WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors to meet August 10

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 10, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, August 10, 2021. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the College Activities Center (Room 1536). Due to COVID-19, a virtual option to attend is also available.

For further details and instructions on how to attend the meeting, please contact Brady Whipkey, WVU Parkersburg chief of staff, at brady.whipkey@wvup.edu.

Visit http://www.wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/agendas/ to view the complete agenda.

WVU Parkersburg Education Division Expands Special Education Specialization

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 2, 2021) – Beginning in Summer 2021, West Virginia University at Parkersburg began offering a special education specialization to Elementary Education students and alumni. This opportunity has now expanded and is being offered to anyone with a teaching degree.

During the July 2021 West Virginia Board of Education meeting, WVU Parkersburg’s special education specialization was approved to be offered to any other individuals with teaching degrees interested in getting the certificate. Prior to this, WVU Parkersburg students and alumni were the only one’s eligible for these courses.

“This is a great opportunity for current teachers to gain an additional certification in Multi-Categorical K-12 Special Education. I consider this a win for our students and teachers,” said Dr. David Lancaster, Education Division chairperson and professor.

The certification is a total of 15 credit hours, with an additional 80 hours of field placement. Students who have completed the Elementary Education program at WVU Parkersburg will only need to take nine credit hours, with 20 hours of field placement.

“There is a great need for Special Education teachers, so we’re excited to be offering this certification to teachers, in order to fill those roles,” Dr. Lancaster said.

Anyone interested in obtaining this certificate can sign up for classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

For more information on the new special education specialization, contact Bobbi Marshall at rmarsha7@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 442. To discuss a future in the Elementary Education program, contact Dr. David Lancaster at dlancas1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8314. Visit wvup.edu/education to learn more about the WVU Parkersburg Education Division.

WVU Parkersburg Uses Student Emergency Funds to Cover Student Debt

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 30, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg is using funding from the American Recovery Plan Act to give students a second chance, far beyond putting extra dollars in their pocket.

The college notified 245 students Thursday morning that their tuition balances were covered, and they no longer owe the institution money. The benefit — $230,397.57 dispersed to student accounts — expunging the balance of students’ accounts who had balances from the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 semesters.

“We are happy to announce our decision to utilize a portion of the proceeds from our ARPA funding to pay off the balances of student accounts for the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 semesters. We are so pleased to have this funding available to provide our students with a second chance at pursuing their dream of completing their college education,” said Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration, Alice Harris.

“There is no distance we will not go to provide a path to college completion for our students, and this is just one more example of our commitment to student success,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer.

In Fall 2021, all students who are charged regular tuition fees, with the exception of Early College student, will be eligible for additional relief funds. The first of three fund disbursements, for students who did not have a balance, will begin being released as early as Sept. 10. Per the ARPA, funding will be dispersed to students with the greatest financial need first; those who qualify for the PELL Grant after filling out the FAFSA will be among the first to receive funding. No additional paperwork is needed to qualify for the funds, aside from the FAFSA.

“For many students, COVID is an obstacle that they were unable to overcome, which led many of them to stop pursuing a college degree. As a result of their withdrawal, many students had unpaid tuition and fee balances that jeopardized their ability to return to classes or obtain a college transcript. The administration of WVUP has great compassion for the struggle all of our students have encountered during the pandemic,” Harris said.

Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley recognized for community leadership

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 27, 2021) – WVU Parkersburg’s Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley was recently honored during the 2021 Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA) Annual Awards virtual ceremony.

The Arts Collaborative received the Mark Ivester Innovation Award for designing and successfully implementing a program to improve the culture of the areas it serves. Dr. Ivester was the former North Georgia Technical College president and CCA Board of Directors Chair-Elect and is remembered for his legacy of leadership and putting student needs first.

Sponsored by the Ross Foundation, the Arts Collaborative is a community initiative to provide a wide representation of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s artists, music, theatre, history, art education, fine arts and cultural treasures and be a collaborative hub for its members.

“We believe that promoting a robust arts scene throughout our service area greatly enhances the quality of life for our students, employees and the community at large,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “We thank the Community Colleges of Appalachia for the honor of this award, named in memory of a true leader in the community college community, and we recommit ourselves to deserving it every day.”

Cities across the nation, including Parkersburg, have seen local revitalization due to art projects and creating community spaces for all peoples to enjoy. This includes murals, in-person and virtual performances and fostering accessibility and inclusion in the arts.

Current members of the Arts Collaborative are the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, Artsbridge, Discovery World, Downtown PKB, Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Henderson Hall, Historic Smoot Theatre, Oil and Gas Museum, Parkersburg Art Center, Schrader Youth Ballet, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra of Parkersburg and Wood County Society and Artbeat Studio.

