Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 5, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg awarded certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees to December 2020 graduates.

Graduates who attained a 3.50 to 4.00 grade point average (GPA) earned academic honors, as follows: 3.50-3.749, Cum Laude; 3.75-3.99, Magna Cum Laude; and 4.0, Summa Cum Laude. The December WVU Parkersburg graduates include:

BERKELEY COUNTY – Martinsburg: Judy Courtney, RBA;

BOONE COUNTY – Seth: Sarah Foster, BAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude;

CABELL COUNTY – Huntington: Donnell Reed, AAS, Occupational Development;

CALHOUN COUNTY – Big Springs: Andrea Frymier, CAS Child Development;

Grantsville: Monica Heiney, BAS, Child Development, Cum Laude;

FAYETTE COUNTY – Fayetteville: Samantha Bess, AAS, Surgical Technology;

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – Levels: Lindsey Pearce, CAS, Child Development, Summa Cum Laude;

JACKSON COUNTY – Cottageville: Andrew Hoschar, BAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Rachel Kerns, AAS, Business Administration; Brittany Sword, CAS, AAS, BAS, Legal Studies, Magna Cum Laude;

Evans: Haley Conley, CAS, Criminal Justice;

Kenna: Jessica Goosman, AAS, Nursing; Erin Petry, CAS, Paraprofessional Pre-K-12;

Millwood: Andrew McDowell, AAS, Business Administration;

Ravenswood: Alexis Adkins, BA, Elementary Education; Victoria Allinder, BA, Elementary Education, Caylee Carmichael, AAS, Surgical Technology; Nathanael Flesher, AAS, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Magna Cum Laude; Jaime Gillespie, AAS, Nursing, Cum Laude; Heidi Hess, AAS, Nursing; Michael Hupp, BA, Elementary Education; Sean Matics, BAS, Business Administration; Santana Phillips, AA, General Education; Marissa Simmons, AAS, Business Administration; Lisa Thompson, CAS, Child Development, Cum Laude;

Ripley: Grace Ashworth, AA, General Education; James Dobbs, AAS, Strategic Communication; Casey Edwards, RBA; Kimberly Hill, AAS, Nursing; Bobbi Nichols, RBA; Kevin Renforth, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology, Cum Laude;

Sandyville: Jennifer Riggs, CAS, Child Development; Michaella Prater, AAS, Nursing;

KANAWHA COUNTY – Elkview: Annessa Sweeney, AS, General Education, Cum Laude;

MASON COUNTY – Leon: Emily Keefer, BS, Business Administration;

Mason: Joshua Petry, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Courtney Rickard, AAS, Child Development;

New Haven: Lauryn Fields, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

MONONGALIA COUNTY – Morgantown: Zoe Dalton, AAS, Business Technology; Brooke McDonald, CAS, Child Development, Cum Laude;

NICHOLAS COUNTY – Craigsville: Taylor Brown, CAS, Child Development;

PLEASANTS COUNTY – Belmont: Alexis Carder, AAS, Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Michelle Neff, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Erica Pierce, AAS Business Administration, and AAS, Business Technology;

St. Marys: Dylan Fitzsimmons, CAS, AAS, Welding Technology, Summa Cum Laude; Chance Hughart, BAT; Dyvan Locke, AAS, Criminal Justice; Miranda Myers, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Willio Rene, AAS, Welding Technology, Cum Laude; Mallory Webb, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;

Waverly: William Riddle, CAS, Welding Technology; Bryson Shingleton, CAS, Residential and Commercial Electricity;

PUTNAM COUNTY – Buffalo: Hannah Matthews, AAS, Nursing;

Hurricane: Jordan Lane, BAS, Child Development;

RITCHIE COUNTY – Cairo: Fallyn Buffington, BAS Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude;

Ellenboro: Shannon Reilly, RBA;

Harrisville: Margaret Hardbarger, RBA; Laken Stout, BAS, Criminal Justice;

Pennsboro: Olivia Vanoy, AAS, Nursing;

Smithville: India Hodge, CAS, Child Development, Brianna Luther, BAS, Business Administration;

ROANE COUNTY – Spencer: Jennifer Obrien, BAS, Child Development, Cum Laude;

Walton: Jamie Huffman, AAS, Legal Studies, Cum Laude;

TYLER COUNTY – Alma: Christopher Potoczny, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology;

Friendly: Carl Maxwell, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology;

Middlebourne: Andrew Ruble, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology;

Sistersville: Nathan Baker, CAS, Electricity and Instrumentation, Cum Laude;

WETZEL COUNTY – New Martinsville: Holly Moore, AAS, Nursing; William Nice, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology, Cum Laude;

Paden City: Tanya Duncan, BAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude;

WIRT COUNTY – Elizabeth: Addie Bailey, AAS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude; Deborah Darling, AAS, Legal Studies, Magna Cum Laude; Kaitlyn Frazier, CAS, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Cassandra Mason, AAS, Nursing, Cum Laude; Lynsey Munday, AAS, Business Administration; Kaitlyn Thompson, BAS, Communication and Media Studies-Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Kaysi Trickett, AAS, Surgical Technology;

Palestine: Brooklyn Smith, CAS, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Dakota White, AAS, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude;

WOOD COUNTY – Belleville: Arin Townsend, CAS, Electricity and Instrumentation;

Davisville: Zachary Elkins, BAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Nancy Goff, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Tyler Marlow, BAS, Business Administration; Lesley Miller, BA, Elementary Education; Anthony Roberts, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology; Ryan Westfall, AAS, Nursing;

