Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 18, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Ascend program is on track to start this fall. Accelerating Student Completion: Encouraging New Dreams (Ascend) is a program created to help more students earn certificate and associate degrees within three years by increasing financial, academic and personal supports.

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. WVU Parkersburg is one of two community colleges in W.Va. selected to pilot this program.

WVU Parkersburg Ascend students will receive textbook assistance to reduce or eliminate the cost of books; a monthly Kroger gift card to help pay for groceries or gas; a tuition gap waiver covering remaining tuition and mandatory fees left after applying a student’s financial aid award; a devoted advisor from start to graduation; 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.

To be eligible for Ascend, students must have less than 15 college credits (credits obtained by high school students are not counted unless a student has 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 each year, accepting all federal and state grants and scholarships.

“WVU Parkersburg is proud to begin this partnership and provide more benefits to our students as they achieve their academic goals,” said Jennifer Forster, WVU Parkersburg Ascend director. “CUNY has positively impacted the lives of so many students and we hope to do the same with these invaluable resources.”

A study by Levin and Garcia (2017) found a 30.8% increase completion rate for students participating in the ASAP program as well as more students graduating and placing into the workplace. WVU Parkersburg hopes to replicate these success rates, increasing the number of students who enter and graduate from high-demand programs, and then move on to high-wage jobs.

To learn more, contact ascend@wvup.edu or 304.424.8353. Apply to WVU Parkersburg Ascend at wvup.edu/ascend. The priority registration deadline is July 1, 2020.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 13, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has acted quickly to award more than $876,000 in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to students in need with financial expenses related to COVID-19.

The college invited qualifying students to apply for an emergency grant to assist with food, technology and child care expenses needed to continue their higher educational pursuits. The grant application period ran from April 24 to May 8.

Financial Aid staff reviewed the applications and awarded a total of $876,544 in funding to 1,046 students, with grants ranging from $650 to $1,300. The college decided to award a $650 cash grant to every eligible student, plus additional funds to those who filled out an application indicating greater financial need. Students awarded a grant will receive funds by as early as Friday, May 15 via the student’s requested refund method (direct deposit, BankMobile VIBE deposit or paper check in the mail).

“While WVU Parkersburg is delighted to be able to support our eligible students with these grants, we wish we had been able to give every student a grant in this difficult time,” said WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer. “We appreciate the federal government for providing us with these funds, but we want our students and their families to realize that we were given strict federal guidelines about which students would qualify and which would not. The University had to follow those guidelines, but we did not develop them at the local level.”

WVU Parkersburg administration determined the individual grant award amounts based on the belief that all students attending classes at the Parkersburg Campus or Jackson County Center were in some way financially impacted by the disruption of switching to 100 percent online courses and the closing of its facilities.

“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.

For more information, go to www.wvup.edu/CARES-Emergency-Grants.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 8, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Omicron Pi Chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business recently elected new student officers for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The newly-elected student officers include:

President: Daniel Seebaugh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vice President/President-Elect: Mariah Stansberry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary: Victoria Poellot-Tauber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer: Mitchell Newbanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Each officer is charged with meeting the needs of their members, and of the university community,” said Dr. Billy Stone, Delta Mu Delta Omicron Pi chapter faculty advisor and WVU Parkersburg assistant professor of business. “The chapter members have confirmed their confidence in each officer’s ability to execute the duties of the office and to represent the chapter as confirmed by the majority of votes cast.”

Delta Mu Delta is an international honor society established to recognize and reward superior scholastic achievement of students in business administration, as well as faculty members and business leaders who have experienced measurable success in their profession.

Membership to Delta Mu Delta is by invitation only and extended to juniors and seniors majoring in business who rank in the top ten percent cumulative grade point averages out of currently enrolled business administration baccalaureate students.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s Omicron Pi chapter of Delta Mu Delta, contact faculty advisor Dr. Billy Stone at 304-424-8281 or billy.stone@wvup.edu or the chapter officers at OmicronPi@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 7, 2020) – Victoria Poellot-Tauber, West Virginia University at Parkersburg student and Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter vice president, has been named a 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship for demonstrating academic excellence, leadership and excellence in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators based upon an application they submit. One of the most important pieces of the application is the essay portion. Poellot-Tauber’s application was chosen by Sigma Omega Chapter advisors for her ability to encourage and motivate others, using her past experiences as inspiration.