To stay up-to-date with the latest shows, exhibits, music and classes by visiting artsofthemov.wvup.edu or facebook.com/ArtsoftheMOV.

WVU Parkersburg Awarded $100,000 for New Metallica Scholars Initiative

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 22, 2021) – WVU Parkersburg was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000 to transform the future of students in the community.

Funded by Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) and led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative was designed to directly support students while elevating the importance of career and technical education. Metallica continues to use its global platform to speak out on the dignity of professional trades and community colleges that prepare students.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative is in its third year and has improved the earning potential for students who become Metallica Scholars. WVU Parkersburg will focus its efforts on students earning an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology by offering tuition and textbook assistance and covering costs for students to take up to four industry-recognized certification exams. The college’s goal is to elevate students’ credentialed skill sets by meeting industry standards, and raising the level of academic programs offered.

“Selection for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is further proof that WVU Parkersburg is among the top tier of higher education institutions, not just locally and in West Virginia, but nationally as well,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Only nine colleges were selected this year from an amazing field of applicants nationwide, and we thank this iconic band, its foundation and our good friends at the AACC for their confidence in us.”

He continued, “I have always said that students in rural areas deserve the same advantages as students who might come from more economic privilege, and, given the resources, our students can compete on an equal basis with anyone. These funds and the national prominence which comes with this award will help WVU Parkersburg to continue to lift our students and the communities we serve to even greater heights of educational and career attainment. In this moment, we are indeed West Virginia and WVUP Proud.”

“We are proud to work with Metallica to advance the career and technical education provided by the nation’s community colleges,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO. “Colleges across the country provide pathways to well-paying jobs through programs, services and training that lead to in-demand skills, certificates and degrees for students. These programs are responsive to the needs of local businesses and provide a pipeline of qualified workers to local industry. It’s a win-win for our students and the local economy. For Metallica to continue to invest in these students and communities is a testament to the power of the workforce education community colleges provide and we are proud to do this work with them.”

James Hetfield, Metallica’s vocalist/guitarist and co-founder, said, “As a touring entity, we are in direct involvement with multiple essential career choices along our path. From electrical, professional driving, culinary, mechanical maintenance, public safety, logistical organizers. And that just scratches the surface. Those, along with a multitude of other technical careers, make our touring and our performances possible. We are passionate and grateful to these trades and tradespeople.”

The MSI recipients to date are:

– Northwest-Shoals Community College, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
– Pima County Community College, Tucson, Arizona
– Hartnell College, Salinas, California
– Victor Valley College, Victorville, California
– Polk State College, Winter Haven, Florida
– Valencia College, Orlando, Florida
– North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
– Clinton Community College, Clinton, Iowa
– College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois
– Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, Wichita, Kansas
– Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
– Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland
– Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
– Central Community College, Grand Island, Nebraska
– Westchester Community College, Valhalla, New York
– Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina
– Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Oregon
– Columbia Gorge Community College, The Dalles, Oregon
– Lone Star College, The Woodlands, Texas
– Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, Virginia
– Spokane Community College, Spokane, Washington
– Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin
– West Virginia University Parkersburg, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Public Notice of Upcoming Accreditation Review of the RN-BSN program by the ACEN

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 19, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its RN-BSN nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 in Room 1300 of the college’s main campus located at 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV, 26104.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:

Dr. Marsal Stoll, Chief Executive Officer
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road Northeast, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326

Or email: mstoll@acenursing.org

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by September, 1, 2021.

WVU Parkersburg Ranked Best for Vets by Military Times

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 15, 2021) – Military Times has named WVU Parkersburg a “Best for Vets” career and technical college for the third year in a row. This time, the college earned the No. 7 ranking on the list.

More than 300 schools were considered, and Military Times evaluated schools’ programs, cost and services for military veterans and their families. The organization also measured data from the U.S. Department of Education and Veterans Affairs and Defense.

“As a retired Army Master Sergeant, I am thrilled to be a part of a team that is continually recognized for helping veterans. WVU Parkersburg is ‘Best for Vets’ due to the work and generosity of our many community partners,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate.

WVU Parkersburg’s partners in education, such as the Jan Dils Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Marine Corps League, provide student veterans scholarships, giving them greater opportunities to succeed academically.

“Completing college is not always an easy task, but fortunately, U.S. service members and veterans are used to completing difficult tasks,” said Shearlock. “If they can succeed in boot camp, overseas deployments and war, they can succeed in college. They only need the right tools and a little help.”

As a veterans advocate, Shearlock helps students manage college credit transfers, secure financing through the GI Bill and apply for VA benefits. Through community and Foundation funds, WVU Parkersburg also offers veteran-based scholarships to help students pay for tuition and fees.

The WVU Parkersburg’s Veterans Resource Center provides veteran students and families with the tools to achieve academic success and transition to civilian life. This includes offering a student-run Veterans Corps that organizes extracurricular activities for members and community events to honor patriotic holidays.

