden City: Alec Chaplin, Cadence Kemp

Sistersville: Chloe Dutton, Kathryn Grimm, Michlynn Morris, Hallie Placer, Lacie Pratt, Kaci Shanabarger, Nicole Stoller, Mckenzie Utt

WAYNE COUNTY — Genoa: Alison Combs

Huntington: Norma Harbolt

Kenova: Mackenzie Rogers

WETZEL COUNTY — New Martinsville: Haven Anderson, Ashton Jackson, Michael Radabaugh, Hayden Thorne, Sierra Underwood

Paden City: Harmony Gross, Lillian Hatcher, Aaron Trader

WIRT COUNTY — Creston: Keyawna Keener

Elizabeth: Jacklyn Cheuvront, Madelynn Cogar, Maggie Conrad, Megan Cutlip, Teresa Darnell, Kelly Digman, Colin Hudnall, Thomas McIntyre, Allison Neff, Joseph Powell, Kylee Ross, Dalton Starcher, Adam Thompson, Lincoln Thorn, Harlee Williams

Le Roy: Morgan Cale

Palestine: Peyton Richards

Walker: Amelia Nulton

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Ashley Gaston, Braeden Hamilton, William Morrison, Logan O’Curran, Ariel Smith

Belmont: Sage Harper

Davisville: Kylee Border, Mason Dilly, Emmalee Farnsworth, Shyanne Fury, James Goff, Tyler Lang, Chandler Mcdowell, Darca Sapp, Taylor Sargent, Jaclynne Welch, Cali Wilcoxen

Elizabeth: Kelsey Moore

Mineral Wells: Corey Beverage, Nichole Dellinger, Hannah Dolly, Melissa Dolly, Eli Francis, Riley Fury, Devan Haddox, Kaytlyn Harper, Haley Hennen, Autumn Jones, Kali Longwell, Caleb Lucas, Katie McKitrick, Luke Modesitt, Patience Randolph, Jarrett Sampson, Clayton Yeager

Parkersburg: Lindsey Adams, Caleb Akers, Nora Akers, Austy Akita, Isaac Algmin, Sofia Chloe Aliac, Kolten Arnott, Isabel Arreola, Elora Ayers, Emma Bagley, Justin Barker, Myles Barry, Alethea Bateman, Anthony Beckett, Jaya Bell, Lydia Bice, Addison Bills, Amanda Blum, Baylee Bostaph, Allison Brown, Winston Brown, Arissa Burt, Wyatt Cale, Tanner Cancade, Oliver Cartwright, Emma Casto, Alexandria Cavender, Benjamin Chichester, Dillen Chichester, Bralon Childers, Sydney Coler, Wesley Comeau, Alisha Cook, Ava Cool, Jaedyn Cooper, Tyler Copanic, Katie Copeland, Maria Cornell, Ava Cottrill, Brooklyn Curry, Alexis Dailey, Stephen Dailey, Lisa Dalton, Cheyenne DeAngelis, Sandi Deem, Ethan Dela Cruz, Dani Delong, Josie Diets, Natalie Douglas, Emily Ebert, Rachel Echard, Andrew Edmands, Kylee Elam, Christopher Enoch, Aliyah Fields, Lauren Flanagan, Alyiah Flinn, Lilah Francisco, Tobin Francisco, Lloyd Frazier, Regan Freed, Zachary Fuerhoff, Jaden Garner, Maegan Gaver, Mary Goe, Kaden Goodwin, Machala Gordon, Maya Gordon, Amber Graham, Kodie Grant, Mikhal Grueneberg, Isaac Hackathorn, Jasmine Haddox, Cole Hanshaw, Gabrielle Hartness, Alex Hay, Shyanne Hays, Brayden Hill, Alexis Hogue, Alyssa Holland, Makayla House, Carson Huck, Shaley Hughes, Byron Hupp, Haleigh Hurst, Chauncy James, Ashley Johnson, Emma Johnson, Natalie Klemm, Savannah Knowlton, Joseph Koreski, Cera Lamb, Jodi Lamp, Cheryl Lauderman, Savanna Lemley, Oscar Lemus, Alayna Liebau, Allie Lockhart, Sawyer Lucas, Alexander Marshall, Christian Marshall, Elijah Marshall, Lillianna Martinez, Nevaeh Mason, Elise McCay, Bradford McCleary, Caleb McClung, James McClung, Nora McCowan, Haley McDonald, Erin Miihlbach, Brooklyn Miller, Kari Miller, Maya Mincks, Jubilee Minney, Abigail Moore, Matthew Moore, Alivia Morehead, Cooper Morris, Maria Morton, Micheal Murphy, Aaron Nguyen, Leila Noland, Molly Overton, Haileah Parker, Kaylyn Parsons, Kara Pascarella, Brian Paul, Kennedy Porter, Wyatt Powell, Crystal Proctor, Lauren Raney, Abigail Read, Isabella Reidmiller, Viktor Reins, Julie Rhodes, Logan Richard, Ryan Roberts, Roy Rockhold, Hailey Rummer, Jessica Rutherford, Ava Sayre, Parker Schartiger, Samuel Schuler, Zackery Scott, Emily Sharp, Rayna Short, Jacob Sims, Riya Singh, Ashley Slaven, Emma Smith, Israel Smith, Peyton Snider, Matthew Spencer, Krista Sponsler, Avie Sprouse, Kylie Sprouse, Emma Stanley, Bradyn Starcher, Dominic Strcula, Andrew Stull, Ashlynn Taylor, Helena Teltscher, Travis Thompson, Katelyn Thorn, Jasmine Toussaint, Russell Traugh, Jonah Utt, Zane Van Fossen, Clara Vanfossen, Aaron Vann, James Voutour, Joseph Walker, Lance Walters, Jacob Watson, Heather Weaver, Dakota Weigle, Dominique White, Kaleb Williams, Andrew Williamson, Kevin Williamson, Melissa Wilson, Kaleb Windland, Emma Withrow, Isabella Woods, Seth Wright, Cassandra Yoak, Brady Young, Cody Young

