Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 10, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated the achievements of students during an online honors ceremony at wvup.edu/virtual-honors-ceremony. College leadership, faculty and staff filmed video presentations or provided written congratulations to honor the accomplishments of the students they nominated.

“As we wrap up the current academic year, one of the most challenging years to be a college student, we cannot pass the opportunity to celebrate the successes of our students,” said WVU Parkersburg Provost Dr. Chad Crumbaker. “We are proud of our students and their achievements and excited about their future successes. Please join us in congratulating these award-winning students!”

The Student Government Association also recognized the Student Organization of the Year and Faculty and Staff of the Year for the main campus and Jackson County Center.

The complete list of award winners includes:

Dottie Bibbee Student of the Year Award
James Dobbs
Sarah Weeks

Early College Achievement in Music
Lauren Sexton
Eliza Lawrentz

Faculty of the Year
Amy West

Faculty of the Year (Jackson County Center)
Laura Carpenter

Fall 2020 Child Development Student of the Year
Monica Heiney

Outstanding Analytical Student
Rachel Snyder

Outstanding Emerging Artist Award
Samantha Pittman
Elizabeth Martin

Outstanding Jackson County Center Student
Rachel Fisher

Outstanding Leadership Award
Traci Mills

 Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year
Alex Musilli

 Outstanding Patient Care Technician Student of the Year
Elizabeth Collins McCune

Outstanding Service Award
Kimberly Matheny

 Outstanding Surgical Technology Student
Rebecca Garrett

Outstanding Volunteer Award
Jamie Gillespie

Phi Theta Kappa All-WV Academic Team Member
Jared Smith

 Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Academic Team Member
Jared Smith

Phi Theta Kappa New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar
Jared Smith

Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Region Eastern District Representative
Fallyn Buffington

Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Region President
Allison Ezell

 RN to BSN Student of the Year
Jennifer Williamson

Top Student Teacher for Fall 2020
Savana Goff

Top Student Teacher for Spring 2021
Laura Maidens

Spring 2021 Child Development Student of the Year
Vanessa Hendrick

Staff of the Year
Amy Richards

Staff of the Year (Jackson County Center)
Barbara Dunbar

Student Organization of the Year
Ecohawks

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 8, 2021) – The sun shone brightly as the smiles of graduates and their families during WVU Parkersburg’s in-person commencement ceremony. This is the 50^th annual spring commencement for the college as it celebrates 60 years of higher education.

The ceremony was held Saturday, May 8, at 2 p.m., in the upper parking lot of the Parkersburg campus. Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president for Institutional Advancement, and WVU at Parkersburg Foundation president and CEO, gave the commencement address.

“You before us are a symbol of our present and our future,” said Jackson. “Throughout your life, you have driven many country roads with bottleneck turns and curves. But, you have realized that as long as you keep moving forward, you will arrive at an amazing destination, even if it’s not the one you first imagined for yourself.”

Jackson is a proud WVU Parkersburg alumna who built the college’s four-year Communication and Media Studies program and founded its radio station, WPKM 96.3 FM, the Beet. In her administrative roles, she championed the Fall 2020 virtual commencement and was the strongest advocate for the Spring 2021 commencement to take place face-to-face.

“I believe what we need is often hidden in what we have,” said Jackson. “Each student crossing the stage today has a story of accomplishment, and here at WVU Parkersburg, they were encouraged, accepted and pushed to succeed. Here, they found home.”

Over 100 graduates crossed the stage, with a total of 358 students earning certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades. The college also awarded four honorary degrees and emeritus status to five college faculty and staff.

Honorary degrees were given to Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer; Sam Winans, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chair; Cheryl Donohoe, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors member and Dr. Torie Jackson, Spring 2021 commencement speaker.

Emeritus status is bestowed upon past university faculty and staff for their service and distinguished career and may be awarded posthumously. WVU Parkersburg presented emeritus status to Debbie Baker, professor; Dr. Cindy Gissy, associate provost and professor; Janice McCue, program coordinator; Cheryl B. Robinson, professor and Dr. Sy Sarkarat, professor.

