Statement of Chris Gilmer, Ph.D.

President, West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Regarding the Tragic Death of George Floyd and the Aftermath

 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 1, 2020) – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said it best, as he often did:  “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Let it be known to all that West Virginia University at Parkersburg is not a silent friend. To that of all people of good conscience, we add our deep and abiding sympathy to the family and friends of the late George Floyd, and to all of those who mourn his untimely and senseless loss.

As a University, we reaffirm our official and our unofficial commitment, both in policy and in practice, to create and to sustain a safe and supportive environment in which all who learn, work, and visit here are treated with equal and abiding dignity and respect. It is true and should be obvious that all lives matter. In a moment such as this, however, following on the sad reality of so many wrongful deaths of young Black men in particular, it is necessary and appropriate to specifically reaffirm that Black Lives Matter.

It is also necessary and appropriate to reaffirm the rule of law on our campuses and in this nation and to recognize the brave and meritorious service of law enforcement personnel of good conscience. These men and women of all races put their lives on the line daily to protect us, and I believe their actions reflect the majority of their colleagues. Their compassionate behavior, however, does not in any way excuse the inhumane behavior of other officers any more than my actions define your character or your actions define mine.

Let us all greet each other with humility and generosity of spirit, working together as Dr. King would have us to do, as a community of mutually supportive friends committed to the common goal of educating our students and serving our neighbors. Let us not forget George Floyd.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 28, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Elementary Education program has achieved accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for meeting rigorous national standards for excellence in teacher preparation.

As the sole nationally-recognized accrediting body for educator preparation, CAEP advances equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review on five standards based on the principles that its graduates are competent and caring educators, and its educator staff can create a culture of evidence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer. CAEP review occurs every seven years for programs that have met all standards set by the accrediting body.

“WVU Parkersburg’s Elementary Education program’s commitment to excellence in preparing tomorrow’s teachers was verified by the outstanding accreditation report received from CAEP,” said Dr. David Lancaster, professor and chair of the Education Division, WVU Parkersburg. “I’m so proud of our nationally accredited program for having the highest quality and lowest tuition in West Virginia.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Elementary Education program gives teacher candidates the option of securing a teaching certificate to teach all subjects in grades K-6 for any state in the United States. Students can also choose to specialize in content areas for grades 5-9, including English, General Math – Algebra I, Social Studies, Science and PreK-K.

Established in 1992, WVU Parkersburg’s teacher education program has an exceptional record of state and national accreditation approval.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Elementary Education program, contact the Center for Student Services at admissions@wvup.edu or 304-424-8310.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 21, 2020) – Thirteen area students are graduating high school with an early start on their college education. Through West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Early College program, the students had the opportunity to complete their first full year of college while earning their high school diploma.

The 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. To earn a Certificate of Applied Science 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.

WVU Parkersburg awarded a Certificate of Applied Science in General Education degree to the following Early College students for the Spring 2020 semester:

ST. MARYS HIGH SCHOOL – Peyton Auxier, Hannah Barker, Aiden Cosper, Jocelynn Campbell, Aimee Chambers, Bethany McFarland, Peyton Oliver, Jaden Schofield, William Steele and Mary Taylor.

RITCHIE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL – Eric Darnold, Andrea Kirk and Garrett Owens.

“The faculty and staff of St. Marys High School would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our students who have successfully completed courses through WVU Parkersburg and especially to those who have been dedicated to completing their certificate degrees,” said Shelley Taylor, assistant principal, St. Marys High School. “We would also like to thank the faculty and staff of WVU Parkersburg for their time and effort in order to provide this amazing opportunity to our students. Our students have been able to complete 40+ hours of their college education prior to their high school graduation without having to leave our school grounds. Most of our students are able to complete their post-secondary coursework in less time than a traditional college student and/or double major without spending extra time and money.”

During the 2019-2020 academic year, a record-breaking number of nearly 1,000 high school students from 10 area high schools, as well as homeschools, participated in the college’s Early College program.

“The opportunities given to me by not only St. Marys High School, but WVU Parkersburg, have given me the reliable stepping stone I needed to jumpstart my education and future goals,” said Aimee Chambers, St. Marys High School Class of 2020.

The program is open to all public school districts, private schools and homeschools in the college’s seven-county service region. Tuition for eligible high school students is currently $50 per credit hour, and scholarships may be available for qualifying students.

