WVU Parkersburg has once again been recognized for its support of veteran and military students by Military Times, ranking No. 8 on its annual “Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges list.”

Military Times “Best for Vets” survey is an editorially independent news project that evaluates many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. The ranking is based upon an institution’s culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality and financial aid.

WVU Parkersburg consistently ranks among the top career and technical schools for veterans by Military Times, both nationally and in West Virginia overall.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best career and technical colleges for veterans and active military across the country,” said WVU Parkersburg Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock. “WVU Parkersburg is committed to creating an environment that enables veterans to reach their educational, professional and career goals.”

The college’s Veterans Resource Center provides a learning environment that conveys the college’s appreciation of the service and sacrifices of our veteran students and offers the tools and services necessary for them to achieve academic success. The center gives veteran and military students a quiet place to study, a space to socialize and a place to discuss veteran-specific issues on campus.

Students also have access to a veterans advocate to help them manage college credit transfers, secure financing through the GI Bill and apply for VA benefits. Other services provided by the center include free tutoring and veteran-based scholarships to help students pay for tuition and fees.

More than 200 veterans and their family members are currently taking advantage of the many degree programs and classes offered by WVU Parkersburg to help further their academic and professional interests.

“I encourage everyone in the veteran community to consider WVU Parkersburg as their first choice in higher education,” added Shearlock.

The “Best for Vets” college rankings are published in the Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times, as well as on the Military Times website. To view the full rankings, go to https://charts.militarytimes.com/chart/18.

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

Silk red poppies lay vibrant against suit coats, a symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans to honor the service of veterans. To help pay tribute to veterans, West Virginia University at Parkersburg is extending an invitation to the community to celebrate Troops Week, November 11 – 15, which will include a Veterans Day ceremony, Academy Award-winning film screening and many more free and open activities held on the main campus.

The week will begin with a Veterans Day ceremony held on Monday, November 11, at 1:30 p.m., in the college theater. Lieutenant Colonel Alex Cantu, United States Air Force (Retired) will serve as guest speaker.

Lt Col Cantu joined the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant in 1988. He served in a variety of roles, including intercontinental ballistic missile launch officer, space surveillance crew commander, program manager, Air Force Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment commander and Air War College instructor. He also held staff positions in the Air Force, to include setting nuclear weapons policy and procedures, managing day-to-day operations of US Strategic Command computer networks, managing North American Air Defense Command space warning systems and spending a year in Afghanistan to help build the Afghan Air Force Academy.

Lt Col Cantu retired in 2015 after 26 years of active duty. Since then, he has been the Parkersburg South High School Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) senior instructor.

The Parkersburg South AFJROTC will provide a color guard to raise the flag while Artsbridge and guest performer Amanda Stevens lead the “National Anthem.” Stevens is a Parkersburg High School and WVU Parkersburg alumni who has performed in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg productions, local TV commercials and the band MIXX.

“On Veterans Day, our nation honors the men and women who served in the military, both in times of peace, and in times of war. I love the way WVU Parkersburg honors our veterans by extending that sentiment into a week-long celebration,” said WVU Parkersburg Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock. “Every veteran had to sacrifice to serve their country, and during troops week, the institution shows its appreciation by offering services for our veterans. We will host several veteran-centric, fun and information events, and I look forward to seeing the whole Parkersburg community join us during Troops Week 2019.”

The rest of Troops Week will follow accordingly:

Tuesday, November 12

Branch/Unit Pride Day: The WVU Parkersburg campus community is encouraged to wear apparel displaying a military branch or favorite unit. The Veterans Corps will also host a fundraiser, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Veterans Resource Center. Individuals may honor a service member, past or present, by placing the service member’s name and branch on the Memorial Dog Tag display. Dog tags are available for $1 each.

Wednesday, November 13

Soul Injury, 10 – 11 a.m.: The informational session, presented by Housecalls Hospice in the college theater, will discuss a Soul Injury, a wound that penetrates the deepest self and pierces the ego. It disrupts a person’s fundamental identity, shrinking the sense of inner goodness; it can even fuel a haunting sense of defectiveness. But, a body can heal from the guilt and shame.

