Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 14, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with Keith Burdette, president and chief executive officer of Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., as the keynote speaker.
Isabella Hileman, president of WVU Parkersburg’s Student Government Association, welcomed students and shared insights from her college journey, encouraging the fall class of 2024 to value their relationships, embrace challenges beyond their comfort zones and view graduation as the start of an even greater journey.
“Graduation is not an end, but instead it’s a part of a longer journey. Wherever the future takes you, let it be somewhere bright,” Hileman said.
Burdette highlighted the importance of the lessons that come after college, urging graduates to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and to remain open to the possibilities ahead. Drawing from his own experiences, he shared that his most meaningful lessons in life have stemmed not from success, but from failure. These challenging and often unwelcome moments, he explained, have profoundly shaped his actions and taught him to truly appreciate success.
“Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t be afraid to laugh at the mistakes,” Burdette said. “Be the best you can be at whatever you choose to be, but laugh at yourself a little along the way.”
With a career spanning public service and economic development, Burdette has held prominent roles, including cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Commerce and executive director of the West Virginia Development Office, where he attracted major companies like Procter & Gamble and Gestamp to the state. Burdette, the youngest Senate president in West Virginia’s history, also served in the House of Delegates and held influential advisory roles under Governors Earl Ray Tomblin and Bob Wise. In addition to leading significant industrial expansions and workforce programs, he continues to drive domestic and international business recruitment, contributing to West Virginia’s economic growth.
In her presidential remarks, Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted the history of higher education, the legacy of WVU Parkersburg and key steps students should take to move forward.
“Our success has been based on our ability to be adaptable and make necessary changes. The same skills you have learned are the ones we apply to redevelop ourselves and match the needs of our communities,” Jackson said. “It’s why we start new degrees. It’s why we reinvigorate others. Our mission still is to cultivate economic and social progress. We will continue to elevate and so should you.”
In closing, Jackson left graduates with an empowering message, “As you enter the next part of your life, have confidence, be proud of your accomplishments and know that you are ready to achieve more.”
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 123 graduates who proudly crossed the stage, with a total of 330 students earning certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.
The full fall 2024 commencement ceremony is available to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/wvuparkersburg. For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s programs and opportunities, visit https://www.wvup.edu.
Olivia Reeder vividly recalls a defining moment in her life. A frustrated college student, she had found herself in a large school, missing the sense of community that she loved in her small town. Feeling lost about her future, she left that school to return home. Landing at WVU Parkersburg, she found a place where she felt like a name instead of a number.
“Jeff Holland, now a colleague, says his leadership style is ‘management by walking.’ When I walked in, he was walking by the front doors that day, and he saw my ‘deer in the headlights look.’ I was almost crying, and he asked what he could help with,” Olivia said. “I showed him my schedule for a major that I wasn’t interested in, and he asked what I liked to do. I told him I loved newspaper in high school. He took me to meet the journalism professor, Dr. Torie Jackson. That woman changed my life and became my mentor.”
Olivia completed her undergraduate degree on time, majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Relations and an Associate’s in Journalism. After completing her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University, she was named coordinator of the Media and Communications program, replacing Jackson, who had been promoted to a dean position.
Now, continuing to pursue higher education, Olivia is the Dean of Early College at WVU Parkersburg, which serves over 700 students annually. She has sustained relationships with a vast network of area high school counselors, vocational-technical centers, alumni, donors, area businesses, and officials in that role. Her efforts have shown a trifecta of results: securing funding for critical programs, bringing students into those programs, and promoting the overall well-being of communities.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘you don’t have to move away from a community to live in a better one,'” she says. “Creating excitement and then getting people excited to share the vision and understand that a rising tide lifts all boats. The more we do together and collaborate, the better it is for everyone.”
Olivia also serves as the Executive Director of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, spearheading fundraising for projects, including a capital campaign for the WVUP Innovation and Technology Center and The Student Health Fund, which provides free healthcare to students of WVU Parkersburg.