“Victoria is an achiever! She aims for excellence in all she does,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter advisor. “She sets high goals and isn’t afraid to accomplish them, no matter how difficult they may be. She knows what it means to fall, but most importantly, she knows how to get back up and doesn’t allow disappointments to stop her from the goals she has set.”

Ambitious in her pursuits, Poellot-Tauber will graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting; Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Financial Management; Associate of Science in Business Administration and a Certificate and Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Phi Theta Kappa is a premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations.

Parkersburg, W.Va. – (May 1, 2020) – The heARTS of the MOV, a virtual variety show featuring the works of local artists and a host of national and international artists who support them, will air the first of 13 episodes Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m., on Facebook.

The Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley, a joint initiative of the area’s arts organizations, is hosting the shows. WVU Parkersburg is the home of the collaborative, which is supported by a grant from the Ross Foundation.

The heARTS showcase is designed to highlight the talent in the Mid-Ohio Valley and some friends of the Mid-Ohio Valley that are scattered across the nation and around the world. Every week we will feature at least four entertainers from a variety of backgrounds, including singers, dancers, actors, novelists, bands, choirs, musicians, poets, painters, and potters to name a few.

“Art in all its form is powerful, healing and much needed right now,” said WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer. “The collaborative and all our partners want to bring something good, something positive, something encouraging and something new during this time of uncertainty.”

Host organizations are Artsbridge, the Parkersburg Actors Guild, the Parkersburg Art Center, The Historic Smoot Theatre, ArtBeat Studios at the Wood County Society, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra – Parkersburg, Schrader Youth Ballet, the Parkersburg Children’s Museum and WVU Parkersburg.

Michael Enoch of Enoch Productions, a WVU Parkersburg alumnus, has volunteered his services to support the showcase and local artists. WVU Parkersburg students and staff are designing the event.

Join us on Facebook every Friday for an hour of diverse entertainment and a whole lot of fun. Mark your calendar for May 8 at 7 p.m. for the premiere of the heARTS Virtual Variety Hour.

The first episode will feature the award-winning Parkersburg High School A Capella Choir, a fun performance from the Classics of Soul, some art tips from the Parkersburg Art Center and a few other surprising and fun acts.

Visit the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley Facebook page to learn more about the initiative and the heARTS Virtual Variety Hour.

Parkersburg, W.Va. – (April 29, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has once again been recognized as the most affordable college in the nation for its online bachelor’s degree in child development by OnlineU. The published rankings help prospective students find an online degree program that matches their budget and career aspirations by comparing colleges across the U.S.

“To be number one in the nation is something almost impossible to achieve, but to do it in back-to-back years is beyond any set expectations,” said Dr. David Lancaster, professor and chair of the Education Division, WVU Parkersburg. “I’m so proud of our child development program in achieving this status.”

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s 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, no matter where they live, receive in-state tuition and can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Child Development entirely online for $2,652 or less per semester, depending on course load. Additionally, WVU Parkersburg’s tuition charges are capped, so any credits taken in excess of 12 credit hours per semester are offered at no additional charge.

Students in this program gain the knowledge to earn credentials in the child development field to create positive learning environments in child care centers, Head Start and professional positions at the local and state level for young children to learn and grow their emotional, social and cognitive skills. Program courses include Guiding Young Children, Healthy Environments and Infant & Toddler Development.

Students from West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia and California are currently pursuing or have completed the online child development degree program through WVU Parkersburg.

OnlineU’s 2020 Most Affordable Child Development Degrees Online rankings represent schools across the nation that are committed to providing quality, low-cost online bachelor’s degrees in child development. Schools are ranked based on factors such as affordability, accessibility and quality. The tuition rates of 193 accredited colleges were manually researched and collected to determine and rank the most affordable options.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s child development program, contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000, ext. 430, or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 24, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg is offering emergency grants to eligible students to assist with unexpected financial challenges related to COVID-19. The funding, made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will help students with expenses, such as food, technology and child care, during this uncertain time.

Fully-admitted, degree-seeking students who are currently enrolled in at least one course in the Spring 2020 semester at WVU Parkersburg and eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 can apply for a CARES emergency student grant at www.wvup.edu/cares. Students must be logged in to their campus email account to access the application.

The priority application deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020. CARES emergency grant funds will be distributed to qualifying students as quickly as possible.

In addition to transient, Early College and other non-matriculated students, those enrolled in fully online degree programs are not eligible for emergency financial assistance through the CARES Act.

