News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – August is National Will Month and the West Virginia Wesleyan College Office of Advancement offers a way for alumni and friends to support the College by leaving a lasting legacy. Read on for more.

Who was John W. Reger?

Rev. Dr.  John W. Reger was a Methodist Episcopal pastor in the 1800s who served churches in West Virginia and Maryland for over 40 years. He retired to Buckhannon and became involved in the community.  One of the significant projects he supported was the Seminary being built in Buckhannon-today known as West Virginia Wesleyan College.  It is said that he was on campus daily to observe and supervise the building of the first building.  He became one of Wesleyan’s first trustees and major benefactors.  Today we honor him thru the Reger Society.  

What is the Reger Society?

When Alumni or friends share their intention to leave a portion of their estate or make the college a beneficiary in their will, they become members of the Reger Society.  Members of the Reger Society leave a legacy and make a lasting impact on WVWC.  This community of individuals are recognized for being champion of the WVWC student experience.  We celebrate the Reger Society members during a special breakfast event held at Homecoming each year.  

Now is a great time to update or create your will.  Want to include Wesleyan in your will as part of your legacy?  It’s easy!  Reach out to Nettie Aiosa ’91, Director of the Reger Society,  aiosa.a@wvwc.edu or 304-473-8486.  

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill.

#HereYouCanLeaveALegacy

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is inviting local businesses to participate in the Bobcat Fair 2024 as part of Orientation Weekend on Saturday, Aug. 17.

A staple of the orientation experience, the event allows businesses to connect with first-year students and their parents.

Businesses will be located on the Campus Center plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Merchants are welcome to sell products or services that might appeal to students and their families. Again this year, students will be encouraged to visit all the tables to receive a stamp that enters them into a prize drawing.

To sign up for this year’s event, please contact 304-473-8416 or email Sarah Lawrence, Director of Foundation, Corporate and Government Relations, at lawrence.s@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 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 – The Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development (CCE) students invested 9,760 service hours in the Upshur County and surrounding community last academic year and look to continue supporting that effort in the fall.

The CCE seeks to support West Virginia Wesleyan College’s (WVWC) mission by providing opportunities for transformative learning and community engagement to promote positive social change. Staff members and students constantly communicate with their 37 community partners throughout Buckhannon to ensure a transformative and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

The main goal of the center is to support the needs of the community partners and the clients they serve.  Community partners play a large role in a student’s development by providing experiences that further develop their life and professional skills. Each student and partner receives a personalized experience that aligns with their past experiences and future endeavors.

Students spend 4-6 hours a week (75 hours a semester) at their community partner site and, in turn, will be given a $3,000 ($1,500 per semester; $12,000 over four years) scholarship to the College called the Wesleyan Service Scholars (WSS). Based on the hours completed by students and the current WV minimum wage rate of $8.75, the volunteer hours added $85,400 of value back into the community during the 2023-2024 academic year.

“Reflecting on this past year, I think about how we’ve challenged students to dig deeper and find unique ways to measure their impact,” Jessica Vincent ‘12, Director of Community Engagement at WVWC, said. “Of course, we have tremendous support for our events, but we’re pressing forward to make true change through meaningful experiences.” Vincent shares that this requires time, collaboration, and a willingness to go into the trenches alongside their community partners and the people they serve.

The CCE department also advises a peer council on campus. This group of students applies leadership skills gained through the program to organize service events around campus and raise awareness of local, national, and international societal issues. Wesleyan Engaging Leaders through Education Awareness & Development (WE LEAD) comprises six groups: Animal Welfare, High Tunnel, Human Rights, Youth Security, Invisible Illness, and Poverty Reduction. These groups are responsible for hosting events or attending conferences that discuss their topics and the challenges within these social issue teams.

“The most encouraging part of my role in the CCE is seeing students share their passions with others while actively putting them in uncomfortable situations to expand their knowledge and skills,” Vincent said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an event like Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods that has been around for years or a new idea scribbled on a napkin; our students are creative about how they serve our community’s needs.”

Each team directly works with a community partner to support and raise awareness for their needs. The Poverty Reduction team directly works with the Upshur Parish House to supply and make a community dinner every semester. Last year, the Youth Security team put on a School Supply Drive for the Upshur County Board of Education.

