(March 17, 2020) – Spring break will be extended for one week for students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. President Chris Gilmer announced on Tuesday, March 17, that spring break is extended on both campuses through Sunday, March 29. Classes will resume in a fully alternate, non-face-to-face format on Monday, March 30.

The college president also closed the campuses – both Parkersburg and the Jackson County Center – to the general public. Both campuses are open to students, faculty and staff only. Members of the general public are asked to transact business by telephone or through technological means. This will include requesting admission to the university, registering for classes, getting advised, paying bills, and other necessary functions. A link will be available on the college’s website to allow students to access these functions in a succinct online location. Students are also encouraged to call 304-424-8310 to talk to the admissions staff.

“The university recognizes that this decision will create a hardship for some faculty members, some students, and the public. We deeply regret any inconvenience; however, the decision is judged essential toward the promotion of public health and is in keeping with prevailing national trends,” President Gilmer said. “We look forward to providing our usual excellent customer service when this crisis has passed.”

At present, the University hopes to resume face-to-face instruction on Monday, April 20, although this date will be evaluated regularly and could be extended.

Computer labs on both campuses will be open during regular hours, and the IT help desk will remain open, anticipating a higher volume of calls due to an increase in online instruction. Labs will be available for student and faculty use to complete instruction because the University recognizes that many students and some faculty members do not have reliable access to the Internet at home. Social distancing will be enforced in the labs.

“The goal is to protect the university’s employees and the public to the degree possible by enforcing social distancing,” President Gilmer said. The practice of social distancing is now in mandatory effect on both campuses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention define social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately six feet or two meters) from others when possible.”

The opportunity for most employees to work remotely will be phased in over the next few days.

The college will continue to make updates to the campus website to notify students, faculty and staff. The web link is https://www.wvup.edu/coronavirus/.

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

(March 17, 2020) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Marketing & Communications team was honored with five awards in the 35^th annual Educational Advertising Awards competition, sponsored by the Higher Education Marketing Report.

This is the first year the college has been recognized for its marketing efforts by the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country.

WVU Parkersburg earned two gold awards in the Newspaper Advertising – Single Ad and Ad Series categories. The single ad “Start Sooner, Finish Faster” highlights the achievements of a football player who excelled on and off the field by earning college credits during high school. The “Come Join Us” ad series features students in well-known spots throughout the seven-county region served by WVU Parkersburg, such as North Bend State Park in Ritchie County, Fort Boreman in Wood County and the Little Sister oil well in Tyler County.

An ad series featuring students who attended rival high schools but then became best classmates at the college won a silver award in the Newspaper Advertising – Series category.

Bronze and merit awards in the Outdoor Advertising category were received for “Let Us Invest in You” and “Join Us” billboards showing students in the college’s Communication and Media Studies experiential learning program in scenic outdoor spots in Wood and surrounding counties. The students visited the communities as part of an assignment to examine the demographics and other characteristics of the target audiences in those areas for marketing research.

“Our team is innovative in both design and in approach to educational advertising,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, vice president for Institutional Advancement, WVU Parkersburg. “It is this initiative to pursue uncommon marketing techniques that allows WVU Parkersburg to make a prominent statement among the pages of newspapers, the sounds of airwaves, or the passing of billboards. It is an honor to work with such a talented team.”

This year, the Educational Advertising Awards received more than 2,350 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, marketing and advertising professionals and the editorial board of the Higher Education Marketing Report.

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

The health and safety of our University communities is without exception my greatest concern and highest responsibility.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, I convened a town hall meeting on the Parkersburg Campus of West Virginia University at Parkersburg to provide current, medically-sound updates on the national spread of COVID-19 and its potential implications for the University and the communities it serves. The meeting was transmitted live to our campus in Jackson County and was available remotely to all members of the broader community. The panel consisted of medical and public health experts of the highest order so that our community would have access to the very best and most reliable information. About 75 community members participated, and the panelists answered every question that was asked.

