West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the flagpole in front of the main building in commemoration of the events of 9/11 and to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces and as first responders.

“We invite the community to join us for this special event to remember all of the military servicemen and women and first responders who have dedicated their lives in service to our nation,” said Michael Dooley, student program advisor for the Veterans Resource Center, WVU Parkersburg.

WVU Parkersburg student veterans will raise the flag, while additional students, staff, and faculty will ring the college bell 17 times, with each ring counting the total years since 9/11.

Jeff Sandy, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, will serve as the guest speaker for the special event. Sandy has a distinguished career in law enforcement and public service. In addition to serving as a special agent in the U.S. Treasury Department’s Criminal Investigation Division for 25 years, he volunteered to assist counter-terrorism efforts in the wake of 9/11 and served one term as the elected sheriff of Wood County. He is both a certified fraud examiner and a certified anti-money laundering specialist.

Following the ceremony, WVU Parkersburg will host Sandy for his informative presentation, “The Puzzle of 9/11,” at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in the college theater. He will discuss the events leading to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and the aftermath, how the attacks were funded and the process he led to track down Saddam Hussein’s money train. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the College Activities Center.

For more information about this event, contact Michael Dooley at mdooley1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual convocation ceremony on August 27 at 12:15 p.m. in the College Activities Center. Dan Carder, Director of West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions (CAFEE) is the keynote speaker.

Carder, a Mineral Wells native and Parkersburg South High School graduate, holds a bachelor and master degree from WVU’s Statler College of Engineering. He is renowned for his research team’s report which uncovered Volkswagen’s false emission’s tests and violation of the Clean Air Act in 2015. With more than 20 years in emissions and alternative fuels research, he has been named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world.

WVU Parkersburg’s convocation ceremony is held at the beginning of each academic year to welcome new and returning students as well as reaffirm the institution’s eternal commitment to its values. There will be a formal procession of the faculty in academic regalia, and faculty marshals will be invited to ring the official college bell at the beginning of the ceremony. A welcome by WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Chad Crumbaker, and Student Government President Austin Grimmett will follow.

“Every season must have a beginning,” said Dr. Gilmer, WVU Parkersburg president. “For our new students, convocation is that beginning, an eternal moment to always remember when this journey toward higher education began.”

The ceremony is mandatory for new students, and there will be a live transmission to WVU Parkersburg’s Jackson County Center.

For questions or more information, please contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Services at vpssappeals@wvup.edu or 304.424.8209.

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center, in partner with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley will host its grand opening at 5:30 pm on Sept. 6 in the Workforce and Economic Development Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Funded by the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the Entrepreneur Center is a makerspace where technology and creativity meet in an effort to expand the entrepreneurial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) movement in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The center will provide the public access to technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, Arduino (electronic prototyping platform), industrial-capable sewing, and more.

“Tres Ross of the Ross Foundation has led efforts to bring entrepreneurial methods to the Mid-Ohio Valley with Innovate MOV,” said Michele Wilson, WVU Parkersburg Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development. “We are grateful for the support of the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia so we may encourage the development of small business endeavors.”

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet Anthony Wilson of Wilson’s House of Cosplay, Dominique Holl of Holl’s Chocolates, Tony Workman of Classic Plastics, and Cindy Moore of Cindy’s Simply Sewing to learn how these area residents turned their interests into careers. Laser cutting and 3-D printing demonstrations, as well as meet-and-greets with the 501^st Legion and James Hamilton with his Star Wars BB-8 droid, will take place.

The 501st Legion is a volunteer organization formed to bring together costume enthusiasts that celebrate the Star Wars franchise by attending pop-cons and contributing to charity and volunteer work. Members build their own detailed, replica costumes using the same machinery found in the Entrepreneur Center.

“We are excited to invite the community and show guests they have the resources and creative support to pursue their passions,” WVU Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center Coordinator Logan Mace. “The Entrepreneur Center truly is where inspiration meets innovation.”

For more information, contact Logan Mace at Logan.Mace@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 606, and visit Facebook @WVUPWED for details on future classes and events.

The West Virginia Community and Technical College System awarded its Rapid Response grant to West Virginia University at Parkesburg’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division to launch an advanced manufacturing degree program. The associate of applied science degree will provide hands-on experience to individuals seeking training in the latest manufacturing and industrial technologies.

The grant focuses on delivering immediate workforce training, responds to regional companies’ needs to expand and create new jobs as well as present opportunities for current employees to gain new skills. WVU Parkersburg’s advanced manufacturing program was created to support expanding Hino Motors operations in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“Our innovative curriculum includes foundations in electricity, industrial maintenance and industrial robotics,” said Dr. Jared Gump, WVU Parkersburg STEM division chair and associate professor. “We prepare graduates to directly enter the industry and join a growing career.”

WVU Parkersburg replicates a plant manufacturing process with a simulated control room in the campus Applied Technology Center that will be remotely operated by students in a process control unit. Students will also learn how to operate, troubleshoot, repair and maintain the equipment, including four robotic arms and a CNC milling machine.

In addition, WVU Parkersburg is offering a certificate program in residential and commercial electricity, designed to meet the standards and skill training necessary to become a West Virginia licensed residential and commercial electrician.

To learn more about programs and degree offerings, contact WVU Parkersburg’s Center for Students Services at 304-424-8310.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Social Justice Committee will host Dr. Patrick Kerr on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. for an informative presentation, “Understanding Human Trafficking in West Virginia: A Statewide Perspective on a Worldwide Problem.” The presentation will be given in the college theater and will also be streamed live to the Jackson County Center. It is free and open to the public.