Mineral Wells: Ashley Beall, AAS, BOG; Zoë Bookman, BAT; Brooke Buchanan, BAS, Communication and Media Studies-Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Haleigh Kent, AAS, Business Administration; Justina Morris, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Caitlyn Oldaker, AAS, BOG; Kirstin Reynolds, AAS, Nursing; Tyiesha Robinson, AAS, Nursing; Jennifer Ward, AAS, Business Administration; Hannah Warner, AAS, Nursing;
Parkersburg: Jillian Ballengee, CAS, BS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Tristen Beha, RBA, Cum Laude; Casie Bevins, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Brennan Commiskey, AAS, Nursing; Leslie Couture, AAS, BOG; Chelsea Ferguson, AAS, Business Administration; Amber Florence, AAS, BOG; Taylor Flowers, AAS, Surgical Technology; Sara Furner, CAS, Business Technology, CAS, General Education, and AAS, BOG; Michael Gaines, RBA, Cum Laude; Christopher Galloway, AS, Business Administration; Cameron Gault, BA, Elementary Education; Toni Grogg, BAS, Communication and Media Studies-Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; John Hickman, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Samuel Homan, AAS, Drafting, Cum Laude; Kaileigh Husk, AAS, Nursing, Cum Laude; Nicole Kittrell-Hughart, AAS, Surgical Technology; Desiree Krafft, CAS, Criminal Justice, and RBA, Magna Cum Laude; James Lawrence, CAS, General Education, CAS Business Technology, and AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Parker Lowe, AAS, Business Administration; Abbi Marshall, AAS, Surgical Technology; Samantha McClead, AAS, Nursing; Holley McBride, AAS, Surgical Technology; Wesley Mendoza, AAS, Business Administration; Mikala Miller, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Rebecca Mullans, RBA, Summa Cum Laude; Mitchell Newbanks, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Kelee Nigh, BS, Business Administration; Hannah Onesto, CAS, Child Development; Eleanya Onuoha, BAT; Carrie Perry, AAS, BOG; Nachelle Pidcock, BAS, Criminal Justice; Anthony Province, CAS, Electricity and Instrumentation; Bahrom Rahmatov, AAS, Business Administration; Jennifer Riffle, BA, Elementary Education; Jasmin Ross, AAS, Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude; Chloe Salvatore, BAS, Criminal Justice; Madison Sayre, AAS, Strategic Communication, Cum Laude; Daniel Seebaugh BAS, BS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Kelsey Short, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Kaci Sink, AAS, Criminal Justice; Korey Smith BAS, BS, Business Administration; Ethan Stanley, AA, General Education; Whitney Stewart, BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Bailey Surbaugh, AS, BAS, BS, Business Administration; Austin Sweeney, BAS, Business Administration; Rebecca Thompson, BAS, Criminal Justice; Danielle Toothman, RBA; Ashley Vest, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Elizabeth Vincent, BA, Elementary Education; Victoria Voshel, AA, AS, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education; Justin Welsh, AAS, Business Administration; Angela White, RBA; Hollie Williamson, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Jason Young, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;
Vienna: Alexis Bannister, BAS, Business Administration; Ashlee Canterbury, AAS, BS, Business Administration; Robert Clatworthy, BAS, Business Administration; Dawson Cyran, BS, Business Administration; Jullian Evans, AAS, Surgical Technology; Nicole Evans, AAS, Child Development, Magna Cum Laude; Remington Hitchcock, AAS, Business Administration; Andrew Lyons, BAS, Business Administration; Jennifer Mackey, BAT; Teresa Ohrn, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Ryan Richards, CAS, AAS, Business Administration; Jesse Shockey, CS, AS, Business Administration; Lacey Smith, AAS, Business Administration; Cindy Todd, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;
Walker: Chad Cottrill, AAS, BOG; Savana Goff, BA, Elementary Education; Sandra Henthorn, BAS, Business Administration; Tina Knopp, AAS, BOG; Mariah Stansberry, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Trevor Woodyard, AAS, Drafting; Darian Wright, AAS, Nursing, Cum Laude;
Washington: Priscilla Brady, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Trace Elder, RBA; Megan Newberry, RBA; Audra Parker, CAS, Child Development; Chase Porter, BAS, Business Administration; Alex Saunders, BS, Business Administration; Robert Shank, RBA; Amanda Stout, RBA; Zachary Watson, AAS, Drafting;
Waverly: Stevie Florence, BA, Elementary Education;
Williamstown: Mason Adkins, AAS, Business Administration; Anna Gibbs, AAS, Nursing, Kathryn Hubbard, AAS, Drafting, Cum Laude; Ronald Morrison, AAS, Drafting, Sydney Newton, AAS, Surgical Technology; Alisa Taylor-Moore, AAS, BOG; Kevin Townsend, AS, Business Administration; Isaiah Yeater, CAS, Residential and Commercial Electricity, Cum Laude;

FLORIDA – Palm City: Cortney Gramenz, AAS, Surgical Technology, Cum Laude;

INDIANA – Fort Wayne: Christopher O’Bryne, AAS, Occupational Development, Summa Cum Laude;

OHIO – Ashland: Jordan Hoffman, AAS, Occupational Development, Magna Cum Laude;

Belpre: Jennifer Anderson, AAS, BOG; Mary Aquino, AAS, BOG; William Holland, BAS, Business Administration; Kaylyn Smith, AAS, Business Administration; Austin Spencer, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology, Cum Laude;

Caldwell: Shailyn Hayes, AAS, Business Administration;

Crown City: Samantha Buttrick, AS, Business Administration;

Malta: Tori Gormley, AAS, Business Administration;

Marietta: Jessica Arnold, AAS, Surgical Technology; Hannah Gessel, CAS, Child Development; Marjorie Ingraham, AAS, Nursing; Crystallee Miller, AAS, Nursing; Kelsie Ross, RBA;