This aspect of her career also allows her to continue her love of community building with various stakeholders in and around her community. Central to who she is, assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping all students find their way through life provides ongoing fuel for her passion.
Through her volunteer work with Clutch MOV, Downtown PKB, The Historic Oakland Estate, and the West Virginia Symphony League, Olivia advocates for preserving Appalachian arts and history for all ages.
Recently, she was elected PVA President for Parkersburg Catholic Schools. “I think it’s important to start modeling community building at a young age, and it’s a way for kids to see what big change can come from a small group of dedicated people,” she says.
Born in North Carolina, Olivia has been raised in Parkersburg since the age of 5. When Olivia was in middle school, her mother returned to school to finish her bachelor’s degree, showing her what hard work and dedication look like while still being a productive community member and managing a family. Her mom’s example, including avid volunteer work for the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, has been a driving force in Olivia’s life.
Olivia and her husband, Dylan, live in Parkersburg and have two young sons, Luke and Logan. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Higher Education Administration through Valdosta State University and continues to create synergy in her community through fundraising projects and volunteer work.
Her superpower? “I would say it’s some form of adaptability – being willing to do whatever is needed to keep the inertia going,” Olivia says.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 23, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to discuss the approval of three new programs, the college’s involvement in the community and project updates.
Dr. David Lancaster, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, brought three new programs before the board for approval. WVU Parkersburg plans to phase out its Communications and Media Studies degree for an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) degree, as well as introduce a new Esthetics program.
“Due to changes in industry standards and low program enrollment in Communication and Media Studies, it has become necessary to restructure offering an AAS and a BAS Integrated Marketing Communication degree, which is supported by our community partners,” said Lancaster. “IMC provides a well-rounded skill set that will allow students multiple opportunities upon completion. Courses are realigned to meet industry changes in technology, news reporting and social media standards.”
Lancaster continued, explaining that the new Esthetics program will be a two-semester program that will offer students a Certificate of Applied Science specializing in skin care. This program is a 600-hour program that teaches students skin care, waxing and makeup artistry.
“We are called the WVU Parkersburg School of Cosmetology and Esthetics, so the need for the program is to live up to our name. There is also a demand for esthetics in the spa and medical settings,” said Lancaster.
The board unanimously approved the three programs.
President Dr. Torie Jackson showed her Halloween spirit and dressed as the “good” Sandy from Grease. Jackson tied her costume into her Presidential Report, explaining that the themes of Grease are centered around transformation, identity and personal growth, similar to how a community college serves its community.
“Overall, the themes in Grease speak of achieving more, which is exactly what WVU Parkersburg does by helping individuals develop skills and knowledge, leading to a stronger, more capable community,” said Jackson. “And this, governors, ensures that ‘the power we’re providing, it’s electrifying,’ and that makes me WVU Parkersburg proud.”
Jackson discussed recent opportunities she had to speak in the community, at the Wood County Development Authority’s annual meeting and at the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Annual Meeting. Jackson shared a video of her presentation at the NACCE, where she discussed WVU Parkersburg’s involvement in the community and local businesses and her involvement as Izzy, the mascot for Discovery World on Market.
Jackson also reported that a recent study by Lightcast revealed the economic impact of the college is $178.6 million and that one out of every 29 jobs in our region is supported by a WVU Parkersburg student or alumni.
Joe Oliverio, board chair, gave the Executive Committee Report, discussing updates on projects like the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center and the Jackson County Center. Oliverio noted that the JCC is slightly behind schedule due to contracting, but should be open by January. He said the ITC has been cleared of asbestos, the roofs are almost complete and the interior construction is about to go out for bid. The ITC is still set to open in phases starting August of 2025.
Blaine Hess, board member, gave the Academic and Student Services Committee. Hess said that Jeremy Harrison, media production specialist, gave them a tour of WVU Parkersburg’s newly updated website. The website features a language translator that can change the website into one of over 100 different languages, in an effort to make the website accessible to more students. To see the website, visit wvup.edu.