Human trafficking is slavery that is perpetrated in the modern era and encompasses both labor trafficking and sex trafficking.  Kerr will provide information on how to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking. He will also discuss and dispel common myths about human trafficking and examine current anti-trafficking initiatives in West Virginia.

“Human trafficking is a growing problem in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said Debbie Richards, special assistant to the president for policy and social justice, West Virginia University at Parkersburg. “We hope this presentation will help to increase public awareness and prevention around this serious issue that is affecting so many vulnerable populations in our state.”

Kerr is a licensed clinical psychologist and an associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at West Virginia University School of Medicine – Charleston. In addition to serving as a member of the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force, Kerr has published multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed publications on human trafficking.

For more information about this event, contact Debbie Richards at drichards@wvup.edu or 304.424.8201.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg, in partnership with FirstEnergy, held the first Teen Tech Academy from July 30 – August 2 at the WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development building.

Participants were allowed the opportunity to learn about computer science and technology and security, Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspbian Operating Systems, Python code language used in app, game, and web development as well as install a Linux virtual machine. Students received a personal Raspberry Pi to take home.

For more information on upcoming events at WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development, contact Logan Mace at Logan.Mace@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 606.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, August 8. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in room 1300A on the main campus.

Click here to view the complete agenda.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg, in partnership with FirstEnergy, will host the 2018 Teen Tech Academy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 30 – Aug. 2. The academy will allow attendees to gain hands-on experience with various software and equipment while providing the opportunity to learn more about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field and possible careers.
The class list includes, but is not limited to: introduction to computer science technology and security, Raspberry Pi 3, Linux and Raspian Operating Systems, and Python programming and game design. Attendees will receive a Raspberry Pi, a small single-board computer, which they will take home when the academy is over.
“Technical career growth shows no signs of slowing,” said WVU Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center Coordinator Logan Mace. “With technologies becoming accessible, and supporting business like FirstEnergy, there is an increasing interest in the STEM field. We hope participants will see the potential to turn their passions into long-term, lucrative careers.”
Partnering with WVU Parkersburg and providing grant funding for Teen Tech Academy, FirstEnergy supports non-profit organizations within its service areas to promote interest in computer and science education. FirstEnergy also provides workforce advancement with professional development through community leadership and volunteerism as well as economic development and revitalization efforts.
“We are thankful for partners such as First Energy who support early learning and WVU Parkersburg’s efforts to offer a variety of educational activities for regional youth,” said Michele Wilson, WVU Parkersburg Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development.
Teen Tech Academy registration is closed. For more information on future Workforce and Economic Development academies and events, contact Logan Mace at Logan.Mace@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 606.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg faculty, staff and students welcomed new president, Dr. Chris Gilmer, to campus on Monday, July 2. His presidency comes after approval by WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

Dr. Gilmer previously served as executive director of Alcorn State University in Vicksburg, Mississippi and vice president for Academic Affairs at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. He carries 25 years of service in higher education as an administrator, professor, trainer, and grant writer with 15 years of consulting experience.

“Our students’ success is the whole reason for my being here,” said Dr. Gilmer. “My background is not unlike that of many in our region, and I know WVU Parkersburg can be a bridge to any dream imagined.”

A first-generation college graduate from a rural Mississippi farming family, Dr. Gilmer holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from East Central Community College, a Master of Arts in English from Mississippi College and a Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi.

His first priority is meeting with members of the campus and surrounding communities as well as learning more about the Mid-Ohio Valley, its history, area businesses and culture.

“I deeply care about this college, the people who work here, the students and communities we serve,” said Dr. Gilmer. “I extend a genuine invitation to the campus and community to share their vision for this institution so we may build on current successes and achieve new heights.”

The Chemours Company made a donation to West Virginia University at Parkersburg, providing upgrades to the college’s Computer Information Technology (CIT) program. The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation accepted the gift on behalf of the college as part of their mission to partner with the community and build private support for the institution.

The donation consists of practical hardware upgrades for two WVU Parkersburg CIT labs, including 30 desktop computers, 49 laptops, 58 network switches and 18 redundant power supplies. This sizable donation will allow WVU Parkersburg students to work on Cisco Certified exam objectives in the repair and the networking hardware labs on campus.

The opportunity to improve these labs at WVU Parkersburg came from students Colton Foley and Jerry McKee of the CIT Learn and Earn program with Chemours. While assisting with hardware upgrades to some of the company’s equipment, the students realized WVU Parkersburg students could benefit from using the technology Chemours was removing.

“With this donation, our students will have a more modern networking platform for learning,” said WVU Parkersburg STEM Instructor Doug Rhodes. “As an instructor, this will allow our networking curricula to include physical hardware with less being software simulation and emulation, which are sometimes limiting.”

Sponsored by the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the Learn and Earn program gives selected students in their second year of the CIT associate degree program a flexible work rotation at Chemours, iTech or Woodcraft.

Students receive hourly compensation for their work, and can work up to a total of 1,200 hours.

Chemours was also recognized as WVU Parkersburg’s 2018 Community Partner of the Year for its excellence in supporting student success through work and educational opportunities. Bob Fahrenbacher, Chemour’s Plant Manager, accepted the award during the college’s honors ceremony held on April 27.

To learn more about the Learn and Earn program, contact WVU Parkersburg’s Center for Student Services at admissions@wvup.edu or 304-424-8310.