News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The Fall 2023 issue of West Virginia Executive introduces the Young Guns Class of 2024 – with a familiar WVWC face on the cover. President James Moore is one of 10 individuals honored in the magazine on the magazine for their exceptional efforts to improve their communities, state and world around them through dedication to their respected industries and service work.

This issue is themed Education and Information and highlights the state’s efforts in training students to be a part of West Virginia’s workforce, school safety measures, socioeconomic challenges, a new State Superintendent of Schools and broadband’s impact on West Virginia’s schools and economy. Also included are features on the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, the Mountaineer Country region and informational articles on human trafficking.

In addition to Moore, the Young Guns Class of 2024 includes Ashley Alford Glance, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce; James Bailey, West Virginia Secretary of Commerce; Jessica Hall, director of communications and development for HospiceCare; Ann Marie Murray, M.D., associate professor of neurology and movement disorders division chief for West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute; Heather Ouimette, director of sales and catering for The Resort at Glade Springs; Christopher Pankey, Ph.D., assistant professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine; Lindsey Piersol, executive director of the Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation; Ashley Rine, vice president of operations for PureTech Scientific; Christopher Willis, chief human resources officer and director of human resources and marketing for SDI Family of Companies.

Read more about the Class of 2024 at www.wvexecutive.com.

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, today, announced a partnership with Uwill, the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students, to increase and expand upon the college’s existing counseling capabilities. West Virginia Wesleyan College adds this teletherapy option at a time of increased mental health challenges across the United States. Uwill’s proprietary technology facilitates immediate appointments with licensed mental health counselors based on student needs and preferences.

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment that values the well-being of every individual,” said Alison Whitehair, Vice President for Student Development, at West Virginia Wesleyan College. “Uwill helps us to empower our students to prioritize their mental health and connect with a counselor that is right for them to support their academic journey.” 

Recent survey data shows 79% of surveyed students reported experiencing moderate or high stress levels within the last 30 days. Additionally, while 42% of college students have expressed the need for help with mental health difficulties in the last year, more than 60% of these students have never received counseling or therapy.

“We’re proud to be able to support colleges in a way that provides students with immediacy and without obstacles,” said Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill. “Our solution empowers students to select a therapist they feel most comfortable with when its convenient for them.”

Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness events, realtime data, and support. 

WVWC’s Center for Counseling and Wellbeing continues to offer free consultation, crisis support, solution-focused single session and short-term counseling sessions to all undergraduate and graduate students as  part of Wesleyan’s commitment to student well-being. Services are also provided through Community Care of West Virginia.

For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu/counseling. 

ABOUT Uwill

Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. The most cost-effective way to expand and enhance a college’s mental health offerings, Uwill partners with 200 institutions including Babson College, University of Michigan, Columbus State Community College, and University of Maryland, College Park. Uwill is also the teletherapy education partner for NASPA and the Online Learning Consortium. For more information, visit uwill.com. 

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 and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine continues to expand their partnership with four new students entering into the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program this academic year. 

The Go D.O. Early Scholars Program allows qualifying students to receive guaranteed acceptance into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, upon successful completion of the undergraduate program requirements and interview as well as a waived MCAT. The program represents the first of its kind partnership between WVSOM and another institution of higher learning. 

The first cohort is now in their junior year at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“As this program continues to grow, we remain so proud of the students who have made the choice to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine,” Dr. James Moore, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, said. “Our region needs primary care providers who understand how to treat the whole person, and I know these students will be among the best practitioners anywhere. We continue to be honored that West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine thought of Wesleyan to partner in this program.”

Madelyn Armstrong ’27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Wyatt Burns ’27, of  Horner, West Virginia; Jack Monks ’27, of Charleston, West Virginia; and Lanna Nguyen ‘27, of Bristow, Virginia were recognized during a luncheon Tuesday with officials from WVWC and WVSOM in attendance. 

Armstrong said, “An offer like this only comes once in a lifetime. Being guaranteed a spot in medical school before I even began undergrad was truly a blessing, and being able to stay relatively close to home in both undergrad and med school is really important to me.”

“Having my mom, a nurse of 20 years, as a strong role model in my life directed me towards medicine, but the ability to help people in a way that piques my interest is why I chose medicine – specifically emergency medicine.”

