Parkersburg, W.Va. (September 10, 2024) — West Virginia University at Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the Summer 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:

HARDY COUNTY — Moorefield: Marissa Ratliff

JACKSON COUNTY — Ravenswood: Jacob Seebaugh

Ripley: Logan Skurupey

RITCHIE COUNTY — Pennsboro: Michaela Smith

ROANE COUNTY — Grandeeville: James Miller

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Silas Hunter

WOOD COUNTY — Mineral Wells: Cami Derenberger

Parkersburg: Natalia Alvarez-Dominguez; David Buchanan; Siann Daniels; Mary Goe; Rylee Jones; Amanda Lyons; Julia Vincent

Petroleum: Amber Elliott

Vienna: Riley Dunbar; Garrett Napier; Chantel Rader

Washington: Halle Hudson; Julie Mace

OHIO — Belpre: Lanie Johnson; Emma Williams

Beverly: Che’ Venoy

Marietta: Ashley Miller

Dean’s Scholars

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

CALHOUN COUNTY — Parkersburg: Glenna Laughlin

GILMER COUNTY — Glenville: Jordanne Beall

HARRISON COUNTY — Bridgeport: Alexus Workman

JACKSON COUNTY — Gay: Shawn Davis

Given: Lanna Bragg; Triston Lanham

Ravenswood: Samantha Bragg; Jonah Carmichael; Joel Fisher; Jacob Harvey; Chelsey Helmick; Cassandra Lott; Kali Moore; John Ramsey; Deanna Schindler; Megan Shockey; Anthony Vespucci; Molly Washburn

Ripley: Kyanah Baldwin; Carrie Haynes; Pamela Pross; Katelyn Selvage; Zaya Settle

Sandyville: Chloe Shinn; Courtney Winter

KANAWHA — Charleston: Breana Hall

Clendenin: Kaydence Steele

Cross Lanes: Bridget Roberts

Elkview: Aiden Ford

Sissonville: Alyson Thomas

MASON COUNTY — Letart: Thomas Anderson; Emma Gibbs

Point Pleasant: Scott Goldsberry

MONONGALIA COUNTY — Morgantown: Krystena Perkins

OHIO COUNTY — Wheeling: Jennifer Bryan

PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Randa Fluharty

St Marys: Gabriel Campbell; Eric Wherry; Megan Blouir; Amanda Hadley; Addison Parks

PRESTON COUNTY — Bruceton Mills: Wendi Glover

RALEIGH COUNTY — White Oak: Jessica Lilly

RITCHIE COUNTY — Cairo: Jessica Waggoner

Ellenboro: Zoe Butcher

Harrisville: Tyler Huffman; Chasta Rinehart

Pennsboro: Vanessa Patton

ROANE COUNTY — Elkview: Sabrina Canterbury

Gay: Adreonna Spencer

Reedy: Kelly Hardbarger

Spencer: Bailey Lawson

TAYLOR COUNTY — Flemington: Paige Zacavish

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Sara Conner; Aleeah Fletcher; Romana Rice

Shirley: Megan Kinney

UPSHUR COUNTY — Buckhannon: Teaira Nesbitt

WAYNE COUNTY — Huntington: Norma Harbolt

WIRT COUNTY — Elizabeth: Kylie Cox; Kelly Digman; Barbara Linger

Le Roy: Moriah Cale

Palestine: Ashley Wiley

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Jeremy Ellis; Bradley McPeek; Ariel Smith

Mineral Wells: Corey Beverage; Brittany Brookover; Adam Kelly; Colton Parsons; Nathan Schramm; Kimberly Thomas

