News Type: Alumni

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) announces the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and achievement. An additional award was given to two non-alumni who have gone above and beyond in service to the college. These individuals embody the values of leadership, service, and excellence that WVWC seeks to instill in its graduates. All winners will be recognized as part of the Founders Day Convocation at Homecoming on Friday, September 26, 2025 in the Wesley Chapel at 4 PM. This event is free and open to the public. 

Alumni Achievement Award

This award celebrates alumni who have achieved remarkable status in their professions or have shown extraordinary leadership in service to their community, state, or nation.

Doug Ritchie ’83

A fourth-generation resident of Ravenswood, West Virginia, Doug Ritchie is a true pillar of his community. After graduating from WVWC with a B.S. in Business Management in 1983, he founded Star Plastics in Ravenswood in 1988. He grew the business into a global enterprise with operations in West Virginia, China, and Italy, providing local employment for around 150 people. Throughout this growth, Ritchie and his employees have been good corporate citizens, supporting many different projects and philanthropies. When he sold a portion of the company in 2021, he ensured every full-time employee received a share of the proceeds based on their tenure.

Beyond his business success, Ritchie is a committed philanthropist. Following the sale, he and his wife, Judy, created the Fund for Ravenswood, a charitable fund that has already delivered over $412,000 for projects in the community. His passion to give back has also sparked new initiatives like “Renewable Ravenswood,” a project aimed at revitalizing his hometown. Ritchie’s generosity and dedication to his community, as well as his commitment to sharing his time, talents, and resources, make him a beacon of positive change. His nominator stated, “His passion to share his time, talents, and resources with the people of West Virginia, and in particular those in the Ravenswood community, is a positive beacon that deserves to be recognized through receipt of the Alumni Achievement Award from WVWC.”

Dr. Charity Metz Schuller ’95

Dr. Schuller is a distinguished global leader in the pharmaceutical and regulatory affairs industry. After earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from WVWC in 1995, she built a career spanning over two decades dedicated to ensuring the safe delivery of life-saving medicines worldwide. As Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs and Head of Regulatory Intelligence & Delivery at PPD Clinical Research Business of Thermo Fisher Scientific, she oversees international teams and provides strategic consultation on global development strategies. Her professional contributions have earned her prestigious recognitions, including the WVU School of Pharmacy Centennial Hall of Fame and the Alpha Gamma Delta International Talent of Leadership Award.

Dr. Schuller’s career path exemplifies the spirit of leadership, mentorship, and service. She has taught as an adjunct professor, served as a regulatory affairs residency director, and contributed to professional organizations. Her published articles and presentations have advanced public understanding of complex regulatory topics, such as pediatric drug development and expedited FDA pathways. She is also a mentor to early-career professionals and a role model in workshops and conferences, showing a deep commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders in science and medicine. Her nominator wrote that, “For her contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences, her steadfast dedication to mentorship and advocacy, and her demonstrated excellence in leadership and service, Charity Schuller richly deserves the West Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Achievement Award.”

Young Alumni Achievement Award

This award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last fifteen years and have achieved professional success or demonstrated exceptional leadership in service to their communities.

Jordan Godwin ’11

A proud third-generation WVWC graduate, Jordan Godwin earned both his bachelor’s in economics and his MBA from the college in 2011. His career began in defense and federal contracting before he found his true calling in mission-centered work. As the youngest-ever CEO of Valley Health Care (VHC), a federally qualified health center, he oversees an organization of over 100 medical professionals dedicated to serving rural West Virginia communities.

Godwin’s leadership has been transformative for VHC. He has guided the organization through critical expansions, improved financial operations, and increased patient access to high-quality care through provider recruitment, strategic partnerships, and boosting telehealth capabilities. He also successfully navigated the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, deploying critical testing supplies and PPE to some of the most remote areas of the state. His work exemplifies how a strong business acumen, combined with a commitment to service, can create a lasting positive impact on public health. His nominator stated that Jordan’s executive role is the “full culmination of his WVWC experience” and that his work is providing patients “greater, more efficient access to services and providers.”