Rock Wall Challenge, 12 – 1 p.m.: Presented by the WV Army National Guard in the College Activities Center parking lot, the climbing wall is a way to try rock climbing in a fun, safe outdoor setting. The challenge of scaling the “easy,” “medium” and “hard” level sides of the towering fiberglass wall is popular with youths and adults.

Thursday, November 14

Santa’s Sweet Charity, 6 – 8 p.m.: The Mid-Ohio Valley Toys for Tots (a Marine Corps organization) will host a dessert competition in the College Activities Center. A $5 entry fee will allow attendees to sample treats provided by local competitors and vote for their favorite submission. Live music will be provided, and the organization will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys.

“Hacksaw Ridge” Movie Screening, 6 – 9 p.m.: Listen to a short presentation by WVU Parkersburg professor Aaron Crites about Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds. Then, sit back, relax and grab free popcorn and drinks for the movie screening of the Academy Award-winning “Hacksaw Ridge” in the student lounge.

Friday, November 15

Pool Tournament, 5 – 7 p.m.: The WVU Parkersburg Veterans Corps will host a pool tournament with the chance to win prizes. Sign-up for free by emailing Anthony Perry at aperry6@wvup.edu, and put “Pool” in the subject line. The first game will begin at 5 p.m. in the student lounge. Prizes donated by Backwoods Woodcrafts by Vets.

Ricky’s Café will also provide refreshments for veterans, in the WVU Parkersburg Veterans Resource Center, all week.

WVU Parkersburg was recently ranked eighth in the nation by the Military Times Best for Vets: Top Colleges 2020 in the Career and Technical Colleges category. This ranking is based upon an institution’s military and veteran student policies, academic outcomes, military-supportive cultures and more.

For more information about Troops Week, contact Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

A new short-term program offered by West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Division is providing five students from Wood, Pleasants and Jackson counties with hands-on training and paid work experience in the manufacturing industry.

The students in the first Basic Manufacturing Industry Preparedness program completed nine weeks of classroom learning and were selected for a 12-week Learn and Earn paid internship program with Hino Motors. The 21-week program was created with input from Hino Motors, SimEx and Star Plastics and is taught by industry professionals from these local manufacturing companies.

“This course is so unique because folks from the industry chose each class they felt should be taught to prepare students to work in the manufacturing industry,” said David Robinson, plant manager, Ply Gem. “We are happy to be a part of this program.”

During their time in the program, students learn about topics such as OSHA, basic craft skills, business writing, interpersonal communication, time management and lean manufacturing.

“Working together to create this program, we focused on the skills needed for entry-level jobs in basic manufacturing,” said Michele Wilson, executive director, WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development. “In addition to learning manufacturing job skills, students also gain proficiency in soft skills and safety skills.”

Through the partnership with Hino Motors, students in the Learn and Earn program also have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be hired directly by the truck manufacturer.

For more information, contact WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg admissions counselor Kenna Reynolds Warren was recently awarded the Rick Snow Young Professional Award by the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO).

The award honors distinguished young professionals in admissions, records or enrollment management who have made a significant contribution to WVACRAO.

“Kenna is an excellent college recruiter,” said Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of enrollment management and dean of the Jackson County Center, WVU Parkersburg. “She has shown great commitment to her craft, and she has the academic skill set to reach high heights in the higher education community.”

As admissions counselor, Warren helps prospective students explore academic options at WVU Parkersburg and navigate the admissions process. She regularly travels to high schools throughout the college’s seven-county service area to meet with prospective students, parents and counselors.

Warren has been a member of WVACRAO for three years. In 2018, she presented on the topic of international students at the organization’s annual conference.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ohio Dominican University and a master’s degree in college student personnel from Ohio University.

