News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College’s planetarium will host two free shows as part of Black History Month, giving a glimpse at space from a unique perspective inside the Christopher Hall of Science.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows are “The Stargazers of Africa.” 

Dr. Tracey Delaney, director of the planetarium, said, “We will watch the video, ‘The Stargazers of Africa. We will then tour the sky as it was during the Antebellum era, highlighting the stars and constellations that were used to navigate on the Underground Railroad.”

The 40-seat planetarium is located on the second floor of the Christopher Hall of Science and features a Digitarium Zeta digital projector that is capable of full-dome videos.

The projector was purchased with a gift from the Naylor Family Trust via the Community Trust 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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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, WV – West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) welcomes home alumna Liz Short ’09 as the new Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. Short brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration, student affairs, alumni relations, and development to her new role.

“I am ecstatic and beyond grateful to have Liz joining the Advancement team at WVWC,” said Kristi Wilkerson ’99, Vice President for Advancement. “Her passion for the college, combined with her experience and expertise, make her the ideal person to lead our alumni engagement and annual giving efforts. She will be a valuable asset to our team and a champion for our alumni.”

During her time as a student at WVWC, Short demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the College, serving as Student Body President and General Manager of the college radio station. She also completed an internship in the Office of Alumni Relations during her senior year.  These experiences laid the foundation for her successful career in higher education.

Following her graduation from WVWC in 2009, Short pursued her passion for student development, earning a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Delaware. She then transitioned into roles focused on student affairs before making the strategic move into alumni relations and development, where she has honed her skills in cultivating relationships and fostering philanthropic support.

Short’s return to WVWC marks a homecoming and a full-circle moment in her career. “It has always been my dream to come home and serve the college that made me who I am today,” said Short. “I am incredibly excited to work with our alumni network and the entire WVWC community to advance the mission of this remarkable institution.”

In her new role, Short will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage alumni, cultivate philanthropic support, and strengthen the connection between WVWC and its graduates. She will work closely with the college’s leadership, faculty, and staff to build a vibrant alumni community and secure the resources necessary to support the college’s continued growth and success.

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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 WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a Gala on March 28 at the beautiful Stonewall Resort. An Evening of Elegance will commemorate their inaugural Gala held in 2007.
Community Hosts Senator Robbie Morris, Mrs. Whitney Morris, Mr. Don Nestor, and Mrs. Judy Nestor will welcome you as the evening begins with an Amethyst Cocktail Station with dining to follow in the Grand Ballroom. The Gala will also feature live and silent auctions, and the high-energy
sounds of No Bad JuJu. Proceeds will benefit both nonprofit organizations. Dress is black tie optional,

Table and individual sponsorships are now available including the Diamond Benefactor, Emerald Supporter, Topaz Contributor, and Pearl Patron. Select Signature Event Sponsorships are also available by calling 304-473-6819.
Reserve online at wvwcgive.kimbia.com/gala2025 or by calling 304-473-8509. Reservations are needed by March 7.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College is celebrating a strong period of growth, welcoming its largest mid-year class of new students in over five years. Following two consecutive years of increased fall enrollment, the college is seeing significant strides in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Graduate program enrollment has surged by 40% compared to Spring 2024, driven by the success of its newest offerings: the Executive MBA and the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. WVWC also continues to expand its graduate options with established programs in athletic training, creative writing, and nursing.

John Waltz, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, commented on the positive outlook:  “Our spring new student cohort features many transfer students choosing Wesleyan from other institutions all around the country.   They find our curriculum to be flexible and transfer-ready.  We welcome them and several first-time freshmen joining our community”.  

Additionally, WVWC has formed key partnerships this academic year with Laurel College of Technology and Bethany College. These agreements create seamless pathways for Laurel’s nursing graduates to earn an RN to Master of Science in Nursing, and for Bethany students to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at WVWC, further enriching the college’s educational impact.

“The continued growth in our enrollment is a testament to the quality and relevance of our academic offerings,” stated Provost, Dr. Lynn M. Linder. “We’re seeing students recognize the value of a Wesleyan education, whether they’re pursuing undergraduate degrees or advancing their careers through our graduate programs. Our commitment to academic excellence, coupled with our focus on developing dynamic leaders, is preparing graduates to be successful in their careers and beyond in a rapidly changing world.”

This growth highlights WVWC’s commitment to providing diverse and dynamic opportunities for both current and prospective students.   Accepted high school students interested in Fall enrollment can attend Orange and Black Scholarship Recognition Day on Saturday, February 22.  Signups are online at www.wvwc.edu.  

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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 – As she prepares for her next chapter, outgoing West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate President Sadie Nichols ’25, of Sistersville, West Virginia, reflected on her time heading the student-led organization for two consecutive terms.