Parkersburg: Alethea Bateman; Brian Bellville; Taylor Black; Crystal Bonnell; Stephaine Burchard; Ivy Burdette; Mace Busch; Dillen Chichester; Hunter Coull; Alexis Dailey; Lisa Dalton; Jeremy Dennison; Stacey Fordyce; Triston Frederick; Maegan Gaver; Raymona Grant; Mikhal Grueneberg; Karri Hebert; Haley Holbert; Jana Howell; Chauncy James; Savanna Lemley; Adelie Lowe; Kari Miller; Kelsey Mitchell; Maria Morton; Benjamin Nash; Lyndsey Parish; Charleigh Patton; Haylie Polan; Cynthia Poling; Kristi Ramsey; Ashley Riffle; Stephanie Riffle; Kelly Rockhold; Jacquelyn Schall; Hunter Schrader; Ashley Slaven; Krista Sponsler; Aizelyn Stroehman; Caitlyn Tallman; Ashley Tennant; Justin Walker; Heather Weaver; Mindy Whitacre; Cassandra Yoak

Vienna: Jacob Caplinger; Elizabeth Collie; Kent Crumbaker; Kiley Goldsmith; Addison King; Jacob McKnight; Dryden Roush

Walker: Lakota Lott

Washington: James Cayton; Dustin Corley; Anthony Ferch; Adelle Fleak; Leah Gant; Jennie Goff; Josie Harrison; Benjamin Kaminski; Michael Midkiff; Oshelle Miller

Williamstown: Emily Bailey; Conor Francis; Harold Nicely; Natalie Sawin

KENTUCKY — Olive Hill: Jacob Fannin

Louisa: Joshua Moore

OHIO — Athens: Sydnee Whaley

Coolville: Jonathan Graham

Rutland: Shalynn Mitchell

Dresden: Cody Wood

Anna: Jesse Tuente

Belpre: Kaleigh Hesson; Nathaniel Marks; Samantha McGee; Arionna Wolfe

Beverly: Keitha Schilling

Marietta: Ashley Dalrymple; Elizabeth Fisher; Tyler Haught; Leslie Mills; Joshua Schneider

Waterford: Jonathan Ragan

East Liberty: Cameron Epp

SOUTH CAROLINA — Jackson: Adam Abbadusky

TEXAS — Edinburg: Ramsey Ramirez

Abilene: Jared Asbill

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 30, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 to discuss enrollment, swear in four new board members and recognize institutional leaders who have been vital to the success of the institution.

“Our enrollment is a number for which we are quite proud. We’ve had a great summer and we have started the fall semester with much promise for future growth,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson during her report. “We graduated 369 students in the spring, but we still have an increase of 410 new students for Fall 2024. Our greatest growth though, was in continuing students with a 14% growth for that group, which goes a long way with our increased enrollment from last year and our retention efforts.”

Jackson continued, explaining that there have been several staff realignments over the summer to help provide a better experience for students.

“I’d like to take a moment to recognize three leaders who have been a vital part of our campus for the last eight years, who have also helped us achieve more student success; to Donna Smith, JP Hushion and Jason Landers, we as a college publicly show our gratitude,” said Jackson. “We will formally recognize these governors at the May commencement.”

David Bowles, Jared Decker, Scott Seese and Student Representative Isabella Hileman were sworn in as members of WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors by the Honorable Tim Sweeney, 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge.

“Alice Harris has served WVU Parkersburg for many years, always to the best of her abilities and always putting the institution’s interest first and foremost,” said Jackson.

Harris, former executive vice president of Finance and Administration, was recognized for her 10 years of service as a financial expert. Harris recently retired from her administrative roll to teach at the institution full time as an associate professor of accounting. Harris had originally planned to retire in a few years, but moved up the timeline to teach after the unexpected passing of her beloved wife, Nancy Harris.

Jackson continued, “Three years ago, Alice began teaching accounting classes at WVUP, taking her decades of knowledge as a CPA and sharing it with students. She says that teaching makes her heart happy. She explains that teaching represents a positive way for her to share her considerable experience and knowledge with our students.”

“During this time, I have given my all to help ensure that the college’s financial and administrative processes are based on best accounting practices. I am proud of the work I’ve done in support of the college and its students. Most importantly, I am proud of my coworkers in business services, information technology services, Ricky’s Cafe, Riverhawk Books and Supplies and the Financial Aid Office, who are among the finest individuals I have had the honor to work with during my 43-yar career,” said Harris. “The college is in outstanding fiscal condition and its control systems are second to none due to the efforts of every single person who works in WVUP’s business services. My professional goal has always been to leave a place better than I found it. I believe with all my heart; I have fulfilled that goal at WVU Parkersburg.”