Angel Wilson ’13

Angel Wilson, a 2013 WVWC psychology graduate, is a successful entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker. After earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts, she founded Silent Books Publishing (SBP), a full-service self-publishing company in Baltimore dedicated to helping aspiring authors, particularly those from historically unheard communities, bring their stories to life. Through SBP, she has helped five WVWC faculty and students become published authors, a project that holds a special place in her heart.

In addition to her publishing work, Wilson is a multidisciplinary artist. She is the author of Am I Doing This Right? and the co-director of the award-winning film, Hiding in the Walls. Her creative work has been studied at several universities, including her alma mater. Wilson’s dedication to empowering others to share their powerful narratives with the world showcases her commitment to using her creative skills to make a meaningful impact. Her nominator noted that building her company and empowering others to tell their stories “has been one of the most meaningful achievements of her life.”

Alumni Service Award

This award honors alumni who have provided outstanding service to the college.

Paula Lowther McGrew ’78

A third-generation alumna, Paula McGrew is a true champion of WVWC’s history. She returned to her alma mater in 2001 and served as the Director of Library Services and a faculty member until her retirement in 2017. During her time on campus, she taught first-year seminars and created a Library Science Minor, sharing her knowledge and love for the college with countless students.

Since retiring, she has held the title of Professor of Library Science and Director of Library Services, Emerita, and serves as the official WVWC Historian. One of her most significant contributions is the creation of DreamersAndGiants.com, a comprehensive website she launched to collect, organize, and share the college’s history. Her tireless work in documenting the college’s story—from its founding in 1890 to the present day—and her continued engagement with students make her an invaluable asset to the Wesleyan community. Her nominator wrote, “When I think of WV Wesleyan, Paula instantly comes to mind; she possesses unparalleled knowledge of our history, and her dedication to preserving and sharing it continually motivates our students to follow the Orange Line after graduation.”

Young Alumni Service Award

This award recognizes young alumni who have provided outstanding service to the college.

Jessicah Cross ’15

Jessicah Cross is a tireless advocate for her alma mater, West Virginia Wesleyan College. Since graduating with a B.A. in Political Science in 2015, she has consistently promoted WVWC and its mission. For nearly a decade, she served in various roles with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, where she was a strong voice for higher education and consistently advocated for support for WVWC and other West Virginia institutions.

Currently, as the Chief of Staff for the West Virginia First Foundation, she continues her work to better the state, including its higher education institutions. Beyond her professional life, Cross remains a loyal and active alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha, where she has served in various leadership roles. Her unwavering pride and continuous support for the college, both professionally and personally, make her a deserving recipient of this award. Her nominator simply said, “Jess exudes Wesleyan in everything she does.”

Extra Mile Award

This award recognizes non-alumni who have gone above and beyond in service to Wesleyan, their community, or their country.

Drs. Lynn Gableman Rupp and Robert O. Rupp

Dr. Robert Rupp is a noted historian and political scientist. He served as a professor of history and political science at WVWC, where he was recognized for his expertise in American politics and the presidency. In his advanced classes, students noted that Rupp’s syllabus was often obsolete by the middle of the semester, because he harnessed current events as substance for his lessons.  Rupp performs his craft with humor, imagination, and gentility. Educated at Ohio Wesleyan University and Syracuse University, Dr. Rupp contributed regularly as a regionally known and recognized political analyst to newspapers and public radio. In his final years of teaching, he published, The Primary That Made a President: John F. Kennedy and West Virginia. Throughout his career, he held numerous public service positions, such as being a member and chair of the West Virginia State Election Commission and serving on the Upshur County School Board. 

Dr. Lynn Gableman Rupp (1948–2023) was a beloved educator, department chair, and Director of the Master’s in Education program at WVWC. With degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and Syracuse University, she spent over thirty years shaping secondary social studies education at the college, where she was known for her commitment to teacher preparation and excellence in social studies. In recognition of her impact, WVWC awarded her its Exemplary Teaching Award in 2004. Beyond the college, Dr. Rupp was a leader in advancing social studies education throughout West Virginia. The Lynn Rupp/Lynn Bennett Award for WV Social Studies Excellence was named in her honor to celebrate her lifelong contributions to the field. She was instrumental in securing and directing three Teaching American History grants, known as American HEART, which helped to enrich history instruction and professional development for educators across the state.

