Parkersburg, W.Va. (Jan. 3, 2022) – There’s an app for that.
WVU Parkersburg has launched a new mobile app for current students, faculty and staff that is available for free download on Android and iOS devices.
With the new app, students can access college-specific programs like Blackboard and OLSIS. Campus members may also check in with one another by posting announcements and questions to the Connect discussion board forum.
The app will also provide direct access to WVU Parkersburg’s Library, News and Events page and social media channels.
“We have waited a long time to make this announcement. To be able to share information with our students through their phones truly speaks of our efforts to have increased access for all,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg executive vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We hope students find this resource to be a valuable way to connect with their Riverhawk family.”
To download the app, search WVUP on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, users will provide their college credentials to log into the app.
If you have any questions or issues while using the application, please contact the IT Help Desk by submitting a ticket at helpdesk.wvup.edu.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 16, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has once again been recognized as one of the top-ranked institutions in the U.S. for its Child Development program, receiving five honors.
The program was ranked No. 5 for its online Associate of Applied Science in Child Development degree program and was awarded for having the best alumni network and the best advisors. The bachelor’s degree program also ranked No. 6 for having the best Child Development emphasis. Furthermore, the Child Development program ranked No. 11 in the top 63 Online Early Childhood Education degree programs, and it also received the most affordable award.
More than 2,900 colleges and universities were evaluated by Intelligent.com, a student-focused publication that helps students make informed decisions about higher education programs offered by top institutions across the county.
“Mrs. Calvert, the Child Development coordinator, has taken the program to new heights, and I’m very proud of the program and her efforts. Having the most affordable program in the nation and the top-of-the-line quality is something very special, in my opinion,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg dean of Education. “The Child Development online program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a quality program. It is always great to have that confirmed by outside sources such as this report.”
Each program is evaluated based on online resources, reputation, course flexibility, strength, and cost.
WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a degree in Child Development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree, then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way. All students admitted to the program receive in-state tuition rates regardless of geographical location.
If a student is a W.Va. resident, they may be eligible for WV Invests while pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Child Development. WV Invests will cover the remaining tuition and fee costs after all other federal and state grant awards are used.
Not to mention, the Associate of Applied Science in Child Development program accepts transfer credits from the WV Infant and Toddler (WVIT), EDGE Credit, Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) and Child Development Associate (CDA). WVU Parkersburg also offers a 2 + 2 option for their Child Development program. Anyone who has earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development at a different accredited institution may start earning credits for their bachelor’s degree without backtracking to meet the requirements for WVU Parkersburg’s associate degree.
For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Child Development program, visit wvup.edu/education or contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000 ext. 430 or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 19, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Fine Arts Committee is proud to release the Fall 2021 edition of The Poorhouse Rag, the college’s literary magazine. This edition emphasizes social justice topics with prose, poetry, children’s literature and artwork from students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (November 17, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has launched a second apprenticeship program in Cybersecurity and Network Administration through the Department of Labor (DOL). The program will train and offer students wages at Woodcraft while earning their degrees.
The apprenticeship program is the next step for Computer Information Technology students who obtained their associate degree and worked with their employer through WVU Parkersburg’s Learn and Earn program. As an apprentice, they will continue their paid mentorship with on-the-job training while earning a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree.
“It is such a natural bridge from Learn and Earn to the DOL apprenticeship program that we anticipate more companies taking part in such a collaborative, seamless program,” said Samantha Copen, WVU Parkersburg Learn and Earn coordinator.
Apprentices will work one year with Woodcraft as computer support specialists. As computer support specialists, students will provide technical assistance to clients, resolve computer hardware and software problems, install operating systems and more.
“Woodcraft is excited to continue its partnership with WVU Parkersburg and proud to support local talent in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Amanda Fowler, Woodcraft Supply IT director.
In addition to gaining on-the-job training, students who graduate from Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeships earn industry-recognized credentials.
WVU Parkersburg also offers an information technology DOL apprenticeship with Ntiva. The college is the only institution in the state to provide DOL apprenticeships in this career field.
To learn more about Information Technology apprenticeships through WVU Parkersburg, please contact Samantha Copen at samantha.copen@wvup.edu or 304-424-8250.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 16, 2021) – Volunteers from the Arts Club, Veterans Corps and campus community gathered in the Poorhouse Cemetery on Veterans Day to honor Veterans buried on the grounds.