Two of Harris’ former teammates will be stepping into new roles in her place. Jeannine Hetrick-Ratliffe will oversee Financial Aid, Riverhawk Books and Supplies, Ricky’s Cafe and the Information Technology department, on top of continuing to supervise the business office staff. Brad Wilson is now the Chief Financial Officer and will continue to serve the college in his role in institutional research.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place October 22, 2024.

WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (Room 1300A) on the main campus.

Visit the Board of Governors agenda page to view the complete agenda.

As required by the U.S. Department of Education’s 1979 Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination, WVU Parkersburg is proud to offer more than 40 degree programs and certificates within these academic areas: Professional Studies, Nursing & Health Sciences,
Workforce, Technical and Computer Information Science and Arts & Sciences. Additionally, the college offers early college opportunities for high school students, technical training and workforce development, and community education classes. Visit wvup.edu for more information.

Admission to WVU Parkersburg is open to any individual who meets the institution’s open admissions policy. Applicants for admission or employment, students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all third parties holding professional agreements with WVU Parkersburg are hereby notified that this institution is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, color, ancestry, or national origin in admission, employment, educational programs or activities; nor does it discriminate on the basis of genetic information in
employment or employee health benefits. Also, it is the policy of WVU Parkersburg to prohibit harassment (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) of students and employees. Faculty, staff, students and applicants are protected from retaliation for alleging discrimination or
assisting in an investigation of discrimination.

WVU Parkersburg is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, or national origin in admission, employment, educational programs or activities; nor does it discriminate on the basis of genetic information in employment or employee health benefits. Further, faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from retaliation for making complaints or assisting in investigations of discrimination.

Any person with inquiries regarding WVU Parkersburg’s compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is directed to contact the individual designated to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing these laws:

Mary Bentz, Executive Director, Human Resources and Compliance
WVU Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive, Room 1008
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Office: 304-424-8212; Fax: 304-424-8302
Email: Mary.Bentz@wvup.edu

Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 or ADA complaints may also be filed with the Regional Office for Civil Rights: U.S. Department of Education; Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights; 100 Penn Square East, Suite 515; Telephone: 215-656-8541; FAX: 215-656-8605; TDD: 800-877-8339; Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov.

Employees and applicants for employment may also file employment discrimination complaints with the Regional Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; 801 Market Street, Suite 1300; Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127; Telephone: 800-660-4000 / 215-440-2601; Fax: 215-440-2606; TTY: 800-669-6820.

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WVU Parkersburg offers high school students’ agriculture experience on the Riverhawk Farm
WVU

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Aug. 6, 2024) — Over the summer, WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm hosted its Farm to School (F2S) Agrication program, where high school students were able to gain experience in agricultural education through immersive hands-on training with industry professionals.

The F2S Agrication program offers students, from ninth to 12th grade, the opportunity to discover different components of agriculture while getting paid for their work. The Riverhawk Farm offered students to work on the farm for two-week periods throughout the summer.

“The F2S Agrication program is essential for developing the next generation of agriculturalists,” said John Riggs, Agriculture director. “During this program, high school students learned valuable skills related to multiple industries within agricultural business. After participating in this program, students can take their newfound knowledge to work in various agricultural-related fields or start their own business.”

Melinda Francis, coordinator of the Office of Child Nutrition at the West Virginia Department of Education, visited the farm for a tour of the program and was inspired by what she saw.

“I saw an important component of Farm to School happening: Education. I watched students participate in educational activities related to agriculture and the food they consume,” said Francis. “I was able to see students in action as they harvested potatoes. It was inspiring to see students harvest potatoes with smiles on their faces while intently working both physically and mentally as they learned and understood the process.”

Adam Elder, a Parkersburg High School junior, joined the Agrication program to get experience driving tractors in order to help his father harvest their family hay fields. Elder said he had fun in the program and learned how to put up woven wire fences, compared to the barbed wire fences he puts up at home.

