News Type: Alumni

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –West Virginia Wesleyan College and Valley Health Care, Inc. have partnered to provide critical access to continuing education for Valley Health Care medical professionals to meet the health care needs of North Central West Virginia. 

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “This strategic partnership between West Virginia Wesleyan College and Valley Health Care embodies our institutional mission to share educational resources with our local and regional communities, while preparing students to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly. By providing accessible continuing education opportunities for Valley Health employees and their families, we’re not only investing in their professional development, but also fulfilling the college’s vision to prepare the next generation of leaders to meet the needs of West Virginia and Appalachia. Our diverse range of graduate programs, from nursing to mental health counseling and business administration, offers Valley Health employees multiple pathways to advance their careers and enhance their ability to serve our communities.  This collaboration exemplifies West Virginia Wesleyan College’s commitment to fostering local talent and creating a more robust, well-educated health care workforce for West Virginia.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College will provide Valley Health Care employees who successfully matriculate into the FNP or DNP programs with a 10 percent tuition partner discount, but there are other opportunities as well for employees to pursue higher education degrees. In addition to the nursing graduate programs, WVWC recently launched an Executive MBA program; this is a robust online program with short weekend residency requirements for networking and collaboration. Other scholarships will be available to employees and their dependents for undergraduate tuition to one of WVWC’s nearly 60 majors.

Dr. Amanda Jones, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC ’23 is Valley Health Care’s Chief Medical Officer. 

“Valley Health Care Inc.’s partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College marks a significant step forward in educational development and professional growth opportunities for employees and their families,” Jones said. “This collaboration embodies the spirit of Lyndon B. Johnson’s words, transforming education from a mere necessity to a valuable opportunity. By making higher education more accessible, Valley Health Care Inc. not only invests in the personal advancement of its staff but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing the health care sector in West Virginia. The initiative is poised to create a ripple effect, potentially increasing the number of qualified health care professionals in the region and improving the overall quality of health care services. It’s a commendable effort that underscores the importance of continuous learning and the power of community partnerships in fostering educational and professional enrichment.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

ABOUT VALLEY HEALTH CARE, INC. 

Valley Health Care, Inc. is a federally qualified health center that provides medical and behavioral health care to patients with insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid, and for those without health insurance or who are underinsured through the clinic’s Care Connect Program. With health centers and full-service pharmacies in Mill Creek and Elkins, along with 11 school-based health centers, Valley Health Care has been committed to making a difference in the communities they serve by providing reliable, compassionate health care at affordable prices since 1989.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College awarded honorary degrees to two individuals who have made a lasting impact on the College.

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, of the West Virginia Annual Conference, received a Doctor of Humane Letters.

Steiner Ball was ordained Deacon and Elder by Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of The United Methodist Church. She was elected to the episcopacy by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference (NEJ) in 20212 and was assigned to the West Virginia Area. Steiner Ball also currently partners with Bishop Moore-Koiko to provide episcopal coverage for the Susquehanna Conference in Pennsylvania.

“She is the epitome of a true servant leader,”  Vice President of Advancement Kristi Wilkerson ’99 said. “Because of her dedication to West Virginia and to West Virginia Wesleyan College, we are all better because she has been a part of us for the past 12 years.”

Steiner Ball is a graduate of Dickinson College, Duke Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Dr. Cynthia Brissey, retiring Associate Dean of Faculty, also received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from WVWC.

Brissey’s commitment to teaching and learning has taken many forms, teaching biology at secondary and college levels, serving in student support positions and then supporting faculty.  Brissey’s relationship with WVWC began as a lab coordinator and instructor in the biology department. Her involvement on Assessment Council ultimately impacted the remainder of her service to WVWC. The College’s Title III federal grant allowed her to focus on faculty support through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Participating with faculty in the assessment of the General Education program led to coordinating the College’s assessment program and serving on three accreditation steering committees. Following the conclusion of the Title III grant, the Center for Teaching and Learning joined the Dean’s Office, allowing her to support the broader work of Academic Fairs.

Brissey began her journey in higher education at Salem College, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and then earned a Master of Science in biology from West Virginia University. She pursued graduate studies in science education and higher education curriculum and instruction.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is launching a new online Master’s in Business Administration to meet the unique needs of working professionals who require a flexible, affordable program to advance their careers or excel in their current roles.  

The Executive MBA Program in the Thomas A. Albinson School of Business will offer flexibility, practical relevance, experienced faculty, peer learning, a global perspective, leadership development and networking opportunities. Throughout the program, students will engage in case studies, simulations and projects that directly apply to their professional roles, ensuring immediate applicability of learning.

