News Type: Student

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Professional Development is hosting a Career Week to connect students with potential graduate schools, employers and internships.

Dr. Justin Bowers, director of career services and experiential learning at WVWC and Davis and Elkins, said, “Career Week is an opportunity for our students at Wesleyan to experience practical and compelling programs and opportunities to assist them in seeing tangible next steps related to their future careers.”

For those interested in a career in education, the Education Careers Summit at Davis & Elkins College Myles Center from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 will be the place to attend.  Join the Center for Professional Development and the Davis & Elkins and West Virginia Wesleyan College Education Departments for professional development, mock interviews, and recruitment opportunities for future positions.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, a Nursing Careers Summit will be held back on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Join the Center for Professional Development and the WVWC and Davis & Elkins Nursing Departments for professional development, mock interviews, and recruitment opportunities for future positions.

Finally, a Professional Networking with WVWC Trustees will be held from 6:30- 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in Library Rooms 209 and 213 in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library.  Join the Center for Professional Development and the WVWC Trustees for a special evening of connection, conversation, and tips around professional relationships and development.

For more information about these events, contact Bowers at bowers.j@wvwc.edu or 304-473-8607.

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 – 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 – West Virginia Wesleyan College has announced its President’s List and Provost’s List students for the Fall 2024 semester.

President’s List comprises 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 Provost’s List.  Those students achieving Provost’sList 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 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 – Twenty-six Fall Semester West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were recently recognized at a program commemorating their academic achievement. All Fall graduates are invited to walk in the May 10 Commencement. 

President of West Virginia Wesleyan College Dr. James Moore asked graduates to think about the faculty, staff, fellow students, friends and family who helped them achieve success in their academic journeys and reminded them that this support does not end upon graduation.

He also encouraged the graduates to “keep dreaming big.”

“Dream big, don’t lose that sense of hope you have and know that whatever life throws at you, you have graduated from one of the finest institutions anywhere,” Moore said. “We have been doing this for 134 years. You’ve got this and we know it because you are absolutely the best measure of our success as an institution.”

The following is an official list of December graduates as of Dec. 10, 2024: Omolade Aderemi ’24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences; Electra Allembert ’24,  of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice; Loan Chau ’24, of Worcester, Massachusetts, Master of Science in Nursing; Madysan Chisholm ’24, of Waldorf, Maryland; Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Ashton Crosten ‘24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Hanna Davis ’24, of Elkins, West Virginia; Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; Kelsey Dean ’24, of Buckhanon, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Abigail Fowler ’24, of Hurricane, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; Chelsey Fritz ’24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in English; Devin Johnson ’24, of Matthews, North Carolina, Five-Year Master of Business Administration; Kihiro Karasawa ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Physics; Victoria Klinger ’24, of Coalton, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Emily Lahman ’24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Management; Bree Moll ’24, of Craigsville, West Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Itsuki Muramatsu ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Kosei Nkamura ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Jaime Razo Jr. ‘24, of Tomball, Texas, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Bethani Rucker ‘24, of Hampton, Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Novalee Schmidt ‘24, of Inwood, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Elizabeth Sendling ‘24, of Coalton, West Virginia; Master of Science in Nursing; Christopher Taylor ‘24, of Leesburg, Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Crimimal Justice; Chance Walther ‘24, of Greenbank, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Colyn Webster ‘24, of Accokeek, Maryland, Bachelor of Science in Management; Nathan Whitman ‘24, of South Charleston, West Virginia; Bachelor of Arts in Religous Life Studies; and Gabriella Wolverton ‘24, of Exchange, West Virginia; Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –Students in the West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Communication shared their final Capstone projects and some updates about what the Communication Department has to offer as part of their Winter Showcase recently.

Faith Yoho presented “Be Not Afraid of Growing Slowly: Be Afraid Only of Standing Still: Exploring Changes to the Communication Department Through Brand Books, Social Media Campaigns and Advertisements. By creating this public relations campaign, Yoho hopes to emphasize that the Communication Department offers a variety of opportunities to analyze media, develop media literacy skills, and have hands-on experiences that can enhance your time here at WVWC.

Sarah McCall provided a look at her Rare Beauty Advertising Plan. Through a SWOT analysis of Selena Gomez’s beauty company, McCall identified the key themes for her brand messaging and created an advertising strategy and creative plan.

Peter D’Avanzo presented his capstone project “Does Social Media Have an Impact on College Students ‘ Mental Health and Academic Performance?” D’Avanzo’s research project focused on interviewing college students to explore how their social media use impacts their academic performance.

Alexis Abalos shared an analysis of “Sports Contracts and Player Performance.” Using social learning theory and social exchange theory, Abalos textual analysis of sports contracts reviewed both the importance of and the effects from sports contracts and Name, Image, Lineness (NILs).

D’Avanzo and Remmy Lohr shared updates to The Pharos, WVWC’s student-led newspaper. In addition to the paper continuing to be printed online, The Pharos is now back to being offered in print. This is the first time the paper is being printed since COVID.

Lastly, Yoho presented her Ledford Scholar Scholars Project “This is the Skin of a Toxic Male, Bella!” Observing Toxic Masculinity Within the Twilight Series.” This competitively selected research project gave Yoho the opportunity to interview Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X women to better understand their responses to the toxic behavior that male characters portrayed in the Twilight series films.

“This Winter Showcase was an excellent example of all the hard work and dedication of our students during the fall semester” said Dr. Nancy Bressler, Chair of the Communication Department. “We wanted to demonstrate our students intriguing research, as well as the innovative marketing and public relations projects they created. The Pharos newspaper is also even better than ever with an editorial board dedicated to its success. These projects exhibit the types of hands-on experiences that students in the Communication Department have that they can then share with their future employers” Bressler 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.

