Fall 2024 WVU Parkersburg graduates announced 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 24, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is proud to recognize its December 2024 graduates who have earned certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. These graduates exemplify academic excellence, dedication and perseverance.

Graduates achieving a 3.50 to 4.00 grade point average (GPA) have been awarded academic honors, as follows: 3.50-3.749, Cum Laude; 3.75-3.99, Magna Cum Laude; and 4.0, Summa Cum Laude. The December WVU Parkersburg graduates are listed below by county and state:

WEST VIRGINIA GRADUATES

BERKELEY COUNTY — Falling Waters: Madisyn Eller, CERT, Child Development

BOONE COUNTY — Racine: Hannah Stout, CERT, Child Development

CABELL COUNTY — Huntington: Stevy Carte, RBA

Milton: Dakota Bird, AAS, Nursing

CALHOUN COUNTY — Arnoldsburg: Lexi Gregory, AAS, Nursing

CLAY COUNTY — Procious: Mykia Linkinoggor, CERT, Child Development

DODDRIDGE COUNTY — Salem: Julie Blake, AAS, Child Development, Cum Laude

West Union: Jared Harris, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude

GILMER COUNTY — Sand Fork: Montaiginey Linden, CERT, Child Development, Summa Cum Laude

JACKSON COUNTY — Cottageville: Olivia Fitzpatrick, AAS, Business Administration; Tyler Hartley, AAS, Nursing

Evans: Evan Bain, CERT, Digital Media Production; Jessica Ball, AA, General Education, Magna Cum Laude

Given: Jonathan Welling, AAS, Nursing

Kenna: Jason Thomas, RBA

Millwood: Kaley Durback, AA, General Education

Ravenswood: Charles Bowles, AAS Child Development, Magna Cum Laude; Courtney Cavender, AAS, BOG; Haley Dawson, CERT, Criminal Justice; Jenny Dixon, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Heather Green, RBA; Chelsey Helmick, AAS, Business Administration; Garrytt Horner, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Cassandra Lott, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Jaleigh Thompson, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice; Anthony Vespucci, RBA, Magna Cum Laude

Ripley: Kyanah Baldwin, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Braxton Carpenter, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Victoria Cochran, BAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Stephanie Hernandez, AAS, Business Administration, Abigail Roberts, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Zaya Settle, BAS, Communication & Media – Digital Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Jaylyn Sheppard, AAS, Nursing; Stormie Wilkinson, AAS, Business Administration

Sandyville: Christine Borden, AAS, BOG; Anna Salvado, CERT, Digital Media Production, Cum Laude

KANAWHA COUNTY — Charleston: Kayla Davis, AAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude; Phillip Jones, AAS, BOG; Emma Meade, AAS, Child Development

Hernshaw: Nicholas McCracken, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration

Sissonville: Alyson Thomas, CERT, Child Development

LEWIS COUNTY — Weston: Maggie Wyatt, AAS, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude, CERT, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude

LINCOLN COUNTY — Branchland: Codey Cantrell, AAS, BOG

MASON COUNTY — Letart: Emma Gibbs, BAS, Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude

 Mason: Kaylee Ferguson, AAS, Child Development; Carrie Hankinson, CERT, Child Development

New Haven: Deborah Miller, AAS Child Development, CERT, Child Development

MERCER COUNTY — Princeton: Summer Goad, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude

MONROE COUNTY — Ballard: Andrew Bonnell, AAS, Computer & Information Technology, Cum Laude

NICHOLAS COUNTY — Craigsville: Danielle Milam, BAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude

PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Scott McGraw, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

St. Marys: Olivia Birkhimer, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Megan Blouir, CERT, Business Administration AAS, Business Administration; Emily Gray, BAS, Criminal Justice; Brendan Miller, AAS, Occupational Development, Cum Laude; Bernadette Occilien, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Addison Parks, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Airyell Shultz, AAS, BOG, Magna Cum Laude; Eric Wherry, AAS, Business Administration

PUTNAM COUNTY — Hurricane: Jared Brotsky, RBA

RITCHIE COUNTY — Cairo: Alex Hendrickson, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Landyn Jenkins, CERT, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