Burns also saw the benefit of being able to advance his career goals with the Go D.O. Early Scholars program.

 “Wesleyan was a perfect fit in its size, location, and strong science department, while WVSOM is a top-tier primary care school,” he said. “I was interested in both schools before I even knew of this program, and it just seemed like a perfect fit. WVSOM also stood in high regard in my community, as many of Lewis County’s doctors have attended, and they strongly recommended the school.”

“I want to pursue a career as a doctor to provide a high-quality trustworthy service to my community,” Burns said. “I have seen so many people who have a negative stigmatism associated with going to a doctor, and having already strong ties to my community I hope to break those views. I want to be there for my community and help those who need it most.” 

Monks said, “The Go D.O. Program allows me to focus on exploring my interests in and outside of the medical field without the looming stress of medical school applications. The assurance of acceptance into osteopathic medical school combined with the education, service and research opportunities I am receiving at WVWC was too enticing to pass up.

“I want to pursue medicine as a way of giving back to the community that raised me. Food insecurity runs rampant in West Virginia, and heavily impacted me and my neighbors. I want to gain the education necessary to advocate for balanced diets in rural WV as a family physician.” 

Nguyen added, “Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to work in the medical field and work as a doctor, so after seeing that the Go DO Program was a guaranteed direct path to achieving my goal and dream, I applied. I first learned about osteopathic medicine in my sports medicine class during my senior year of high school and I instantly knew that it was what I wanted to do in the future as I loved the ‘whole person’ or ‘whole body’ approach of care, so I knew that WVSOM’s partnership with WVWC would give me the highest chance of success when it came to achieving my career goals.”

“I wanted to pursue a career in medicine for a variety of reasons. My mom works as a pharmacist, so I’ve always been immersed in the world of health care and I wanted to follow in the same path. My main reason for pursuing a career in medicine, however, stems from my deep passion for science (especially biological sciences), problem solving and being able to help and care for others, and my love for people and humanity. I love caring for others and I constantly want to help them by being the best person I can be for them, which makes me believe that medicine is my calling.”

Bryer Ketterman ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Kaef Rehman ’25, of Daniels, West Virginia; Matthew Hambrecht ’25, of Frederick, Maryland;  Abigail Patterson ’25, of Charleston, West Virginia; Ravenna Navalgund ’26, of Irvin, Pennsylvania; and Srikiran Nandigama ‘26, of Salt Point, New York comprise the first two classes of Go D.O. Scholars. 

Applications are now being accepted for 2024 admission. The priority deadline is December 1.  In-state and out-of-state students who score at least a 1390 on the SAT or at least a 30 on the ACT and have at least a 3.75 grade point average qualify for the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program. Click here to find out more. 

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 is hosting the 2023 North Central West Virginia Honor Band Nov. 12-14.  More than 100 students from 23 different schools around the state will arrive Sunday, Nov. 12 and will spend three days on campus, engaging in rehearsals, team-building activities, and several other events geared towards making the honor band experience truly unique.

Guest conductors for this year’s honor band are Dr. Victoria Warnert, assistant professor of music education at Columbus State University; Mr. Cameron Rush, music instructor of Mahidol University International Demonstration School, with guest presentations by Sabato D’Agostino and Kristi Scaccia.

 “I feel immensely proud of our fantastic student assistants, the administration, and our visiting directors in their assistance with making this special event happen,” Robert Palmer, Director of Athletic Bands, said. “Expanding the event to include middle school students is a vital step in engaging that age range in West Virginia. It is amazing that the state will be hosting a middle school All-State Band, but there aren’t enough events for them to continue their arts education and experiences outside of the classroom. The North Central West Virginia Honor Bands aim to provide a high quality musical experience in a safe and engaging environment.

The middle school honor band finale concert will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. The high school honor band concert will take place  at 5 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. Admission is free to the events.

In addition to the two finale concerts on Tuesday, the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble will be performing Monday the 13th at 7p in the performing arts center as well. 

 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 – A 20-year tradition, Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods will go on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. during the city-wide trick-or-treat time. Students from West Virginia Wesleyan College will be visiting neighborhoods around the college to collect non-perishable food items for the Upshur Parish House.