“I chose to get involved in Student Senate at WVWC because I wanted to contribute to something greater than myself where I could make a meaningful impact and reach people in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” Nichols said. “I admired the work ethic, dedication, compassion, and leadership of many of the Student Senate members that I knew, and I desired to serve in the same way that those role models did before me. I wanted to give back to the new home I had found at WVWC, yearning for the opportunity to connect with people, hear their perspectives and stories, and enhance the Wesleyan experience for students, faculty, and staff alike.”

After serving not one, but two terms, Nichols recently passed the gavel to Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, who was elected Student Senate President in the fall and took office with the new officers this semester.

“I feel eternally grateful that my peers voted for me to serve as the president of Student Senate for two terms,” she said. “It has been such a joy and honor. The connections I have been able to make through my time at WVWC and through this position speak volumes to the devoted Home Among the Hills WVWC truly is. While being president for two years has been one of the most challenging and demanding experiences, serving in this role has also been one of the most impactful and rewarding in which I have ever been part.

“My favorite part about being on Student Senate for two years was being able to witness firsthand the remarkable growth of the individuals around me. I had the privilege of watching my dearest friends learn, grow, and emerge as brilliant leaders, overcoming challenges and serving as catalysts for change in a place I hold so dear to my heart.”

As Student Senate President, Nichols worked with the organization to build stronger connections within the campus community and the greater Buckhannon community.

“During my time as president, I feel Student Senate became a welcoming place where individuals could be heard and felt their voice mattered,” she said. “While many individuals didn’t know much about what Student Senate was or what they did previously, many new doors of connection were opened in this time. Relationships with organizations were fortified, and many organizations were able to advance, grow, and reach more individuals as a result.

“Student Senate also had the rare, extraordinary pleasure of hosting the 2024 Candidate Forum of Buckhannon, forging an even closer relationship between the college and town of Buckhannon. During my time as president, not only were several groundbreaking discoveries and advancements made, such as the creation of a new Budget Request form, but WVWC student body also became more engaged and involved in building a community of respect, support, and love.”

A biochemistry and political science major, Nichols will be continuing her education following graduation from WVWC at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program.

“It is my goal to become a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop and maintain skills needed for daily living and to improve their independence and quality of life,” she said.

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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’s ESports Team proudly hosted the first-ever in-person event of the West Virginia Scholastic Esports League last month, bringing together 140 students from schools across the state as they vied for the top spots of the season’s competitions.

Players took the stage in Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., Brawlhalla, Apex Legends, and Valorant, allowing them to experience competition more in line with a traditional athletic outing. Students were able, for the first time, to meet other players they had faced from across the state and share in a celebration of their passion for the game and a mutual love of pizza, according to WVWC head coach Ethan Hayes.    

Chase Jarrell of Ravenswood High School said, “This event was absolutely wonderful. Coach Hayes and the Wesleyan team did an incredible job hosting and making the event feel like the pinnacle of our season. Meeting all the other coaches and their players from around the state was worth the trip alone. I’m very much looking forward to the next edition!”

The event’s winners included Super Smash Bros., Hedgesville High School; Brawlhalla, Brooke High School; Apex, Ripley High School; Overwatch, Webster County High School; and Valorant, Brooke High School.

In Fall 2024, schools participating in the WVSEL took strides to create an environment that allowed students to participate and belong while also allowing them to pursue scholarship opportunities from the multiple colleges in West Virginia and beyond supporting esports. 

The LAN (or in-person event) was limited to games with a collection of at least eight constantly competing teams; other titles were given online tournaments to continue their season. Buckhannon-Upshur High School was the top team this season with a clean sweep through both brackets, a competitor took Madden2024 from Hedgesville, and lastly, with Siege brackets, both Wirt County High and Hedgesville were able to trade off undefeated brackets. These teams and students worked tirelessly to hone their skills and perfect their communication to overcome the difficulties of their first LAN and place themselves as the top contenders of the WVSEL. 

This event was a first for the WVSEL, and this occasion marked a first for Wesleyan’s newly founded esports media team. Students could oversee and assist with all aspects of the tournament production pipeline. Coach Hayes said, “I am incredibly proud of my students. For their first event to be large enough to accommodate 140 students while still controlling most errors is a massive undertaking. When we started, I told my students that this would be the best and worst event they’d ever done, and they sure went out of their way to set the bar incredibly high for them in the future.”

With the success of this event, WVWC esports plans to extend its scholarship efforts into roles such as graphic design, media production, and color commentating.

“We need talented students willing to spearhead this effort and help improve upon future events,” Hayes added. 