Rockport: Toni Brainard, Chandler Forshey, Allee Small, Michael Waldron

Vienna: Austin Andrews, Emily Biles, Elizabeth Collie, Kylie Conley, Kent Crumbaker, Alyssa Daugherty, Isabella DeAngelo, Steve Eakins, Noah Galloway, Timothy Gibbs, Ryan Halley, Illija Heston, Carley Holbert, Kimberly Huynh, Jonathan Johnson, Luke Kellison, Seth Kellison, Aubrie Kendall, Daniel Larkin, Daniel Martin, James Martin, Michael Martin, Lauren McDonnell, Lindsey Midcap, Megan Midcap, David Morgan, Meredith Muller, Nathaniel Parrish, Liliana Parsons, Killian Phillips, Chantel Rader, Michael Riblett, Timothy Rummer, Angelina Sieu, Reece Smith, Natasha Staats, Amy Summers, Toby Thompson, Bethany Truax, Isaiah Walker, Ethan Wanchick, Jackson Wharton, Taylor Wince

Walker: Ashlynn Eagle, Marissa Hendershot, Skylar Newlon, Maya Reynolds, Deacon Roberts, Ethan Rowan, Gerard Taylor

Washington: Chloe Armstrong, Miranda Barker, Steven Barton, David Brady, Gabriella Brady, Dalton Brookover, Sabrina Christ, Drew Corley, Dustin Corley, Jaxon Downs, Karis Erb, Mckenzie Flinn, Branson Forshey, Reagan Foutty, Levi Gibson, Aaron Hofmann, Samuel Holtz, Halle Hudson, Lindsay Jones, Connor Joy, Kimberly Knopp, Sara Knotts, Sophie McClure, Joan Owen, Hannah Raper, Connor Sams, Mikayla Satow, Victoria Tennant, David Wanstreet, Mackenzie Williams, Kameron Wilson

Waverly: Mya Baruwa, Joshua Brookover, Blake Brown, Roy Cain, Charlotte Daniels, Addison Davis, Karlee Midcap, Gabriella Seese, Morgan Wise

