Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 26, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program has entered into a partnership with Doddridge County Schools to give education students hands-on experience in the field.

As early as their junior year, students will be given the opportunity to be placed within a school to gain hands-on experience in a Doddridge County School District classroom. Students will be observing elementary school teachers and practicing teaching skills in a real school setting.

“I find this partnership to be a great opportunity for the Doddridge County and WVUP. We will be able to work together with a common goal to support all students,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education Division chairperson. “When I refer to all students, I’m talking about the Elementary students in Doddridge County and the teacher candidates from WVUP. It truly is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The college also has the Partnership Education Center to prepare teaching candidates for their profession before they enter the field. The skills learned in the classroom will be partnered with the hands-on experience students will receive in the field and will overall better prepare the teaching candidates for their professional classroom setting.

“This agreement between WVU Parkersburg and Doddridge County Schools will provide a synergy between academic excellence and outstanding on-site teacher training,” said Adam Cheeseman, Doddridge County Schools superintendent. “Doddridge County is a leader and innovator in the classroom and we eagerly anticipate providing relevant classroom opportunities to WVU Parkersburg students.  What student teachers learn from our teachers, staff, and students will prepare them for a successful career wherever their profession takes them.”

For more information about the Elementary Education Program, please contact Dr. Lancaster at david.lancaster@wvup.edu or 304-424-8314. Visit wvup.edu/education to learn more about the WVU Parkersburg Education Division.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 23, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Art Club is holding a Spring Raffle to benefit the club and Humane Society of Parkersburg. Donations will support club activities as well as the shelter’s everyday needs and veterinary care of animals.

Raffle tickets are $1 apiece or six tickets for $5. Raffle prizes include:

• C.A. House of Music: C.A. drawstring bag, ChopSaver Chapstick, manuscript paper, Vic Firth Drumsticks, kazoo, harmonicas, Yamaha necklace, pencils, instrument polishing cloth, tote bag, guitar strings, guitar picks, guitar pick key chain holder and stickers.

• J.R.’s Donut Castle: Coupon for one free dozen cake/glazed donuts.

• Hallmark: Tervis stainless steel portable cup, magnetic notepad, wooden decorative sign and dog-themed journal.

• Great American Cookies: Gift certificate for one free medium decorated cake.

• Handmade jewelry by Amanda Stone.

• Handmade jewelry by Dr. Lauri Reidmiller.

• Mother Earth: Scented therapy balm, t-shirt, tote bag, calming accessories, Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution with Lavender, bath bombs, candles, magazines, french lavender body wash and Alive! Super Fruits Women 50+ Super Fruits Powder Blend.

• J&M’s Used Bookstore: Trekking the World Board Game and $25 gift card.

• Pet Supplies Plus: Redford food and scoop, drawstring bag, dog chew toy, discount card for dog washes at Pet Supplies Plus, kitten mouse pad, RedFood Naturals dog jerky, dog toy, three freeze-dry formula for cats, two freeze-dry formula for dogs, Pet Supplies Plus water bottle, portable lint roller, food storage clip and Redford tennis ball.

• Emerson Bowling Lanes: One free game of bowling passes (5).

• Attitudes Hair Salon: One free cut and style.

• Hue Askew Designs: Face mask and tie-dye shirt.

Click here to submit a PayPal donation, and be sure to select “Art Club” as the designated recipient. The winners will be announced on the Art Club Facebook page (facebook.com/artclubwvup) on April 10. For more information, contact Dr. Lauri Reidmiller at lreidmil@wvup.edu or Art Club President Hannah Faber at hfaber1@wvup.edu.

College wins silver, bronze and merit awards for marketing and advertising work

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 22, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Marketing & Communications team was honored with seven awards in the 36th annual Educational Advertising Awards competition, sponsored by the Higher Education Marketing Report.

This is the second year the college has been recognized for its marketing efforts by the country’s largest educational advertising awards competition.
WVU Parkersburg earned a silver and bronze award in the Television Advertising – Single Ad and Ad Series categories, respectively. The single ad “Find Your Future” shows WVU Parkersburg’s continued service to students as faculty deliver engaging and high-quality education in an online format due to the pandemic. The “It Feels Like Home” ad series features students’ testimonies as to why they decided to stay close to home and attend WVU Parkersburg, such as hands-on learning programs, saving $30,000 in tuition, the Veterans Resource Center and Early College program.

The college developed the “It Feels Like Home” series for print, winning a merit award in the Newspaper Advertising – Single category. A bronze award was also given for a single newspaper ad celebrating WVU Parkersburg’s past and future in providing successful educational opportunities to students.

An ad series featuring students in roles as mothers, fathers, veterans, community leaders and coaches won a silver award in the Outdoor Advertising category.
Rounding out the awards, “Dream Big, Stay Local,” an entry in the Magazine Advertising – Single category, won silver as it highlights the Jackson County Center and the many college services available. “Behind Every Mask is a Smile,” a poster with President Dr. Chris Gilmer and Ricky the Riverhawk encouraging safe health practices on campus, won the COVID Response Materials bronze award.