Martins Ferry: Tylar McGhee, BAS, Child Development;

St. Clairsville: Megan Shaw, RBA;

Stockport: Sabrina Lauer, AAS, Business Administration;

Summerfield: Macy Warner, AAS, Surgical Technology;

Waterford: Abigael Huffman, BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude;

GEORGIA – Newnan: Amber Frymier, AAS, Business Administration;

TEXAS – Austin: Ivan Chaparro, AAS, BOG; Nicole Jones, AAS, BOG, Summa Cum Laude;

Texarkana: David Lafayette, AAS, Occupational Development

Parkersburg, W.Va. (January 5, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the Fall 2020 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:

BOONE COUNTY – Seth: Sarah Foster;

BRAXTON COUNTY – Gassaway: Jacob Ellis

CABELL COUNTY – Huntington: Taylor Baker;

Milton: Mckenna Meadows;

DODDRIDGE COUNTY – West Union: Staclyn White;

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY – Levels: Lindsey Pearce;

JACKSON COUNTY – Cottageville: Jonathan Fields; Adam Hoschar; Alexis Whited;

Kenna: Jahlea Bumpus; Dylan Casto; Megan Pauley; Madison Williams;

Millwood: Devin Haid; Andrew McDowell;

Ravenswood: Anabelle Alfred; James Bergum; Damien Caldwell; Raygan Hickman; Jordan Knotts; Fiona Lane; Natasha Lemley; Dianna Lester; Ryan Moore; Santana Phillips; Samantha Pittman; Cole Thompson; Jacob Watson; Emma Weekley; Corbin Wilkins;

Ripley: James Dobbs; Hunter Evans; Joely Good; Miranda Johnson; Elijah Randolph; Dewayne Rotenberry; Zaya Settle; Johnathan Zuniga;

Sandyville: Brooke Hatcher; Alexandra Miller;

KANAWHA COUNTY – Charleston: Emily Burdette; Stefani Lacy;

Elkview: Morgan Henry;

St. Albans: Lindsey Seacrist;

LINCOLN COUNTY – Branchland: Ashley Spence;

MASON COUNTY – Letart: Noah Litchfield; Adrianna Stewart; Mariah Young;

Leon: Valissa Bailes;

Mason: Joshua Petry;

New Haven: Bryton Grate;

Point Pleasant: Benjamin Halley; Hannah Halley; Kinneson Leslie;

PLEASANTS COUNTY – St. Marys: Hannah Barker; Sarah Bowie; Dylan Fitzsimmons; Brody Grimes; Miranda Myers; Juan Timmons; Mallory Webb;

RALEIGH COUNTY – Crab Orchard: Shawna Hopkins;

RITCHIE COUNTY – Cairo: Fallyn Buffington; Valerie Bircher; Alex Hendrickson;

Harrisville: Alexander King;

Pennsboro: Olivia Vanoy;

Smithville: Brianna Luther;

TYLER COUNTY – Alma: Lauren Seckman;

Friendly: Thomas Hill;

Middlebourne: Andrew Ruble;

Sistersville: Abigail Kemp;

West Union: Amanda Gist;

WETZEL COUNTY – New Martinsville: Holly Moore; William Nice;

Paden City: Tanya Duncan;

WIRT COUNTY – Elizabeth: Addie Bailey; Maggie Bailey; Paul Bunner; Cianna Murray; Penny Shrader; Katrina Smarr; Shannon Stanley; Kaitlyn Thompson;

Leroy: Aarin Cale;

Palestine: Brooklyn Smith; Stacey Wyer;

WOOD COUNTY – Belleville: Sarah Kaufman; Olivia Smith;

Davisville: Kylee Bethel; Johnathan Hitt; Anthony Roberts; Ryan Westfall;

Mineral Wells: Zoë Bookman; Brooke Buchanan; Alicia Life; Tkeirston Sams; Emilee Sturms; Hannah Warner;

Parkersburg: Lorrie Allman; Khloe Adkins; Jillian Ballengee; Rikki Barre; Corey Beach; Devon Bertus; Casie Bevins; Brittany Blevins; Justin Blevins; Cynthia Clemons; Jonathan Defibaugh; Seneca Donahue; Travis Doss; Chelsea Ferguson; Travis Fordyce; Lloyd Frazier; Serena Graham; Alexia Haislop; Adam Hall; John Hickman; Lindsey Hinkle; Kristofer Jones; Paris Kessinger; Alexander Life; Tyler Martin; Kimberly Matheny; Samantha McClead; Travis McDonald; Darlin Muelas Cruz; Rebecca Mullans; Aliza Nehls; Elizabeth Parks; Daniel Parsons Jr.; Lacy Parsons; Candy Pyles; Jeffery Rawson; Dylan Reeder; Nevada Richards; Jenna Robinson; Jasmin Ross; Savannah Ruble; David Sears; Daniel Seebaugh; Jessica Sharp; Womba Shepherd; Kelsey Short; Alexandra Tennant; Douglas Tingler; Matthew Vanmeter; Ashley Vest; William Watson; Sarah Weeks;

Vienna: Jennifer Broffman; Addie Christie; Michelle Gonzalez; Leah Harvey; Kathryn Jeffrey; Jeremy Tanner; Bryan Van Norman; Matthew Wilson;

Walker: Ashley Gilbert; Trevor Woodyard; Darian Wright;

Washington: Amy Hays; Jakob Hupp; Gracie Lowers; Javier Santelices; Zachary Watson; Jacob White; Julie Wolfe; Heather Lawson;

Waverly: Meredith Davis; Whitney Kiger; Amber Ward; Morgan Wise;