This town hall meeting was held as part of our ongoing commitment to providing timely, thorough, and consistent communication to our students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University. Such communication will continue until the threat of the virus has passed. As the medical experts have told us, this situation changes very rapidly; therefore, the University will err on the side of caution and will continue to communicate with our stakeholders on a heightened basis.

We are in close communication with Chancellor Sarah Tucker and her leadership team, and Chancellor Tucker is in close communication with the Governor. I was recently updated that a State of Emergency has not been called in West Virginia, and no guidance has yet been provided on a statewide level about consideration of closing campuses or curtailing events. We will, of course, follow any statewide guidance that we receive. Unless and until such guidance is received, we will make the very best and most informed decisions that we can make on a local level.

To the degree that such transition is possible, I have instructed the Provost of WVU Parkersburg to begin making preparation to transition our face-to-face classes to online classes. I may make this decision to transition at a local level or state authorities may make it at a statewide level. Further, I am reviewing requests for out-of-state travel on a case-by-case basis, and am considering putting a complete halt on non-essential domestic travel. I have not yet taken that step, on advice of medical authorities who do not believe such a step is currently necessary. WVU Parkersburg is not aware of any University-sanctioned international travel recently undertaken or planned.

As always, I take the safety, security, and health of our community very seriously, and will work in consultation with our Board of Governors, local, state, and national authorities, and the management team of the University to do everything we can reasonably do, based on medical counsel received, to maintain a safe learning and working environment.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will host a community forum on the coronavirus, COVID-19, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, at 12:15 p.m., in the college theater. The information session will provide the latest information from reputable medical sources about the international and national spread of the virus, how to best contain and prevent it, and steps the college and the communities it serves should take to prevent, prepare and react should there be confirmed cases in West Virginia.

The information session can also be watched online at www.wvup.edu/live.

Interested students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to participate to hear the latest updates and ask questions.

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, March 11. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the student lounge of the WVU Parkersburg Jackson County Center.

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

March 6, 2020
Singers, songwriters, puzzle-solvers and instrumentalists – WVUP’s Got Talent showcased a variety of talents during its first year of competition. More than 20 West Virginia University at Parkersburg students, faculty, staff and alumni auditioned for the chance to compete at the grand finale, but only one took home the first-place title, grand prize and bragging rights.

Tim Bales, a student in the Associate of Applied Science in Drafting program, was named the first-ever WVUP’s Got Talent winner. In both the preliminary round of competition and grand finale, Bales sang an original song and played the guitar. Bales wrote “Tape Deck Apology” and “Allies” about his long-distance best friend and brother, respectively.

“I’ve always found that people are my biggest source of inspiration,” Bales said. “Powerful and moving stories, rare experiences, thought-provoking conversation – these are the things that make me want to write.”

Seven finalists performed at the WVUP’s Got Talent grand finale. Each finalist had to audition, as well as compete and win one of three preliminary rounds of competition by receiving the judges’ or people’s choice vote, to make it to the finale.

The seven finalists included: Tim Bales, Tyler Barnhart, Brandi Bush, Olivia Kinder, Eliza Lawrentz, Austin Grimmett and Ryan Manley.

David Traugh, a Parkersburg local and Emmy award-winning film and television composer, served as guest judge during the finale. Traugh is best known for his work on the music of “Wild Things” and “King of Queens.”

“We are thrilled with the response to this event from our campus community,” Samantha Suggs, Student Activities coordinator, said. “It has been wonderful to see so many young and talented people in the spotlight and we cannot wait for next year’s competition!”

As the winner, Bales received an overnight stay at the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, $100 spending card to the hotel restaurant and free tour with the hotel historian.

“I am still surprised that I won. I judge my art very harshly; it’s a habit a lot of musicians and artists fall into,” Bales said. “I was absolutely ready to cheer for whoever was about to win because I definitely didn’t think I would. I am very flattered and grateful for the support from the community. To be chosen as the first WVUP’s Got Talent winner using my original music is really moving.”

To watch the WVUP’s Got Talent preliminary rounds of competition and the grand finale, visit wvup.edu/talent.