“Being recognized for materials that are created by our marketing team and our student marketing interns is an honor,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president for Institutional Advancement. “However, the greatest honor is the daily job we have of telling the narrative of the many amazing students at WVU Parkersburg and the exciting opportunities that await them on our campus. If you want to know more about WVUP, just ask us. We are always ready to share our story.”

This year, the Educational Advertising Awards received more than 2,000 entries from over 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Judges for the awards competition consisted of a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors and marketing and advertising professionals.

A full list of Educational Advertising Awards winners can be found at educationaladvertisingawards.com.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 19, 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. The college ranked No. 1 for its Associate of Applied Science in Child Development degree program.
The bachelor’s degree program also ranked No. 8 for having the best Child Development emphasis.

More than 340 programs 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.

“I am very pleased that our Child Development program has received such high rankings on a national level,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education division chairperson. “Time and time again, WVU Parkersburg proves to be the best in the community, state and nation.”

Each program is evaluated based on reputation, class flexibility and strength, qualified faculty 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 and 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 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).

“It is great that the WVU Parkersburg Child Development program’s efforts to provide life-changing, quality education to early childhood professionals has been recognized on the national level,” said Christi Calvert, WVU Parkersburg Child Development program coordinator.

To view the complete rankings, visit intelligent.com/best-online-child-development-degree-programs.

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. (March 12, 2021) – High-achieving student Jared Smith has been named the WVU Parkersburg representative for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) 2021 All-USA Academic Team. Only 20 students from more than 2,000 nominations were selected, and as a team member, Smith will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Smith is not only a representative for the WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter of PTK, but he is also a student veteran serving as president of the college Veterans Corps. As part of his All-USA Academic Team member application, Smith wrote about his leadership in establishing and chairing the Mansfield, Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument project by the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.

“This provides a unique opportunity of healing, education and outreach to the public of our Gold Star Families and their heroes,” said Smith. “The project also provided me with an opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much.”

From picking a memorial site to raising over $67,000 in monetary and in-kind donations and organizing the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies, Smith and his committee members were able to advocate for Gold Star Families and allow others to start their healing process.

“Jared became quickly engaged with our chapter and is always motivating our officer team,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega PTK chapter advisor. “He has a wonderful life story to share and I am so happy Phi Theta Kappa has been an instrument to allow him to share that story. Our chapter is extremely proud of him being selected for this prestigious honor!”

While Smith receives recognition and distinction for his leadership and service to the community and college, he gives credit to his life experiences and mentors who have shaped him into the person he is today.

“The cause is greater than I. For so many, this is a simple truth taken for granted,” said Smith. “At age 21, I survived three combat actions that should have taken my life, yet I was never even wounded. I knew that there was a much bigger plan for my life…I needed to live a life worth the sacrifice of those who have given their all, who have given their lives for our great country.”

He continued, “I believe the early success I have found is because I continue to surround myself with people who are greater than I.”

Smith served in the United States Army Reserves from 2002-2016, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005 and 2007-2008, and he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in the Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2014-2015. Smith is currently pursuing his Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science degree, which will lead to the Regents Bachelor of Arts program.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 10, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Ascend program is currently accepting student applications for Fall 2021. Accelerating Student Completion: Encouraging New Dreams (Ascend) removes the financial, academic and personal obstacles to earning a certificate or associate degree.

WVU Parkersburg Ascend students will receive financial assistance to defray the cost of books; a monthly Kroger gift card to help pay for groceries or gas; tuition gap waiver for students who qualify for the Pell grant, covering remaining tuition and mandatory fees after applying for financial aid; and mandatory; a devoted advisor; special registration options to get students the courses that best fit their schedule; and enhanced academic and career assistance from campus support areas.

As students approach graduation, they will receive additional assistance to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at WVU Parkersburg, another four-year college or enter the workplace, depending on their goals.

“I cannot say enough about the Ascend program,” said Nachelle Probst, a Pre-Nursing student. “The support from faculty and staff in my classes and tutoring is phenomenal. I also have a support system with my peers and am grateful to have met other driven individuals who help me along the way.”

To be eligible for Ascend, students must have less than 15 college credits (credits obtained by high school students are not counted unless they have 30 or more credits), minimum 2.0 GPA and enroll in an Ascend-approved major. Students must qualify for in-state tuition and re-apply for FAFSA and WV Invests each year, accepting all federal and state grants and scholarships.

WVU Parkersburg will host an Ascend Information Session on Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Interested individuals may join the Zoom meeting at wvup.edu/join or watch the Facebook Live stream at wvup.edu/live.

Funded by a $1.7 million, five-year grant from Arnold Ventures, Ascend is modeled after the Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs (ASAP) at City University of New York’s (CUNY) colleges. Ascend is a part of a research study to learn how the program benefits students.

To learn more and apply, visit wvup.edu/ascend. Contact ascend@wvup.edu or 304.424.8353 for questions. The priority registration deadline is May 26, 2021.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 5, 2021) – The WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Develop-ment team has announced the launch of the Sustainable Agriculture short-term program at the Riverhawk Farm.