Also, during commencement, WVU Parkersburg recognized Dr. Missy Spivy as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Spivy is an associate professor in the Education division, faculty senate representative and accreditation leader in her division, ensuring teacher candidates in the Elementary Education program meet rigorous standards prior to graduation.

To watch the Spring 2021 commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 30, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been recognized as one of the top-ranked institutions in the U.S. for its Digital Communication program. The college ranked No. 23 in the nation for its Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and Media Studies pathway.

Programs across the nation were evaluated by BachelorsDegreeCenter.org, a publication dedicated to helping students find the best educational program most suited to their financial, academic and personal needs.

“I’m extremely proud that the efforts of our talented faculty and staff that make this program effective and desirable were acknowledged,” said Dave Thompson, Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences division chairperson. “I’m equally pleased that students felt they received the quality education necessary for their career successes.”

The Communication and Media Studies degree with a concentration in Digital Communication ranked for its affordability, acceptance rate and student support. Of students surveyed, 88% say instructors excelled at tailoring classes to fit student interests. Also, 76% of students said the institution offered flexibility in scheduling classes.

WVU Parkersburg offers hands-on learning for those interested in pursuing a degree in Digital Communication. With the WPKM radio station, digital media production lab and internships with large content creators like Disney, students gain real experience to build resumes and portfolios.

Students create original programming and shows for the radio station, become campus journalists for the school’s online publication, The Chronicle, and practice video and audio editing in a new professional recording studio.

“The CMS program at WVU Parkersburg prides itself in creating courses that produce workforce-ready students with the creative skills to become leaders in their industry,” said Olivia Reeder, WVU Parkersburg director of Experiential Learning and Public Affairs. “By offering experiential learning opportunities on campus and throughout the community, we are preparing our students and giving them the experience needed to land a job in this competitive market.

If a student is a W.Va. resident, they may be eligible for WV Invests while pursuing an associate degree in Digital Communication. WV Invests will cover remaining tuition after all other federal and state grant awards are used.

“We are very fortunate to have such great students in this program,” said Jeremy Harrison, WVU Parkersburg Digital Communication instructor. “We, as instructors, must strive to give them the best learning experience possible so they can thrive in an ever-changing industry.”

To view the complete rankings, visit bachelorsdegreecenter.org/best-digital-communications-degrees/.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Communication and Media Studies programs, visit wvup.edu/hfass, or contact Jeremy Harrison at jeremy.harrison@wvup.edu or Logan Mace at logan.mace@wvup.edu.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s student environmental group, the Ecohawks, is organizing an Earth Day celebration on Thursday, April 22, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., on the main campus’ walking trail. The event is free and open to the public.

A full day of family-friendly activities are planned. Children may make terrariums from recycled plastic bottles and pine cone bird feeders and meet Smokey Bear. A variety of flowers and vegetables will also be available for giveaways.

A bat house information station will be available and pre-made houses for sell. The West Virginia Division of Forestry and Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action group will also have stations with tree and plant identification guides and how individuals can use more environmentally sustainable products in their daily lives.

The identification guides may be used on the college’s walking trail to classify wildlife.

“It is our duty to protect the world we share, its ecosystems and species,” said Valerie Keinath, Ecohawks advisor. “The Ecohawks hope to inspire and encourage others to give back to the planet and preserve its beauty, and in return, humanity.”

Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables and other refreshments will be available for purchase and follow
COVID-19 and health department guidelines. All will be provided in Earth-friendly compostable containers.

All attendees are asked to follow the college’s health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

For more information, contact Valerie Keinath at vkeinart@wvup.edu or 304-424-8327.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 13, 2021) – High school students seeking hands-on training in technician work and maintenance repair may apply to the Constellium Skilled Trades Scholarship Program.

The Skilled Trades Scholarship program is a collaboration between Constellium and WVU Parkersburg to help provide financial assistance to earn an associate degree in Multi-Craft Technology or Reliability and Maintenance Technology. After students complete their degree, they will have a five-year employment commitment with Constellium.