Ellenboro: Zoe Butcher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

 Harrisville: Haley Nutt, AAS, Business Administration

 Pennsboro: Jaydon Holt, AAS, Elementary Education; Vanessa Patton, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Andrea Perrine, AAS, Child Development; Michaela Smith, AAS, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Emma Stahlman, AAS, Nursing; Casey VanScoy, AAS, Business Administration

Pullman: Evan Napier, BAS, Business Administration

ROANE COUNTY — Looneyville: Tiffany Pokrandt, AAS, Nursing

Reedy: Kelly Hardbarger, BAS, Business Administration; Kalista Williams, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude

Spencer: Cadin Raines, AAS, Nursing; Cheryl White, AAS, Nursing

TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Aleeah Fletcher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Scott Gorby, BA, Elementary Education; Ryley Vandyne, AS, Business Administration; Mallory Westbrook, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude

WAYNE COUNTY — Huntington: Joshua Adkins, RBA

WETZEL COUNTY — New Martinsville: Victoria Thomas, AAS, Nursing

WIRT COUNTY — Brohard: Stephanie Williams, AAS, Nursing;

Elizabeth: Madelynn Cogar, BAS, Business Administration; Kylie Cox, BAS, Business Administration; Brandon Foutty, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Noelle Foutty, CERT, Criminal Justice, AAS, Criminal Justice; Dalton Starcher, AAS, Welding Technology, CERT, Welding; Adam Thompson, AAS, Business Administration

Le Roy: Morgan Cale, BAS, Business Administration

Macfarlan: Elizabeth Perdue, AAS, Welding Technology

Palestine: Trenton Richards, AAS, Business Administration

WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Logan Bowman, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Mary Ellen Brown, BAS, Criminal Justice; Jeremy Ellis, AS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Chloe Lott, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Rebecca Page, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude

Davisville: Eliza Lawrentz, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude

Mineral Wells: Nichole Dellinger, BAS, Criminal Justice; Cami Derenberger, AAS, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Jessica Ellis, AAS, Nursing; Brianna Fields, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Quentin Kennedy, BA, Elementary Education; Abigail Lathem, BA, Elementary Education; Michael Meyer, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Colton Parsons, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Zachary Redmon, BAS, Supervisory Management; Colorado Sampson, AAS, Business Administration; Nathan Schramm, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Bryan Smith, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Blake Snyder, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Kimberly Thomas, RBA, Cum Laude; Elizabeth Weaver, RBA, Cum Laude

Parkersburg: Lindsey Adams, CERT, Child Development; Isaac Algmin, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Natalia Alvarez-Dominguez, Cosmetology, Magna Cum Laude; Madison Batten, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Chad Bennett, AAS, Business Administration; Sara Brace, RBA; David Buchanan, AAS, Business Administration CERT, Business Administration; Makayla Burns, BA, Elementary Education; Heather Caplinger, AAS, Cosmetology; Tesla Carr, AAS, Cosmetology; Payge Clark, RBA; Amanda Conner, AAS, BOG; Hayden Coull, AAS, Multi-Craft Technology; Sandi Deem, AAS, BOG; Sydney Dudley, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Rachel Echard, CERT, Criminal Justice; Allison Felker, CERT, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Jasmin Frederick, CERT, Business Administration; David Garnes, RBA, Cum Laude, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Shayden Gault, CERT, Criminal Justice; Jacob Giffin, AAS, Drafting; Mary Goe, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Amber Graham, RBA; Rhylea Graham, BAS, Business Administration; Dewey Greear, AAS, Nursing; Kensley Hager, RBA; Cole Hanshaw, AAS, Elementary Education; Carson Huck, BA, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, Cum Laude; Shaley Hughes, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Amy Hupp, RBA; John Johnson, BAS, Supervisory Management; Tonya Johnson, CERT, Criminal Justice; Matthew Joy, AAS, Business Administration; Johnathon Laxton, BAS, Business Administration; Christina Lumeyer, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice; Sophia Mahoney, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Nicholas Marucci, RBA; Kari Miller, AS, Business Administration; Micheal Murphy, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Madison Newbanks, BAS, Business Administration; Logan Nutter, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Elizabeth Onuoha, AAS, Nursing; Natasha Ott, AA, General Education; Lyndsey Parish, RBA; Brayden Pfaf, AAS, Business Administration; Abram Poling, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Cynthia Poling, AAS, Nursing, Summa Cum Laude; Crystal Proctor, CERT, Criminal Justice; Julie Rhodes, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Stephanie Riffle, AAS, BOG; Kelly Rockhold, BAT, Cum Laude; Melissa Shutts, BAS, Business Administration; Natalie Slusher, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Christopher Smith, BAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration, Sierra Smith, AAS, Nursing; Angel Sprouse, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Caitlyn Tallman, RBA; Ashley Tennant, AAS, BOG; Russell Traugh, CERT, Welding; Corbin Valvo, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Jena Vincent, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Lance Walters, CERT, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Mackenzie Willis, CERT, Business Administration

