A new short-term program offered by West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Division is providing five students from Wood, Pleasants and Jackson counties with hands-on training and paid work experience in the manufacturing industry.

The students in the first Basic Manufacturing Industry Preparedness program completed nine weeks of classroom learning and were selected for a 12-week Learn and Earn paid internship program with Hino Motors. The 21-week program was created with input from Hino Motors, SimEx and Star Plastics and is taught by industry professionals from these local manufacturing companies.

“This course is so unique because folks from the industry chose each class they felt should be taught to prepare students to work in the manufacturing industry,” said David Robinson, plant manager, Ply Gem. “We are happy to be a part of this program.”

During their time in the program, students learn about topics such as OSHA, basic craft skills, business writing, interpersonal communication, time management and lean manufacturing.

“Working together to create this program, we focused on the skills needed for entry-level jobs in basic manufacturing,” said Michele Wilson, executive director, WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development. “In addition to learning manufacturing job skills, students also gain proficiency in soft skills and safety skills.”

Through the partnership with Hino Motors, students in the Learn and Earn program also have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be hired directly by the truck manufacturer.

For more information, contact WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg admissions counselor Kenna Reynolds Warren was recently awarded the Rick Snow Young Professional Award by the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO).

The award honors distinguished young professionals in admissions, records or enrollment management who have made a significant contribution to WVACRAO.

“Kenna is an excellent college recruiter,” said Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of enrollment management and dean of the Jackson County Center, WVU Parkersburg. “She has shown great commitment to her craft, and she has the academic skill set to reach high heights in the higher education community.”

As admissions counselor, Warren helps prospective students explore academic options at WVU Parkersburg and navigate the admissions process. She regularly travels to high schools throughout the college’s seven-county service area to meet with prospective students, parents and counselors.

Warren has been a member of WVACRAO for three years. In 2018, she presented on the topic of international students at the organization’s annual conference.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio Dominican University and a master’s degree in college student personnel from Ohio University.

Created in 1991, the Rick Snow Young Professional Award commemorates Richard Snow, former registrar and director of admissions at Bluefield State College, who befriended and mentored many young professionals through the years. To be nominated, individuals should be active in WVACRAO for a minimum of three years, but no more than eight years, and have demonstrated a commitment to the organization through regular attendance at annual conferences, program participation as presenters, recorders or moderators, committee involvement, and other professional activities.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division is rolling out a welding lab on wheels to meet a growing need for area businesses to provide on-site training and testing to welders. The mobile welding lab will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Hino Motors.

The welding lab, designed by WVU Parkersburg welding program faculty and staff, has the capability to transport four welding units, a bench grinder, and a generator to run all electric, tools, and lights to a company’s worksite. In addition, the lab is fully stocked with a toolbox and personal protective equipment needed for welding, such as welding jackets, safety glasses, welding hoods and more. Training will be provided by instructors in the college’s Workforce & Economic Development Division.

The purchase of the welding equipment was made possible through a Rapid Response Advance Grant from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System to address the state’s workforce needs.

“Being able to bring on-site quality welding training to industry partners in our seven-county service region saves our partners time and money,” said Michele Wilson, executive director, WVU Parkersburg Workforce & Economic Development. “We are excited to let companies know that our mobile welding lab is open for business. We are also thankful for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System who make these projects possible.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division offers local businesses, industries and organizations a variety of training opportunities designed to increase employee productivity and efficiency, helping them to maximize profits.

Local businesses interested in scheduling the mobile welding lab may contact WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383 to learn more.

When race, class, religion and gender collide, a conversation begins. That conversation will take place on Monday, Oct. 21, with the special presentation of “The Defamation Experience.”

“The Defamation Experience” is a courtroom drama and unique diversity program that includes three phases; the play, deliberation and post-show discussion.

The play explores a civil suit between Ms. Wade, an American-American business owner, and Mr. Golden, a Jewish real estate developer. After a dramatic testimony, the judge decides it is time for the jury’s deliberation. The twist…the audience is the jury.

Following the trial, the audience will be asked to participate in a meaningful conversation about race, class, religion, gender and the law.

Funded in part by the Higher Education Resource Assessment, the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the WVU Parkersburg college theater. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kurt Klettner, WVU Parkersburg executive director for student support services, at kurt.klettner@wvup.edu or 304-424-8388.

The dedication of one Marine Corps veteran has been recognized with a scholarship covering the cost of welding tools and protective equipment needed for her classes and future career. Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon of West Virginia and Ohio of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, the scholarship is a testimony to the allegiance of one Marine to another.

“The Marine Corps motto is ‘Semper Fidelis,’ meaning ‘Always Faithful.’ The Corps is faithful to every Marine, even after their service is completed, to make sure they have a successful post-military career,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate.

Alexis Wiseman is the first WVU Parkersburg student to receive a scholarship from the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. She served four years in the Marine Corps (May 2013 to May 2017), and received the rank of E-4, Corporal. Wiseman will graduate in December 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology.

“Earning this scholarship to help further my education in my career field is a true honor,” said WVU Parkersburg student Alexis Wiseman. “The Marine Corps Veterans Association is a community I am proud to be a part of.”

The MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA is focused on community service, including working with the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments and local Eagle Scouts, as well as providing flag etiquette classes, donations to the Sheriff’s K-9 units in Wood and Washington counties, a guitar lesson program for veterans and much more.