The Poorhouse Cemetery inters Veterans from World War I, World War II, Korean War and the American War for Independence. Some tombstones have Army, Navy or Marine Corps seals and emblems on them but don’t indicate in which wars the Veterans served.
“Honoring these Veterans is the least we can do. They gave us so much; it is only proper that we remember their sacrifices,” said Darren Shearlock, Veterans Advocate. “As a society, if we fail to honor those that have sacrificed for us, we may find ourselves without people willing to do so if we are in need in the future.”
American flags will become permanent fixtures on the 17 graves that were marked Thursday. More Veterans may be buried in the cemetery, but there are no indicators on their tombstones.
“Learning about the veterans buried at the Wood County Poorhouse Cemetery allows us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of those who fought for our freedom,” said Dr. Reidmiller, Art Club Advisor.
Veteran David Chandler was one of the volunteers at the event. Chandler served from 1990 to 2014 in the United States Army.
“Veterans Day has a special importance to me as it is a time for me to remember those friends and Soldiers that I have had the privilege and honor to serve with,” Chandler said.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 15, 2021) – November is American Indian Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate and honor the ancestry and accomplishments of First Nations and indigenous communities.
In recognition of the month, WVU Parkersburg’s OPEN Project will host Dr. David Mathieu on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 12:15 p.m., at wvup.edu/live, to discuss topics, including cultural appropriation, land acknowledgment and the unique traditions and contributions of the Lakota people.
“This is an opportunity to educate the campus and our communities on national and global topics,” said Dr. Steven Smith, executive vice president for enrollment management and inclusive excellence. “If we are open to educating and understanding one another, we can bring that knowledge to our workplace, families and friends.”
Dr. Mathieu began his career teaching American Indian Studies in 1974 at Black Hills State University. He has had many different roles over the years, including a founding administrator of Minnesota State University-Akita in Japan. Now, Mathieu devotes his professional time to writing, consulting and teaching doctoral students in the area of Higher Education Finance, in addition to continuing his research on the Lakota language.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 10, 2021) – WVU Parkersburg’s alumni make a difference everywhere. That is why Alumni Relations has opened a resource hub for alumni to use in their post-graduation endeavors.
The hub, located in Room 1005 on WVU Parkersburg’s main campus, is where alumni and current students may come to update their resumes, go on job searches and connect. The space has a computer and printer, and users may bring their own technology to use campus Wi-Fi.
“Our best assets are our alums. This space was made so that alumni could share their experiences with each other and for our graduates to know we will continue to support them as they follow their career paths,” said Nancy Harris, executive director of Alumni Relations and Career Services.
Alumni may also participate in a nature photography contest to help decorate the hub. The contest is open from now until Dec. 15, 2021. All photos must be original, contain no people, high-resolution and in color. One submission is allowed per person.
“The walls are white, and the room needs some color, and there is no better way to add color than through the eyes of a lens,” said Harris.
For more information, or to submit a photo please email Nancy Harris at nharris2@wvup.edu.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Shine bright like a diamond. To celebrate West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s diamond anniversary, it is partnering with Wingrove Jewelers to give away a ring valued at $10,000.
The ring features three distinct diamonds framed by other diamond clusters. The total diamond weight of the ring is two and a half carats.
From now until Feb. 10, 2022, the college will sell raffle tickets for $100 a piece. Because WVU Parkersburg’s mission is to provide accessible, life-changing opportunities, tickets purchased by community donors will sponsor student entries to the drawing.
All raffle sales will benefit the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation’s student activities and student scholarship funds. The giveaway winner will be announced on Feb. 14.
“As we considered how to celebrate the 60th anniversary, the solution was simple: share with our students,” said WVU Parkersburg Chief Operating Officer Dr. Torie Jackson. “Community members who choose to give by purchasing tickets will actually get to provide for students twice – once for the opportunity to be in the drawing and a second time by having the ticket sales go into an account for student activities and scholarships.”
Jackson, who also serves as the Foundation CEO and President, knows students often need funding to pay for college classes and participate in organized college activities. It is only through generous donors that the Foundation is able to meet the needs of students.
The ring donation was made possible by the 60th Anniversary Committee co-chairs Kiki Angelos, David Creel, Annette Fehrenbacher and Terry Hardman.
From left to right: David Creel, Annette Fehrenbacher, Dallas Wingrove, Kiki Angelos and Terry Hardman.