The CCE looks to the upcoming fall semester with hope for an easy transition as it welcomes 24 new first-year students into its program. One component taught in the CCE is Kouzes and Posner’s leadership theory, which states that “leadership is everyone’s business.  It knows no ethnic or cultural borders, no racial or religious backgrounds, no differences between young and old.”  This incoming group of students highlighted below spans from just down the street to across the world in Ghana.  Some have achieved their Eagle Scout status or served in the Army Junior Reserves.  Cohort members have dedicated their time to service through the National Honors Society, the Red Cross, and Young Life.  One student has served the state as the WV Student Council President and a member of the WV Prevention Research Center’s Youth Advisory Board.  Two students have been a central voice of spirit as mascots in their school.  That talent is endless in this group, and Buckhannon is ready to tap into their potential: Blaise Adams, Charleston, West Virginia; Grant Bare, Summersville, West Virginia; Georgia Bosley, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Josiah Bradsher, Charleston, West Virginia; Jazmyn Brown, Martinsburg, West Virginia; Lauren Cline, Mineral Wells, West Virginia; Cliodhna Collins,  Falls Church, Virginia; Brianna Dalton, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Hailey Daniels,  Clarksburg, West Virginia; Zachary Daniels,  Webster Springs, West Virginia; Hailey Deaver, Parkville, Maryland; Tobias Fleece, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Macon Fleming, Martinsburg, West Virginia; Ronald Greer, Ripley, West Virginia; Angel Harris, of Burlington, West Virginia; Matthew Hatfield, Oceana, West Virginia;  Marley Heath  Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Destiney Hockensmith, Moorefield, West Virginia; Savannah Hose, Moorefield, West Virginia;  Joseph Kittle, Belington, West Virginia; Ethan McCrum, Parsons, West Virginia; Erik Nkansah, Ghana; Olivia Raber, Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Ian Wyckoff, Weston, West Virginia.

“We’ve been preparing, and I can’t wait to see how this momentum progresses in the coming year,” Vincent said.

The application for the Wesleyan Service Scholarship becomes available to high school seniors on Sept. 1, 2024, for the ensuing year.

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 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 –A West Virginia Wesleyan College art professor will receive the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator  Award from the Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Jon Benjamin, associate professor in the Art and Design Department, teaches graphic design, photography, film and more. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design from the Rochester Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Science from State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Over the last three years, Benjamin has also served as a merit badge counselor during WVWC’s Merit Badge College, managing a wide array of ages and skill levels while helping the students achieve their merit badge.

Outside the College, Benjamin and his wife, Abigail, own ARGO Books on Main Street in Buckhannon that is more than a bookstore offering workshops and camps for youth. Benjamin sees the needs of our community, especially those that impact our youth, and provides outlets for students to be confident and explore the world through a small bookstore on Main Street.

The award will be formally presented in November during a ceremony. Started in 2016, the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award recognizes the valuable contributions the education community makes in the lives of young people.

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 continues to be a leader in Creative and Performing Arts in West Virginia and the Region.  College officials have seen growth in applicants, majors, and auditions in recent years and are prepared for a busy incoming season of arts events.  

Over the last two cycles, including new students planning to attend in Fall of 2024, over 100 new students enrolling have received a creative and performing arts scholarship.   This year, the College has seen new student growth in all of its Creative Arts Majors including creative writing, visual art and graphic design, music and music education, theatre and musical theatre, and arts administration.   The College’s Competitive Dance Team competed in national finals this spring, and Director of Bands Dr. Robert Palmer expects the Bobcat Marching Band to be 60% bigger year-over-year.   Over 40% of the new creative artists over the last two years are West Virginia Promise Scholarship recipients.  

Dr. James Moore, the 20th president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, built one of the most vibrant collegiate jazz programs in the region as director of jazz ensembles and instructor of trumpet at WVWC. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and appeared on Bob Mintzer’s GRAMMY-nominated album “For the Moment.” 

Moore added, “There’s something about artists that I believe we understand at West Virginia Wesleyan College better than most. Namely that artists have a lot of courage. It takes real strength to realize a passion for creating art and beauty. At a time when other colleges and universities are slashing the arts, we continue to lean in because we know the character of artists is worth supporting.”

Wesleyan will also play host to a broad array of arts programming this year.  On June 23, the College welcomed the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for three weeks on a three-year cycle, bringing the most talented junior high school students in the State to the WVWC campus.  The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016.  

In addition, The North Central West Virginia Honor Band, Twirler for a Day, Jazz Fest, and a new honor choir event will be among the arts offerings throughout the year.  

Recruitment of Creative and Performing Arts students has been an intentional part of the College’s enrollment strategy.   Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ’01 commented, “I am incredibly proud of diligent work to bring performing artists to West Virginia Wesleyan this year.  Arts Audition Coordinator Julian Marshall ’20 has done a stellar job in leading team members through field work attending shows and concerts and moving students to individualized audition experiences that showcase WVWC’s hallmark personal attention and support.”

Prospective students interested in an audition for scholarship consideration can reach out to TheArts@WVWC.edu to learn more about opportunities and incoming programming.  Scholarships for Fall 2024 are still available.  

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 one of its 2022 Best Colleges in the
Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best College Rankings
designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional
Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic
training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple
performing arts groups; and more than 70 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 –Winfield High School rising senior Sydne Alexander is the winner of the West Virginia Scholar Program, receiving a full tuition plus room and board scholarship to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College beginning in the fall of 2025.

“I was very shocked and was like this can’t be happening right now,” she said. “I just felt instant joy and the tears started pouring. My mom is a teacher and my dad is a manual laborer. I also have two younger brothers, so getting this and taking the weight off of them is really helpful.”

Alexander is the daughter of Laura and Derek Alexander, of Hurricane, West Virginia, and is a National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, Pep Club, Key Club, Link Crew and Beta Club member. In addition, she is a member of the Winfield girls’ soccer team and a travel soccer team.

