WVU Parkersburg signs new students into Elementary Education program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 4, 2025) — The WVU Parkersburg Professional Studies Division hosted a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27 to honor students being admitted into the education program, as well as induct new members into the honor society Kappa Delta Pi.

Students Lauren Brandjes, Zoe Butcher, Ashley Dalrymple, Lisa Dalton, Randa Fluharty, Sarah Hill, Savannah Knowlton, Triston Lanham, Roxy Monroe and Olivia Talbert were admitted into the Elementary Education Program.

“The Education Signing Ceremony is a huge milestone for our teacher candidates. At this point in their academic career, they have been able to successfully complete over 30 credit hours of coursework, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete field experience hours in K-6 schools and complete service-learning hours in the community,” said Dr. Bobby Marshall, Professional Studies dean. “Although they are beginning a new chapter in the program, they already have a track record of success. We take great pride in honoring and celebrating our newly admitted teacher candidates. We look forward to seeing all the great things they will accomplish in the next two years.”

In order to be admitted into the Education Program, Marshall said the candidates must have completed at least 30 hours of coursework, 60 hours of field placement, maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass or be exempt from three PRAXIS Core or Case exams and complete 50 hours of service learning.

During the ceremony each student signed their name as a commitment to the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and were presented with a personalized certificate of admission to the teacher education program, as well as a copy of the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and a lapel pin symbolizing their admission and commitment to the program.

Lanna Bragg, Austin Lawrence, Kelsie Means and Rebecca Williams were all inducted into Kappa Delta Pi.

“Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, inspires and equips teachers to thrive. For over 100 years, this honor society has held fast to the beliefs of community, belonging leadership and celebration,” said KDP Chapter Advisor Amy Yeater.

Yeater continued, “It is important to be part of something where you can make a difference and contribute to something bigger than yourself. Being part of this organization shows commitment to the profession of education.”

The Education Department had a reception with food and drinks for guests after the ceremony.

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program, please visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/elementary-education/