Williamstown: Sedonie Beckford; Heather Carpenter; Devon Dalrymple; Anna Gibbs; Jillian Leo; Grace Newbanks; Ethan Tawney; Kevin Townsend; Isaiah Yeater;

OHIO – Belpre: James Perkins Jr.; Rebecca Garrett;

Coolville: Ashley Ward;

Little Hocking: Chase Weihl; Paiten Wotring;

Marietta: Katlyn Holsinger; Hannah Tornes;

Racine: Ryan Parsons;

Vincent: John Shoup

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:

BARBOUR COUNTY – Moatsville: Bailey Nestor;

BERKELEY COUNTY – Martinsburg: Judy Courtney; Daniel O’Brien;

BOONE COUNTY – Peytona: Betty Jarrell;

CABELL COUNTY – Culloden: Breanna Akers;

Huntington: Donnell Reed; Hannah Workman; Karen Workman;

CALHOUN COUNTY – Arnoldsburg: Mason Bennett; Mackenzie Holbert;
Grantsville: Courtney Lewis;

CLAY COUNTY – Clay: Jamie Williams;

Maysel: Heather Dawson;

FAYETTE COUNTY – Fayetteville: Samantha Bess;

GREENBRIER COUNTY – Ronceverte: Ashtann Brown;

HARDY COUNTY – Wardensville: Morgin Bennett;

JACKSON COUNTY – Cottageville: Makayla Edwards; Cortney Gandee; Tyler Hill; Andrew Hoschar; Brittany Sword;

Evans: Noah Carson; Franki Harrah; Kiley Hersman;

Gay: Trevor Price; Nicole Thomas;

Given: Megan Barnett;

Kenna: Shelby Anderson; Kenzie Crowder; Klarie Garnes; Jessica Goosman; Jace Hill; Kayla Jones; Joseph Wortham;

LeRoy: Alexis Knopp;

Ravenswood: Diana Brown; Amanda Casto; Julie Coberly; James Dale; Jenny Dixon; Nathanael Flesher; Jacob Graham; Ethan Knotts; Emily McCommack; Logan Nelson; Aubrey Nichols; Russell Nichols; Whitney Pifer; Autumn Pursley; Megan Scarberry; Ea Shanholtzer; Tiffany Stepp; Trevor Tallman; Lisa Thompson; Hunter Vankirk; Skyler Varney; Kinsey Wolfe;

Ripley: Mckenzie Barickman; Brooklyn Board; Heaven Burge; Alex Burns; Victoria Cochran; Casey Edwards; Tyler Harmon; Whitney Harmon; Nisha Holley; Jonathan Jones; Anna Kimble; Ryan Manley; Savanna Monk; Bobbi Nichols; Kalyn Parrish; Midajah Randolph; Isaiah Riffe; William White;

Sandyville: Sara Almashy; Thomas Higgins; Adriana Miller; David Smith; Michaella Prater;

KANAWHA COUNTY – Belle: Victoria White;

Charleston: Ryan Burgess; Samuel Johnson; Courtney Mongold; Jordon Nunnery; Jacqueline Pring; Rebecca Sheppard; Anetria Stewart;

Cross Lanes: Alexandria Musilli;

Elkview: Annessa Sweeney; Emma White;

Nitro: Stephanie Pitzer;

St. Albans: Molly Caldwell;

South Charleston: Candace Morgan;

LEWIS COUNTY – Jane Lew: Erica Anderson;

LINCOLN COUNTY – Yawkey: Kassie McCormick;

LOGAN COUNTY – Man: Megan Justice;

MARION COUNTY – Fairmont: Rachel Wyandt;

MARSHALL COUNTY – Moundsville: Mitchel Herbold;

MASON COUNTY – Leon: Emily Keefer;

New Haven: Lauryn Fields;

Point Pleasant: Josiah Sargent; Marlee Harper;

MERCER COUNTY – Princeton: Jaime Tooley;

MINGO COUNTY – Delbarton: Carl Dempsey;

MONONGALIA COUNTY – Morgantown: Zoe Dalton;

NICHOLAS COUNTY – Craigsville: Taylor Brown;

PLEASANTS COUNTY – Belmont: Benjamin Adams; Alexis Carder; Michelle Neff; Erica Pierce;

St. Marys: Jeffrey Bennett; Cody Moore; Phillip Price; Noah Spitzer;

Waverly: Lakyn Ankrom; Maria George; Melissa Parsons; Bryson Shingleton;

PRESTON COUNTY – Bruceton Mills: Ashlynn Phillips;

PUTNAM COUNTY – Buffalo: Hannah Matthews;

Eleanor: Phaedra Burke;

Hometown: Joseph Nesbitt;

Liberty: Travis Hanna;

Scott Depot: Adrien Gibbs;

Winfield: Andrew Gillispie;

RALEIGH COUNTY – Beckley: Brandi Bationo;

RITCHIE COUNTY – Cairo: Samantha Hardbarger; Erik Miehrig;

Ellenboro: Morgan Reilly; Shannon Reilly; Trinity Smith;

Harrisville: Chaslyn Jones; Amanda Mowery;

Pennsboro: Kenneth Church; Samantha Waggoner;

Pullman: Evan Napier;

Smithville: Misty Furr; Nichole Tallhamer;

ROANE COUNTY – Leroy: Cheyenne Brown;

Reedy: Anna Errickson; Madison Marshall; Samantha Paxton; Holly Terrell;

Spencer: Amber Arko; Elizabeth Collins; David Mullins; Kristen Myers; Kaley Sisk;

Walton: Jamie Huffman;

TYLER COUNTY – Middlebourne: Breauna Anderson; Shayla Griffey;

Sistersville: Nathan Baker; Levi Shreves; Sierra Wright;