“As a great supporter of WVU Parkersburg, I am very excited to celebrate the college’s 60th birthday and our partnership with Wingrove Jewelers,” Angelos said. “With this ring, I hope to raise a lot of funds to benefit all of our local students.”
“We are so appreciative of the efforts of these community leaders in helping us plan more than one style of anniversary party for WVU Parkersburg,” Jackson said. “While we aren’t able to have that large party we had hoped for this year, they found other ways to continue the celebration.”
While the diamond ring is at the centerpiece of the celebration, WVU Parkersburg has also emphasized on giving back to the community with its WVUP Gives initiative. WVUP Gives collected items, including gloves, non-perishable food, scarves and school supplies to distribute to local food and clothing pantries and schools.
To purchase a raffle ticket, please contact the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation at 304-424-8340 or foundation@wvup.edu.
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 22, 2021) – Instead of lacing gowns, WVU Parkersburg Surgical Technology students laced up their tennis shoes for this year’s Relay for Life. The team joined cancer survivors, caregivers and families to help spread awareness and raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
“Cancer has impacted each of our lives in a certain way,” Rebecca Garrett, Student Surgical Technology Association president, said. “We wanted to reach out to our community and those who have encountered this terrible illness to show them they are not alone.”
The team walked 27 laps and raised $1,471 with the sponsorship of Kroger in Belpre, Ohio. For its efforts, the group received two awards from the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Wood County, including Best Rookie Team of the Year and 2nd place for the Most Laps.
The team included:
Nicole Carsner
Rebecca Garrett
Katelyn Huck
Kat Jeffrey
Nina Kwok
Edith Powell-Hart
Bentley Singleton
“It was an absolute honor for my team to be presented these awards,” Garrett said. “I have lost several people in my life due to cancer, which is what sparked my interest in volunteering and creating a team to fund the American Cancer Society to one day find a cure.
The WVU Parkersburg Surgical Technology seniors were awarded the Best Rookie Team and as the second-place team for Most Laps Walked during the Wood County Relay for Life.
I became mesmerized by the passion people have for organizing, planning and dedicating themselves to this event. Every person who attended this year’s Relay for Life was kind, caring and a privilege to be around. I personally encourage other students to attend the event and support those fighting cancer and in memory of those who have lost the battle.”
The Surgical Technology Relay for Life team walks the track at the Parkersburg City Park in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to the illness.
The Student Surgical Technology Association also participated in the spring 2021 Walk for Life for the Parkersburg Women’s Care Center.
“Getting together outside of the classroom helps us to create a stronger bond as students,” Garrett said. “Our class has a beautiful friendship that I believe will continue for years after we graduate. We are a team that helps to build each other up, and we are WVU Parkersburg Proud.”
Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 18, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Art Club and their friends gathered on Saturday, Oct. 9, to honor those buried at the campus’ Poor Farm Cemetery.
“A poorhouse could serve as a hospital, nursing home, orphanage, halfway home, or even temporary prison. They were designed to aid widows who lost their husbands, children who lost their parents, injured soldiers and those affected by poverty or illness,” said Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, associate professor and advisor of the Art Club.
Poor farms were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Farms declined after the Social Security Act took effect in 1935, and, by 1950, poor farms had almost completely disappeared.
“Residents were expected to work the fields, tend the livestock, clean, cook and help maintain the property to the extent that their health or physical abilities would allow. In return, they were given food, clothing, shelter and medical care,” Reidmiller said.
The Poor Farm Cemetery honors over 1,000 residents, including veterans, ex-salves, infants and other residents from the Wood County Poorhouse.
“Learning about the poorhouse and the cemetery allows us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of those who came before us. Every grave marker holds valuable pieces of information about a community,” Reidmiller said.
This is the second Poor Farm Cemetery event. Volunteers at the cleanup fixed broken crosses, trimmed bushes and trees, uncovered and cleaned tombstones and straightened cross grave markers.
“The chance to take part in the project gives my students an interesting peek into our local history. Most students who attend WVU Parkersburg are not aware of the significance of the graveyard,” Reidmiller said. “Learning about historical events is not so abstract when they are tied to a specific person or family from our own community.”
Another Poor Farm Cemetery cleanup will take place in the Spring. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Dr. Lauri Reidmiller at lreidmil@wvup.edu.