Petroleum: Amber Elliott, RBA

Rockport: Toni Brainard, AAS, Nursing; Ryan Kimes, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Sharon McCoy, AAS, Elementary Education, Cum Laude;

Vienna: Savanna Channell, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Riley Dunbar, AAS, Cosmetology, Cum Laude; Devon Fancher, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Hannah Gray, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Kylie Johnson, AAS, Cosmetology; Daniel Larkin, AAS, Occupational Development; Robert Lincicome, AAS, BOG; Olivia Matlack, AAS, Nursing; Mary Phillips, CERT, Business Administration; Chantel Rader, AAS, Cosmetology; Emily Snyder, AAS, Business Administration

Walker: Meghan Isaacs, AAS, Nursing

Washington: Hunter Brode, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Heather Ezell, AAS, BOG; Halle Hudson, RBA; Benjamin Kaminski, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Timothy Life, AAS, BOG; Kamryn Sallee, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Tyler Shedd, CERT, Business Administration; Logan Snyder, BAS, Business Administration

Williamstown: Emily Bailey, AAS, Criminal Justice, CERT, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Lisa Bell, AAS, Nursing; Mason Deem, AAS, Business Administration, CERT, Business Administration; Gabrielle Kibbe, CERT, Business Administration; Destin Lantz, CERT, Business Administration; Amberlee Miller, AAS, Nursing; Courtney Wood, BAS, Criminal Justice

OHIO GRADUATES

Anna: Jesse Tuente, AAS, Technical Studies, Summa Cum Laude

Belpre: Hannah Burdette, AS, Business Administration, AAS, Business Administration; Lanie Johnson, AAS, Cosmetology, Cum Laude; Samantha McGee, AAS, Elementary Education; Samantha Nay, AAS, Cosmetology; Che’ Venoy, BAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude

Coolville: Jonathan Graham, RBA

Glouster: Cheyenne Williams, CERT, Criminal Justice

Guysville: Tiffany Washburn, AAS, Nursing

Little Hocking: Tyler Kerns, BAS, Business Administration, AS, Business Administration; Kelsey Mitchell, RBA

Lowell: Abagail Offenberger, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Lower Salem: Savannah Jarvis, AAS, Nursing

Marietta: Tyler Haught, AAS, Occupational Development, Summa Cum Laude; Mariah Parks, RBA, Cum Laude

Mount Victory: Samuel Passwaters, AAS, Technical Studies

Paulding: Stewart Taylor, AAS, Technical Studies, Cum Laude

Vincent: Heidi Lee, AAS, BOG; Rebecca Williams, AAS, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude

Waterford: Jonathan Ragan, RBA; Lexie Riley, AAS, Nursing

HAWAII GRADUATES

Honolulu: John Hopkins, AAS, BOG, Summa Cum Laude

TEXAS GRADUATES

Natalia: Ryan Mullins, AAS, Occupational Development

Portland: Jesus Vasquez, AAS, Occupational Development, Cum Laude

VIRGINIA GRADUATES

Strasburg: Billie Stickles, RBA

WVU Parkersburg to host FAFSA Workshops

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 17, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is excited to announce a series of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Workshops to assist students and families with the financial aid application process for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Filling out the FAFSA each year creates opportunities for students to receive federal and state grants, scholarships and work-study job opportunities,” said Heather Skidmore, director of Financial Aid. “We understand that filling out the FAFSA can be difficult and sometimes confusing for students and their families. We are hoping that scheduling these workshops on various days and times allows everyone the opportunity to come in and get help with their FAFSA, ask questions about their financial aid, whatever they need!”

Financial Aid Office staff will be available during the workshops to provide one-on-one assistance with completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Skidmore encourages students bring their 2023 tax information and to create their FSA ID prior to attending the event.