She plans to major in health sciences and play soccer  while at WVWC with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician and opening her own practice. 

WVWC will also award $5,000 and $2,500 scholarships to Kayla Flynn of East Hardy High School, and Jayla Lynch of Oak Hill High School as the first and second runner-up, respectively.

All finalists qualify to receive the Presidential Scholarship, the top academic scholarship for new students, to attend WVWC in Fall 2024. Over the previous 15 years of the West Virginia Scholar Program, approximately two-thirds of finalists have gone on to attend WVWC. Previous winners and finalists are now enjoying successful careers in health care, law, business and education.

John Waltz ’01, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, said, “We were so excited to host the students and families today for a thrilling event.  It is clear that the finalists represent the best and brightest in West Virginia and we look forward to working with them this coming year.”  

West Virginia high school juniors were eligible to apply with a transcript and an essay. Ranking of the finalists was determined by WVWC, sponsors of the West Virginia Scholar Program, and online voting. The West Virginia Scholar Program will begin accepting next year’s applications in February 2025.

Finalists also included Maddie Conrad, of Elizabeth, West Virginia; Trey Doresey, of Mount Lookout, West Virginia; Hayden Funk, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Ava Gorrell, of Sistersville, West Virginia, Madison Lawson, of Bluefield, West VIrginia; Olivia Miller, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Catherine Milliman, of Inwood, West Virginia, Colby Nichols, of Sistersville, West Virginia; Jayleigh Persinger, of Victor, West Virginia; Brynna Pyle, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Rayna Schnopp, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Jasmine Zirkle, of French Creek, West Virginia. 

The Culpepper Wesleyan Scholars Award, supported by Marvin Culpepper ’51, and Hon. ’06 and Elaine Karnes Culpepper ’54, Hon. ’06, provides a portion of the funding for the West Virginia Scholar Program each year.  In addition to WVWC and West Virginia MetroNews, the West Virginia Scholar Program is sponsored by Greer Industries, West Virginia Hospital Association, ZMM Architects and Engineers, Friends of Coal and the West Virginia Farm Bureau. 

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 one of its 2022 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 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 has announced its President’s List and Dean’s List students for the Spring 2024 semester.

President’s List is composed of students who earned a 4.0 for the semester while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades. The full list of students achieving President’s List honors can be found here.

Students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the semester, while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades are eligible for the Dean’s List.  Those students achieving Dean’s List honors can be 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.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate recently announced awards recognizing a Faculty and Staff Member of the Year at the annual Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Dr. Travis Zimmerman, assistant professor of criminal justice for the past seven years at WVWC, is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Member of the Year Award.

Zimmerman is said to make students want to attend his classes by keeping them engaged and sharing his knowledge and lifelong experience in the criminal justice field. He was also recognized at the 133^rd Commencement by the graduating class as the Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year.

“To be selected by the student body holds special meaning to me,” Zimmerman said. “Our students are what makes a faculty member’s job at Wesleyan one of the best jobs on the planet. Like all Wesleyan faculty, I feel like our commitment to making sure we prepare students for a successful future in their prospective fields is our most important job. I’m very proud to receive this recognition of my small part in this holistic student experience!”

Kenna Whitcomb, assistant director of campus life since November 2022, was named Staff Member of the Year. Whitcomb works very hard at making sure students are entertained outside the classroom through her leadership with Bobcat Entertainment and Campus Life.

Whitcomb said, “Being recognized by Student Senate as Staff Member of the Year makes me feel appreciated. I am glad that I get to serve and work with our students in this role.”

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 –  From navigating the Covid-19 pandemic to being the impetus behind West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Community Care of West Virginia has developed a strong partnership with the College.

During Saturday’s 133^rd Commencement, President Dr. James Moore presented CCWV CEO Trish Collett and retired CEO Rick Simon with the Presidential Medallion, reserved for individuals whose work has enriched, supported and strengthened the College in ways that are extraordinary.

“Rick Simon and Trish Collett have worked tirelessly as leaders at Community Care of West Virginia to make Upshur County and West Virginia a better, stronger and healthier place and they have done this work selflessly,” Moore said. “Community Care’s administration of our on-campus health center has been a wonderful partnership. Their work with us during the Covid-19 pandemic was a veritable lifeline for West Virginia Wesleyan College.”

In January, the College began the first cohort of a brand new Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program led by director Dr. Jen Randall Reyes. The program is a collaboration with CCWV and Aetna Better Health of West Virginia.

“Their willingness to always devote their and their organization’s resources to our community’s needs time and time again is nothing short of inspirational,” Moore said.

Collett joined Community Care of West Virginia in 2000 as a physician assistant and became Director of Medical Services in 2008. Prior to serving as Chief Executive Officer, Collett was Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer for CCWV.

Simon retired in September 2023 after 30 years at the helm of Community Care of West Virginia. Under this tenure, CCWV grew from one location in Upshur County to its current status with 18 medical centers, eight CCWV-owned pharmacies, one dental clinic and 50 school-based health center sites.

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.