“I think it just kind of opened my eyes to the farming world and showed me there’s just so much more to do,” Elder said.

Gracelyn Smith, a Wirt County High School senior, signed up for the program to learn new skills to take back to her family farm. She said she loved the program and learned how to tell the difference between a plant and a weed when harvesting.

“There was a lot of hands-on work. I like that,” said Smith. “I had no idea how to harvest potatoes until now. That was very interesting.”

Funding for support of the F2S Agrication program was made possible by the West Virginia Department of Education through a USDA non-competitive State Agency Formula Grant of $56,000. Funding from the USDA non-competitive State Agency Formula Grant is intended to support efforts to coordinate and provide technical assistance to build and increase the capacity of participating institutions to procure and use local foods in program meals as well as provide agriculture education opportunities for participating children.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 16, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg will host an Early College Catch-Up Day on Wednesday, July 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Student Lounge, to help high school students catch up on their applications.

WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program allows high school students to earn college credits while earning their high school diploma. Participants in the program get to jumpstart their college experience by taking classes alongside regular college students.

“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 President Dr. Torie Jackson. “At WVU Parkersburg, we are thrilled to partner with 13 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 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. During the Spring 2024 semester, 15 Early College students applied for and earned their Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) in General Education, one student applied for and earned their CAS in Patient Care Technology and four applied for and earned their CAS in Welding.

To earn a CAS in General Education, a student must successfully complete 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. for the CAS in Patient Care Technology, students must successfully complete 31 credit hours from courses in Health Sciences, math, science, and English, with a 2.0 or higher overall GPA. To earn a CAS in Welding, a student must successfully complete 30 credit hours from courses in welding, math and English courses, with a 2.0 or higher overall GPA.

Students earning their CAS in General Education include:

Doddridge County High School — Sidney Hinzman; Alexia Whitehair;

Parkersburg Catholic High School — Grace Sprout;

Parkersburg South High School — Oulwatobi Adebulu; Catherine Evans; Riley Shockey;

St Marys High School — Andlyn Corathers; Sydney Cummings; Cole Darnold; Jaela Davis; Sophie Greenleaf; Layne Kincaid; Joleen McBrayer; Willow Peyton;

Tyler Consolidated High School — Randalyn Orr;

Students earning their CAS in PCT include:

Ritchie County High School — Dylan Edwards;

Students earning their CAS in Welding include:

Parkersburg High School — Nicholas Isaacs;

Parkersburg South High School — Riley Blevins; Chandler Forshey; Skyler Montgomery

WVU Parkersburg’s Early College is open to all public school districts, private schools and homeschools in the college’s service area. For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Early College Program, please visit wvup.edu/EarlyCollege or contact EarlyCollege@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 25, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg will host a Food Truck Recruitment Festival and a FAFSA workshop at the Jackson County Center on June 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

“I think the event is important for future students to attend so they can see the great programs we have to offer and to meet representatives from the programs of interest. Students will also get the chance to meet representatives from the financial aid department, admissions, Early College and meet our Student Government Association (SGA) officers,” said Nicole Shutts, Admissions and Recruitment coordinator. “We are also holding a FAFSA workshop during the event for future students and the community to attend to get help with their FAFSA. We look forward to seeing everyone there and we hope this is a successful event so that we can continue to do it!”

The FAFSA workshop is open to all students regardless of intended college choice. For help with filing a FAFSA, students will need to know their address, phone number, social security number and income tax information.

Expect flavors from:

• The Sisters Hibachi
• Twisted Toppings Ice Scream
• Triple B Eatery
• Wicked Cool Shaved Ice and Lemonade
• Hinode Food Truck
• Cozumel

The Jackson County Center is at 105 Academy Dr, in Ripley, West Virginia.

For more information, contact the Center for Student Services at 304.424.8310 or admissions@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 19, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson discussed collaboration, rearrangement of campus offices and recognized April Crone, program coordinator, during her report at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday.