Workshops are scheduled to take place in the Success Epicenter on the main campus during the following dates:

• Saturday, January 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, January 27, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Monday, February 10, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, February 22, 1 – 4 p.m.
• Monday, March 3, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, March 13, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Monday, April 7, 4 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, 2 – 5 p.m.
• Monday, April 14, 4 – 7 p.m.

Additionally, WVU Parkersburg will participate in West Virginia FAFSA Day on Thursday, February 6, 2025, with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This initiative is part of WVU Parkersburg’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers to higher education. Financial aid is a critical component of that mission and the FAFSA serves as the first step in unlocking opportunities for scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance.

For students who are unable to attend the scheduled workshops, WVU Parkersburg’s Office of Financial Aid is available during regular business hours to provide personalized assistance.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s financial aid services, visit wvup.edu/finaid or call 304.424.8210.

WVU Parkersburg hosts Sigma Alpha Pi Induction Ceremony          

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 17, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg hosted an Induction Ceremony for the Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) on Friday, December 6, 2024.

“Induction ceremonies are important because they formally mark a person’s transition into a new role or group, signifying their acceptance and membership while also providing a sense of belonging, pride and commitment to the organization’s values and standards. Essentially, it’s a way to publicly acknowledge and celebrate new members while establishing a connection to the group’s history and traditions,” said Lawrence J. McKenzie, advisor.

Dr. Jared Gump served as the keynote speaker during the event. His speech focused on leadership, success and the unique challenges introverts face in their leadership roles.

Students Julia Brooke Bland, Lyndsey Flevaris, Dalaney Haines, Johnathon Garret Laxton, James David Miller, Adam Christopher Rector, Amber Elliott, Amanda Hayes, Jodi Renee Lamp, Chandler Stephen McDowell, Lindsey Parish, Michael Brandon Riblett, Amber Saltz, Airyell Kaye Shultz, Jason Lee Thomas, Lily Shephard and Logan Gregory Skurupey were inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi.

New chapter officers were also recognized during the ceremony:

• Logan Skurupey was named the new student president.
• Jodi Lamp was named the new student vice president.
• Johnathon Laxton was named chair of social events.
• Lindsey Parish was named secretary.
• Crystal Proctor was named treasurer.

In addition, several awards were presented:

• Jared Gump received an Honorary Membership Award.
• Andrew Walker received an Excellence in Teaching Award.
• Katie Finnerty received an Excellence in Service to Students Award.
• Marie Butler received an Impact Leader Award.
• Lloyd Franklin Frazier II received an Impact Leader Award.

The Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, an accredited Honor Society, was established in 2021. Since then, more than 304 members in the chapter have joined the WVU Parkersburg Chapter of the NSLS. The NSLS is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success and empowers them to have a positive impact in their community.

WVU Parkersburg hosted its annual fall commencement ceremony, marking a memorable celebration for the fall class of 2024

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 14, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with Keith Burdette, president and chief executive officer of Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., as the keynote speaker.

Isabella Hileman, president of WVU Parkersburg’s Student Government Association, welcomed students and shared insights from her college journey, encouraging the fall class of 2024 to value their relationships, embrace challenges beyond their comfort zones and view graduation as the start of an even greater journey.

“Graduation is not an end, but instead it’s a part of a longer journey. Wherever the future takes you, let it be somewhere bright,” Hileman said.

Burdette highlighted the importance of the lessons that come after college, urging graduates to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and to remain open to the possibilities ahead. Drawing from his own experiences, he shared that his most meaningful lessons in life have stemmed not from success, but from failure. These challenging and often unwelcome moments, he explained, have profoundly shaped his actions and taught him to truly appreciate success.

“Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t be afraid to laugh at the mistakes,” Burdette said. “Be the best you can be at whatever you choose to be, but laugh at yourself a little along the way.”

With a career spanning public service and economic development, Burdette has held prominent roles, including cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Commerce and executive director of the West Virginia Development Office, where he attracted major companies like Procter & Gamble and Gestamp to the state. Burdette, the youngest Senate president in West Virginia’s history, also served in the House of Delegates and held influential advisory roles under Governors Earl Ray Tomblin and Bob Wise. In addition to leading significant industrial expansions and workforce programs, he continues to drive domestic and international business recruitment, contributing to West Virginia’s economic growth.

In her presidential remarks, Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted the history of higher education, the legacy of WVU Parkersburg and key steps students should take to move forward.