Williamstown: Kaydynce Akers, Joscelyn Anderson, Emily Bailey, Cooper Billingsley, Grace Boone, Kaycee Britton, Isabella Bryant, Jayden Bryant, Jenner Burge, Meredith Chambers, Daphne Cockerham, Frank Conner, Reagan Corbett, Anna Cosner, Lauren Deem, Mason Deem, Laura Delancy, Jolie Floding, Kipp Freed, Alison Gates, Annabell Gibson, Annabelle Haught, Keatyn Haynes, Carson Hill, Danner Hooper, Ava Johnson, Addisyn Kerby, Gabrielle Kibbe, Jedidiah Lane, Reagan McDaniel, Ashtyn McIntyre, Taylor Melvin, Mason Mercer, Blake Mitchell, Austin Montgomery, Amylia Myers, Nathaniel Nicely, Corell Reck, Parker Schramm, Rebecca Shamblin, Olivia Shawver, Gavin Sivard, Hunter Smith, Mohamed Sow, Olivia Stout, Aaron Tingler, Tia Townsend, Olivia Ullman, Mark Vandergrift, Daniel Willis, Sky Wilson, Bradyn Woodard

OHIO

Amesville: Dustin Salser

Coolville: Justin Fought, Jonathan Graham, Kelsey Hunter

Guysville: Abigail Guthrie

Greenville: Mitchell Montgomery

Groveport: Geron Brush

Cambridge: Olivia Deaton

Loveland: Nicole Joumany

Proctorville: Hannah Carroll

Racine: Domenic Nudi

Rutland: Shalynn Mitchell

Celina: Clayton Duncan

Clarington: Kadyn Isaly

Sardis: Brady Harlan

Dresden: Cody Wood

Somerset: Aaron Slatzer

Belpre: Austin Carder, Maddison Smith, Alyssa Walker, Katherine Whiting, Arionna Wolfe

Cutler: Jason Allen

Fleming: Kevin Ring

Little Hocking: Catherine Allman, Elisha Miles, Kelsey Mitchell, Robert Sole, Jacob Stealey

Lowell: Kari Carney

Marietta: Paul Arnold, Megan Bowling, Adam Catalona, David Cech, Ashley Dalrymple, Daniel Geogerian, Camey Gerst, Kaitlin Haessly, Tyler Haught, Izabella Karcher, Chad Knox, Megan Mestuzzi, Callix Miller, Leslie Mills, Mariah Parks, Joel Tucker

Newport: Morgan Haught, Taylor Lambert

Reno: Molly Cline

Stockport: John Hogue, Gary McCutcheon

Vincent: Rebecca Williams, Justin Yoho

Waterford: Jonathan Ragan

Whipple: William Close

Wingett Run: Bradey Eddy

OKLAHOMA

Atoka: Ryan Loudermilk

SOUTH CAROLINA

Jackson: Adam Abbadusky

Edgefield: Daniel Tager

TEXAS

Brownsville: Jesus Lopez

Portland: Jesus Vasquez

Abilene: Jared Asbill, Cutter Crowe

San Angelo: Ryan Carman

VIRGINIA

Strasburg: Billie Stickles

Fall 2024 WVU Parkersburg graduates announced 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 24, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is proud to recognize its December 2024 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 — Falling Waters: Madisyn Eller, CERT, Child Development

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

CABELL COUNTY — Huntington: Stevy Carte, RBA

Milton: Dakota Bird, AAS, Nursing

CALHOUN COUNTY — Arnoldsburg: Lexi Gregory, AAS, Nursing

CLAY COUNTY — Procious: Mykia Linkinoggor, CERT, Child Development

DODDRIDGE COUNTY — Salem: Julie Blake, AAS, Child Development, Cum Laude

West Union: Jared Harris, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude

GILMER COUNTY — Sand Fork: Montaiginey Linden, CERT, Child Development, Summa Cum Laude

JACKSON COUNTY — Cottageville: Olivia Fitzpatrick, AAS, Business Administration; Tyler Hartley, AAS, Nursing

Evans: Evan Bain, CERT, Digital Media Production; Jessica Ball, AA, General Education, Magna Cum Laude

Given: Jonathan Welling, AAS, Nursing

Kenna: Jason Thomas, RBA

Millwood: Kaley Durback, AA, General Education

Ravenswood: Charles Bowles, AAS Child Development, Magna Cum Laude; Courtney Cavender, AAS, BOG; Haley Dawson, CERT, Criminal Justice; Jenny Dixon, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Heather Green, RBA; Chelsey Helmick, AAS, Business Administration; Garrytt Horner, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Cassandra Lott, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Jaleigh Thompson, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice; Anthony Vespucci, RBA, Magna Cum Laude