“Our goal at WVU Parkersburg is to build a deliberately collaborative ecosystem of engagement that will encompass the entire WVU-P community and the greater community that we serve,” said Jackson. “This college is successful when we work as a team, when everyone brings their engagement, their wisdom, their energy and their ideas.”

WVU Parkersburg has realigned some of its offices and positions to improve efficiency and enhance student experience. One of the changes will see student advisors move from the Professional Advising Center in the library into the Center for Student Services.

Crone received a recognition certificate for her planning and organization of the Kids’ College program.

Kids’ College is a program for children ages 8 to 12 that introduces them to various college courses and career paths with subjects like Welding, Farm Technology, CoBot, Creative Writing and more.

“April Crone has been organizing, planning and leading the Kids’ College program this summer. At WVU-P we appreciate it when our employees do their utmost to make this campus a vital part of our community,” said Jackson.

During the Executive Committee Report, Board Chair Joe Oliverio spoke about enrollment and the Higher Learning Commission.

Oliverio said Summer course enrollment was up 30% and Fall enrollment is on track to maintain previous levels of enrollment. He also said WVU Parkersburg received a formal letter from the HLC, stating that the college’s accreditation will be continued for the next 10 years.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to terminate the Certificate of Applied Science Pharmacy Technician Program.

Jackson said that although they are terminating this program in the Nursing and Health Sciences Division, the division will see substantial growth in the future. WVU Parkersburg is adding a Radiology Technician program, bringing back the Surgical Technician program and partnering with BridgeValley Community & Technical College to provide students with an EMS Certificate.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place August 27, 2024.

WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (Room 1300A) on the main campus.

Visit the Board of Governors agenda page to view the complete agenda.

Elizabeth Perdue wins the WVU Parkersburg’s Pitch Competition Grand Prize of $10,000

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 24, 2024) — Elizabeth Perdue, WVU Parkersburg welding student, won the second stage of the Pitch Competition and the $10,000 prize with her idea for a mobile welding business.

The WVU Parkersburg Pitch Competition gives student entrepreneurs an outlet to present their business ideas to community figures with business acumen. The second stage of the competition took place in the WVU Parkersburg Theater on Friday, May 17, 2024. Students competed for a prize of $10,000 and various support services from the college, while presenting their business model canvas and one – and three – year financial projections.

“I’m very grateful to be a part of this and especially thankful to Dr. Jackson, NACCE, the Erickson Foundation, and the Ross Foundation for helping make it possible,” said Charles Almond, C.O. and Charles F. Erickson distinguished faculty chair in Entrepreneurship. “This was a lot more involved than the first stage and I’m very proud of these two teams and what they accomplished in this period. They definitely showcased the best of what our graduates have to offer.”

Two teams competed in the final round of the competition, Perdue, who presented “In a Flash Welding,” a mobile welding business that brings the shop to you; and Devon Dalrymple, student, and his business partner, Preston Metzgar, alumnus, who presented “Destination Tech,” a website building business that also offers website maintenance and social media management.

When asked how it feels to win, Perdue said, “It’s awesome. I don’t think it has sunk in yet, but I’m excited for where this is going to take my business and how quickly I’ll be able to move.”

Perdue said her first step will be buying a multi-process welder for her work truck.

Perdue is a Wirt County native with a passion for welding. The fascination with her high school welding program is what drove her to pursue a degree in the subject. Perdue currently lives at North Bend State Park, where she works as a trail coordinator.

“I was nervous going into the competition,” Metzgar said. “Our competitors had a really good pitch and I think they did very well.”

Metzger is originally from Spencer, but moved to Fairmont after graduation. He is a WVU Parkersburg alumnus, who majored in Computer Science. Metzger works full time in Health Care, while working on Destination Tech in his spare time.

Dalrymple lives in Williamstown, where he graduated from Williamstown High School. Before coming to WVUP and majoring in Software Engineering, Dalrymple took a course in computer repair systems at the Caperton Center for Applied Technology, where he became captivated with the topic.

WVU Parkersburg’s Pitch Competition is in partnership with NACCE’s Everyday Entrepreneur program. For more information about NACCE’s Everyday Entrepreneur program, visit https://www.nacce.com/EEVF