“This is a real opportunity for students in the Mid-Ohio Valley to experience an academic path to a trades position,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president of Institutional Advancement. “By partnering with companies like Constellium, we are able to provide programs that meet the needs of employers and help students find employment.”

Applicants must be a current high school senior, obtain a letter of recommendation, supply proof of their GPA and school attendance and successfully pass a drug and/or alcohol screening process. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the above criteria and interview process.

Visit wvup.edu/skilled-trades-app for a scholarship application and more information. Please return applications and required documentation by April 23 to:

Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC
Skilled Trades Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 68
Ravenswood, WV 26164

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 12, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held its Spring 2021 induction ceremony for invited students who accepted membership.

 

Students inducted include:

 

Majeda Al Waked

 

Amber Arko

 

Dusty Fox

 

Adrien Gibbs

 

Adam Hoschar

 

Robert Jarvis

 

Caraline Lancaster

 

Danielle Lockhart

 

Christine Morgan

 

Darlin Muelas Cruz

 

Elijah Randolph

 

Madison Scott

 

Shelby Simonton

 

Annessa Sweeney

 

David “Dean” Underwood

 

Dr. Cynthia Gissy, former WVU Parkersburg associate provost for Academic and Student Affairs, served as the keynote speaker for the event. College President Dr. Chris Gilmer and David Sigmund, Phi Theta Kappa Ohio Regional coordinator, also shared words of encouragement to the new inductees.

 

“Phi Theta Kappa is a transformative organization that has been changing the lives of students for many years,” said Gilmer. “I am certain it will enrich these students just as I know they will be enriching to PTK.”

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of college students. The Society is represented on nearly 1,300 community colleges across 11 nations. Phi Theta Kappa also helps students grow as scholars and leaders through skill development, scholarships and more.

 

Membership to Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and extended to students meeting specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed at least 12 credit hours of associate degree coursework.

 

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter, contact advisors Marie Butler (mbutler1@wvup.edu), Andrew Rochus (arochus1@wvup.edu) or Andrew Walker (wwalker1@wvup.edu). 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 14, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, April 14. Due to COVID-19, the members will not meet face-to-face. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. via video conference.

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

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

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 9, 2021) – Adapting to digital trends like podcasting and original content creation, West Virginia University at Parkersburg introduces a new program – Digital Media Production.

The program will offer an in-depth glimpse into the digital production industry. Students will be trained on industry-standard equipment, including drone cinematography, broadcast switchers for multi-camera video shoots, consoles for live and studio audio production, DMX-controlled stage lighting and more.

WVU Parkersburg also built a new Digital Media Production Studio to house a live tracking room, two isolation booths (one for percussion) and a mixing booth. Area musicians will be invited to record and provide real-world experience for students to mix music tracks.

Skills gained in the program will prepare students for careers as directors, sounds engineers, videographers, podcasters, producers, documentarians and sports and entertainment journalists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 18% from now until 2029 and have an average pay of $60,000 per year.

“We’re going to teach with industry-standard equipment, offer more hands-on laboratory time than ever before and see students start internships with large content creator companies as well as partner with local businesses for marketing and public relations initiatives,” said Jeremy Harrison, Digital Media Production program coordinator. “The classes will also prepare students to sit for Adobe and Avid Pro Tools certifications to help boost resumes and show understanding of digital media skills.”

Students in the Digital Communication, Communication and Media Studies and Strategic Communication majors will also be able to take classes from the new program. In areas of journalism, marketing, communications and public relations, employees will likely be expected to have skills in video and audio production.

Digital Media Production will offer a certificate and two-year associate degree. Upon graduation, students may enter WVU Parkersburg’s Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Communication and Media Studies program or transfer credits to another college or university for further field study.

Enrollment for the Fall 2021 semester begins Monday, April 12.