Ripley: Kyanah Baldwin, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Braxton Carpenter, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Victoria Cochran, BAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Stephanie Hernandez, AAS, Business Administration, Abigail Roberts, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Zaya Settle, BAS, Communication & Media – Digital Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Jaylyn Sheppard, AAS, Nursing; Stormie Wilkinson, AAS, Business Administration

Sandyville: Christine Borden, AAS, BOG; Anna Salvado, CERT, Digital Media Production, Cum Laude

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Kayla Davis, AAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude; Phillip Jones, AAS, BOG; Emma Meade, AAS, Child Development

Hernshaw: Nicholas McCracken, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration

Sissonville: Alyson Thomas, CERT, Child Development

LEWIS COUNTY — Weston: Maggie Wyatt, AAS, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude, CERT, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude

LINCOLN COUNTY — Branchland: Codey Cantrell, AAS, BOG

MASON COUNTY — Letart: Emma Gibbs, BAS, Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude

 Mason: Kaylee Ferguson, AAS, Child Development; Carrie Hankinson, CERT, Child Development

New Haven: Deborah Miller, AAS Child Development, CERT, Child Development

MERCER COUNTY — Princeton: Summer Goad, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude

MONROE COUNTY — Ballard: Andrew Bonnell, AAS, Computer & Information Technology, Cum Laude

NICHOLAS COUNTY — Craigsville: Danielle Milam, BAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude

PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Scott McGraw, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

St. Marys: Olivia Birkhimer, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Megan Blouir, CERT, Business Administration AAS, Business Administration; Emily Gray, BAS, Criminal Justice; Brendan Miller, AAS, Occupational Development, Cum Laude; Bernadette Occilien, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Addison Parks, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Airyell Shultz, AAS, BOG, Magna Cum Laude; Eric Wherry, AAS, Business Administration

PUTNAM COUNTY — Hurricane: Jared Brotsky, RBA

RITCHIE COUNTY — Cairo: Alex Hendrickson, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Landyn Jenkins, CERT, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

Ellenboro: Zoe Butcher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

 Harrisville: Haley Nutt, AAS, Business Administration

 Pennsboro: Jaydon Holt, AAS, Elementary Education; Vanessa Patton, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Andrea Perrine, AAS, Child Development; Michaela Smith, AAS, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Emma Stahlman, AAS, Nursing; Casey VanScoy, AAS, Business Administration

Pullman: Evan Napier, BAS, Business Administration

ROANE COUNTY — Looneyville: Tiffany Pokrandt, AAS, Nursing

Reedy: Kelly Hardbarger, BAS, Business Administration; Kalista Williams, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude

Spencer: Cadin Raines, AAS, Nursing; Cheryl White, AAS, Nursing

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Aleeah Fletcher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Scott Gorby, BA, Elementary Education; Ryley Vandyne, AS, Business Administration; Mallory Westbrook, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude

WAYNE COUNTY — Huntington: Joshua Adkins, RBA

WETZEL COUNTY — New Martinsville: Victoria Thomas, AAS, Nursing

WIRT COUNTY — Brohard: Stephanie Williams, AAS, Nursing;

Elizabeth: Madelynn Cogar, BAS, Business Administration; Kylie Cox, BAS, Business Administration; Brandon Foutty, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Noelle Foutty, CERT, Criminal Justice, AAS, Criminal Justice; Dalton Starcher, AAS, Welding Technology, CERT, Welding; Adam Thompson, AAS, Business Administration

Le Roy: Morgan Cale, BAS, Business Administration

Macfarlan: Elizabeth Perdue, AAS, Welding Technology

Palestine: Trenton Richards, AAS, Business Administration

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Logan Bowman, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Mary Ellen Brown, BAS, Criminal Justice; Jeremy Ellis, AS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Chloe Lott, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Rebecca Page, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude

Davisville: Eliza Lawrentz, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

Mineral Wells: Nichole Dellinger, BAS, Criminal Justice; Cami Derenberger, AAS, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Jessica Ellis, AAS, Nursing; Brianna Fields, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Quentin Kennedy, BA, Elementary Education; Abigail Lathem, BA, Elementary Education; Michael Meyer, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Colton Parsons, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Zachary Redmon, BAS, Supervisory Management; Colorado Sampson, AAS, Business Administration; Nathan Schramm, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Bryan Smith, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Blake Snyder, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Kimberly Thomas, RBA, Cum Laude; Elizabeth Weaver, RBA, Cum Laude