The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place January 21, 2025.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 4, 2024) — It’s not too late to sign up for the Fall 2024 semester at WVU Parkersburg — Late Start Classes are now open for registration.
“This fall we have a more robust selection of late start courses for students,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson. “We know not everyone is ready for classes in August and want to invite them to join us in October as they begin their life-changing educational careers.”
Late Start Classes are courses that begin after the start of the semester. These eight-week classes are shorter than typical semester-length courses, but offer the same amount of credits. Late Start Classes begin Oct. 14, 2024.
Courses include, but are not limited to:
Intro to General Chemistry
If you’re interested in applying, email admissions@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8310.
To see a full list of classes, visit wvup.edu/classes, click Fall 2024 and search the Express Courses tab at the top of the page.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 4, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg will host a series of upcoming events, like a bonfire and coffee meet-ups, designed to give the community and prospective students a chance to learn more about the college.
“By attending upcoming events hosted by WVU Parkersburg admissions you will be able to meet with the recruitment team and learn more about what WVU Parkersburg has to offer,” said Nicole Shutts, admissions and recruitment coordinator. “I think the events we are having like the meet and greets at local coffee shops and the event at North Bend State Park are beneficial to the community as well because we are meeting potential students in their spaces and allowing them to enjoy their products, while also helping them learn about our college’s opportunities.”
Whether you’re a parent wanting to learn more, a student who recently graduated high school or someone searching for a new career path, these events are open to anyone as a way to get questions about WVU Parkersburg answered.
Events:
October 5
Stop by North Bend State Park at 202 North Bend State Park Road in Cairo from 6 to 9 p.m. for a community bonfire event. WVU Parkersburg’s recruiters will be in attendance to speak about programs available, campus life and how students will be supported in their academic careers.
October 15
Join us at Stoked Coffee at 1606 Blizzard Drive in Parkersburg from 3 to 6 p.m. to drink coffee and talk about the resources WVU Parkersburg has to offer to its students.
October 28
WVU Parkersburg will host the first stage of this year’s Pitch Competition, where students will show off their entrepreneurial prowess by sharing their business ideas to a panel of judges. The top participants will advance to the second round, where they will have the chance to earn $10,000 to help build the business of their dreams.
November 19
Recruiters will visit Lock No. 4 Coffee at 3916 Murdoch Ave. in Vienna from 4 to 6 p.m. to answer questions about admissions, financial aid and opportunities for our current and future students.
December 10
WVU Parkersburg will wrap up the season at Jeremiah’s Coffee House at 165 Front Street in Marietta from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about academic programs, extracurricular activities and how WVU Parkersburg can help you achieve your educational and career goals.
To learn more, email admissions@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8310.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (September 10, 2024) — West Virginia University at Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the Summer 2024 semester.