Created in 1991, the Rick Snow Young Professional Award commemorates Richard Snow, former registrar and director of admissions at Bluefield State College, who befriended and mentored many young professionals through the years. To be nominated, individuals should be active in WVACRAO for a minimum of three years, but no more than eight years, and have demonstrated a commitment to the organization through regular attendance at annual conferences, program participation as presenters, recorders or moderators, committee involvement, and other professional activities.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division is rolling out a welding lab on wheels to meet a growing need for area businesses to provide on-site training and testing to welders. The mobile welding lab will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Hino Motors.

The welding lab, designed by WVU Parkersburg welding program faculty and staff, has the capability to transport four welding units, a bench grinder, and a generator to run all electric, tools, and lights to a company’s worksite. In addition, the lab is fully stocked with a toolbox and personal protective equipment needed for welding, such as welding jackets, safety glasses, welding hoods and more. Training will be provided by instructors in the college’s Workforce & Economic Development Division.

The purchase of the welding equipment was made possible through a Rapid Response Advance Grant from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System to address the state’s workforce needs.

“Being able to bring on-site quality welding training to industry partners in our seven-county service region saves our partners time and money,” said Michele Wilson, executive director, WVU Parkersburg Workforce & Economic Development. “We are excited to let companies know that our mobile welding lab is open for business. We are also thankful for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System who make these projects possible.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division offers local businesses, industries and organizations a variety of training opportunities designed to increase employee productivity and efficiency, helping them to maximize profits.

Local businesses interested in scheduling the mobile welding lab may contact WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383 to learn more.

When race, class, religion and gender collide, a conversation begins. That conversation will take place on Monday, Oct. 21, with the special presentation of “The Defamation Experience.”

“The Defamation Experience” is a courtroom drama and unique diversity program that includes three phases; the play, deliberation and post-show discussion.

The play explores a civil suit between Ms. Wade, an American-American business owner, and Mr. Golden, a Jewish real estate developer. After a dramatic testimony, the judge decides it is time for the jury’s deliberation. The twist…the audience is the jury.

Following the trial, the audience will be asked to participate in a meaningful conversation about race, class, religion, gender and the law.

Funded in part by the Higher Education Resource Assessment, the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the WVU Parkersburg college theater. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kurt Klettner, WVU Parkersburg executive director for student support services, at kurt.klettner@wvup.edu or 304-424-8388.

The dedication of one Marine Corps veteran has been recognized with a scholarship covering the cost of welding tools and protective equipment needed for her classes and future career. Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon of West Virginia and Ohio of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, the scholarship is a testimony to the allegiance of one Marine to another.

“The Marine Corps motto is ‘Semper Fidelis,’ meaning ‘Always Faithful.’ The Corps is faithful to every Marine, even after their service is completed, to make sure they have a successful post-military career,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate.

Alexis Wiseman is the first WVU Parkersburg student to receive a scholarship from the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. She served four years in the Marine Corps (May 2013 to May 2017), and received the rank of E-4, Corporal. Wiseman will graduate in December 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology.

“Earning this scholarship to help further my education in my career field is a true honor,” said WVU Parkersburg student Alexis Wiseman. “The Marine Corps Veterans Association is a community I am proud to be a part of.”

The MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA is focused on community service, including working with the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments and local Eagle Scouts, as well as providing flag etiquette classes, donations to the Sheriff’s K-9 units in Wood and Washington counties, a guitar lesson program for veterans and much more.

“In addition to our other work, we believe in providing scholarships to younger generations who are furthering their education,” said Executive Officer John Sprigg of the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. “It is our honor and duty to help veterans, and we cannot wait to help more students in the future.”

“We have the honor of being here today because of the Marine Corps veterans, and all veterans, who wanted to serve their country. They all took an oath that didn’t end when they put the uniform down, and that now includes helping the community using their veteran status,” said Shearlock. “I am proud to work with the Marine Corps Veterans Association who are dedicated to helping this area.”

For more information about the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA, scholarship opportunities or to become a member, contact Commanding Officer Roy Trembly at roy.trembly@gmail.com or 304-966-4419.

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

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, Oct. 9. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (room 1300A) on the main campus. View the complete agenda here.