There will be a handful of routes traveled by students, but if your house is missed or you are not home, your donations are always more than welcome at the Parish House (located on the corner of College Avenue and Sedgwick Street) during the week from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

“Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods is one of those annual fall traditions that is well-known among the Wesleyan and Buckhannon communities. This collaboration relies heavily on our good neighbors in the community surrounding the college, and the student volunteers going door to door are always left full of joy when families run to their pantries to collect donations. It’s such a wonderful way for the students to explore our community and create an avenue of giving to the Parish House,” said Jessica Vincent, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development.

Please show support to the community by having a few cans of nonperishable food items ready for the trick-or-treaters. The Parish House has stated the most needed donations are peanut butter and items for the upcoming Thanksgiving food baskets such as Jiffy pie crust mixes, instant potatoes, or green beans.   Your support and donations are greatly appreciated. 

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 Sleeth Gallery will host an exhibit by Matthew Fields Nov. 2-Dec. 2, 2023. A reception for the solo exhibition, entitled Self-Awareness: An Introduction to Labor will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4:30-6 p.m. with Fields giving an artist talk at 6 p.m. Sleeth Gallery is located in McCuskey Hall.

Fields, an assistant professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2021, and his Bachelor of Science in visual arts from UAPB in 2019. In 2020, between his time in Pine Bluff, he returned to his hometown of St. Louis where he worked as an interior and exterior painter while finishing up his graduate studies.

“The work created in conversation with my written thesis, ‘The Labor of the African American Experience,’ is a contemporary installation including both traditional approaches to art making as well as three-dimensional structures to frame the work in the context highlighted by the writing,” Fields said.

“During my time working as an interior/exterior painter, I came to realize the symbolism embedded in the practice of transforming a space,” Fields continued. “The largest being how the United States is founded on the recreation of a space that already existed, and consequentially how the formerly enslaved had to work for the space to evolve in this country.”

For more information about Fields and to view more of his work, visit his website unartistikcreations.myportfolio.com.

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 – All Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2023 graduates have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt, a testament to the dedication and excellence of students and faculty in the West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing.

School of Nursing Director Dr. Tina Straight, DNP, MSN Ed., CNE, RN, said, “The NCLEX-RN is widely recognized as one of the most challenging professional licensure exams, and achieving a 100% pass rate is a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence within our School of Nursing. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the outstanding education and training provided by our faculty and the hard work and dedication of our students.

“West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing has a long-standing tradition of producing highly skilled and competent nurses who make a positive impact on healthcare in our community and beyond. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, and they are dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience they need to excel in their nursing careers.

“We are extremely proud of our students for their dedication and perseverance in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. Our faculty members have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students are well-prepared for this important milestone in their nursing careers.

“The 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam is a testament to the exceptional quality of education and support provided by the School of Nursing. It reaffirms our commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses who are ready to meet the health care challenges of today and tomorrow.”

For more information about the School of Nursing, visit www.wvwc.edu/nursing.

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 – Two feuding mountain families and a nearly 1,000-pound pig are the beginnings of the latest dinner theatre offering from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Department of Theatre & Dance.

Written and directed by Dr. Gregory Mach, associate professor, “The Case of the Sleepwalking Pig” promises lots of laughs, some mountain music and a murder-mystery to solve.

The play starts with a meeting to announce that Curly Boy, the 977 pound MacRoy family pig, has been kidnapped. The MacRoys suspect the Flatfield family and they want the pig back. The pastor tries to keep the peace as accusations and old animosities fly, stirring up the feud again.

Mach said, “We started doing these dinner theatre mysteries 10 years ago, and we have such a blast every time. It’s a great way to showcase our talent and the great food at these restaurants. The audience has so much fun because they are a part of the action- they have to figure out ‘whodunnit,’ or sit back and laugh while other people figure it all out. Either way, it’s two hours of fun, great food, and great music.”

There are three opportunities to try to figure out ‘whodunnit.”

On November 4, the dinner theatre will be produced at the Buckhannon Opera House on Main Street at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes slow-roasted pork, mashed potatoes with peppercorn gravy, homestyle green beans, American salad, artisan dinner rolls, soda, water or coffee and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Tickets are $30. Call 304-472-8369 for reservations.

The following weekend, there are two showtimes at 2 or 6 p.m. on November 12 at the Lodge in Alpena, located in Bowden. The menu includes pulled pork, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, five-bean bake, cole slaw, cornbread, garden salad, homemade bread an choice of pineapple upside down or chocolate cream cake. Tickets are $45 per person and call 304-636-1470.

