News Type: Faculty

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College welcomed nine new faculty members at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, including two for the new Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Dr. Yi Charlie Chen is a Visiting Associate Professor of Biology and will be teaching Principles of Molecular Biology and lab, Ecology and lab, Research, Principles of Organismal Biology and labs, and Senior Seminar. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and Molecular Biology from Washington State University. He previously taught at Alderson Broaddus University for 23 years and has worked in a USDA lab. Chen’s recent research is focused on studying the regulation of bioactive natural compounds on human health and cancer. The research found that theaflavins in tea reduced ovarian cancer cell growth therefore drinking tea reduces the chance of cancer in humans. Chen serves on the Steering Committee of the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE). Chen has published 94 scientific papers and book chapters, has been invited as a plenary speaker on several occasions, and serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nutritional Medicine and Diet Care. Chen is also serving as editor for four more scientific journals: Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Nutrition, Oncology Letters, and Cancers.

Dr. Paul Landen is a professor of Psychology at WVWC and will be teaching Introductory Psychology, Human Development, Counseling, and Abnormal Psychology this academic year along with supervising the psychology practicum students.  and professor emeritus of psychology at Kenai Peninsula College of the University of Alaska Anchorage. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology and religious studies from Michigan State University and completed post-doctoral work in clinical-community psychology with a rural, indigenous focus from the University of Alaska; three master’s degrees in counseling from Michigan State University, pastoral ministry from Marygrove College and Curriculum and Instruction from Ferris State University. He also completed two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and religious studies from Michigan State.  While at Kenai Peninsula College, Landen received the Outstanding Faculty Member award four times.

Dr. Jacob Hill is an assistant professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. He is also a strength and conditioning specialist/athletic trainer at Gorilla Strength & Fitness and an athletic trainer at Bridgeport High School. He will be teaching Principles of Athletic Training, Orthopedic Support and Immobilization Techniques, and Advanced Emergency Care for the Athletic Trainer. Hill was previously a professor of Athletic Training and Exercise Science at Alderson Broaddus University. He holds a Doctorate in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University, a master’s in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from AB. Hill’s research interest is in the use of periodization in athletic training and strength and conditioning programs.

The Clinical Mental Health Master’s Program is accepting applications now with the first cohort to begin in January 2024.

Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, ALPS, LPC,  is the program’s first director and will also teach Orientation to Professional Counseling for Spring 2024. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from WVU, a Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from WVU in International Studies and German.  Randall Reyes has co-authored a book chapter currently in press for the bestselling Counseling Children and Adolescents textbook early next year. She has also accepted an invitation to participate in a round table presentation in October for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference in Denver, Colorado. Randall Reyes was recently elected a board member of the Harrison County Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Dr. Ariel Williams, LPC, will be an assistant professor in the Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Montana and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Williams has provided clinical counseling since 2012 and recently pivoted to a telehealth platform with a holistic model of healing. Her research interests relate to the experience and process of counseling supervision, creativity in teaching and counseling, and counselor wellness.

Kimberly Baughman is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing where she will teach Mental Health Nursing 320, Community Health 440, and Mental Health Clinicals. Baughman brings 18 years of teaching experience in career and technical education. Baughman earned her ASN and BSN from Fairmont State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Capella University. For the last two years, Baughman taught at Fairmont State and was a clinical adjunct instructor there. She also has experience working in behavioral health and med surge. Baughman’s research interests revolve around mental health issues, substance abuse, and the care of these patients.

Ann Whitehair ’24 is a Clinical Instructor of Nursing for this academic year while she is enrolled in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. Whitehair will be clinical instructing for the nursing program BSN, critical care, and pediatrics. She is working as an FNP in Community Care family medicine. Whitehair earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairmont State University in 2020.

Also joining the faculty this year are Director of Technical Theatre David Hartley and Emily Ziebarth, Irene McKinney Teaching Fellow.

 

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 more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –The Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College has been selected as one of five members of a new cohort of evidence-based granting-making by the One Foundation. The model for funding involves developing an intentional program design that will be researched in Phase 1 and implemented in Phase 2.