March 3, 2020

West Virginia University at Parkersburg Ntiva Service Desk Academy student interns recently laid down their headsets to travel to Ntiva Headquarters in McLean, Va., to work side-by-side with employees from across the country.

Students Anthony Bowie, Justin Cronin, Jadon Satterfield and Mike Shotwell, attended the “All Hands” meeting with Service Desk Senior Manager Josh Strahler to discuss year-end financials and performance, as well as cast vision for the new year and company goals.

“For the interns, its an opportunity for them to see ‘who’ they work with; not only the people but the area and the office,” said Strahler. “It’s also a great equalizer. When they’re together with the rest of the group, they’re seen as equals, peers and friends.”

In addition to attending the “All Hands” meeting, the students gathered in Tysons, Va., for Ntiva’s annual holiday party. The team was treated to a night of food, prizes and the chance to meet their peers from different offices and areas of the country, including Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

The Ntiva Service Desk Academy opened six months ago in the WVU Parkersburg Caperton Center for Applied Technology, enabling students in the college’s Computer and Information Technology (CIT) Learn and Earn program to work remotely for the D.C.-based tech company while completing their associate degree. Students work in a live, fully-functional, professional IT service desk environment, working with customers on IT requests, technical issues and projects while earning $16 an hour and working up to 1,200 hours during the internship period.

“The interns have grown leaps and bounds over the last semester,” said Strahler. “I am absolutely blown away by their growth here both professionally and personally. Each one of the interns brings a unique skillset and personality to the table and its truly been an honor to work alongside them as they begin their careers in the IT industry.”

Looking to the future, Ntiva and WVU Parkersburg would like to expand the service desk academy to accept an additional eight to 12 learn and earn students.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Computer and Information Technology Learn and Earn program, visit wvup.edu/learnandearn.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business accepted new members at a recent ceremony held on Feb. 25, at 6 p.m., in the college theater.

During the ceremony, the society inducted new student members – juniors and seniors majoring in business who rank in the top ten percent cumulative grade point averages out of currently enrolled business administration baccalaureate students. Inductees took the official oath of membership and were presented with a certificate and honor society’s key.

In addition to the new student members, Alice Harris, WVU Parkersburg Executive Vice President, was inducted as an honorary member. “To have your colleagues recognize you for excellence in your chosen profession is a humbling experience and I am honored and thankful to be inducted into this prestigious society,” Harris said.

Dr. Billy Stone, Delta Mu Delta Omicron Pi chapter faculty advisor and WVU Parkersburg assistant professor of business, officiated the ceremony. Jeff Holland, WVU Parkersburg Business, Accounting and Public Service division chairperson, inducted the new honorary members.

Additionally, Jillian Ballengee, Daniel Seebaugh, Mariah Stansberry and Victoria Poellot-Tauber attended as president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, respectively.

“It’s always a great evening when you get invited to the most exclusive club on campus, the Delta Mu Delta Business Honorary Society,” Holland said. “Only the top students are invited to apply, and the annual induction is a true celebration of scholarship.”

Delta Mu Delta is an international honor society established to recognize and reward superior scholastic achievement of students in business administration, as well as faculty members and business leaders who have experienced measurable success in their profession.

Membership to Delta Mu Delta is by invitation only and extended to undergraduate students who meet specific eligibility criteria.

“An invitation to join the Omicron Pi chapter of Delta Mu Delta is reserved only for the students who are top academic achievers pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business,” Stone said. “Their membership confirms that the individual has a proven track record of working hard to achieve excellence in their studies and the drive to succeed in a business career.”

The new student members inducted include:

Undergraduate inductees: Morgan Bonnett; Nancy Goff; Serena Graham; Bryanna Monroe; Justina Morris; Mitchell Levi Newbanks; Elijah Randolph; Morgan Reilly; and Amy Smith.

Honorary inductees: Alice Harris and Dana Lee.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Omicron Pi chapter of Delta Mu Delta, contact faculty advisor Dr. Billy Stone at 304-424-8281 or billy.stone@wvup.edu.