UPSHER COUNTY – Buckhannon: Vanessa Hedrick;

WAYNE COUNTY – Huntington: Norma Harbolt;

WETZEL COUNTY – New Martinsville: Telah King;

Paden City: Bradley Baker;

WIRT COUNTY – Elizabeth: Toni Cain; Haylee Exline; Kaitlyn Frazier; Beth Goodwin; Lexis Hill; Cassandra Mason; Jenna Mathess; Sierra Runner; Nicole Wood; Amber Yoak;

Palestine: Emily Shearlock; Dakota White;

WOOD COUNTY – Belleville: Jordan Bowman; Baileigh Lewis; Allie Perkins;

Davisville: Autumn Corne; Melinda Digman; Zachary Elkins; Becky Ellison; Tyler Marlow; Chance Rawson; Amy Reaser;

Elizabeth: Lauren Somerville;

Mineral Wells: Emily Browning; Cole Burrows; Emily Fought; Rhylea Graham; Rebekah Hogsett; Robert Jarvis; Keithlynn Johnson; Tiffany Johnston; Grace Kent; Haleigh Kent; Danielle Lockhart; Chelsy Martin; Kenneth Mason; Tyiesha Robinson;

North Parkersburg: Hanna Richards;

Parkersburg: Samuel Abels; Makenzie Allman; Abby Anderson; Chase Anderson; Leea Armstrong; Sierra Backus; Katelyn Baker; Timothy Bales; Tristen Beha; Ashley Boice; Joseph Bredon-Mcfarland III; April Brooks; Brian Buck; Nicole Buck; Samantha Burns; Morgan Carez;
Sean Carpenter; Katelyn Carroll; Alexis Coleman; Brennan Commiskey; Alexis Dailey; Olivia Dailey; Mattyson Darling; Amber Davis; Jamicha Davis; Ashleigh December; Megan Dennis; Winter Dolson; Michael Easton; Brandy Edgar; Cheri Emerich; Stacey Fordyce; Ashley Fornash; Dusty Fox Jr.; Allison Freeland; Sara Furner; Michael Gaines; Jessica Gonzalez; Toni Grogg; Rashelle Hamilton; Kirsten Hester; Michael Holbert; Abigail Homan; Amy Hupp; Michaela Hupp; Kaileigh Husk; Adrienne Isaacs; Yvette Johnson; Kelly Jones; Glenna Kaltenecker; Karen Kemmerer; Desiree Krafft; James Lawrence; Brenda Leasure; Paige Leasure; Kara Leisure; Ashley Lewis; Sean Lilly; James Malson; Taylor Marks; Elizabeth Martin; Megan McCoy; Terry McDonald; Mary Mcgill; Savannah Miller; Lauren Mollohan; Jessica Morales; Clay Morgan; Sarina Morris; Mitchell Newbanks; Kelee Nigh; Sydney Nuckolls; John O’Brien III; Blessing Onianwa; Jessica Perkins; Carrie Perry; Rachael Pierce; Abram Poling; Joshua Price; Christina Prunty; Bahrom Rahmatov; Logan Rake; Jonathan Reynolds; Steven Rinehart; Chloe Salvatore; Jadon Sandy; Abrielle Schmitt; Christopher Schmitt; Andrea Sears; Victoria Shepherd; Alexis Starcher; Braden Starcher; Bailey Surbaugh; Madison Suszek; Christina Swiger; Robert Taylor; Alexandra Tennant; Ashley Tennant; Remy Toncray; Danielle Toothman; Amanda Trimble; Ean Tustin; Ashleigh Utt; Cyndie Wade; Dalton Waits; Justin Welsh; Stacey Whitlatch; Hollie Williamson; Jennifer Williamson; Jason Young;

Rockport: Bentley Singleton; Jonathan Winkler;

Vienna: Allison Akers; Stone Allman; Kara Bennett; Robert Clatworthy; Austin Cutlip; Dawson Cyran; Paul Day; Brianna Deem; Zachary Dickel; Nicole Evans; Sean Ferree; Thomas Flis; Kelly Gordon; Darla Graham; Edith Hart; Lauren Hissem; Remington Hitchcock; Taylor Hoover; Samantha Lowther; Andrew Lyons; Jennifer Mackey; Elizabeth Malm; Christina Mcfee; Sloane Miller; Clay Morris; Uzoaru Nkpa; Teresa Ohrn; Nathan Settle; Jacob Shaver; Cindy Todd; Kelsey Tylka; Nina VanWay; Brianna Vogel; Tyler Walker; Sara Williams; Kathleen Wright;

Walker: Allison Ezell; Anna Haught; Katie Hudkins; Tina Knopp; Michelle Moore; Nathan Stoneking;

Washington: Shaun Belcher; Allyson Bevins; Kaitlyn Boston; Asia Brady; Priscilla Brady; Chelsea Bunner; Kinley Caudle; Cathy Curfman; Melissa Dailey; Kohl Eddy; Paige Flanigan; Madison Halaj; Paige Hughes; Jackie Hunt; Rylan Johnson; Chasity Kerns; Audra Parker; Meredith Perkins; Chase Porter; Alex Saunders; Samuel Shaffer; Courtlyn Williams;

Waverly: Shannon O’Dell;

Williamstown: Mason Adkins; Kendra Allen; Tressa Burton; Skyler Chancellor; Joshua Fluharty; Allison Hurst; Carley Jarvis; Ivy Linger; Laura Maidens; Curtis Mayo; Ronald Morrison; Sara Richards; Brooke Shockey; Marie Spiroff; Courtney Taylor; David Underwood; Bailee Westbrook; Adesa Williams;

ALABAMA – Guntersville: Jennifer Shedd;