The $50,000 research and development grant will be used to conduct research into the need for a Day Center to provide services for unsheltered, housing- and food-insecure individuals and families in Clarksburg, WV. The funds will encourage and compensate student participation in the research conducted by the Center for Restorative Justice. Not only will collaboration between students and unsheltered stakeholders be an opportunity to build relationships between people from different backgrounds, this collaboration will allow students to actively engage in the research process, informing their approach to scholarship. Building relationships that allow students to understand barriers facing our unsheltered friends works toward cultivating the responsible citizenship promoted in the college’s Mission Statement.

For the past two years, Dr. Debra Dean Murphy ‘84, Dr. Jessica Scott, and Heather Schneider (founder of Free Meals Appalachia in Upshur County) have been serving meals and guiding circle conversations with socioeconomically marginalized members of the Clarksburg community. This work has taken place in close partnership with First United Methodist Church of Clarksburg, the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, and the Resilience Collaborative, all focused on preventing and responding to homelessness and the needs of those who are unsheltered. The One Foundation expressed excitement at supporting the work of Murphy and Scott in Clarksburg because the work on bridging divides between different stakeholders is part of what restorative justice can do. Working to bring the community together around problems that are in need of solutions embraces the values at the heart of the One Foundation’s funding model: peace, partnership, justice, wisdom, regeneration, and leadership.

On being awarded the funds, Dr. Scott said, “We see this incorporation into a program of funding as an opportunity to build collaboratively with other stakeholders in Harrison County and to gather insight into approaches that could be valuable in other counties as well.”

Murphy and Scott call the program they have implemented in Clarksburg, The Circle of Friends, a name generated by participants in the program themselves. The conversations, which are always accompanied by a meal, range in topics from “joy” and “community” to “boundaries” and “loss.” Through the exploration of those topics, individuals open up to the possibility of becoming a community through the relationships cultivated in the Circle.

Learning about their friends’ lives and volunteering occasionally with the winter warming shelter convinced Murphy and Scott that a space that people could regularly access is a pressing need for their friends in Clarksburg. Developing a day center project in conjunction with the launch of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program on Wesleyan’s campus has enormous generative potential for both students and folks seeking services in Clarksburg. Murphy and Scott hope to collaborate closely with the Counseling Program to address therapeutic needs amongst the community in Clarksburg. The new Program Director of the CMHC Program, Dr. Jen Randall Reyes stated, “Community-based efforts such as this project from Drs. Murphy and Scott are one of the aspects I am most excited about aligning our counseling program with here at Wesleyan.”

In regard to bringing Wesleyan students into these efforts, Dr. Murphy noted, “It’s important to explore restorative justice in the classroom. But when students are actively engaged in the work, putting its convictions into practice, it is transformative for them and for the vulnerable persons they get to know as real human beings with struggles and joys not unlike their own.”

 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 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 – On April 2, 2023, the Epsilon Delta-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) held an induction ceremony at the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts (PAC). The induction ceremony recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of 15 individuals who received and accepted an invitation to join the Epsilon Delta-at-Large Chapter of Sigma. These individuals were students enrolled in the academic programs of three institutions of higher education (Davis and Elkins College, Fairmont University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College) and nurse leaders from the community.

The individuals inducted during the ceremony include Stormie Cawthorn, Karen Seel, Nikita Collins, Katelyn Zirkle, Annette Arnett, Taylor Shannon, Kacie Barnett, Lauren Williams, Chelsea Difilippo, Mary Lacy, Jennifer Woods, Hillary Cahall, Makenzi Lewellyn, Lauren Posey, and Ann Whitehair. Nurses and nursing students who choose to become a member of the Epsilon Delta-at-Large Chapter will have opportunities to experience and grow in leadership, access to free nursing continuing professional development courses, access to scholarly journals, career connections, and networking opportunities (Sigma, 2023)

Sigma is an organization of over 100,000 active members and 600 chapters. These chapters are supported by institutes of higher education and partners in healthcare from Armenia, Australia,  Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. The membership includes bedside nurses as well as nurse educators, administrations, researchers, policy makers, and others. The purpose of this organization is to transform health care through the organization’s vision to connect and empower nurse leaders which is an organization that evolved from the efforts of six nursing students in 1922. The Global Value Statement of Sigma.