West Virginia Wesleyan College President Dr. James Moore said, “I’m really excited about the launch of this program and would like to thank Dr. Kim Conrad for her leadership. We’ve heard loud and clear from our industry partners that there is a real need for an executive MBA program that focuses on training the next generation of business leaders to advance North Central West Virginia and beyond. I believe this program will do that and more.”

The EMBA program will cost $500 per credit hour with students needing 36 hours of credit to graduate.  Designed to be flexible with working professionals who balance work study and personal commitments, the program can be completed in as little as 12 months or extended to 18 or 24 months. 

There are two residency requirements – an Orientation and Networking Residency for 2 ½ days prior to the start of the first semester and a 2 ½ day capstone residency to finish out the program. During the residencies, students will network with industry leaders, alumni and professionals in the business world.

More information can be found at www.wvwc.edu/emba.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the second JazzFest April 13-15 featuring three concerts which are free and open to the public in the  Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

On Saturday, the Wesleyan Alumni Big Band will perform at 7 p.m. in the PAC. On Sunday,  April 14 at 3 p.m., the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. and feature Kenny Rittenhouse ’88. The finale concert on Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. will showcase visiting high school students under the direction of Rittenhouse.

“Having the opportunity to showcase jazz at this level is very special for us,” Director of Athletic Bands Robert Palmer said. “Jazz has been an integral part of the arts at Wesleyan for a very long time, so having a weekend solely for it will be meaningful for everyone involved.”

Rittenhouse, a highly esteemed music educator, served as the adjunct Jazz Trumpet Professor for 13 years at George Mason University, where he passionately shared his knowledge and expertise. Currently, he is an adjunct trumpet professor at Morgan State University, teaching classical trumpet and bringing over 30 years of experience, including his distinguished tenure in The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) to the classroom.

His commitment to education is further reflected in his role as the music director for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, where he nurtures young Jazz musicians and enhances their musical journey. Kenny earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1988. He later obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland in 2006. Additionally, he undertook graduate studies in trumpet and jazz at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Barbara Butler, Bill Dobbins, and Rayburn Wright, and at Duquesne University, studying under Roger Sherman from the Pittsburgh Symphony. These educational experiences enhanced his expertise in both classical and jazz music, shaping his successful career as a music educator, performer, and director.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Professional Development will host a Career and Graduate School Fair on Thursday, March 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library.

The fair is designed to help WVWC students build professional connections and pursue next career steps.

Dr. Justin Bowers, director of career services and experiential learning said, “The Center for Professional Development is excited to once again host several businesses and graduate schools here on campus to support our students in pursuing their next vocational steps. We have over 20 organizations joining us for this event, and we still have room for those who might like to participate.” 

Graduate schools and/or employers interested in setting up at the fair should fill out the form found here. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will celebrate its annual spring day of giving on February 29. The 2024 WVWC Day of Giving focuses on athletic facility improvements. More specifically, funds raised will support upper-level bleacher replacement in the Rockefeller Physical Education Center gymnasium.

Because the gymnasium is a community space utilized for camps, festivals, ceremonies, and other similar programs, the greater Buckhannon-Upshur region is invited to make a gift on February 29 by visiting give.wvwc.edu to give online or by sending a contribution to WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Gifts of $21, $210 or even $2,100 are encouraged in honor of the 21 varsity Bobcat sports teams. All gifts are tax-deductible.

The current bleachers have served WVWC well and are original to the building, which opened in 1974. Up-to-date facilities and an atmosphere of pride foster growth among the Wesleyan community and beyond.  Replacing the bleachers allows the College to offer functional, modern space for student athletes, varsity athletic teams, intramurals, campus events, community functions, and more.

WVWC Day also celebrates all Bobcat student athletes and athletic teams by using the hashtag #PrideBeginsAtHome, a phrase coined by new Director of Athletics Dr. Rae Emrick ’95. Accepting the invitation to participate in WVWC Day by making a gift will help to transform campus and confirm that pride does, indeed, begin at home.

Questions regarding WVWC Day may be directed to 304-473-8600 or makeagift@wvwc.edu

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College and St. Joseph’s Hospital are excited to announce the return of their annual fundraising Gala. After several years of hiatus, the lavish Gala will return in March of 2024.

This year’s Gala will be “An Evening of Mardi Gras Magic” held on Friday, March 22, 2024 in the “French Quarter” at the beautiful Stonewall Resort. Come experience an evening of magic with a cool jazz reception beginning at 6 p.m. followed by a New Orleans Style parade to a scrumptious feast at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on live music provided by the incomparable sound of the Boilermaker Jazz Band along with live and silent auctions and other exciting activities. Dress is black tie optional, Mardi Gras attire is welcome.

