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

Children can have a fun and interactive learning experience through WVU Parkersburg’s Kids’ College  

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 20, 2024) — Children ages eight to 12 can attend WVU Parkersburg’s annual Kids’ College program this summer for a mix of fun and educational classes.

“Kids’ College has been a staple at WVU Parkersburg for over a decade. This summer program is an opportunity for kids eight to 12 to have fun and explore future career opportunities,” said April Crone, program coordinator. “We have many community partners, for example Hino Motors, who are returning this year to teach Welding and Cobot. A 2023 Kids’ College graduate enjoyed the welding class with Hino so much that he asked for welding equipment to further improve his welding skills.”

Classes are mainly taught by WVU Parkersburg faculty and help introduce youth to various college courses and career paths. Children can choose four classes per week; topics range from arts & crafts and welding to American sign language and music technology.

The complete list of classes include:

• Arts & Crafts
• Farm Technology
• CSI
• Welding
• CoBot
• Fun with Science
• American Sign Language
• Painting
• Geology
• Music Technology
• Basketball
• Pen Pal
• Kitchen Basics/Table Setting
• Beginning Drawing
• Kids in Motion
• Creative Writing
• Sensory Crafts

Kids’ College will take place from June 10 to 13, June 17 to 20 and June 24 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $150 per week with lunch provided. The deadline to register is May 31, 2024.

For more information, please contact wed@wvup.edu or 304-424-8383.

WVU Parkersburg hosts 53^rd annual spring commencement   

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 16, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg hosted its 53^rd annual spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, with Jerry Edmonds III, vice president of Workforce & Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, as the keynote speaker.

Edmonds reflected on life decisions and applauded the spring class of 2024 on their courageousness and their journey through college.

“You are better prepared today than you were during your high school graduation, so there for you’re on track. Despite the challenges encountered along the way you’re on track,” Edmonds said. “Attainment of a college degree positions you for a higher impact and higher wages. You now have the opportunity to earn more and do more good for your community and indeed the world.”

Prior to his current role, Edmonds held a variety of executive leadership positions within Johnson & Johnson and IBM, where he was the recipient of numerous training, recruitment, marketing and leadership awards. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing, from Marshall University in 1985 and his Masters of Science with an emphasis on Human Service Management from Springfield College in 2001. He earned his doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Edgewood College in 2020. He and his wife, Dor’cel, own and operate Willow Creek Tennis Retreat, LLC in Wisconsin. They are proud parents of two adult children and five grandchildren.

WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson also congratulated the graduating class, reminding them that the institution is a beacon of support for its students.

“Today we hope that you (students) now realize you have a support system beyond that of your family and friends. We believe in you and today we all celebrate success with you,” Jackson said.

One hundred fifty-six graduates crossed the stage, with a total of 369 students earning certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades. The college also presented recognition awards and honorary degrees to exceptional members of the campus and surrounding community, including:

• Honorary degree recipients: Lee Eric Rector, owner and general manager of the Blennerhassett Hotel; and Steve Hardman, former Board of Governors chair and attorney at Bowles Rice.
• Emeritus Status recipients: Pat Harris, office administrator; Kurt Klettner, executive director for Student Support Services; Joyce Stover, professor of Humanities; Dr. Missy Spivy, professor of Education; and Rebecca Tucker, professor of Biological Sciences.

Also, during the commencement, WVU Parkersburg recognized Holly Martin, associate professor of Biology, as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Martin works well with faculty, empathizes with students, demands high standards and is an advocate for students, faculty and staff. She serves on Faculty Senate and has led efforts to create a new evaluation tool for faculty.

“Because we know Holly’s significant contribution to the students, the institution and the profession, we are convinced that she deserves this honor,” Jackson said.

Teens will get a taste of medicine at WVU Parkersburg’s Medical Explorers program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 10, 2024) — This summer, teens who are interested in a career in medicine can get a closer look with real healthcare professionals.

The program provides an opportunity for young adults to step into the roles of various healthcare professionals. WVU Parkersburg Nursing and Health Sciences instructors will guide students in taking care of patients in on-campus medical labs, including surgery preparation and baby delivery.

“Teen Medical Explorers is about learning what medical personnel do in their jobs. The participants will be touring different areas of the hospital, working with bandages and sutures, talking to the airflight helicopter personnel and obtaining their CPR card,” said April Crone, program coordinator. “It is important for teens to be able to explore different career options in the medical field.”

Program activities will include:
• Use of personal protection equipment
• Taking vitals and patient care
• Wheelchair and crutch safety
• Getting certified in CPR
• Discovering different occupations in the medical field
• Mock operating room & obstetrics simulations

Teen Medical Explores will take place Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 per student. Lunch will be provided.

The academy is limited to the first 20 participants. The deadline to register is June 10, 2024. Applications may be downloaded at wvup.edu/teen-medical.
For more information, please contact wed@wvup.edu or 304-424-8383.

Student Spotlight: Brady McMullen receives Organic Chemistry Award  

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 9, 2024) — Brady McMullen, WVU Parkersburg student, was awarded the American Chemical Society Sophomore Organic Chemistry Award during a ceremony at Marietta College on Thursday, April 23.

The ACS Organic Chemistry Award honors students who display a significant aptitude for organic chemistry and encourages them to further their interest in the field.

“Being a disciplined, hardworking, responsible and dedicated student, Brady has become the top student in his organic chemistry class,” said Nelum Karunathilake, assistant professor of chemistry. “Because of his commitments and performances, Brady was undoubtedly nominated for the Sophomore Organic Chemistry Award.”

McMullen has a passion for chemistry and believes it will be useful as he pursues a career as a pharmacist in the future.

“I am passionate about chemistry because it provides a fundamental understanding of the building blocks of matter and how they interact. The knowledge is crucial in pharmacy because it forms the basis of understanding how drugs work within the body,” McMullen said. “Chemistry allows me to comprehend the intricate molecular structures of pharmaceuticals and their interactions with biological systems. By mastering organic chemistry, I have gained insights into the synthesis, mechanisms and properties of various drug compounds, which will be valuable as I pursue a career in pharmacy.”

McMullen said chemistry has expanded his fascination of the pharmaceutical field.

“Organic chemistry has significantly influenced my interest in pharmacy by deepening my understanding of drug design, synthesis and mechanisms of action. This course has provided me with essential knowledge about the structure-function relationships of organic molecules, which are the basis of pharmaceutical compounds. Learning about reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods have enhanced my appreciation for the complexity of drug development in the importance of producing effective medications,” McMullen said.

McMullen has already been accepted into the pharmacy program at WVU for the Fall 2024 semester. After graduating from pharmacy school, he plans to be the pharmacist in his aunt and uncle’s pharmacy, Cox Family Pharmacy.