Eligibility to become a member of the Epsilon Delta-at-Large Chapter and the Sigma International program are determined by the achievements of the undergraduates, graduates, and nurse leaders. For more information, visit https://www.sigmanursing.org/why-sigma/sigma-membership/membership-faqs

 

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 more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

 

 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The Higher Learning Commission has granted approval for West Virginia Wesleyan College to begin its newest graduate-level program, a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Applications are now being accepted for the two-year, 60-credit hour program with the first cohort to start in January 2024. Prior to the start of each academic term, students will connect with their peers and instructors during in-person residencies on WVWC’s campus. Students will then complete their coursework through online learning with weekly opportunities for synchronous instruction. 

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “We are pleased to have received formal approval from HLC and are very much looking forward to welcoming our first counseling graduate students in January.”

This new program is a collaborative effort made possible through a $1.2 million investment by Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia, with graduates eligible to receive employment opportunities through CCWV. This direct investment into our communities of trained counselors in West Virginia will help address the shortage of mental health providers statewide.

Since the Spring 2023 announcement, WVWC has hired program director Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, ALPS, LPC, who has worked in the field of mental health counseling for 20 years, and assistant professor Dr. Ariel Williams, LPC.

Randall Reyes said, “Having the capacity to officially launch this program is truly a testament to the power of community. Through our partnership with Aetna and Community Care, alongside the dedicated Wesleyan staff; we are really excited to share that we are ready to review applications for our first cohort.”

Full and part-time cohort models are available, along with the opportunity to earn a 15-credit Addictions Certificate.

Priority admission deadline is Nov. 1 for the Spring 2024 cohort. For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu/cmhc

 

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 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 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 – Wesleyan Department of Theatre & Dance announces auditions for our fall semester theater productions. Any member of the Wesleyan and Buckhannon community is welcome to audition. All shows for the fall semester audition Wednesday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for Performing Arts. Those interested should submit an electronic audition form found at https://forms.gle/NseNLgY8kM4kMzHY6 before Tuesday, August 22 at midnight. Be sure to list your potential conflicts and check the details below about the individual shows and their requirements. 

Actors are asked to prepare by memorizing a brief (30-60 second) comedic monologue with or without a hillbilly twang. “PIG” is heavily reliant on improvisation, so be prepared for improv exercises as well as cold readings from either script. If necessary, callbacks will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

If you have questions about auditions, please contact Thomas Schoffler, Chair of the Theater & Dance Department, at schoffler_t@wvwc.edu. 

“Proof, by David Auburn, and directed by Thomas Schoffler, chair of the WVWC Theatre Department, will run Thursday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 7 in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

Winner of the 2001 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Proof is the story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her manipulative sister, their brilliant father, and an unexpected suitor, all pieces of the puzzle in the search for the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof. This poignant drama about love and reconciliation unfolds on the back porch of a house settled in a suburban university town, that is, like David Auburn’s writing, both simple and elegant.

This play contains adult language, physical intimacy and frank depictions of mental illness.

CHARACTERS:

Robert: 50s, father, genius, struggles with mental health

Catherine: 25, daughter, brilliant, sarcastic and haunted

Claire: 29, big sister, big city, organized and together 

Hal: 28, graduate student, self-proclaimed nerd, kind and goofy

Rehearsals run Sunday – Thursday nights 6:30 – 9:30 p.m,. beginning Sunday, Aug 27 until longer technical rehearsals begin Sunday Oct 1 through opening performance on October 5.

 

The Case of the Sleepwalking Pig,” written and directed by Greg Mach, professor, will be performed Friday, Nov. 3 at the Buckhannon Opera House, Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Randolph County Arts Center and Sunday, Nov. 12 at The Lodge in Alpena (two shows). 

Two mountain families feuding may sound familiar, and these wacky hillbilly families have definitely got it in for each other, so there’s sure to be murder-most-ridiculous before it’s all over! The play starts with a meeting to announce that Curly Boy, the 977 pound MacRoy family pig, has been kidnapped, and the MacRoy’s know it was one of the Flatfields that did it and they want the pig back before things get out of hand like back in the feuding days. The pastor tries to keep the peace as accusations and old  animosities fly, stirring up the feud again. Many hilarious insults are thrown back and forth, and the Pastor gets pretty loopy when his water is replaced with moonshine, and we’ll even shoot some guns off for excitement. The murder victim turns out to be the pig, so it’s barbecue pork for dinner at this dinner theatre show!