With proper planning, students can save more than $23,000 in tuition by enrolling in the Early College program and completing their first full year of college while in high school.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program, visit wvup.edu/earlycollege or contact earlycollege@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 20, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg honored 38 students, four faculty, and two staff members during the annual Honors Ceremony sponsored by United Bank. Due to the public health situation, this year’s recipients were recognized with a virtual celebration at wvup.edu/virtual-honors-ceremony. WVU Parkersburg leadership, faculty and staff filmed video presentations to honor the accomplishments of students they nominated.

“Although circumstances do not allow us to gather together, WVU Parkersburg has come together in so many other ways to support our students,” said WVU Parkersburg Provost Dr. Chad Crumbaker. “Our students succeeded during a challenging semester, and their persistence is a true inspiration to our campus community. Congratulations, honorees!”

Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Parkersburg president, presented the Community Partner of the Year award for the main campus to Hino. Dr. Steven Smith, vice president for Enrollment Management and Jackson County Center (JCC) CEO, announced Constellium as the Community Partner of the Year for JCC. This award recognizes a collaborative effort to offer both organizations training and development to their employees and respective regions.

Dr. Gilmer also named the Lutz family as the Philanthropist of the Year recipient. The family gifted the Oakland House, a mansion built by James Stephenson in 1832, to the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation for the upkeep and care of an important piece of history. Oakland resides on Seventh Street and has been a part of Parkersburg’s history for over 180 years.

Dr. Smith named David and Linda Dickirson its Philanthropist of the Year for their continued commitment to the center and the greater Ripley area. Last year, the Dickirsons sponsored a WVU at Parkersburg Foundation fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Violet Mosser Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund provides tuition assistance to JCC students with a proven financial need.

The complete list of award winners includes:
Community Partner of the Year, Parkersburg Campus
Hino

Community Partner of the Year, Jackson County Center
Constellium

Philanthropist of the Year, Parkersburg Campus
The Lutz Family

Philanthropist of the Year, Jackson County Center
David and Linda Dickirson

All West Virginia Academic Team Member
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Catch a Shining Star Chapter, PTK
Fallyn Buffington
Allison Ezell
Seth Kerby
Brittany Sword
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar Award
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Distinguished Chapter Officer Nominees, PTK
Fallyn Buffington
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Five Star Chapter Award, PTK
Fallyn Buffington
Allison Ezell
Seth Kerby
Brittany Sword
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Most Distinguished Ohio Member, PTK
Serena Graham

PTK Inductees
Hunter Ackerman
Timothy Bales
MacKenzie Byrd
Brittany LaMar
Alicia Life

Regional PTK Officer, 2020-2021
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

Top 10 Regional Chapter, PTK
Fallyn Buffington
Allison Ezell
Seth Kerby
Brittany Sword
Victoria Poellot-Tauber

ADN Student of the Year
Hannah Ray

RN-BSN Student of the Year
Ben Priddy

First Surgical Technology CST-AAS Graduates
Jamie Broscious
Amber Riggins

Surgical Technology Inspiring Leader Award
Nicole Kittrell-Hughart

Surgical Technology Outstanding Student Award
Caylee Carmichael

2020 Outstanding Artist Award
Timothy Bales
Amelia Hartzog

Outstanding Achievement in Leadership
Holly Buskirk

Collegiate Honor Choir
Anthony Province
Philip Wilson

Digital Media Excellence
Ryan McCoy
Madison Sayre

Dottie Bibbee Student of the Year
Toni Grogg

Excellence in Media and Communication
Kaitlyn Thompson

WPKM Service Award
Noah Bird

Outstanding Experiential Learning Student
Ryan McCoy

Elementary Education Students of the Year
Brittany Sheppard
Paige Burner

Outstanding High School Biology Students
Aidan Roberts
Andrew Shaw
Ben Vierheller

Outstanding Early College Students
Aimee Chambers
Mary Taylor
Eric Darnold
Andrea Kirk

Academic Excellence in Business
Justina Morris

Leadership Excellence in Business
Daniel Seebaugh

Service Excellence in Business
Kaitlyn Frazier

Academic Excellence in Criminal Justice
Fallyn Buffington

Service Excellence in Criminal Justice
Seth Kerby

Law and Society Scholar Award
Miranda Reed

Student Organization of the Year
Student Surgical Technology Association

Tutor of the Year
Leah Harvey

Faculty of the Year, Parkersburg Campus
Dr. Lauri Reidmiller

Faculty of the Year, Jackson County Center
Joyce Stover

Adjunct of the Year, Parkersburg Campus
Jessica Trippett

Staff of the Year, Parkersburg Campus
Jennifer Conrad-Miller

Staff of the Year, Jackson County Center
David Mullins

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 18, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Ascend program is on track to start this fall. Accelerating Student Completion: Encouraging New Dreams (Ascend) is a program created to help more students earn certificate and associate degrees within three years by increasing financial, academic and personal supports.