For more information or to register for Digital Media Production, contact Jeremy Harrison at jeremy.harrison@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 257.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 5, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recently honored at the Ohio Region Awards Convention on March 27. Sigma Omega was presented with eight individual and chapter-wide awards during the ceremony.

 

Chapter honors included the Catch a Shining Star Award for its regional engagement. Sigma Omega was also recognized as a Three Star Chapter for building a strong and engaged group, conveying excellence in achieving goals.

 

Sigma Omega chapter officers Fallyn Buffington (President), Allison Ezell (Vice President) and Serena Graham (Secretary) were recognized with the Order of the Torch award. These students were nominated by a chapter advisor as the most distinguished officer team.

 

Buffington and Ezell were also inducted as the new Eastern District Representative and President for the Ohio Region of Phi Theta Kappa, respectively.

 

“I am so proud of this group of students and their accomplishments,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor. “Becoming members of the Ohio Region has allowed us to become so much more involved on a regional level with Phi Theta Kappa.”

 

Butler herself won the Horizon Award for Advisors for her demonstration of teamwork, leadership, engagement and enthusiasm for the Society’s Hallmarks. Chapter Advisor Andrew Walker received the Advising Milestone Award for his five years of service.

 

Chapter member Jared Smith was announced as an All-USA Academic Team member. He was one of 20 students chosen from more than 2,000 nominations and awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Smith also was announced as a West Virginia and national New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, an outstanding workforce-bound student, and awarded a $2,250 scholarship. He is also being recognized as an All-West Virginia Academic Team member.

 

“I joined Phi Theta Kappa as a student at East Central Junior College in 1983. It changed my life,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “It is still changing the lives of students today, and I could not be prouder of our Phi Theta Kappa at WVU Parkersburg and their advisors. Their leadership lights the path for others to follow.”

 

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of college students. The Society is represented on nearly 1,300 community colleges across 11 nations. Phi Theta Kappa also helps students grow as scholars and leaders through skill development, scholarships and more.

 

Membership to Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only and extended to students meeting specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed at least 12 credit hours of associate degree coursework.

 

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter, contact advisors Marie Butler (mbutler1@wvup.edu), Andrew Rochus (arochus1@wvup.edu) or Andrew Walker (wwalker1@wvup.edu). 

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 2, 2021) – The Blennerhassett Elementary School Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program is benefiting from a new donation by the WVU Parkersburg Education division to help its students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.

The division recently provided LEGO STEAM kits to the school, which students can use to participate in the LEGO Education Playmakers Challenge. The challenge leads students in grades K-1 through the engineering design process, engaging in challenges that allow them to explore creativity, language and mathematical skills.

“It is a wonderful feeling to know we are able to assist in some small way teachers such as Ms. Lisa Smith to challenge students in the classrooms,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education chairperson. “There are few experiences in life that compare with observing a student learning through play.”

“Students are challenged to research and come up with new ways to get active by designing play places and an obstacle course,” said Lisa Smith, Blennerhassett Elementary School STEAM teacher. “Our kindergarten and first graders enjoy learning about simple machines through play with the kits.”

Hands-on learning encourages team building and helps students become more independent in their learning. Students who participate in hands-on learning also see an increase in engagement, motor skills and lesson retention.

“Hands-on learning is essential for students who are moving from concrete to abstract thinking. Students are learning perseverance, collaboration skills and learning from mistakes throughout the project,” said Smith. “They practice engineering design by researching, creating, testing, and improving their models. The best part is that they are having so much fun while they are learning they don’t even realize how much work they are doing.”

The Elementary Education provides tools like the LEGO STEAM kits for WVU Parkersburg students to use free of charge during their field experiences. Using available state-of-the-art materials, manipulatives and new technology, teaching candidates can better prepare for the profession and serve their classrooms.

“We just want to thank WVU Parkersburg for making this project possible with our students,” said Smith. “The students can’t wait to work on the project every week, and it’s so exciting to watch the cross-curricular learning taking place.”

To learn more about the Education division and programs offered, visit wvup.edu/education.