 CHARACTERS:

 Pastor Hiram- a very upright leader of the Cass/upscale Whittaker Heights community, who tries to keep peace between the two clans. Drinks lots of water because he talks and sweats so much.

 Mamaw Minnie Flatfield is the matriarch of the Flatfields and is old-fashioned in her ways, disgusted by the new-fangled world she has to live in.

Ruby Flatfield is Minnie’s daughter, a college-educated brainiac business woman with no fashion sense and a daunting vocabulary.

 Leland Flatfield is Minnie’s son, the security officer for Whittaker Heights and takes his job very seriously.

 Uncle Parrot, tied to both clans, tries to keep things hopping by playing music throughout.

 Vernon MacRoy is the gruff patriarch of the MacRoys and owner of a 977 lb. prize pig named Curly Boy.

 Little Bobby MacRoy is a local crime boss involved in lots of illegal activities, primarily drugs and moonshine.

 Eloise (eh- LOW- iss)  MacRoy is a flashy, flirty actress that made a couple of unmemorable B-movies in Hollywood before returning home to live off daddy’s money.

 Rehearsals start in September around “Proof” rehearsals, and then daily Sundays through Thursdays, 8-11 p.m., October 8-31, with an on-campus performance November 1, and dress rehearsals at each of the venues the evenings or afternoons before each performance. Additional performances may be added at each of the venues, depending on ticket sales.

 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College has hired a new faculty member ahead of the launch of its new Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Dr. Ariel Williams will be an assistant professor in the program, working under director Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, who was hired in April. The new program is a collaborative effort made possible through a $1.2 million investment by Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia. Graduates of the master’s program are eligible to receive employment opportunities through Community Care of West Virginia. West Virginia has one mental health and behavioral provider for every 770 people, while the national average has at least one provider for every 400 people. 

Williams is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Montana in 2019. Passionate about teaching novice counselors, Williams strives to create inclusive, challenging, and inspiring experiences. She believes that strong relationships are at the core of learning, both in the classroom and in the counseling room. Williams has provided clinical counseling since 2012, but pivoted recently to a telehealth platform with a holistic model of healing. Her research interests relate to the experience and process of counseling supervision, creativity in teaching and counseling, and counselor wellness.

To learn more about the program and register for updates, visit www.wvwc.edu/cmhm  

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 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 more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 20 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 –For the second time in as many years, West Virginia Wesleyan students have flexed their intellectual muscle at the annual meeting of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Exercise Science graduate Holli Bragg ‘23, of Milton, West Virginia, and Five-Year Master’s in Athletic Training junior Connor Hollen ‘24, of Buckhannon,  West Virginia, accompanied by their faculty mentor, Dr. Greg Popovich, each presented research posters, with Hollen taking home top honors for the undergraduate research poster category.

Hollen’s poster was entitled, “Exploring the novel concept of intra-nasally administered creatine.” Bragg presented a follow-up to her previous study on dietary habits of collegiate volleyball players, while Dr. Popovich shared a case study on poor nutrition resulting in orthopedic injury.

Hollen reflected on the moment and the recognition for his original idea, “Being awarded first place was surreal,” he said.  “It made me realize that no matter where you are from, and no matter how small the idea, you could be recognized on an international stage. All the faculty within The School of Exercise Science and Athletic Training—and especially Dr. Popovich—welcome your ideas and can help you present them in a professional manner. This experience has reinforced that I am on the right path for my future. I cannot wait to present at a professional meeting again.”

West Virginia Wesleyan President Dr. James Moore added, “I’m so proud of our faculty and students. Once again, this shows the great value that we place on undergraduate student resources here at West Virginia Wesleyan College.”
For Dr. Popovich, the magnitude of the moment was not lost on him.

“For Connor, our program, and our College, this represents a major accomplishment whereby we are successfully competing with Tier 1 research institutions not in monetary terms, but in intellectual currency. For this to be the 20 th anniversary of this meeting and with some of my own mentors present to witness the event, it was nothing short of an amazing experience.”

In addition to the poster session for which he received a cash award, Hollen also competed in the innovative “Research Blitz,” a contest to convey research findings in 60 seconds or less. Sixteen presenters were selected to participate.
The ISSN meeting took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from June 15-June 17.