Funded by a $1.7 million, five-year grant from Arnold Ventures, Ascend is modeled after the Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs (ASAP) at City University of New York’s (CUNY) colleges. WVU Parkersburg is one of two community colleges in W.Va. selected to pilot this program.

WVU Parkersburg Ascend students will receive textbook assistance to reduce or eliminate the cost of books; a monthly Kroger gift card to help pay for groceries or gas; a tuition gap waiver covering remaining tuition and mandatory fees left after applying a student’s financial aid award; a devoted advisor from start to graduation; special registration options to get students the courses that best fit their schedule; and enhanced academic and career assistance from campus support areas.

As students approach graduation, they will receive additional assistance to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at WVU Parkersburg, another four-year college or enter the workplace, depending on their goals.

To be eligible for Ascend, students must have less than 15 college credits (credits obtained by high school students are not counted unless a student has 30 or more credits), minimum 2.0 GPA and enroll in an Ascend-approved major. Students must qualify for in-state tuition and re-apply for FAFSA each year, accepting all federal and state grants and scholarships.

“WVU Parkersburg is proud to begin this partnership and provide more benefits to our students as they achieve their academic goals,” said Jennifer Forster, WVU Parkersburg Ascend director. “CUNY has positively impacted the lives of so many students and we hope to do the same with these invaluable resources.”

A study by Levin and Garcia (2017) found a 30.8% increase completion rate for students participating in the ASAP program as well as more students graduating and placing into the workplace. WVU Parkersburg hopes to replicate these success rates, increasing the number of students who enter and graduate from high-demand programs, and then move on to high-wage jobs.

To learn more, contact ascend@wvup.edu or 304.424.8353. Apply to WVU Parkersburg Ascend at wvup.edu/ascend. The priority registration deadline is July 1, 2020.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 13, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has acted quickly to award more than $876,000 in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to students in need with financial expenses related to COVID-19.

The college invited qualifying students to apply for an emergency grant to assist with food, technology and child care expenses needed to continue their higher educational pursuits. The grant application period ran from April 24 to May 8.

Financial Aid staff reviewed the applications and awarded a total of $876,544 in funding to 1,046 students, with grants ranging from $650 to $1,300. The college decided to award a $650 cash grant to every eligible student, plus additional funds to those who filled out an application indicating greater financial need. Students awarded a grant will receive funds by as early as Friday, May 15 via the student’s requested refund method (direct deposit, BankMobile VIBE deposit or paper check in the mail).

“While WVU Parkersburg is delighted to be able to support our eligible students with these grants, we wish we had been able to give every student a grant in this difficult time,” said WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer. “We appreciate the federal government for providing us with these funds, but we want our students and their families to realize that we were given strict federal guidelines about which students would qualify and which would not. The University had to follow those guidelines, but we did not develop them at the local level.”

WVU Parkersburg administration determined the individual grant award amounts based on the belief that all students attending classes at the Parkersburg Campus or Jackson County Center were in some way financially impacted by the disruption of switching to 100 percent online courses and the closing of its facilities.

“We recognize that all of our students have been challenged financially and in other ways by this pandemic, and we want all of them to know that we support them and are here for them. We look forward to welcoming a large number of students for summer school in the coming weeks and a large group of new and returning students for the fall semester. Everyone is welcome at WVU Parkersburg, and we hope everyone will choose to take advantage of a high-quality, local higher education,” added Gilmer.

For more information, go to www.wvup.edu/CARES-Emergency-Grants.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 8, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Omicron Pi Chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business recently elected new student officers for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The newly-elected student officers include:

President: Daniel Seebaugh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice President/President-Elect: Mariah Stansberry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary: Victoria Poellot-Tauber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer: Mitchell Newbanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Each officer is charged with meeting the needs of their members, and of the university community,” said Dr. Billy Stone, Delta Mu Delta Omicron Pi chapter faculty advisor and WVU Parkersburg assistant professor of business. “The chapter members have confirmed their confidence in each officer’s ability to execute the duties of the office and to represent the chapter as confirmed by the majority of votes cast.”

