BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Today, representatives from West Virginia Wesleyan College and Battlers Knob LLC have announced plans for educational offerings at the former campus of Alderson Broaddus University.   West Virginia Wesleyan plans to explore offering courses, degree programs, and training opportunities in allied health fields and a variety of other areas most immediately needed in the State and region.

President of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Dr. James Moore, said, “We are excited to take the step of becoming an educational partner for our friends at Battlers Knob, the former ABU campus. While we have several steps to complete with accreditors to be cleared to fully pursue these initiatives, Wesleyan recognizes that the strong tradition of allied health education that existed at Alderson Broaddus University is a rich history on which to build for the future. We are excited about the potential of having a presence in this community, because community for us isn’t just local — it’s statewide.” 

This partnership will allow West Virginia Wesleyan to develop programs and faculty resources at the Battlers Knob facility, backed by the College’s strong academic reputation, creating an immediate impact on north-central West Virginia and the Philippi community.   

Craig Phillips, owner of Battlers Knob LLC, said, “Battlers Knob is excited to collaborate with West Virginia Wesleyan College to introduce a much-needed allied health program on Battlers Knob’s campus. This initiative increases the number of health care providers in West Virginia while stimulating economic growth in the Philippi and Barbour County region. Since acquiring the former AB campus, Battlers Knob has been committed to finding a partner that aligns with our mission of fostering continuous economic, educational and community development. We firmly believe that this partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College perfectly fulfills that vision.”

Representatives shared that programs are currently moving swiftly in development and that updates will be shared regularly.

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 BATTLERS KNOB LLC
Established in 2024, Battlers Knob LLC emerged from the acquisition of the former Alderson Broadus University campus in Philippi. Since then, Battlers Knob has embraced the mission of revitalizing the campus by fostering community economic development in partnership with local and state businesses and civic organizations. Battlers Knob is rapidly transforming into a sought-after destination for both public and private events, serving as a corporate venue and housing several local enterprises. By collaborating with regional organizations, Battlers Knob aims to create ongoing opportunities for economic, educational and community advancement.