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg student Veterans Corps invites campus members and the community to help salute the outstanding accomplishments of the nation’s African-American service members in honor of Black History Month.

On Tuesday, February 25, at 12:15 p.m., in the college theater, the organization will host a short presentation on the contributions of African-American service members to the United States defense. A showing of the 1995 movie “The Tuskegee Airmen” will follow.

The presentation will be given by Kurt Klettner, armed forces veteran and current WVU Parkersburg Student Support Services executive director. Klettner served in the United States Air Force from 1973 until his Honorable Discharge in 1980, with the rank of Staff Sergeant and all of his assignments associated with Strategic Air Command. He earned his bachelor’s and graduate degrees while on active duty at Loring AFB, Maine. His military duty assignments included training in Ground Radio Communication Repair and later, after the completion of his master’s degree, he was a drug and alcohol counselor stationed in March, AFB, California.

Additional movie showings will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Starring Laurence Fishburne and Cuba Gooding, Jr., “The Tuskegee Airmen” tells the story of the first African-American combat pilots in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. Tuskegee Airmen, Retired Brigadier General Charles McGee, was recently honored at the 2020 State of the Union Address. He is the last survivor of the Tuskegee Airmen at the age of 100.

“The only way our nation will forget our national heroes is if we stop telling their stories,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate. “The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Veterans Corps is not willing to let that happen. We are honored to host an event remembering the valiant actions of the Tuskegee Airmen. I am definitely looking forward to the presentation and hope many community members take the opportunity to join us for an entertaining and informative afternoon.”

The presentation and movie showings are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

WVU Parkersburg’s own, Rachael Flanagan, has recently been accepted to the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World Resort. Flanagan is set to move to Florida for the duration of the spring 2020 semester. As an elementary education student in her junior year, Flanagan has always known working with children is her path and plans to graduate from WVU Parkersburg in 2021 with a baccalaureate degree.

Growing up in a Disney-loving family, Flanagan has always had a special place in her heart for the company. Her family frequently visits Disney World – Flanagan has been to the theme park more than 20 times since the age of two. As annual pass holders, the Flanagan family even enjoys spending holidays there each year.

“We don’t have a large family, so Disney is just where we go for our holidays,” said Flanagan. “My sister was married there, so it has always been part of our family and a part of who we are.”

When applying to the Disney College Program, Flanagan filled out an initial application requesting her education information, job experience and the Disney roles she was interested in. Once her application was accepted, she took a web-based interview requiring a full-pass to be considered a valid candidate. Upon passing, she spoke to a Disney representative during a phone-based interview, to later find out she was accepted to the program.

“I was so excited to find out I had been accepted, so happy, I started crying in class,” said Flanagan. “I called my mom and said, ‘I’m going to Disney World, I’m really going to Disney World.’”

Flanagan will serve as a lifeguard at a Walt Disney World Resort location decided upon her arrival. As a recreation cast member, she will not only ensure the safety of every guest but make sure their vacation experience is an enjoyable one. Flanagan is already a certified lifeguard; however, she will complete an additional swim test to become an official Disney lifeguard. During the lifeguard swim test, Flanagan must swim 200 yards freestyle or breaststroke, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the deepest section of the pool and tread water with her hands out for two minutes.

Flanagan will have a five-day workweek and receive a week-long vacation, which she will use to visit her family at home. On her days off, she will be able to study and focus on her classwork. Students in the Disney College Program may also receive academic credit for participating in Disney educational courses like Resume Writing and Leadership 101 through the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service.

Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Division of Education chairperson, made sure Flanagan knew the entire division is supportive of her pathway decision and the Disney College Program is a valuable opportunity for her to gain hands-on learning experience, meet people from across the world and take part in personal and career development.

As a beneficial addition to her resume, Flanagan feels the Disney College Program will open doors for her as well as present the opportunity to learn in the process. 

“I think it is really about the experience, getting to branch out, be myself and grow as a person,” Flanagan said. “Working with children, learning how to better communicate and having the Disney mentality will benefit me when I am in the classroom.”