Find the “Best for Vets” rankings at colleges.militarytimes.com.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s veteran resources, contact Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

WVU Parkersburg Participates in Walk 4 Vets Fundraiser

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 8, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Veterans Corps and campus members recently participated in the Jan Dils Walk 4 Vets Freedom Fun Run 5K.

The virtual 5K allows participants to complete the 3.1-mile walk and run at their own pace and using a course of their choosing. The Veterans Corps chose the WVU Parkersburg Walking Trail, inviting campus and community members to accomplish the course together.

Participants included Bob Boyter, Chris, Birkhimer, Curtis Casto, Kayleigh Casto, Kristie Casto, Kurt Klettner, Darren Shearlock, Megan Shearlock, Melody Shearlock, Billie Shutts and Kenna Reynolds Warren.

Left to right: Kurt Klettner, Kenna Reynolds Warren, Billie Shutts, Bob Boyter, Megan Shearlock, Melody Shearlock, Darren Shearlock, Kayleigh Casto, Chris Birkhimer, Kristie Casto and Curtis Casto.

The Freedom Fun Run 5K is sponsored by Jan Dils Attorneys at Law with 100% of proceeds benefiting Operation Transportation, We Have Your Six and scholarships for WVU Parkersburg student veterans.

“We are proud to have the support of the community and organizations like Jan Dils, and in return, show our support through participation,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate. “Last year, monies from the Freedom Fun Run provided nine student veterans with scholarships that they may have otherwise not received.”

Chris Birkhimer leads the 5K runners and walkers.
Kayleigh Casto (left) and Kristie Casto (right) begin the second mile of the 5K. Kayleigh is currently a PACF Civic Leader working with the WVU Parkersburg Veterans Resource Center.

Online registration for the Fun Run 5K will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 9. The cost to register is $20, and participants must complete their course by July 10.

For more information on the Jan Dils Walk 4 Vets Freedom Fun Run 5K, contact Beverly Geiger at beverly@jandils.com or 304-428-8900 ext, 1335.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s veteran resources, contact Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

Ascend Program Extends Deadline to July 27

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 6, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg students pursuing a certificate or associate degree can stay on track with their education through the university’s Ascend program. This includes waived tuition, a monthly Kroger gift card and financial assistance to buy textbooks.

Ascend students also receive additional support in class advising, resume writing and tutoring. Upon graduation, students can be transferred into a bachelor’s degree program or enter the workforce.

“I think it’s important that college students take in all the time and resources that they can,” said Ashley Smith, a Business Administration and Ascend student. “It seemed like a no-brainer [to apply] when I already needed assistance.”

To be eligible for the program, students must be a W.Va. or Ohio resident and have 15 or less college credit hours (credits earned by high school students are not counted unless they have 30 or more hours). Students are also required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA, apply for FAFA and WV Invests (if a W.Va. resident) and be enrolled in one of the following majors:

Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Business Administration, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Digital Communication, Digital Media Production, Drafting, Electrical Reliability and Maintenance Technology, Electricity and Instrumentation Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Multi-Craft Technology, Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Reliability and Maintenance Technology, Residential and Commercial Technology, Strategic Communication, Surgical Technology and Welding.

The application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, July 27. To apply, visit wvup.edu/ascend/join.

Interested students and families may join information sessions on July 7, at 1 p.m., or July 8, at 7 p.m., at wvup.edu/join or wvup.edu/live.

WVU Parkersburg Announces Faculty Promotions

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 28, 2021) – Eight West Virginia University at Parkersburg faculty members have been selected for promotions ahead of the 2021-2022 academic year. The promotions are effective in August.

Three faculty members earned the rank of full professor, one more received a promotion to associate professor, and four were promoted to assistant professor.
• Christiane Calvert – promoted to assistant professor of child development
• Holly Dexter – promoted to assistant professor of accounting
• Traci Dolan-Priestley – promoted to assistant professor of English
• Rebecca Duckworth – promoted to professor of nursing
• Dr. Uta Hempel – promoted to professor of biology
• Danielle Kelly – promoted to assistant professor of English
• Dr. Stephanie Smith-Stout – promoted to associate professor of nursing
• Dr. Melissa Spivy – promoted to professor of education

To receive a promotion in rank, a faculty member must have demonstrated significant contributions in the areas of teaching and service to students, professional growth and development, and service to the institution and community.

“Faculty promotions are a formal recognition of the hard work, dedication and contributions of our faculty to student success,” said WVU Parkersburg Provost Chad Crumbaker. “We are very proud to share this recognition that is given after review by their faculty colleagues and the institution as a whole and based on each faculty member’s academic and professional activities over the past several years. We look forward to their future successes and accomplishments.”

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