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 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.

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 or the chapter officers at OmicronPi@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 7, 2020) – Victoria Poellot-Tauber, West Virginia University at Parkersburg student and Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter vice president, has been named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship for demonstrating academic excellence, leadership and excellence in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators based upon an application they submit. One of the most important pieces of the application is the essay portion. Poellot-Tauber’s application was chosen by Sigma Omega Chapter advisors for her ability to encourage and motivate others, using her past experiences as inspiration.

“Victoria is an achiever! She aims for excellence in all she does,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter advisor. “She sets high goals and isn’t afraid to accomplish them, no matter how difficult they may be. She knows what it means to fall, but most importantly, she knows how to get back up and doesn’t allow disappointments to stop her from the goals she has set.”

Ambitious in her pursuits, Poellot-Tauber will graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting; Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Financial Management; Associate of Science in Business Administration and a Certificate and Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Phi Theta Kappa is a premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations.

Parkersburg, W.Va. – (May 1, 2020) – The heARTS of the MOV, a virtual variety show featuring the works of local artists and a host of national and international artists who support them, will air the first of 13 episodes Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m., on Facebook.

The Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley, a joint initiative of the area’s arts organizations, is hosting the shows. WVU Parkersburg is the home of the collaborative, which is supported by a grant from the Ross Foundation.

The heARTS showcase is designed to highlight the talent in the Mid-Ohio Valley and some friends of the Mid-Ohio Valley that are scattered across the nation and around the world. Every week we will feature at least four entertainers from a variety of backgrounds, including singers, dancers, actors, novelists, bands, choirs, musicians, poets, painters, and potters to name a few.

“Art in all its form is powerful, healing and much needed right now,” said WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer. “The collaborative and all our partners want to bring something good, something positive, something encouraging and something new during this time of uncertainty.”

Host organizations are Artsbridge, the Parkersburg Actors Guild, the Parkersburg Art Center, The Historic Smoot Theatre, ArtBeat Studios at the Wood County Society, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra – Parkersburg, Schrader Youth Ballet, the Parkersburg Children’s Museum and WVU Parkersburg.

Michael Enoch of Enoch Productions, a WVU Parkersburg alumnus, has volunteered his services to support the showcase and local artists. WVU Parkersburg students and staff are designing the event.

Join us on Facebook every Friday for an hour of diverse entertainment and a whole lot of fun. Mark your calendar for May 8 at 7 p.m. for the premiere of the heARTS Virtual Variety Hour.

The first episode will feature the award-winning Parkersburg High School A Capella Choir, a fun performance from the Classics of Soul, some art tips from the Parkersburg Art Center and a few other surprising and fun acts.

Visit the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley Facebook page to learn more about the initiative and the heARTS Virtual Variety Hour.

Parkersburg, W.Va. – (April 29, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has once again been recognized as the most affordable college in the nation for its online bachelor’s degree in child development by OnlineU. The published rankings help prospective students find an online degree program that matches their budget and career aspirations by comparing colleges across the U.S.

“To be number one in the nation is something almost impossible to achieve, but to do it in back-to-back years is beyond any set expectations,” said Dr. David Lancaster, professor and chair of the Education Division, WVU Parkersburg. “I’m so proud of our child development program in achieving this status.”

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in child development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree and then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way.

All students, no matter where they live, receive in-state tuition and can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Child Development entirely online for $2,652 or less per semester, depending on course load. Additionally, WVU Parkersburg’s tuition charges are capped, so any credits taken in excess of 12 credit hours per semester are offered at no additional charge.

Students in this program gain the knowledge to earn credentials in the child development field to create positive learning environments in child care centers, Head Start and professional positions at the local and state level for young children to learn and grow their emotional, social and cognitive skills. Program courses include Guiding Young Children, Healthy Environments and Infant & Toddler Development.

Students from West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia and California are currently pursuing or have completed the online child development degree program through WVU Parkersburg.

OnlineU’s 2020 Most Affordable Child Development Degrees Online rankings represent schools across the nation that are committed to providing quality, low-cost online bachelor’s degrees in child development. Schools are ranked based on factors such as affordability, accessibility and quality. The tuition rates of 193 accredited colleges were manually researched and collected to determine and rank the most affordable options.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s child development program, contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000, ext. 430, or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.