CALIFORNIA – Victorville: Jaylene Barrueta;

FLORIDA – Palm City: Cortney Gramenz;

Pt. St. Lucine: Jessica Catter-Gomez;

GEORGIA – Macon: Alweera Memon;

KENTUCKY – Whitesburg: Johnny Collins;

NEW YORK – Seaford: Betty Berthiaume;

OHIO – Ashland: Jordan Hoffman;

Athens: Megan Heater;

Belpre: Whitley Uppole; Chase Baker; Dillon Blair; Stephanie Brookover; Kelly Byrne; Cari Harpold; Hannah Heck; William Holland; Carla Rasmussen; Benjammin Sampson; Jessica Schofield; Ashley Sunderman; Kimberly Weiner; Shatona Wolfe;

Beverly: Jadelynne Baker;

Fleming: Rebecca Gilliland;

Gallipolis: Tiffany Marcum;

Little Hocking: Christine Berg;

Lowell: Dustin Brooks; Isabella Strahler;

Matla: Tori Gormley;

Marietta: Taryn Harris; Majeda Al Waked; Jessica Arnold; Nathan Hale; Emily Hinton; Megan Ludwig; Jasin Plaugher; Kelsie Ross; Jared Smith; Amanda Snyder; Joseph Taranto;

New Marshfield: Kimberly Null;

Racine: Kendra Barton;

Summerfield: Macy Warner;

Syracuse: Christine Morgan

Tuppers Plains: Jonathon Newell;

Vincent: Jennifer Radabaugh;

Waterford: Hannah Guiler; Katelyn Huck;

Whipple: Audrey Erb; Hannah Lord; Heather Lord;

OKLAHOMA – Chickasha: Chandra Lewis;

OREGON – Canby: Leigh Brocki;

TENNESSEE – Kingsport: Robert Arnold;

TEXAS – Texarkana: David Lafayette;

VIRGINIA – Mauertown: Mary Moats;

Middletown: Kassi Scruggs

A message from WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer:

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 30, 2020) – “David and I were vaccinated for COVID-19 today. We felt it to be our responsibility to serve as role models for the West Virginia University at Parkersburg community and the community-at-large because of the positions of leadership we are honored to hold in the public trust. We were vaccinated as part of the first group of 10 WVUP employees to receive the vaccine from a group of almost 80 employees who have volunteered. WVUP received 10 doses of the vaccine in Week One and expects to receive 20 doses in Week Two and more doses in future weeks until all employees who desire to take the vaccine have had the opportunity to do so.

WVUP is following all state protocols in administering the vaccine in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, and we appreciate their incredible partnership with WVUP in every way since this pandemic began. State authorities tell us that their goal is for the vaccine to be made available to all West Virginians as quickly as possible and as long as the supply continues uninterrupted. Since the great majority of our students will be learning online as we begin the spring semester, the state made it a priority to vaccinate employees first. No employee is being required to take the vaccine. WVUP took into consideration the following factors in prioritizing the list for receiving the vaccine: age, self-disclosed pre-existing medical conditions, and likelihood of a face-to-face work assignment in the near future. According to state authorities, there will be an opportunity for additional WVUP employees to volunteer for the vaccine in the coming weeks. It is my great hope that additional doses will be made available from the state for us to vaccinate volunteer students in the near future. We sincerely thank Governor Jim Justice and Chancellor Sarah Armstrong Tucker for making higher education a priority in assigning doses of the vaccine as WVUP remains open for business in service to its students and to the public, even as our instruction has moved primarily online and most employees are working remotely.

We understand that some people have concerns about the safety of the vaccine. So far, only one-fourth of WVUP’s total employees have volunteered to take the vaccine. David and I do not desire or intend to pressure anyone, but we want to demonstrate that in this moment we place our firm trust in science and affirm with our own status as the first volunteers that we believe the vaccine to be both safe and necessary. WVUP will continue all current COVID-19 protocols including mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing in our facilities until it is safe not to do so. Coupled with the vaccine which will hopefully in time lead toward what public health experts refer to as herd immunity, these protocols are our best protection as a community during what will likely be very challenging months ahead.

Personally, David and I wish to share that David has at least one potentially life-threatening drug allergy and a very high sensitivity to almost all medications. Because of this condition, he was very apprehensive about taking the vaccine because of any possible side effect, but he did it because he feels a responsibility to this community and because we both believe, as public health experts assure us, that any possible side effect of the vaccine is much less likely and much less serious than contracting and spreading the virus. We tell you this because we understand and validate the fear and apprehension that exists both around contracting this disease and around the vaccine itself. We are happy to report that the vaccine experience went well for both of us with minimal discomfort and no side effects so far. We will continue to update the community on how we feel during the coming days, and while we respect each individual’s right to make a personal decision, we ask you to strongly consider taking the vaccine when it is available to you as an investment in your health and the health of our community.

We are especially proud of the first WVUP volunteers whose confidentiality we will protect. David and I are entrusted with positions of leadership in this community, and we take the honor and the responsibility of those positions seriously. If you have questions about our vaccination experience and would like to speak to us, please reach out to us. We are not qualified to offer medical advice, and nothing expressed herein or in future should be misconstrued as such, but we are happy to bring any comfort and assurance that we can bring by sharing our own experience.”

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 29, 2020) – During the 2019 to 2020 academic year, West Virginia University at Parkersburg saved its students $140, 860 through the use of no-cost and open educational resources in 38 courses.

Open educational resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials freely accessible or released under an open license for free access use. Online education materials are important, especially to community colleges, to decrease the cost of traditional textbooks.