“Doing these shows helps our students to learn the ins and outs of improvisational theatre,” Mach said. “They never know what the audience will say or will ask them, so they have to figure out how to answer in character and in a way that will help their character get away with it, or implicate another character, or just move the plot along. And usually they’ll give us a good laugh along the way.”

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 honored a professor who fosters a learning environment where students are empowered to beyond what they believe they are capable of and who mentors students in ways that go beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Dr. Jessica Scott ‘04, associate professor of gender studies, was presented with the 2023 Award for Exemplary Teaching by Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs, during the Founders Day Convocation recently.

Scott said, “I was overwhelmed to receive this honor from Dean Linder and West Virginia Wesleyan College. The award is a profoundly gratifying affirmation of the investment in intellectual, emotional, and political energy I have poured into students on this campus since I began teaching at Wesleyan.”

Scott is well known for collaborating with other faculty to provide students with transformative educational experiences, according to Linder. One colleague shared, “This professor cares about students in ways that go far beyond delivering content in the classroom. She applauds their successes, encourages their dreams, sees them through their struggles. Her students love her back. They know they have been truly seen by her, and that she wants them to thrive.”

A student also shared: “She is a treasure we do not deserve. Not only did she take a class full of folks who were a little scared and unsure of each other and make us all trust, but she also gave us the space to be vulnerable and be honest with ourselves and each other. Her ability to facilitate class discussion goes beyond compare of any professor, I have ever had. She is truly amazing, and this class was raw and it hurt, but for the first time, I felt heard.”

Linder said, “I’ve rarely known a professor to give more of their time, resources, care and compassion to nurturing students in all aspects of their lives than this year’s awardee.”

Scott added, “I teach because I want to learn, and I learn from students every day. Any recognition of my teaching is also a recognition of Cynthia Brissey and the Center for Teaching and Learning at WVWC, which has been profoundly influential to my development as an educator.  Because state legislatures across the country are determined to attempt to censor critical areas of study, it is more important now than ever to have solid pedagogical tools that we can continue to rely on in teaching our students. I’m grateful to the Center for Teaching and Learning for helping us cultivate those tools.

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 – The West Virginia Wesleyan Arts Alive! Series and Department of Theater & Dance present The Rustic Mechanicals’ production of “Hamlet,” Tuesday, October 10 at 7:30 pm, with a casual pre-show “Mix and Mingle with Music” hosted by the company starting at 7 p.m. at the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. The show features Wesleyan theater alumna and Buckhannon resident Sinead Pechon as Ophelia, and is free and open to the public. 

Prince Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a rather revelrous life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Returning home he finds his world is utterly changed, his certainties smashed and his home a foreign land. Struggling to understand his place in a newly ordered world he faces a stark choice. Submit, or rage against the injustice of his new reality. Shakespeare’s searing tragedy is as relevant today as when it was written; “Hamlet” confronts each of us with the mirror of our own morality in an imperfect world.

Founded by Celi Oliveto in the summer of 2014 and based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, The Rustic Mechanicals is the only troupe of actors in West Virginia dedicated to touring the works of William Shakespeare and other classical playwrights.

Directed by Jim Warren alongside Intimacy Director Jessica Morgan, Fight Choreographer Millie Omps, and Voice & Text Coach Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, with Technical Direction by David Byard, Dramaturgy by John S. Shirley, Costume Design by Jason A Young, and Hair and Make-Up Design by Samantha Huffman, the Mechanicals featured in these productions include Samantha Huffman, Sinead Perchon, Seret Cole, Joshua Brooks, James Matthews, Calian Byard, Stephen Phillips, Jason A Young, Justin Grow, Niki DeWitt, and Sarah Young.

 The Mechanicals now tour five shows annually, including their summer West Virginia Shakespeare in the Park(s) outdoor tour and script-in-hand productions called, “a Play, a Pie, and a Pint,” focusing on making Shakespeare’s plays accessible to modern audiences by utilizing dynamic and extreme casting techniques paired with Shakespeare’s staging conditions.

“Hamlet” runs roughly 90 minutes with no intermission and contains images of simulated violence. Please contact Wesleyan Theatre & Dance Department Chair Thomas Schoffler at schoffler_t@wvwc.edu for more information.

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.