“The Board of Governors, administration, faculty and staff of WVU Parkersburg are at all times committed to supporting our students in pursuit of their educational dreams,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “At no time has our support been more essential than in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the months to follow. We are appreciative to the federal government for the stimulus funds which will help us to provide direct support to our students and also to provide strategic fiscal support for the institution as a whole.”

Students will need to have a completed 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file to qualify for a grant.

“We thank West Virginia Senators Manchin and Capito and our other elected leaders who worked hard to have higher education included in the stimulus package, and we pledge to our students that we will get these funds into your hands as quickly and easily as possible,” Gilmer added.

Students who do not have the means to complete the online application or need assistance should call the WVU Parkersburg Financial Aid Office at 304-424-8310 and leave a name, student ID number and phone number, or email finaid@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 21, 2020) – WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer has been named a 2020 recipient of the prestigious Paragon Award for New Presidents by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society for his outstanding support of student success.

Nominated by student officers in WVU Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of the PTK honor society, Gilmer received the distinction because of his demonstrated support of student success and recognition of academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students.

“We are so grateful for President Gilmer’s support of the Sigma Omega chapter at WVU Parkersburg,” said Victoria Poellot-Tauber, WVU Parkersburg student and Sigma Omega chapter vice president. “His leadership, campus involvement and belief in students have changed the atmosphere on our campus to foster student success. He has in one way or another personally inspired each of us to become the leaders we see him to be.”

Gilmer is one of only 28 college presidents throughout the nation recognized during PTK Catalyst 2020, the Society’s annual convention that took place virtually on April 16 and 17. More than 500 college presidents were eligible to receive the award.

“What means most to me is that this award comes from our students,” said Gilmer. “I share it with them because our students are the reason and the joy for everything that I do. I thank Phi Theta Kappa and our local chapter for this honor and for their passion for student success.”

In 2018, the college’s Sigma Omega chapter presented Gilmer, who is also a PTK alumni member, with the Phi Theta Kappa alumni medallion in recognition of embodying the organization’s true spirit of leadership, service, fellowship and continued academic excellence.

“We decided some time ago we wanted to nominate Dr. Gilmer for the Paragon Award for New Presidents because of his support and passion for our students,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor. “He has made our students a priority.”

PTK students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

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 16, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recently honored at the Ohio Region’s awards gala held on March 7, at Marion Technical College. Sigma Omega was presented with seven individual and chapter-wide awards during the ceremony.

 

Chapter honors included the Catch a Shining Star Award for being named the newest chapter in the Ohio Region, joining the organization in August 2019. Sigma Omega was also recognized as a Five Star Chapter as well as a Top Ten Ohio Regional Chapter for its many accomplishments, including an Adopt a Highway event and research conducted on voting behaviors and traditions.     

 

Sigma Omega chapter member Serena Graham won the award for Most Distinguished Regional Chapter Member.

 

“Serena has been an enormous asset to our chapter due primarily to her engagement,” said Marie Butler, WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor. “She has volunteered her time and resources to our chapter, plus has been extremely active in all of our activities. Serena has set the example for others to follow pertaining to engagement.”

 

Chapter President Fallyn Buffington and Vice President Victoria Poellot-Tauber were both recognized for the Most Distinguished Chapter Officer award. Poellot-Tauber was inducted as the new Regional Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the Ohio Region of Phi Theta Kappa.

 

Sigma Omega chapter advisors, Marie Butler and Andrew Walker, were also recognized with the Dr. Mary Navarro Most Distinguished Advisor Award.

 

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. In order to be eligible for membership, current 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, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg Library Director Stephen Hupp published his fifth book “On A Sunday In May.”

The novel follows the three most important races in international motorsports, which happen to occur on the same day. The Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR 600-mile race are held on Memorial Day in three different locations. The book features three stories that take place at each of the events.

“Readers will find both on-track action and glimpses into the private lives of the competitors,” Hupp said.

“On a Sunday in May” is a sequel to Hupp’s first racing novel “Born to the Breed,” which is about an aspiring NASCAR driver. He has also published three supernatural books: “Daughter of the Valley” and “Wings in the Night,” which are based in the Mid-Ohio Valley, as well as “Of Gods and Spirits.” All are available on Amazon.

Hupp has served as the library director for WVU Parkersburg since 2001. He is currently working on his sixth novel, which he plans to publish in the summer of 2021.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hupp has put his author events on hold. The races featured in the book have also been canceled or postponed.

“On a Sunday in May” can be purchased as an e-book or paperback on Amazon.

For more information, contact Stephen Hupp at stephenlhupp@gmail.com.