“The benefit of creating and providing OER courses are shared among students, faculty, the college, parents and so many more,” said Dave Thompson, WVU Parkersburg Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences chairperson and professor. “Easy access, low costs, diverse instruction methods and user-friendliness are a few of the most valuable features.”

Thompson integrates text, videos, articles, PowerPoint presentations, discussion blogs and interactive apps into his OER courses. Using various media and teaching methods gives students of all learning styles materials that align with their interests and promote learning.

Using sources like OpenStax, Lumen and more, instructors can borrow entire textbooks, student evaluation rubrics, digital media links and class discussion topics. Thompson also follows Quality Matters guidelines. Quality Matters is a nationally-recognized program offering educator training, assessment techniques and course peer review to ensure assignments created by instructors are purposeful, engaging and assess students’ skills and competencies.

“User-friendliness, and reduced frustration, should also be achieved by making a course easy to understand and navigate,” said Thompson. “This means having no access codes to be purchased or accounts created so course content is available on the first day of class.”

WVU Parkersburg plans to continue investing in open educational resources for students in an effort to be not only more beneficial in adapting to learning styles, but also to reduce the cost of attending college with less textbook purchases.

“Investing in our own faculty’s development of OER means WVU Parkersburg will continue to be more affordable for students,” said WVU Parkersburg Provost Chad Crumbaker. “Textbook costs should not be a barrier to a student’s education and success, and we commend the efforts of our faculty to eliminate these cost barriers through OER wherever possible.”

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 21, 2020) – In Summer 2021, West Virginia University at Parkersburg will begin offering a special education specialization to students and alumni of the Elementary Education program. With a special education specialization, students will sit for a certification exam for elementary, middle and high school multi-categorical special education (grades K-12), making WVU Parkersburg the only college in the state able to offer this opportunity.

Bobbi Marshall, assistant professor of Education, explains children with exceptionalities often spend the majority of their day in general education classrooms. WVU Parkersburg graduates who earn their special education specialization will have the extra skillsets to serve all students.

“We visited with our superintendents, principals from 22 partnership schools, alumni and current students, and one thing was very evident: we have a major shortage for teachers, but more specifically, a shortage of special education teachers,” said Marshall. “That’s why we focused our efforts on meeting that need.”

The special education specialization includes five courses that offer a foundation in education law, using adaptive equipment for the non-traditional learner, teacher collaboration, field-experience and more. The first special education class, SPED 210: Linking Policy and Practice, will be offered in Summer 2021.

Students completing the Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education program receive a degree that is recognized in all 50 states. To ensure graduates meet high-quality standards, WVU Parkersburg is one of the few teacher preparation programs to require teaching candidates to take licensing exams prior to student teaching.

“We can service and prepare our teacher candidates to be elementary and special education teachers so they can serve students in public schools,” said Dr. David Lancaster, Education Division chairperson and professor. “It’s like one service begets another. It is a win-win for everyone.”

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.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 16, 2020) – WVU Parkersburg will take part in Wreaths Across America Day, a national mission to solemnly lay wreaths of evergreens on the graveside of those who gave it all, symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life.

“A fellow veteran, Wayne Starcher, approached me and asked if the WVU Parkersburg Veteran Corps would like to partner with his Marine Corps League Detachment and participate in Wreaths Across America Day,” said Darren Shearlock, Retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army and WVU Parkersburg Veterans advocate.

Each year, on December 19, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations across the U.S., at sea and abroad to remember and honor veterans as well as teach future generations about service members’ sacrifices. Throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works to ensure that no veteran or their families are forgotten and strive to teach the next generation to honor our veterans the same way.

On Wreaths Across America Day, a volunteer places a wreath on top of a veteran’s grave and is encouraged to speak that veteran’s name, tell their story and thank them for their service. “Both the WVU Parkersburg Veteran Corps and the Marine Corps League Detachment want everyone to know we understand the true cost of freedom and thank God every day for the men and women who paid the price for us,” said Shearlock.

“It is a way to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach the value of freedom,” said Wayne Starcher of the Marine Corps League Wood County Detachment 1087.

The ceremony will be led by the Marine Corps League and held at the WVU Parkersburg poorhouse cemetery on Saturday, December 19, at 1 p.m. Students and community members are welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony to complete the Wreaths Across America mission.

Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org or contact Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu for more information.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 14, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg recognized Fall 2020 graduates with a virtual commencement ceremony available for streaming on the university’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The college plans to award 247 certificates, and associate and bachelor’s degrees to 225 students this semester, pending final grades.

Greetings were presented by Donna Smith, WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chairperson, and Elaina Segsworth, Student Government Association president.

WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer gave introductions and opening remarks. In his message to graduates, he expressed his admiration for students as they overcame new academic and personal challenges this year.

“I would remind the students what I remind every graduating class – no one comes to a moment like this alone,” said Gilmer. “For generations, before you were even born, people you never even knew were already dreaming this dream and this moment for you.”

Dr. Jeff Sapp, professor of Education at California State University Dominguez Hills, served as commencement speaker. A Parkersburg native, Sapp has been an educator, writer and activist the last 40 years. Among his many awards for writing and publishing, his children’s book – “Rhinos & Raspberries: Tolerance Tales for the Early Grades” – won the Golden Lamp Award and the Association of Education’s top honor. His co-authored book, “Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality,” won The American Library Association’s Stonewall Honor Award. Not to mention, Jeff contributes to The Southern Poverty Law Center, Teaching Tolerance Magazine, The Simon Wiesenthal Center, The Civil Rights Memorial Center, The Museum of Tolerance and the Go For Broke Foundation.

Sapp shared his personal stories of adversity and success and encouraged graduates to look within themselves and those who supported them for the strength to achieve.