President’s Scholars
Students on the President’s List maintained a 4.0 grade point average while earning 12 or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:
HARDY COUNTY — Moorefield: Marissa Ratliff
JACKSON COUNTY — Ravenswood: Jacob Seebaugh
Ripley: Logan Skurupey
RITCHIE COUNTY — Pennsboro: Michaela Smith
ROANE COUNTY — Grandeeville: James Miller
TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Silas Hunter
WOOD COUNTY — Mineral Wells: Cami Derenberger
Parkersburg: Natalia Alvarez-Dominguez; David Buchanan; Siann Daniels; Mary Goe; Rylee Jones; Amanda Lyons; Julia Vincent
Petroleum: Amber Elliott
Vienna: Riley Dunbar; Garrett Napier; Chantel Rader
Washington: Halle Hudson; Julie Mace
OHIO — Belpre: Lanie Johnson; Emma Williams
Beverly: Che’ Venoy
Marietta: Ashley Miller
Dean’s Scholars
Students named to the Dean’s List maintained a 3.5 grade point average while earning six or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:
CALHOUN COUNTY — Parkersburg: Glenna Laughlin
GILMER COUNTY — Glenville: Jordanne Beall
HARRISON COUNTY — Bridgeport: Alexus Workman
JACKSON COUNTY — Gay: Shawn Davis
Given: Lanna Bragg; Triston Lanham
Ravenswood: Samantha Bragg; Jonah Carmichael; Joel Fisher; Jacob Harvey; Chelsey Helmick; Cassandra Lott; Kali Moore; John Ramsey; Deanna Schindler; Megan Shockey; Anthony Vespucci; Molly Washburn
Ripley: Kyanah Baldwin; Carrie Haynes; Pamela Pross; Katelyn Selvage; Zaya Settle
Sandyville: Chloe Shinn; Courtney Winter
KANAWHA — Charleston: Breana Hall
Clendenin: Kaydence Steele
Cross Lanes: Bridget Roberts
Elkview: Aiden Ford
Sissonville: Alyson Thomas
MASON COUNTY — Letart: Thomas Anderson; Emma Gibbs
Point Pleasant: Scott Goldsberry
MONONGALIA COUNTY — Morgantown: Krystena Perkins
OHIO COUNTY — Wheeling: Jennifer Bryan
PLEASANTS COUNTY — Belmont: Randa Fluharty
St Marys: Gabriel Campbell; Eric Wherry; Megan Blouir; Amanda Hadley; Addison Parks
PRESTON COUNTY — Bruceton Mills: Wendi Glover
RALEIGH COUNTY — White Oak: Jessica Lilly
RITCHIE COUNTY — Cairo: Jessica Waggoner
Ellenboro: Zoe Butcher
Harrisville: Tyler Huffman; Chasta Rinehart
Pennsboro: Vanessa Patton
ROANE COUNTY — Elkview: Sabrina Canterbury
Gay: Adreonna Spencer
Reedy: Kelly Hardbarger
Spencer: Bailey Lawson
TAYLOR COUNTY — Flemington: Paige Zacavish
TYLER COUNTY — Middlebourne: Sara Conner; Aleeah Fletcher; Romana Rice
Shirley: Megan Kinney
UPSHUR COUNTY — Buckhannon: Teaira Nesbitt
WAYNE COUNTY — Huntington: Norma Harbolt
WIRT COUNTY — Elizabeth: Kylie Cox; Kelly Digman; Barbara Linger
Le Roy: Moriah Cale
Palestine: Ashley Wiley
WOOD COUNTY — Belleville: Jeremy Ellis; Bradley McPeek; Ariel Smith
Mineral Wells: Corey Beverage; Brittany Brookover; Adam Kelly; Colton Parsons; Nathan Schramm; Kimberly Thomas
Parkersburg: Alethea Bateman; Brian Bellville; Taylor Black; Crystal Bonnell; Stephaine Burchard; Ivy Burdette; Mace Busch; Dillen Chichester; Hunter Coull; Alexis Dailey; Lisa Dalton; Jeremy Dennison; Stacey Fordyce; Triston Frederick; Maegan Gaver; Raymona Grant; Mikhal Grueneberg; Karri Hebert; Haley Holbert; Jana Howell; Chauncy James; Savanna Lemley; Adelie Lowe; Kari Miller; Kelsey Mitchell; Maria Morton; Benjamin Nash; Lyndsey Parish; Charleigh Patton; Haylie Polan; Cynthia Poling; Kristi Ramsey; Ashley Riffle; Stephanie Riffle; Kelly Rockhold; Jacquelyn Schall; Hunter Schrader; Ashley Slaven; Krista Sponsler; Aizelyn Stroehman; Caitlyn Tallman; Ashley Tennant; Justin Walker; Heather Weaver; Mindy Whitacre; Cassandra Yoak
Vienna: Jacob Caplinger; Elizabeth Collie; Kent Crumbaker; Kiley Goldsmith; Addison King; Jacob McKnight; Dryden Roush
Walker: Lakota Lott
Washington: James Cayton; Dustin Corley; Anthony Ferch; Adelle Fleak; Leah Gant; Jennie Goff; Josie Harrison; Benjamin Kaminski; Michael Midkiff; Oshelle Miller
Williamstown: Emily Bailey; Conor Francis; Harold Nicely; Natalie Sawin
KENTUCKY — Olive Hill: Jacob Fannin
Louisa: Joshua Moore
OHIO — Athens: Sydnee Whaley
Coolville: Jonathan Graham
Rutland: Shalynn Mitchell
Dresden: Cody Wood
Anna: Jesse Tuente
Belpre: Kaleigh Hesson; Nathaniel Marks; Samantha McGee; Arionna Wolfe
Beverly: Keitha Schilling