Table and individual sponsorships are now available including the “Big Easy Benefactor” with two tables of 10 and promotion; the “French Quarter Supporter” with one table of 10 and promotion; the “Cajun Contributor” with one table of 10; and individual tickets with the “Party Gras Patron.”  Select Signature Event Sponsorships are also available by calling 304-473-8485.

Reserve online at www.wvwc.edu/gala2024 or by calling 304-473-8485.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Department of Biology and Chemistry acquired a new EVOS Imaging System microscope thanks to the generosity of an alum and the Star Instrumentation Grants Program.

The EVOS Imaging System is a fully integrated digital inverted microscope for four-color fluorescence, transmitted light and color applications. The Celeste Image Analysis System allows for real-time imaging and 3-D reconstruction of fluorescently stained cells and tissues.

The late Robert H. Sammis ‘56, a long-time benefactor of the science programs at the college, provided $25,000 in funding and the rest came from the grant.

The new microscope arrived at the end of the 2022-2023 academic year and was put to use almost immediately.

Dr. Luke Huggins’ research looks at plant natural products as novel cancer treatments.His students in molecular cell biology performed two-color fluorescence staining of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells to examine the effects of reishi mushroom extract of matrix metalloproteinase-2 production.

“This microscope allows us to do publication-quality, multi-color fluorescence and three-dimensional imaging,” he said. “We couldn’t do the three-dimensional imaging and the color is much better. This is bringing us up to state-of-the-art. We have replaced a good microscope that was 20 years old with a really modern research microscope.”

Dr. Bruce Anthony’s lab examines the effects of drug abuse on the central nervous system. With the new microscope, research students are able to examine the changes in both a 2-D and 3-D structure and to determine neuroplastic dynamics during drug recovery. Over the summer, students used the system to look at the effects of ethanol on neuronal stem cells.

Other classes will also benefit from the microscope.

Between 50 and 75 students will be trained to use the new microscope each year. The focus on experimental design, analysis and written communication in these courses is essential to the development of the critical thinking skills needed by biomedical graduates and the microscope provides another tool. Another five to 15 research students will have the opportunity to use the system as part of the West Virginia Wesleyan Summer Undergraduate research or through the Maier Foundation.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel ushering in the holiday season for West Virginia Wesleyan College and local community.

Dr. R. Daniel Hughes, Chair of the WVWC Department of Music, said, “The program this year features music by many English composers including William Walton, Herbert Howells, Samuel Wesley, Charles Wood, John Gardner, Judith Weir, Bob Chilcott and Errollyn Wallen. It will also feature carols for all to sing, including favorite arrangements by David Willcocks accompanied by brass quintet, organ and timpani.”

Dean of the Chapel Rev. Jonathan Acord, said, “The purpose of Festival of Lessons and Carols is to invite the Wesleyan community to experience the story of Christ’s revelation to the world through reflection and song.”

Members of the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus community will be invited to share this story during the program.

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum, conducted by Hughes, will be joined by several alumni and by singers in fourth through eighth grades from Buckhannon Academy Elementary School, Flemington Elementary School, West Taylor Elementary School and Shady Spring Middle School, thanks to their teachers and West Virginia Wesleyan alumni Braden Hoffman ’20, Amanda Bise ‘10, M.Ed. ’16 and Megan Gray ‘14.

Immediately following the service, the congregation will recess outside for the lighting of the Christmas tree.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols and tree lighting ceremony are free and open to the public.

Aladdin Food Service will serve a holiday feast including herb crusted roast beef with a mushroom demi-glaze, chicken marsala, stuffed pork loin with peppercorn sauce, cranberry meatballs, caesar salad, spinach salad with dried cranberries, and feta, gratin potatoes, penne pasta with vegetable ragu, fresh green beans, wilted kale with apples
deviled eggs, fresh fruit platter and holiday dessert display.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –   Eight individuals who continually find ways to serve their campus, community and beyond were officially sworn in as West Virginia Wesleyan College Trustees during Founders Day 2023.

Arria Hines ‘95, born and raised in rural West Virginia, is an accomplished and energetic business leader and entrepreneur. In 2009, Hines founded Allegheny Science & Technology, a woman-owned West Virginia-based energy services company. From two employees, to nearly 240, AST is a leader in alternative energy technologies and renewable energies. Hines is a member of WVU’s Visiting Committee, TechConnect Board of Directors, West Virginia Governor’s STEM Council, Upshur County Development Authority Board and an advocate for the West Virginia Public Speaker’s Bureau. She is an executive member of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Board.

