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.