Hollen will spend the remainder of his summer testing his hypothesis as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grant.

In 2022, senior in Exercise Science, Callie Boddy ‘22, was also awarded first place at ISSN for her presentation on cheat meals during prolonged weight loss.

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 –  A West Virginia Wesleyan College professor recently participated as a subject matter expert in a panel on sports medicine hosted by West Virginia Public Service Training.

Dr. Dan Martin, LAT, ATC, and director of the graduate program in athletic training and a professor in the School of Exercise Science and Athletic Training participated in the Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletics panel discussion.

This two-hour continuing education event was provided to athletic trainers, emergency medical providers, coaches, parents and other allied health care providers to give them valuable information and resources for preparing for and responding to a sudden cardiac arrest incident at an athletic venue.

 

Martin also had the chance to work with a WVWC alum and former colleague Brian Potter ’03, MS, ATC, NREMT, who is employed by West Virginia Public Service Training as a public service training specialist.

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 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 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 recently recognized students for their academic and service achievements in multiple disciplines during the annual Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Outstanding Senior Awards were given to Morgan Bennett, Ontario, Olivia Carpenter, of Canvas, West Virginia, Madisyn Fox, of Caldwell, West Virginia; Courtney Gray, of Flemington, West Virginia; Easton Perry, of Ripley, West Virginia; and Ryan Shrewsbury, of Winfield, West Virginia.

Senior Academic and Leadership Achievement Awards were presented to Betty Abdelgelil, of Summersville, West Virginia; Abigail Anderson, of Caldwell, West Virginia; Lillie Archer, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Jakob Bohland, of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Kristen Crowder, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Caroline Fulks, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Hannah Hudson, of Blackstone, Virginia; Payton Hefner, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Jackson Igo, of Cross Lanes, West Virginia; Samuel Ingram, of Scott Depot, West Virginia;  Katherine Marks, of Wellsburg, West Virginia; Yuka Mizuidi, of Ueda Nagano, Japan; Mariah O’Hara, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Abigail O’Shields, of Dagsboro, Delaware; Isabella Posey, of Weston, West Virginia; Kotone Sakamura, of Japan, Rebekah Sikora, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Timothy Walker, of Alum Creek, West Virginia; and Abby Wetzel, of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Winners receiving the Sam Ross Scholar Athlete Award were Khalil Smith, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Hannah Hudson, of Blackstone, Virginia.

Dean of Students Alisa Lively presented the Campus Life Staff Member of the Year Award to Colby Wamsley, of Clarksburg. Wamsley also received the Bobcat Entertainment Member of the Year Award while Peter D’Avanzo, of Eastchester, New York, was presented the Bobcat Entertainment Rising Star award.

Jessica Vincent, director of the Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development, presented Sullivan Foundation Awards to Easton Perry, of Ripley, and Madisyn Fox of Caldwell, West Virginia. John Wesley “Do All the Good You Can” awards went to Noah Jeffries, of Bristol, West Virginia, and Michael Winston, of Lewisburg, West Virginia. Wesleyan Values Awards were given to Courtney Gray, of Flemington, West Virginia; Emily Wilmoth, of Fairmont, West Virginia; and Hannah Ketterman, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Outstanding Peer Leaders are Olivia Carpenter and Ryan Shrewsbury, of Winfield, West Virginia. Outstanding Community Outreach awards went to Geneva Brown, Caroline Fulks and Laine Stover. Brad Long Peace Award recipient was Kiylei Holloway, of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Laurie Goux, director of Center for Cultural and International Affairs, presented the Outstanding Leadership Awards to Charles Malone, of Dacula, Georgia; Morgan Bennet, of Windsor, Ontario, and Loren Keene of Bluefield, West Virginia. Allyship Award went to Geneva Brown, Trail Blazer Award was given to Cierra Tolbert, of Fishers, Indiana, and the Rising Star Award to Omar Sadek of Egypt.

John Bohman, director of Greek Life, presented the Greek Man of the Year Awards to James McIntosh, of Charleston, West Virginia and Greek Woman of the Year to Olivia Carpenter.

Jonathan Acord, director of Religious and Spiritual Life, gave Leadership Awards to Garrett Davis, of Jane Lew, West Virginia, Christian Cimaglia, of Ridgeley, West Virginia, and Abigail Anderson, of Caldwell, West Virginia.

