BUCKHANNON – Dr. James Moore, Interim President of West Virginia Wesleyan College, is providing visionary leadership to the College as it continues to meet the ever-changing needs of students and employers.  Moore previously served Wesleyan as Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty and Director of the School of Fine Arts and Humanities, Chair of the Music Department, and as an Associate Professor of Music.

Over the past year, Wesleyan has been on a new trajectory to be a College designed for the future. The increased complexities facing society demand the future workforce to be even better prepared than in the past, so WVWC is creating an educational approach that will deliver a more meaningful and relevant college experience.

Moore added, “I’m so excited and honored to have been asked to serve as interim president at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Since I came here as a music professor in 2006, I’ve come to love this place because of the high value it places on teaching and learning. Our students are world class, and they go on to become leaders. I think everyone is starting to realize that higher education needs to change to meet the needs of 21st century students. WVWC has been leaning into that change in the past year, with a total overhaul of our general education curriculum and a renewed focus on experiential learning. We’re producing graduates who are adaptable, creative, and solve problems in a world that is changing rapidly. This is a strong College, and we’re on the move.”

To that end, the school has implemented a formalized strategic plan that is guiding the steps to make this happen, which includes growth, a specific focus on relevant curriculum, and providing students transformational experiences.    Projects ranging from new majors, teams and organizations, local and regional partnerships, and even those designed to improve advising and student processes are all focused singularly on preparing students for the future.

Moore is excited by the potential.

“The Faculty and Staff at West Virginia Wesleyan College are incomparable in their talents and care for students,” he said. “Their teaching, student service, and collaborative work on our strategic plan will ensure that a Wesleyan graduate won’t just leave with a degree, but ready to make a profound impact on a rapidly changing world.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts 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.