“Our success has been based on our ability to be adaptable and make necessary changes. The same skills you have learned are the ones we apply to redevelop ourselves and match the needs of our communities,” Jackson said. “It’s why we start new degrees. It’s why we reinvigorate others. Our mission still is to cultivate economic and social progress. We will continue to elevate and so should you.”

In closing, Jackson left graduates with an empowering message, “As you enter the next part of your life, have confidence, be proud of your accomplishments and know that you are ready to achieve more.”

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 123 graduates who proudly crossed the stage, with a total of 330 students earning certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.

The full fall 2024 commencement ceremony is available to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.  For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s programs and opportunities, visit https://www.wvup.edu.

Olivia Reeder vividly recalls a defining moment in her life. A frustrated college student, she had found herself in a large school, missing the sense of community that she loved in her small town. Feeling lost about her future, she left that school to return home. Landing at WVU Parkersburg, she found a place where she felt like a name instead of a number.

“Jeff Holland, now a colleague, says his leadership style is ‘management by walking.’ When I walked in, he was walking by the front doors that day, and he saw my ‘deer in the headlights look.’ I was almost crying, and he asked what he could help with,” Olivia said. “I showed him my schedule for a major that I wasn’t interested in, and he asked what I liked to do. I told him I loved newspaper in high school. He took me to meet the journalism professor, Dr. Torie Jackson. That woman changed my life and became my mentor.”

Olivia completed her undergraduate degree on time, majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Relations and an Associate’s in Journalism. After completing her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University, she was named coordinator of the Media and Communications program, replacing Jackson, who had been promoted to a dean position.

Now, continuing to pursue higher education, Olivia is the Dean of Early College at WVU Parkersburg, which serves over 700 students annually. She has sustained relationships with a vast network of area high school counselors, vocational-technical centers, alumni, donors, area businesses, and officials in that role. Her efforts have shown a trifecta of results: securing funding for critical programs, bringing students into those programs, and promoting the overall well-being of communities.

“One of my favorite quotes is ‘you don’t have to move away from a community to live in a better one,'” she says. “Creating excitement and then getting people excited to share the vision and understand that a rising tide lifts all boats. The more we do together and collaborate, the better it is for everyone.”

Olivia also serves as the Executive Director of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, spearheading fundraising for projects, including a capital campaign for the WVUP Innovation and Technology Center and The Student Health Fund, which provides free healthcare to students of WVU Parkersburg.

This aspect of her career also allows her to continue her love of community building with various stakeholders in and around her community. Central to who she is, assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping all students find their way through life provides ongoing fuel for her passion.

Through her volunteer work with Clutch MOV, Downtown PKB, The Historic Oakland Estate, and the West Virginia Symphony League, Olivia advocates for preserving Appalachian arts and history for all ages.

Recently, she was elected PVA President for Parkersburg Catholic Schools. “I think it’s important to start modeling community building at a young age, and it’s a way for kids to see what big change can come from a small group of dedicated people,” she says.

Born in North Carolina, Olivia has been raised in Parkersburg since the age of 5. When Olivia was in middle school, her mother returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree, showing her what hard work and dedication look like while still being a productive community member and managing a family. Her mom’s example, including avid volunteer work for the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, has been a driving force in Olivia’s life.

Olivia and her husband, Dylan, live in Parkersburg and have two young sons, Luke and Logan. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Higher Education Administration through Valdosta State University and continues to create synergy in her community through fundraising projects and volunteer work.

Her superpower? “I would say it’s some form of adaptability – being willing to do whatever is needed to keep the inertia going,” Olivia says.

WVU Parkersburg’s BOG talks new IMC and Esthetics programs

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 23, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to discuss the approval of three new programs, the college’s involvement in the community and project updates.

Dr. David Lancaster, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, brought three new programs before the board for approval. WVU Parkersburg plans to phase out its Communications and Media Studies degree for an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) degree, as well as introduce a new Esthetics program.

“Due to changes in industry standards and low program enrollment in Communication and Media Studies, it has become necessary to restructure offering an AAS and a BAS Integrated Marketing Communication degree, which is supported by our community partners,” said Lancaster. “IMC provides a well-rounded skill set that will allow students multiple opportunities upon completion. Courses are realigned to meet industry changes in technology, news reporting and social media standards.”