Faculty Member of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Greg Popovich and Staff Member of the Year was given to Bohman.

Art Awards were given to Berlin Pruden, of Alpha, Illinois, (Outstanding Senior Art Major); Kaitlin Anderson, of Webster Springs, West Virginia (Outstanding Senior Graphic Design Major); Alaynah Rubio, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island (Outstanding Junior Art Major); Oreana Sharpless, of Aurora, West Virginia (Outstanding Sophomore Art Major); and Paige Blust, of Hurricane, West Virginia (Outstanding Freshman Art Major).

Outstanding Senior in Biology Awards were presented to Olivia Carpenter and Betty Abdelgelil. Hali Westcott, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was named Outstanding Junior in Biology. Kyan Gillespie, of Webster Springs and Kaef Rehman, of Daniels, West Virginia were Outstanding Sophomores in Biology. Outstanding Freshmen in Biology awards were presented to Srikiran Nandigama, of Salt Point, West Virginia; Sydney Vilain, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Raveena Navalgund, of Irwin, Pennsylvania; Caitlynn Sherman, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Omar Sadek, of Egypt; Haden Fincham, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Autumn Russell, of Keyser, West Virginia; Elizabeth Kittle, of Belington, West Virginia; Curtis Litton, of Duck, West Virginia. Chris Bender, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Geneva Brown, Olivia Carpenter, Hayden Hess, of Bridgeport, West Virginia and Ashley Nicholas were named Outstanding Research Students.

Yudai Kojima was named Outstanding Accounting Student, Jacob Folland, of Gainesville, Virginia, Outstanding Business Administration Student, Camillo Salvi, of Verona, Outstanding Economics Student, Mari-Jane “Gracie” McLeod, of Ridgeley, West Virginia, as Outstanding Marketing Student, Shelby Kennedy, of Howell, Michigan, was named Outstanding Sport Business Student and Camden Richardson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was named Outstanding 5-Year MBA Student.

Stephen Groves, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was named Outstanding Laboratory Assistant; Garrett Davis, of Jane Lew West Virginia, Outstanding Junior Chemist, Kristen Crowder, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Outstanding Senior Biochemist.

Outstanding Communication Major went to Iris Kolenich, of Buckhannon, West Virginia and Emily Reed, of Scott Depot, West Virginia; Leadership in the Communication Department went to Anthony Damcott, of Akron, Ohio. Outstanding Communication  Research Award went to Chloe Sotomayor, of Spencer, West Virginia. Damcott and Timothy Walker received the Outstanding Media Communication Award. Hunter Dierlam, of Sacramento, California, and Dylan Pauley, of Red House, West Virginia, also received communication awards.

Gage Poling, of Moatsville, West Virginia, received the Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Award.

Lillie Archer, of Corapolis, Pennsylvania, received the Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice Award.

Larry Reed Technical Theatre Award was presented to Elizabeth Tweel, of Elkview, West Virginia; Outstanding Senior Dance Student was given to Loren Keene, of Bluefield, West Virginia, and Outstanding Senior Theatre Student was given to Jackson Johnson, of Charleston, West Virginia, and Timothy Walker.

Education Awards were presented to freshmen Rhiannon Woolcock, of Falling Waters, West Virginia; sophomore Katherine Caldwell, of Charleston, West Virginia; Junior Payton Campbell, of Weston, West Virginia; and Senior Abby Wetzel, of Clarksburg, West Virginia. Wetzel also received the Dr. Ruth Mansberger Shearer Education Award and Abigail Anderson, of Caldwell, West Virginia, was given the Dorie McHugh O’Brien ’64 Award.

Outstanding Senior in English Award went to Daniel Dyal, of Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Easton Perry received the Outstanding Senior in Athletic Training Award. Holli Bragg, of Milton, West Virginia, received the Outstanding Research Student in Exercise Science Award, Isabella Posey, of Weston, received the Delta Psi Kappa/David E. Reemsnyder Award and Ryan Shrewsbury received the Developing Clinician in Exercise Science Award.

Outstanding Senior Major in Gender Studies Award was presented to Noah Jeffries, of Bristol, West Virginia and Kayla Means, of Clarksburg, West Virginia. Putting Theory into Practice Award went to Geneva Brown.