WVWC Esports hopes this will be the first of many events brought to the students of West Virginia and our community. “This is one of those things that just seems silly not to do,” Hayes said; by committing to assist in creating a place for esports to be done at this scale, not only do we ensure the longevity of our program through fostering relations, but we also get to know that these budding programs can save their efforts for growth within their counties allowing for a stronger gaming community as a whole in the state.”

WVWC is committed to creating and ensuring an environment where esports is sustainable and growing for years to come. Please get in touch with us if you or someone you know may be interested in participating in collegiate esports, starting a scholastic esports program at your school, or sponsoring. Coach Hayes can be reached at 409-679-1033 or through email at hayes.e@wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Celebrating 30 years in bringing high-energy dance styles rooted in African culture, Step Afrika! will offer a free performance on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College Feb. 17. Made possible by funding from WVWC’s Arts Alive!, the performance is part of a line-up of events hosted by the Center for Cultural &  International Affairs to celebrate Black History Month.  The performance will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts from 7-8:30 p.m. 

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. 

In summer 2024, Governor’s School for the Arts students at WVWC traveled to Washington, D.C. to see Step Afrika!, one of the highlights of their visit to the nation’s capital.

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Alisa Lively said, “The Arts Alive! program complements Bobcat Entertainment by providing Wesleyan’s campus with numerous cultural activities, including concerts, dramatic productions, musical performances, modern dance and ballet, and lectures. Nationally and internationally renowned groups and artists provide a splash of cultural diversity and entertainment to the campus. We are so excited to welcome Step Afrika! back to our campus!”

Laurie Goux, director of the WVWC Center for Cultural & International Affairs, said, “One only has to witness this art form to see the roots of Appalachian percussive dances. Step Afrika! is breathtaking, uniquely blending culture and history to offer the best in “edutainment.”

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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 –  Applications are now open for the second year of Governor’s School for the Arts on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016 and is in the middle of a three-year program ending summer 2026. Dates for Summer 2025 are June 22-July 12.

West Virginia Wesleyan College has a tremendous commitment to creative and performing arts.  Over the past two academic years, more than 100 students have enrolled in one of the College’s arts programs. 

The 2025 Governor’s School for the Arts will feature classes in acting, creative writing, ballet and modern dance, instrumental music, studio art, vocal music and the ever-changing field of digital media.

In addition, there are opportunities for students to learn from guest artists and professionals in their fields; explore downtown Buckhannon; and participate in arts field trips. Students also learn from published authors who will be on campus as part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing summer residency. 

Governor’s School for the Arts will be headed by Dean Thomas Schoffler who is chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance at WVWC.

Schoffler said, “As a professional theater maker and a teacher, I am thrilled to facilitate the GSA experience for young West Virginia artists because I know how vital that connection to other artists can be. Former GSA attendees cite that being part of our intensive arts community allows them to grow and hone their craft in ways they never expected, while also forging ‘forever friendships’ with fellow artists of multiple disciplines.” 

Students who attended the 2024 GSA shared their thoughts: “Thank you very much for this opportunity. It has changed my life and perspective on how the arts are impactful.”

“I am going to miss this place, these activities, and these people so very much. I hope every artist can have this experience and fall even more in love with their craft.” 

“I loved it and I can’t thank all the staff who are involved enough. Thank you for making this a great experience.” 

Current sophomores can apply now at https://govschools.wv.gov/ before the Feb. 28 deadline. GSA is funded by the State of West Virginia at no cost to families.

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life will host the fourth annual WVWC Christian Ashram Jan. 24-26, 2025 at the Greek Alumni Room in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

West Virginia Wesleyan College is the only college/university in the United States to host a Christian Ashram for its students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

A Christian Ashram is a retreat to focus on one’s relationship with God. Christian Ashrams are designed to help the attendees grow in faith through worship, teaching and witness; receive spiritual renewal through prayer, healing and sharing; experience life in an ecumenical, Christ-centered fellowship  and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as one experiences “the Kingdom of God in miniature.”

Ashrams are nondenominational, but the Christian Ashram was started by a Methodist missionary named E. Stanley Jones, who served in India and became close friends with Mahatmas Gandhi. Jones modeled the Christian Ashram after the Hindu Ashram. 

Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. in the Greek Alumni Room featuring a free coffee bar on Friday, Jan. 24 and the Christian Ashram concludes Sunday, Jan. 26 at noon in the Greek Alumni Room. Dr. Justin Bowers, pastor of New Community Church, will play during worship on Saturday. The Christian Ashram is free to all current students at WVWC. All others will need to pay for their meals if they choose to eat on campus.

For more information, contact Jonathan Acord, Dean of the Chapel, at acord.j@wvwc.edu or Dr. Becky Swisher at swisher_r@wvwc.edu. 

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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 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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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

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 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth 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.