Lancaster continued, explaining that the new Esthetics program will be a two-semester program that will offer students a Certificate of Applied Science specializing in skin care. This program is a 600-hour program that teaches students skin care, waxing and makeup artistry.

“We are called the WVU Parkersburg School of Cosmetology and Esthetics, so the need for the program is to live up to our name. There is also a demand for esthetics in the spa and medical settings,” said Lancaster.

The board unanimously approved the three programs.

President Dr. Torie Jackson showed her Halloween spirit and dressed as the “good” Sandy from Grease. Jackson tied her costume into her Presidential Report, explaining that the themes of Grease are centered around transformation, identity and personal growth, similar to how a community college serves its community.

“Overall, the themes in Grease speak of achieving more, which is exactly what WVU Parkersburg does by helping individuals develop skills and knowledge, leading to a stronger, more capable community,” said Jackson. “And this, governors, ensures that ‘the power we’re providing, it’s electrifying,’ and that makes me WVU Parkersburg proud.”

Jackson discussed recent opportunities she had to speak in the community, at the Wood County Development Authority’s annual meeting and at the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Annual Meeting. Jackson shared a video of her presentation at the NACCE, where she discussed WVU Parkersburg’s involvement in the community and local businesses and her involvement as Izzy, the mascot for Discovery World on Market.

Jackson also reported that a recent study by Lightcast revealed the economic impact of the college is $178.6 million and that one out of every 29 jobs in our region is supported by a WVU Parkersburg student or alumni.

Joe Oliverio, board chair, gave the Executive Committee Report, discussing updates on projects like the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center and the Jackson County Center. Oliverio noted that the JCC is slightly behind schedule due to contracting, but should be open by January. He said the ITC has been cleared of asbestos, the roofs are almost complete and the interior construction is about to go out for bid. The ITC is still set to open in phases starting August of 2025.

Blaine Hess, board member, gave the Academic and Student Services Committee. Hess said that Jeremy Harrison, media production specialist, gave them a tour of WVU Parkersburg’s newly updated website. The website features a language translator that can change the website into one of over 100 different languages, in an effort to make the website accessible to more students. To see the website, visit wvup.edu.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place January 21, 2025.

WVU Parkersburg’s Surgical Technology program relaunches for the Spring 2025

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 16, 2024) — Surgical technologists are indispensable members of the operating room team, supporting surgeons, ensuring patient safety and enabling life-saving procedures. WVU Parkersburg is proud to announce the relaunch of its Surgical Technology Program for the Spring 2025 semester, offering comprehensive training for those seeking a rewarding career in this critical healthcare field.

“I believe this program is beneficial for students, because it helps ensure the safety of surgeries and patients. Students will learn how to perform surgeries safely, keeping equipment and instruments sterilized to help prevent patients from contracting surgical site infections,” said Brandi Durst, Surgical Technology program director. “It is a very in-demand profession and our CAAHEP accredited program gives students the ability to travel nationally.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Surgical Technology program offers hands-on training with experienced faculty. Students will learn how to be responsible for preparing the operating room, how to assist during surgeries and how to fulfill post-operative duties.

“I am excited that the program is starting back up because there is a national and local need for surgical technologists,” said Durst. “I also really love this profession and how we are able to help the people in our community when they are at their most vulnerable. I am excited to share my passions and my knowledge with the next group of surgical technology students.”

To learn more about the Surgical Technology program at WVU Parkersburg, contact Brandi Durst at brandi.durst@wvup.edu, or call 304.420.8655.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 4, 2024) — It’s not too late to sign up for the Fall 2024 semester at WVU Parkersburg — Late Start Classes are now open for registration.

“This fall we have a more robust selection of late start courses for students,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson. “We know not everyone is ready for classes in August and want to invite them to join us in October as they begin their life-changing educational careers.”

Late Start Classes are courses that begin after the start of the semester. These eight-week classes are shorter than typical semester-length courses, but offer the same amount of credits. Late Start Classes begin Oct. 14, 2024.

Courses include, but are not limited to:

Intro to General Chemistry

• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Public Speaking
• Composition 1
• Financial Bus Application
• Quantitative Literacy
• Criminology
• Theater Appreciation

If you’re interested in applying, email admissions@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8310.

To see a full list of classes, visit wvup.edu/classes, click Fall 2024 and search the Express Courses tab at the top of the page.