Outstanding Honors Program Students were Olivia Carpenter, Jackson Igo and Shaylen Chenoweth, of Elkins, West Virginia.

Caroline Fulks received the Outstanding Senior in International Studies Award.

Mathematics Hallam Awards were presented to Christian Cimaglia; Savannah Herrod, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Camden Lawrence, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Collin McEntire, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, and  Morgan Norris, of Gilbert, Arizona.

Music Department Award was presented to Geneva Brown.

Outstanding Seniors in Nursing were Mariah O’Hara and Victoria Syrews. Outstanding Juniors in Nursing were Kaitlyn Canby, and Makenzi Lewellyn. Outstanding Sophomores in Nursing were Melody Ryanne Garrett and Paige Miller.

Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Physics: Ethan Cutright, Robert Hurdt, Payton Hefner, Jackson Igo, James Anthony McIntosh, Abigail O’Shields, Logan Proud, Eden Reynolds and Rebekah Sikora.

Outstanding Bachelor of Arts in Physics: Lance Cerullo; Madisyn Fox; Caleb Hardy, of Kearneysville, West Virginia; Gene Hutchinson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Pedro Parmezani, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; and Payton Slider, of Ridgeley, West Virginia.

Brittany Myers, of Weston, West Virginia, received the Outstanding Senior in Political Science Award.

Shaylen Chenoweth was given the Outstanding Senior in Psychology Award.

Courtney Gray earned the Outstanding Religious Studies Award.

The John Warner Sociology Award went to Kendra Goeddert, of Maxwelton, West Virginia; Vijaya Rao Global Awareness Award to Caroline Fulks and the Outstanding Senior in Sociology Award to Caitlin Wilhelm, of Waynesboro.

Wesleyan Spirit Awards were given to freshmen Julius Pretlow, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and LouMasi Lott, of Walker, West Virginia; sophomores Kaef Rehman and Zoe Casto; juniors Colby Wamsley and Destiny Cochran and seniors David Taylor, of Washington, D.C. and Hannah Ketterman, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

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 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 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 –  The West Virginia Wesleyan College Class of 2023 joined the Orange Line Saturday during the 132nd Commencement Ceremony that celebrated their perseverance and resilience.

President James Moore encouraged graduates to continue to pursue truth and knowledge, learn from mistakes, but find joy in the journey.

“You are about to embark on a journey – the next chapter of your life; a journey of unknown possibilities,” Moore said.  “Find the joy in as many things as you possibly can. Never miss an opportunity to celebrate a win for yourselves, for your friends and family. Learn from your failures as you have during your time here. Remember what you have learned. There is a great big world out there that needs you. It is a world that is waiting for you. Never lose the joy.”

Caroline Rapking ’79, outgoing chair of the board of trustees, led the trustees during the Covid-19 pandemic that sent the Class of 2023 (and all students) home in mid-March 2020. Rapking spoke of the class’s adaption to online Zoom and Google Meet for classes and clubs and the return to on-campus life in Spring 2021 with Covid-19 protocols in place.

“After months of separation, the Community had to adjust to being together in person after so many months of a lot more solitary existence,” Rapking said. “I know that as students you were happy to be back, and you began to stitch your Community and the Wesleyan Community back together. Resilience, collaboration, and creativity were at the forefront.”

The Class of 2023 continued to be resilient throughout their College experiences.

“You persisted, you adapted, and you will now take these life experiences as you move forward, and may even, someday, be grateful for them,” Rapking said.

Rapking received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

Caroline Fulks ‘23, president of the Senior Class, presented Dr. Tamara Bailey, professor of history and international studies, with the Outstanding Faculty award voted on by the class.

Fulks asked her fellow graduates to remember their tight-knit connections made at the College.

“Wesleyan has given us the tools to make this memory and it is our job now to keep them alive,” she said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me this life-changing experience. Wesleyan will forever be my Home Among the Hills.”

Tara Steed ’87, president of the Alumni Council, said, “You have a lifelong bond to your Home Among the Hills. You may leave this place, but this place will never leave you.”

She encouraged the graduates to wear the title of alumni as a badge of honor and to find ways to give back to the College.

“We are the Orange Line,” she said. “Congratulations.”

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 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 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.