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 athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – A West Virginia Wesleyan College senior has earned an exclusive fellowship to intern in the West Virginia Legislature for the 2025 session. Davis Haynes ‘25, of Ripley, West Virginia, is a political science and history double major and a student-athlete on the golf team. 

The Judith A. Herndon Fellowship is a program where undergraduates are selected to participate in the 60-day session as Herndon Fellows. They are assigned to assist a sole legislator from either the Senate or the House of Delegates.

Haynes said, “I feel very blessed and excited about this opportunity. I have always been a ‘West Virginia’ first type of person and this fellowship is giving me a great opportunity to continue that mentality. Wesleyan has helped to shape me into the person I am today. From the various opportunities to engage with civic leaders, meeting with legislators, and lawmakers alike, the wonderful professors at Wesleyan have also helped me prepare for this. 

“Every professor at Wesleyan has had a positive impact on my academic career. Some note-worthy ones would be Dr. Coty Martin who is the coordinator for this program for Wesleyan. He has always pushed me to chase my goals and passion for political science and helped to point me in the direction of achieving this fellowship. Dr. Tamara Bailey has always had high expectations of me and all of her students. She is a professor who sees things in students that they sometimes do not see in themselves and this case is no different with me. Dr. Katherine Antolini served as my academic advisor. She always supported my passion for West Virginia and my abilities to not only study this state but also try and make a difference in my home.”

Haynes plans to attend law school and focus on environmental or energy law. 

“I hope that this fellowship will give me the key foundation and experiences for my long-term goals in life,” he said. “Learning the inner workings of the laws regarding these areas at the legislative level will be a beneficial knowledge base for me to have going into law school, as well as to carry out through my life. I plan to remain in my home state and strive to make a difference that will benefit the people and state.”

As part of the fellowship,  interns are required to perform research and various staff functions. Among other job-related responsibilities, participants are introduced to and develop an understanding of the politics of legislation, legislative research, bill drafting, the role and function of committees and the executive-legislative liaison.

To earn an opportunity to be one of the 10 selected, a person must fulfill these requirements; 

• Full-time undergraduate students of all majors and disciplines from both public and private institutions of higher learning in West Virginia.
• Completed 60 undergraduate hours
• 3.0 GPA or better
• Completed course in political science or extensive public affairs experience

This is the second year in a row that WVWC has had a student placed in the fellowship. James Humen ‘23 participated last 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 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 Campus Life has opened a gender-inclusive learning community for students. The learning community is a space for students who identify with the LGTBQ+ community and learning space that fosters security for those in the community.

The learning community moved to a different residence hall this year due to the need for a more accessible space. With the vast number of students in the LGBTQ+ community, the residence hall floor co-exists as a learning center. It was designed to foster relationships and a safe space.

Kenna Whitcomb, the assistant director of Campus Life, states, “The floor is a learning community designed to foster relationships and provide a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In this community, Resident Assistants implement programming surrounding current events, hardships, social, and educational opportunities that involve the LGBTQ+ community.”

Alongside the campus’s efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community, a student-led group on campus has been flourishing with events. PRISM, the queer-straight alliance on campus allows the LGTBQ+ community and allies to interact and discuss what is happening on campus and plan events that bring awareness to the community. 

Cadie Kittle, a junior and secretary of PRISM at West Virginia Wesleyan College states, “PRISM is WVWC’s queer-straight alliance. On campus, PRISM provides a space where students, no matter their identity, can feel empowered and supported. Education and Unity are two major drivers of the organization, and we hope to spread awareness on issues impacting the queer community.

“This semester, we brought back an event that was previously held by PRISM, but died out with the COVID-19 pandemic: the Coming Out Door. The event is held annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day. Students, faculty, and community members alike are invited to step through a door and symbolically ‘come out,’ a term used in the community that refers to an LGBTQ+ person disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. People were welcome regardless of identity, with many participants ‘coming out’ as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.”

The student-led group has also held discussions with Shauna Jones, director of the Counseling Center, to discuss self-acceptance and survivor’s guilt and with Title IX coordinator, Amy Kittle about LGBTQ+ rights and resources. 

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 – Two alumni who continue to support their alma mater and the work of the Black Student Union on campus at West Virginia Wesleyan College were recognized during a special Homecoming celebration.

Angel Riley ’99 and Dr. Robbie Quarles ’11 received the first annual Sankofa BSU Alumni Awards.

Sankofa is a Ghanaian adinkra symbol that means to go back and reclaim your past so you can move forward to understand how you came to be who you are today, according to Laurie Goux, director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs. It reminds us that we must continue to move forward as we remember the past and simultaneously plant a seed for future generations.

Riley, a member of the WVWC Board of Trustees, said, “ I am deeply honored to receive the Sankofa Award from the Black Student Union (BSU). This recognition reaffirms my commitment to giving back to the student organization that nurtured my growth. The BSU continues to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, enriching campus life and shaping each student’s experience in invaluable ways. Let us, as alumni, strengthen the BSU legacy of support and education so future generations continue to benefit.”

Quarles previously worked at WVWC as Director of Multicultural Programs and Services before moving to South University where he is Dean of Student Affairs.

“It was an honor to receive acknowledgment and accolades from the Black Student Union,” Quarles said. “The BSU was not only a cultural cornerstone of my college experience but also became a significant part of my professional journey as a staff member. Wesleyan will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m deeply grateful that the organization and the multicultural office continue to thrive in support of students.

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.