Parkersburg: Lindsey Adams, CERT, Child Development; Isaac Algmin, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Natalia Alvarez-Dominguez, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Madison Batten, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Chad Bennett, AAS, Business Administration; Sara Brace, RBA; David Buchanan, AAS, Business Administration CERT, Business Administration; Makayla Burns, BA, Elementary Education; Heather Caplinger, AAS, Cosmetology; Tesla Carr, AAS, Cosmetology; Payge Clark, RBA; Amanda Conner, AAS, BOG; Hayden Coull, AAS, Multi-Craft Technology; Sandi Deem, AAS, BOG; Sydney Dudley, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Rachel Echard, CERT, Criminal Justice; Allison Felker, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Jasmin Frederick, CERT, Business Administration; David Garnes, RBA, Cum Laude, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Shayden Gault, CERT, Criminal Justice; Jacob Giffin, AAS, Drafting; Mary Goe, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Amber Graham, RBA; Rhylea Graham, BAS, Business Administration; Dewey Greear, AAS, Nursing; Kensley Hager, RBA; Cole Hanshaw, AAS, Elementary Education; Carson Huck, BA, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, Cum Laude; Shaley Hughes, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Amy Hupp, RBA; John Johnson, BAS, Supervisory Management; Tonya Johnson, CERT, Criminal Justice; Matthew Joy, AAS, Business Administration; Johnathon Laxton, BAS, Business Administration; Christina Lumeyer, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice; Sophia Mahoney, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Nicholas Marucci, RBA; Kari Miller, AS, Business Administration; Micheal Murphy, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Madison Newbanks, BAS, Business Administration; Logan Nutter, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Elizabeth Onuoha, AAS, Nursing; Natasha Ott, AA, General Education; Lyndsey Parish, RBA; Brayden Pfaf, AAS, Business Administration; Abram Poling, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Cynthia Poling, AAS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude; Crystal Proctor, CERT, Criminal Justice; Julie Rhodes, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Stephanie Riffle, AAS, BOG; Kelly Rockhold, BAT, Cum Laude; Melissa Shutts, BAS, Business Administration; Natalie Slusher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Christopher Smith, BAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration, Sierra Smith, AAS, Nursing; Angel Sprouse, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Caitlyn Tallman, RBA; Ashley Tennant, AAS, BOG; Russell Traugh, CERT, Welding; Corbin Valvo, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Jena Vincent, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Lance Walters, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Mackenzie Willis, CERT, Business Administration

Petroleum: Amber Elliott, RBA

Rockport: Toni Brainard, AAS, Nursing; Ryan Kimes, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Sharon McCoy, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude;

Vienna: Savanna Channell, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Riley Dunbar, AAS, Cosmetology, Cum Laude; Devon Fancher, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Hannah Gray, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Kylie Johnson, AAS, Cosmetology; Daniel Larkin, AAS, Occupational Development; Robert Lincicome, AAS, BOG; Olivia Matlack, AAS, Nursing; Mary Phillips, CERT, Business Administration; Chantel Rader, AAS, Cosmetology; Emily Snyder, AAS, Business Administration

Walker: Meghan Isaacs, AAS, Nursing

Washington: Hunter Brode, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Heather Ezell, AAS, BOG; Halle Hudson, RBA; Benjamin Kaminski, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Timothy Life, AAS, BOG; Kamryn Sallee, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Tyler Shedd, CERT, Business Administration; Logan Snyder, BAS, Business Administration

Williamstown: Emily Bailey, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Lisa Bell, AAS, Nursing; Mason Deem, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Gabrielle Kibbe, CERT, Business Administration; Destin Lantz, CERT, Business Administration; Amberlee Miller, AAS, Nursing; Courtney Wood, BAS, Criminal Justice

OHIO GRADUATES

Anna: Jesse Tuente, AAS, Technical Studies, Summa Cum Laude

Belpre: Hannah Burdette, AS, Business Administration, AAS, Business Administration; Lanie Johnson, AAS, Cosmetology, Cum Laude; Samantha McGee, AAS, Elementary Education; Samantha Nay, AAS, Cosmetology; Che’ Venoy, BAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