“In addition to our other work, we believe in providing scholarships to younger generations who are furthering their education,” said Executive Officer John Sprigg of the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. “It is our honor and duty to help veterans, and we cannot wait to help more students in the future.”

“We have the honor of being here today because of the Marine Corps veterans, and all veterans, who wanted to serve their country. They all took an oath that didn’t end when they put the uniform down, and that now includes helping the community using their veteran status,” said Shearlock. “I am proud to work with the Marine Corps Veterans Association who are dedicated to helping this area.”

For more information about the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA, scholarship opportunities or to become a member, contact Commanding Officer Roy Trembly at roy.trembly@gmail.com or 304-966-4419.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s veterans’ resources, contact Veteran Advocate Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, Oct. 9. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (room 1300A) on the main campus. View the complete agenda here.

Connecting survivors, advocates and service providers, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a collective effort to raise awareness about, and end, the crime of abuse. Also advocating is the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice student organization as they will host the local Domestic Violence Clothesline Project to bring to light the stories of victims and survivors in the region, as well as host an informational presentation about the role of the community in responding to domestic violence.

Emily Larkins, executive director of the Family Crisis Intervention Center, will present “Domestic Violence: A Community Approach” on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 12:15-1:00 p.m. in the college theater. She will speak on current responses to domestic violence, the Parkersburg Family Crisis Intervention Center’s role and more. Larkins and representatives from the center will be available to speak with attendees after the presentation. Resources and information will also be provided during the Clothesline Project display week.

The local Domestic Violence Clothesline Project will be on display Oct. 21-24, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., in the Criminal Justice Simulation Lab (room 0404) on the main campus.

The Clothesline Project is an artistic display of t-shirts decorated by survivors of domestic violence, or created in honor of someone who has experienced violence, and hung on a clothesline to serve as a testimony of the problem. Since 1990, each t-shirt reflects the experience of the creator, and the color of each shirt identifies a particular instance of violence:

White – Those who have died as a result of violence.

Yellow – Survivors of physical assault, and or, domestic violence.

Red, pink and orange – Survivors of rape or sexual assault.

Blue and green – Survivors of incest or childhood sexual abuse.

Purple and lavender – Those who have been attacked because of their sexual orientation.

Brown and gray – Survivors of emotional, spiritual or verbal abuse.

Black – Those who have been attacked or assaulted because of a disability.

“Each year, 12 million people suffer from intimate partner violence,” said Andrew Walker, WVU Parkersburg assistant professor and criminal justice student organization advisor. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to remember victims and celebrate survivors of domestic violence. Hosting the Clothesline Project on campus brings the stories of victims and survivors to life and reminds us these are not faceless statistics. The events we have planned on campus to recognize this month also provide a connection to the existing services and resources in our community.”

The WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice student organization will also be collecting hygiene products (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, etc.) for the Parkersburg Family Crisis Intervention Center, a domestic violence safe haven, which services Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties. Donations may be dropped off at the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Simulation Lab (room 0404) or the Business, Accounting and Public Service Division office (room 1018).

For more information about the project or to donate, please contact Andrew Walker at wwalker1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8429.

Jan Dils Attorneys at Law is partnering with West Virginia University Parkersburg to provide support for local student veterans.

Held on June 29, the law firm’s Freedom Fun Run 5K raised $12,500 in funds for WVU Parkersburg’s student veterans and the Veterans Resource Center.

This annual event brings in proceeds each year to support student scholarships through the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. Established in 2015 by the WVU Parkersburg Student Veteran Corps, the fund has provided several scholarships to student veterans at the college. With the funds raised from this year’s event, 12 more student veterans will each receive $1,000 to pay help pay for tuition and fees.

According to Darren Shearlock, the university’s veterans advocate, the resource center, “creates a space where we can help student veterans achieve their professional and educational goals. We provide work stations to give them a quiet place to study, as well as a space to socialize, and a place where veterans can discuss veteran-specific issues on campus.”

Other services provided by the center include helping students to manage college credit transfers and to secure financing through the GI Bill.

According to Shearlock, the opportunities available to student veterans at WVU Parkersburg are invaluable in helping them move forward professionally.

“Right now, across America, we’re in a changing economy. Jobs that your parents used to have won’t be able to provide a lot of young people the careers that they’re looking for to reach that middle-class lifestyle. In order to change with the economy, they need new skills. And at WVU Parkersburg, we’re able to help them achieve those skills, get degrees and certificates that will make them competitive in a 21^st Century environment, at one of the lowest rates in the state,” Shearlock said.

In addition, for many students, pursuing higher education can provide benefits that go beyond the academic and the professional. Shearlock gave the example of a student whose husband passed away, leaving her without a source of income or social support.

“When she came in, there were two things we could do for her. One was to help her re-tool and get back into the workforce. But just as importantly, we could give her a sense of purpose with what she was doing with her life…We provided that social support structure,” Shearlock said.

Shearlock’s personal and professional background gives him relevant insight. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Army and was deployed numerous times. He took advantage of the GI Bill to earn his master’s degree and went on to pursue a doctorate with the goal of teaching at the collegiate level.

“When an opportunity came to both educate people and help veterans at the same time, I couldn’t pass it up,” he said.