Sapp shared, “It’s been a long journey to get to graduation, to this day. And, I bet there were some people who said you couldn’t, but you showed them, didn’t you?” He continued, “You may have to dig deep for things, but today tells you, you are more than capable of brilliance, of success and of claiming any goal you set for yourselves. You did it today, and you’re going to do it again.”

The college also conferred emeritus statuses to past faculty and staff.  Emeritus status is an honor bestowed by the university for a person’s service and distinguished career. WVU Parkersburg presented the following titles:

Posthumous Emeritus: Debbie Baker, professor of Business
Emeritus: Janice McCue, Tutoring and Testing Center program coordinator
Posthumous Emeritus: Sy Sarkarat, professor of Business

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg and its community of graduates, visit www.wvup.edu. Classes are now enrolling for the Spring semester. Call 304-424-8310 or visit campus for more information.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 10, 2020) – Attending classes, meeting new people, registering for next semester’s courses, preparing for a career – college is an exciting and sometimes daunting time for first-year and returning students. Throw in a global pandemic, and those feelings heighten. However, WVU Parkersburg launched its Ascend program just in time to serve its students and offer more resources than ever before.

“Who wouldn’t apply to Ascend? The program benefits are unbelievable,” said student Noah Richardson. “As an Ascend student, you get a lot of things paid for, a Kroger gift card every month and academic assistance, which is especially helpful in my first year out of high school and starting college.”

Richardson is a WVU Parkersburg freshman pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology, which will lead him into the Bachelor’s of Applied Technology program with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Network Administration.

The Ascend program is for students just like Noah who want to earn their certificates and associate degrees within three years, receive personal advising, career counseling, tutoring, waivers for tuition and more. Launched in May 2020 with Arnold Ventures and CUNY colleges’ help, Ascend’s goal is to double gradation rates and help place graduates into the workplace.

“Ascend has introduced me to college resources, which all play a big role. Getting tutoring and help from your program faculty make your transition from high school to college very smooth and make you comfortable with the atmosphere,” said Richardson. “As a college student, you may also need financial resources, so being able to buy groceries every month is super helpful and gives an incentive to stop eating out to save the money you do get. Not to mention, having priority registration as an Ascend student secures you the classes you want and need for your degree.”

WVU Parkersburg Ascend staff also help students manage their time, as well as their schedules, so they may take classes with other Ascend students to build friendships and a peer support system.

“If I have any advice for new students, it’s to not talk yourself into thinking the work you get is too overbearing. That’s how you start to fall behind and think you don’t have the energy to do ‘all that work,’” said Richardson. “In reality, it’s not a lot of work, and if you take advantage of the resources and time management tools you have, you can do it.”

Learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Ascend program and how it ensures student success by visiting wvup.edu/ascend. Contact ascend@wvup.edu or 304-424-8353 for an application and eligibility requirements.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (December 2, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg will make going virtual fun for Mid Ohio Valley’s youth. From December 28 to 31, the WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Division will host a Virtual Teen 3D Printing Academy, an educational STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experience.

“What we do is build students’ knowledge of technology and processes used from the foundation up; we do this through a guided build of a 3D printer, with explanations about each component along the way,” said Logan Mace, WVU Parkersburg program coordinator.

Usually, the event would be in-person, but with the COVID-19 pandemic numbers rising, WVU Parkersburg will deliver the classes via Zoom, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will be provided with a 3D printer to keep. The academy will also provide students with a spool of filament, enrollment in the Maker Club with the first’s month dues paid and a swag bag.

Instructional content will include: introduction to 3D printing, building a 3D printer, learning the components and functions of a 3D printer, the 3D printing process, exploring the 3D printing slicer Cura and settings for common materials, 3D printing troubleshooting and using 3D printing in various professional fields.

“My hope is each student will be engaged because it’s a subject they are choosing to learn,” Mace said. “I love having students who are genuinely interested and apply the knowledge learned to their lives, and I predict it will be as engaging and fun as in-person, just a little different.”

The class is $150 per person, and registration must be received by December 14. The 3D printer must be picked up on December 17 or 18 before 4 p.m. Please email wed@wvup.edu or call 304-420-8606 for more information and to make arrangements to pick up supplies. Visit wvup.edu/3d-printing to download an application. Limited seats are available, so call ahead to make sure open spots remain.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (November 30, 2020) – The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) recognized the WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program as one of nine providers recognized for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement.

The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement is named after the founding President of Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) Frank Murray. He served as chairman of the TEAC Board and one of the initial CAEP Board of Directors members. The recipients of the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement award showed accreditation where there was no area for improvement.

Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg Education division chairperson and professor, has worked to revise the Elementary Education program to address the new CAEP Elementary standards and meet the West Virginia Department of Education requirements for yearlong residency.

“The award validates what we have been working on for the past seven years as we restructured our program to meet the rigor of the CAEP standards,” Dr. Lancaster said. “It is evidence supporting what we already knew about our program; it is excellent.”

Recipients are selected by the Educator Preparation Providers (EPP). The EPP evaluates providers’ performance regarding their readiness for the challenges that arise in America’s classrooms, showing equity and excellence in their preparation of teacher candidates.

“This award is directly connected to the hard work of the Elementary Education team at WVU Parkersburg,” Dr. Lancaster said. “The collaboration between my WVU Parkersburg team and our partnerships have taken us beyond my expectations.”

This is the first accreditation from the CAEP given to the WVU Parkersburg Education Department; however, the department previously received accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Receiving accreditation ensures teacher candidates meet rigorous standards prior to graduation. Teacher candidates with an Elementary Education degree from WVU Parkersburg have the option of securing a teaching certificate for any state in the United States.

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Education Department, visit wvup.edu/education or contact Dr. David Lancaster at dlancas1@wvup.edu.