Coolville: Jonathan Graham, RBA

Glouster: Cheyenne Williams, CERT, Criminal Justice

Guysville: Tiffany Washburn, AAS, Nursing

Little Hocking: Tyler Kerns, BAS, Business Administration, AS, Business Administration; Kelsey Mitchell, RBA

Lowell: Abagail Offenberger, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Lower Salem: Savannah Jarvis, AAS, Nursing

Marietta: Tyler Haught, AAS, Occupational Development, Summa Cum Laude; Mariah Parks, RBA, Cum Laude

Mount Victory: Samuel Passwaters, AAS, Technical Studies

Paulding: Stewart Taylor, AAS, Technical Studies, Cum Laude

Vincent: Heidi Lee, AAS, BOG; Rebecca Williams, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Waterford: Jonathan Ragan, RBA; Lexie Riley, AAS, Nursing

HAWAII GRADUATES

Honolulu: John Hopkins, AAS, BOG, Summa Cum Laude

TEXAS GRADUATES

Natalia: Ryan Mullins, AAS, Occupational Development

Portland: Jesus Vasquez, AAS, Occupational Development, Cum Laude

VIRGINIA GRADUATES

Strasburg: Billie Stickles, RBA

WVU Parkersburg to host FAFSA Workshops

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 17, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is excited to announce a series of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Workshops to assist students and families with the financial aid application process for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Filling out the FAFSA each year creates opportunities for students to receive federal and state grants, scholarships and work-study job opportunities,” said Heather Skidmore, director of Financial Aid. “We understand that filling out the FAFSA can be difficult and sometimes confusing for students and their families. We are hoping that scheduling these workshops on various days and times allows everyone the opportunity to come in and get help with their FAFSA, ask questions about their financial aid, whatever they need!”

Financial Aid Office staff will be available during the workshops to provide one-on-one assistance with completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Skidmore encourages students bring their 2023 tax information and to create their FSA ID prior to attending the event.

Workshops are scheduled to take place in the Success Epicenter on the main campus during the following dates:

• Saturday, January 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, January 27, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Monday, February 10, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 22, 1 – 4 p.m.
• Monday, March 3, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, March 13, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Monday, April 7, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, 2 – 5 p.m.
• Monday, April 14, 4 – 7 p.m.

Additionally, WVU Parkersburg will participate in West Virginia FAFSA Day on Thursday, February 6, 2025, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This initiative is part of WVU Parkersburg’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers to higher education. Financial aid is a critical component of that mission and the FAFSA serves as the first step in unlocking opportunities for scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance.

For students who are unable to attend the scheduled workshops, WVU Parkersburg’s Office of Financial Aid is available during regular business hours to provide personalized assistance.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s financial aid services, visit wvup.edu/finaid or call 304.424.8210.

WVU Parkersburg hosts Sigma Alpha Pi Induction Ceremony          

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 17, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg hosted an Induction Ceremony for the Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) on Friday, December 6, 2024.

“Induction ceremonies are important because they formally mark a person’s transition into a new role or group, signifying their acceptance and membership while also providing a sense of belonging, pride and commitment to the organization’s values and standards. Essentially, it’s a way to publicly acknowledge and celebrate new members while establishing a connection to the group’s history and traditions,” said Lawrence J. McKenzie, advisor.

Dr. Jared Gump served as the keynote speaker during the event. His speech focused on leadership, success and the unique challenges introverts face in their leadership roles.

Students Julia Brooke Bland, Lyndsey Flevaris, Dalaney Haines, Johnathon Garret Laxton, James David Miller, Adam Christopher Rector, Amber Elliott, Amanda Hayes, Jodi Renee Lamp, Chandler Stephen McDowell, Lindsey Parish, Michael Brandon Riblett, Amber Saltz, Airyell Kaye Shultz, Jason Lee Thomas, Lily Shephard and Logan Gregory Skurupey were inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi.

New chapter officers were also recognized during the ceremony:

• Logan Skurupey was named the new student president.
• Jodi Lamp was named the new student vice president.
• Johnathon Laxton was named chair of social events.
• Lindsey Parish was named secretary.
• Crystal Proctor was named treasurer.