Course topics will cover a variation of agriculture hands-on training, including Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Ranching, Soil Sampling and Preparation, Planting Methods, Marketing and Budgeting and many more. This course will offer students a chance to experience agriculture work at WVU Parkersburg’s own Riverhawk Farm taught by Agriculture Program Coordinator, Amy Wil-son, as well as local farmers, veteran farmers and skilled professionals in agriculture and agribusiness.

“The course in Agribusiness is designed for students who plan to seek employment on, manage or own a farm or seek employment in an agribusiness field,” said Wilson. “Students will learn activities that prepare them to apply sustainable agriculture practices and business principles involved in the organization, operation and management of a farm, ranch or agribusiness.”

Training and coursework begin March 29 and will end July 15 for a total of 90 hours. The course will consist of a Monday virtual class followed by Tuesday and Thursday evening labs providing hands-on experience. The goal is to increase the knowledge and skills necessary for students to work on or start up their own farms, and continue growing the agribusiness workforce. Students will be required to have physical attendance to ensure success in the program.

The cost is $2,000 per student for the entire program. Financial assistance is available to qualifying West Virginia residents to assist with cost. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate.

“Being involved with this program has allowed me to utilize my farming experience and expertise to guide others on a path of fulfillment and success through agriculture,” said Wilson. “COVID-19 has taught us the value of food security. Having a local, safe food supply is important to everyone, especially those of us here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Working as a team, myself and other WVU Parkersburg employees, students and local farmers, we will build a model farm to portray successful agribusinesses in our community.”

Utilizing the Riverhawk Farm will give students and WVU Parkersburg partners the opportunity to network with local business owners, farmers and professionals in this field. It will also open up new channels for local agribusinesses to hire future graduates of this program to learn new practices and sustain the agricultural way of life. This course will continue to be offered in the future in the spring and summer months.

For more information about the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Amy Wilson at 304-982-9043 or amy.wilson@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 10, 2021) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, March 10. 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. (March 1, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg awarded more than $1.46 million in funding to 1,424 students from COVID relief funds.
The college decided to award a $500 cash grant to every eligible student, plus additional funds to those who indicated greater financial need. The college’s Pell-eligible students received $1,100, and non-Pell-eligible students received $500.

Students awarded a grant will receive funds by as early as Wednesday, March 3, via the student’s requested refund method (direct deposit, BankMobile VIBE deposit or paper check in the mail).

“We are delighted to be able to support our students in this way. We know so many are persevering through very difficult times to continue their education. We are committed to helping keep their dreams alive, and we hope these significant funds will help them to finish the higher education they have started. As always, our students are our primary mission and concern,” WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer said.

These funds are provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist students with financial expenses related to COVID-19. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 is the new act that established the HEERF funding.

“We are so thankful to our elected leaders and other partners in Washington, Charleston and the Mid-Ohio Valley who are providing WVU Parkersburg with additional resources and support during this pandemic. We especially appreciate their vision to make these funds available so that we can offer enhanced support to our students and to the communities we proudly serve,” Gilmer added.

This is in addition to the May 2020 allotment that awarded a total of $876,544 in funding to 1,046 students, with grants ranging from $650 to $1,300.

WVU Parkersburg administration is pleased to be able to provide relief funding to all students eligible by federal standards who are attending classes at the Parkersburg Campus or Jackson County Center, realizing many students were in some way financially impacted by the disruption of switching to more online courses.

“We recognize that all of our students have been challenged financially and in other ways by this pandemic, and we want all of them to know that we support them and are here for them. We look forward to welcoming a large number of students for summer school in the coming weeks and a large group of new and returning students for the fall semester. Everyone is welcome at WVU Parkersburg, and we hope everyone will choose to take advantage of a high-quality, local higher education,” added Gilmer.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Feb. 26, 2021) – Singing, playing, comedy, spoken word and art, the WVUP’s Got Talent finale showcased a variety of talents during its second year of competition. Seven performers and four fine arts contestants battled it out during the virtual show on February 25, but only one took home the first-place trophy and $100 cash prize.

Olivia Kinder, a student in the Associate of Applied Science Child Development program, was named the 2021 WVUP’s Got Talent winner. Kinder performed “Fires” by Jordan St. Cyr.

“I chose this song because I go through a lot, and I know God is with me no matter what fire I’m in,” said Kinder. “I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, and my family inspires me to do so. I feel like we’re always singing together at the house.”

In addition to the judges’ marks, a People’s Choice Vote was calculated into each performers’ and artists’ scores. This year, WVUP’s Got Talent received over 600 People’s Choice Votes as audience members showed support for their favorite contestants.

Other finalists included: Valerie Bircher, Kalob Byers, Brandi Bush, Jacob Graham, Ryan Manley, Kimberly Matheny, Cameron Plauche, Lauren Sexton and Hannah Stephens.

To watch the WVUP’s Got Talent grand finale, visit wvup.edu/live or youtube.com/wvuparkersburg. Learn more about the WVUP’s Got Talent show and meet the performers at wvup.edu/talent.