Rev. Martha Ognibene ‘79, is senior pastor of Wesley UMC in Morgantown. Ognibene is an elder in The United Methodist Church and has served churches in Parkersburg, Huntington, Colliers and Short Gap as well as superintendent of the Northern District. Ognibene also earned degrees from Virginia Tech and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Angel (Williamson) Riley ’99 earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from WVWC and obtained a Master of Public Administration in Government Management from Southeastern University. She is senior manager, political affairs, for the North America subsidiary of the leading medical technology corporation Royal Philips. In 2005, she co-founded the Black Alumni Network, an unofficial alumni networking group for WVWC. She also previously served on the Alumni Council from 2009-2015 and headed a capital campaign to renovate the BSU House and chaired the Alumni Council’s silent auction. A four-time Amazon Bestselling author, podcast host, global speaker and certified life coach, Riley continually demonstrates Wesleyan’s objective for alumni to be leaders throughout their lives.

Curtis Wilkerson ’99 majored in history and political science at WVWC and went on to found Orion Strategies, a firm providing strategic communication, public relations and state and federal government affairs. Offices can now be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington, D.C., as well as West Virginia. He is married to Kristi Wilkerson ’99, who recently accepted the position of Vice President of Advancement at WVWC.

Michael Bush ’10 is an attorney and entrepreneur in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, owning and operating various real estate companies, including 1st Management Group, LLC and Real Property Solutions, LLC.  Mike graduated with Honors from WVWC in 2010 and from West Virginia University College of Law in 2013 as a member of Order of the Coif.  He is active with the Berkeley County Planning Commission and Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church. Mike and his wife, Liz, have the honor of raising a rambunctious toddler, Abby. Since graduating from Wesleyan, Mike and a core group of Bobcat friends gather every year for a Thanksgiving cabin weekend – and their spouses and children have quickly become part of the Wesleyan family.

David Young ’87 is the founder and chief consultant of Young & Associates, a specialized consultancy based in London that focuses on developing global product positioning and branding for pharmaceuticals and other medical products. David holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now a unit of Arizona State University), a BS degree in marketing and biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a certificate in Japanese studies from Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. He is a guest lecturer at the Karachi School of Business (with ties to Cambridge University). He is in the process of being certified as a board director from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). David has been an advisor to the Board of Trustees of Hackney Empire Theatre in London, where he helped shape their equity story to support fundraising efforts. He is a long-standing member and former chairman of the senior advisory board to the Dean of Thunderbird, where he also acts as counsel to the school on marketing and branding related issues. David is part of the original founding team for the ‘Thunderbird SHARE Fellowship’, a prestigious alumni-driven scholarship/mentorship programme for exceptional students from developing countries wishing to attend Thunderbird.  David speaks German, is a certified Master SCUBA Diver, an Emergency SCUBA Medic, enjoys skiing and riding horses, and in his spare time volunteers as a surgical assistant for medical mission work in remote locations around the world.

Joanna McQuaid Webb ’07 is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She graduated from Wesleyan with a BS in Chemistry in 2007. She obtained her PhD in organometallic chemistry in 2012 from the University of Virginia, synthesizing novel transition metal complexes for catalytic small molecule transformations related to the energy sector. She began teaching at Wesleyan in 2012 and received the Exemplary Teaching Award in 2018. Joanna currently serves as a Career Consultant for the American Chemical Society and as Chair of Faculty Senate.  She also owns and operates Three Little Buds in Buckhannon.

Bill Pastorius earned both of his degrees from West Virginia University – he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary English specialization) in 1996 and Master of Arts in Reading in 2003. He taught English at Frankfort High School for five years before moving to Johnson City while his wife did research at East Tennessee State University.  After the birth of his daughter in 2009, Bill moved back home to WV and began working as a reading clinician at Wesleyan’s Learning Center in May of 2010.  He has been the Coordinator of Lindamood-Bell®* Methods program since August 2011.  Bill was elected to Staff Council in 2020, served as Vice Chair in 2022-2023, and currently serves as Chair.

Sadie Nichols ’25, current president of the Student Senate, is an ex-officio member of the board of trustees, along with Webb and Pastorious.

The trustees recently elected new officers: Kevin Spear ’76 as chair, Dr. Ellis Conley ’73 as secretary, Bill Fahrner ’96, MBA ’02 as chair of finance and David A. Young ‘87 as chair of governance and trusteeship.  Other trustees returning are John Allevato ’76, Brian Brouillette ’82; Jason Fiegel ‘00; Dr. Alan Letton; Justin Raber ’08; Rev. Dr. Vance Ross ’79; Rev. Amy Shanholtzer ’87; Dr. Joanne Soliday ’69, Hon. ’16; Craig Welsh ’93; and Jamion Wolford ’08.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.