In addition, several awards were presented:

• Jared Gump received an Honorary Membership Award.
• Andrew Walker received an Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Katie Finnerty received an Excellence in Service to Students Award.
• Marie Butler received an Impact Leader Award.
• Lloyd Franklin Frazier II received an Impact Leader Award.

The Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, an accredited Honor Society, was established in 2021. Since then, more than 304 members in the chapter have joined the WVU Parkersburg Chapter of the NSLS. The NSLS is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success and empowers them to have a positive impact in their community.

WVU Parkersburg hosted its annual fall commencement ceremony, marking a memorable celebration for the fall class of 2024

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 14, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with Keith Burdette, president and chief executive officer of Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., as the keynote speaker.

Isabella Hileman, president of WVU Parkersburg’s Student Government Association, welcomed students and shared insights from her college journey, encouraging the fall class of 2024 to value their relationships, embrace challenges beyond their comfort zones and view graduation as the start of an even greater journey.

“Graduation is not an end, but instead it’s a part of a longer journey. Wherever the future takes you, let it be somewhere bright,” Hileman said.

Burdette highlighted the importance of the lessons that come after college, urging graduates to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and to remain open to the possibilities ahead. Drawing from his own experiences, he shared that his most meaningful lessons in life have stemmed not from success, but from failure. These challenging and often unwelcome moments, he explained, have profoundly shaped his actions and taught him to truly appreciate success.

“Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t be afraid to laugh at the mistakes,” Burdette said. “Be the best you can be at whatever you choose to be, but laugh at yourself a little along the way.”

With a career spanning public service and economic development, Burdette has held prominent roles, including cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Commerce and executive director of the West Virginia Development Office, where he attracted major companies like Procter & Gamble and Gestamp to the state. Burdette, the youngest Senate president in West Virginia’s history, also served in the House of Delegates and held influential advisory roles under Governors Earl Ray Tomblin and Bob Wise. In addition to leading significant industrial expansions and workforce programs, he continues to drive domestic and international business recruitment, contributing to West Virginia’s economic growth.

In her presidential remarks, Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted the history of higher education, the legacy of WVU Parkersburg and key steps students should take to move forward.

“Our success has been based on our ability to be adaptable and make necessary changes. The same skills you have learned are the ones we apply to redevelop ourselves and match the needs of our communities,” Jackson said. “It’s why we start new degrees. It’s why we reinvigorate others. Our mission still is to cultivate economic and social progress. We will continue to elevate and so should you.”

In closing, Jackson left graduates with an empowering message, “As you enter the next part of your life, have confidence, be proud of your accomplishments and know that you are ready to achieve more.”

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 123 graduates who proudly crossed the stage, with a total of 330 students earning certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.

The full fall 2024 commencement ceremony is available to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.  For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s programs and opportunities, visit https://www.wvup.edu.

Olivia Reeder vividly recalls a defining moment in her life. A frustrated college student, she had found herself in a large school, missing the sense of community that she loved in her small town. Feeling lost about her future, she left that school to return home. Landing at WVU Parkersburg, she found a place where she felt like a name instead of a number.

“Jeff Holland, now a colleague, says his leadership style is ‘management by walking.’ When I walked in, he was walking by the front doors that day, and he saw my ‘deer in the headlights look.’ I was almost crying, and he asked what he could help with,” Olivia said. “I showed him my schedule for a major that I wasn’t interested in, and he asked what I liked to do. I told him I loved newspaper in high school. He took me to meet the journalism professor, Dr. Torie Jackson. That woman changed my life and became my mentor.”

Olivia completed her undergraduate degree on time, majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Relations and an Associate’s in Journalism. After completing her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University, she was named coordinator of the Media and Communications program, replacing Jackson, who had been promoted to a dean position.

Now, continuing to pursue higher education, Olivia is the Dean of Early College at WVU Parkersburg, which serves over 700 students annually. She has sustained relationships with a vast network of area high school counselors, vocational-technical centers, alumni, donors, area businesses, and officials in that role. Her efforts have shown a trifecta of results: securing funding for critical programs, bringing students into those programs, and promoting the overall well-being of communities.

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘you don’t have to move away from a community to live in a better one,'” she says. “Creating excitement and then getting people excited to share the vision and understand that a rising tide lifts all boats. The more we do together and collaborate, the better it is for everyone.”