Marietta: Ashley Dalrymple; Elizabeth Fisher; Tyler Haught; Leslie Mills; Joshua Schneider
Waterford: Jonathan Ragan
East Liberty: Cameron Epp
SOUTH CAROLINA — Jackson: Adam Abbadusky
TEXAS — Edinburg: Ramsey Ramirez
Abilene: Jared Asbill
Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 30, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 to discuss enrollment, swear in four new board members and recognize institutional leaders who have been vital to the success of the institution.
“Our enrollment is a number for which we are quite proud. We’ve had a great summer and we have started the fall semester with much promise for future growth,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson during her report. “We graduated 369 students in the spring, but we still have an increase of 410 new students for Fall 2024. Our greatest growth though, was in continuing students with a 14% growth for that group, which goes a long way with our increased enrollment from last year and our retention efforts.”
Jackson continued, explaining that there have been several staff realignments over the summer to help provide a better experience for students.
“I’d like to take a moment to recognize three leaders who have been a vital part of our campus for the last eight years, who have also helped us achieve more student success; to Donna Smith, JP Hushion and Jason Landers, we as a college publicly show our gratitude,” said Jackson. “We will formally recognize these governors at the May commencement.”
David Bowles, Jared Decker, Scott Seese and Student Representative Isabella Hileman were sworn in as members of WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors by the Honorable Tim Sweeney, 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge.
“Alice Harris has served WVU Parkersburg for many years, always to the best of her abilities and always putting the institution’s interest first and foremost,” said Jackson.
Harris, former executive vice president of Finance and Administration, was recognized for her 10 years of service as a financial expert. Harris recently retired from her administrative roll to teach at the institution full time as an associate professor of accounting. Harris had originally planned to retire in a few years, but moved up the timeline to teach after the unexpected passing of her beloved wife, Nancy Harris.
Jackson continued, “Three years ago, Alice began teaching accounting classes at WVUP, taking her decades of knowledge as a CPA and sharing it with students. She says that teaching makes her heart happy. She explains that teaching represents a positive way for her to share her considerable experience and knowledge with our students.”
“During this time, I have given my all to help ensure that the college’s financial and administrative processes are based on best accounting practices. I am proud of the work I’ve done in support of the college and its students. Most importantly, I am proud of my coworkers in business services, information technology services, Ricky’s Cafe, Riverhawk Books and Supplies and the Financial Aid Office, who are among the finest individuals I have had the honor to work with during my 43-yar career,” said Harris. “The college is in outstanding fiscal condition and its control systems are second to none due to the efforts of every single person who works in WVUP’s business services. My professional goal has always been to leave a place better than I found it. I believe with all my heart; I have fulfilled that goal at WVU Parkersburg.”
Two of Harris’ former teammates will be stepping into new roles in her place. Jeannine Hetrick-Ratliffe will oversee Financial Aid, Riverhawk Books and Supplies, Ricky’s Cafe and the Information Technology department, on top of continuing to supervise the business office staff. Brad Wilson is now the Chief Financial Officer and will continue to serve the college in his role in institutional research.
The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place October 22, 2024.
WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (Room 1300A) on the main campus.
Visit the Board of Governors agenda page to view the complete agenda.