Olivia also serves as the Executive Director of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, spearheading fundraising for projects, including a capital campaign for the WVUP Innovation and Technology Center and The Student Health Fund, which provides free healthcare to students of WVU Parkersburg.

This aspect of her career also allows her to continue her love of community building with various stakeholders in and around her community. Central to who she is, assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping all students find their way through life provides ongoing fuel for her passion.

Through her volunteer work with Clutch MOV, Downtown PKB, The Historic Oakland Estate, and the West Virginia Symphony League, Olivia advocates for preserving Appalachian arts and history for all ages.

Recently, she was elected PVA President for Parkersburg Catholic Schools. “I think it’s important to start modeling community building at a young age, and it’s a way for kids to see what big change can come from a small group of dedicated people,” she says.

Born in North Carolina, Olivia has been raised in Parkersburg since the age of 5. When Olivia was in middle school, her mother returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree, showing her what hard work and dedication look like while still being a productive community member and managing a family. Her mom’s example, including avid volunteer work for the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, has been a driving force in Olivia’s life.

Olivia and her husband, Dylan, live in Parkersburg and have two young sons, Luke and Logan. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Higher Education Administration through Valdosta State University and continues to create synergy in her community through fundraising projects and volunteer work.

Her superpower? “I would say it’s some form of adaptability – being willing to do whatever is needed to keep the inertia going,” Olivia says.

WVU Parkersburg’s BOG talks new IMC and Esthetics programs

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 23, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to discuss the approval of three new programs, the college’s involvement in the community and project updates.

Dr. David Lancaster, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, brought three new programs before the board for approval. WVU Parkersburg plans to phase out its Communications and Media Studies degree for an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) degree, as well as introduce a new Esthetics program.

“Due to changes in industry standards and low program enrollment in Communication and Media Studies, it has become necessary to restructure offering an AAS and a BAS Integrated Marketing Communication degree, which is supported by our community partners,” said Lancaster. “IMC provides a well-rounded skill set that will allow students multiple opportunities upon completion. Courses are realigned to meet industry changes in technology, news reporting and social media standards.”

Lancaster continued, explaining that the new Esthetics program will be a two-semester program that will offer students a Certificate of Applied Science specializing in skin care. This program is a 600-hour program that teaches students skin care, waxing and makeup artistry.

“We are called the WVU Parkersburg School of Cosmetology and Esthetics, so the need for the program is to live up to our name. There is also a demand for esthetics in the spa and medical settings,” said Lancaster.

The board unanimously approved the three programs.

President Dr. Torie Jackson showed her Halloween spirit and dressed as the “good” Sandy from Grease. Jackson tied her costume into her Presidential Report, explaining that the themes of Grease are centered around transformation, identity and personal growth, similar to how a community college serves its community.

“Overall, the themes in Grease speak of achieving more, which is exactly what WVU Parkersburg does by helping individuals develop skills and knowledge, leading to a stronger, more capable community,” said Jackson. “And this, governors, ensures that ‘the power we’re providing, it’s electrifying,’ and that makes me WVU Parkersburg proud.”

Jackson discussed recent opportunities she had to speak in the community, at the Wood County Development Authority’s annual meeting and at the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Annual Meeting. Jackson shared a video of her presentation at the NACCE, where she discussed WVU Parkersburg’s involvement in the community and local businesses and her involvement as Izzy, the mascot for Discovery World on Market.

Jackson also reported that a recent study by Lightcast revealed the economic impact of the college is $178.6 million and that one out of every 29 jobs in our region is supported by a WVU Parkersburg student or alumni.

Joe Oliverio, board chair, gave the Executive Committee Report, discussing updates on projects like the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center and the Jackson County Center. Oliverio noted that the JCC is slightly behind schedule due to contracting, but should be open by January. He said the ITC has been cleared of asbestos, the roofs are almost complete and the interior construction is about to go out for bid. The ITC is still set to open in phases starting August of 2025.

Blaine Hess, board member, gave the Academic and Student Services Committee. Hess said that Jeremy Harrison, media production specialist, gave them a tour of WVU Parkersburg’s newly updated website. The website features a language translator that can change the website into one of over 100 different languages, in an effort to make the website accessible to more students. To see the website, visit wvup.edu.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place January 21, 2025.