Their impact on the students at WVWC cannot be overstated. When speaking of Dr. Robert Rupp, the nominator had this to say, “Rupp extended the reach of Wesleyan, and deepened the relationship between the College and Town of Buckhannon, by practicing what he preached.  Rupp engaged in public service for many years with the Stockert Youth Center, the West Virginia Election Commission, and the Upshur County Board of Education. And quite importantly, Rupp was smart enough to engage his late wife, Dr. Lynn Rupp, in all of these ventures, and together they served Wesleyan Students, the College Campus, and the broader Community.” The Rupps served WVWC with excellence and distinction. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College is preparing to say “Aloha” as alumni return to their Home Among the Hills Sept. 25-28 to help their alma mater celebrate 135 years.

Tickets are on sale now for Thursday, Sept. 25’s performance by the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Purchase online at https://tinyurl.com/WVWCPJO. Tickets may also be available at the door for $20 each.  The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra is a prominent large jazz ensemble dedicated to representing Pittsburgh’s rich jazz legacy, and we are thrilled to have them return to WVWC.

On Friday, Sept. 26, homecoming registration will be open from noon to 6 p.m. in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library for alumni to pick up schedules, nametags, campus maps and get answers to Homecoming questions. Visit the Wesleyan Under Water exhibit chronicling the flood of 1985 on campus and in the Buckhannon community.  Or stop by the Erickson Alumni Center from 2 to 4 p.m. for an open house and campus tours leaving on the hour at 2 and 3 p.m.

WVWC’s Class of 1975 will celebrate their 50th reunion from 2:30-4 p.m. in the side dining room of the French A. See Dining Center.

At 4 p.m., Founder’s Day Convocation will bring the campus community together as WVWC celebrates 135 years and looks toward the future with updates from Moore. Join the celebration as new board of trustee members are inducted outstanding alumni who have given back to their alma mater and communities in various ways are honored. 

The Black Student Union will sponsor a pool party from 6-8 p.m. open to alumni and friends or relive a favorite WVWC tradition, Big Bingo happening at 7 p.m. in the social hall.

Stop by Rockefeller Center to cheer on women’s volleyball versus Salem University in a 7 p.m. match-up and then head to the PAC for a Town Hall with President Moore happening at 8:30 p.m. In this hot ones twist, Moore will be interviewed about college updates as he eats increasingly hotter chicken wings, much like the popular TV Show, “Hot Ones: The Game Show.” 

Saturday events include the 4th annual Mark Petrosky Memorial Hunger Walk for the Parish House at 9 a.m., leaving from the Parish House. For those alumni arriving Saturday, registration in the library continues from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Honor legendary tennis coach Jim Smith ‘57 with the dedication of the new seating at the tennis court complex at 9:30 a.m. 

The WVWC Student Art League will be screenprinting in McCuskey 113 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own white t-shirt and select a student-created design to print. Donations will be accepted.

While in McCuskey, stop by the Sleeth gallery for an alumni spotlight exhibition featuring watercolorist and alumna Carolyn Martin Light ‘79. 

Several athletic contests happen on Saturday, including a Softball Orange and Black Scrimmage at the Culpepper Field and a Men’s Basketball Orange and Black game at 2 p.m. in Rockefeller. 

At 11:30 a.m., there will be an information session on WVWC’s new Certificate Program in Addiction Counseling.

The Emertius Club Luncheon will be held at noon in the French See Dining Center (to induct the class of 1975 and celebrate reunion classes of 1970 and 1965.

From 2-5 p.m., a pop-up arts and craft fair will happen on the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library lawn. 

Dr. Devon McNamara will give a homecoming lecture at 2 p.m. in Library Room 213 followed by a lecture from Dr. Joseph Wiest in Christopher Room 103. Both professors retired this summer.  

Join the All Classes Reunion as the classes of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 are invited to gather on the Haymond Hall of Science Lawn, catch up with friends, and take a class photo. For members of the Class of 2020, President Moore will be available from 5:30-6 p.m. to take a graduation photo.  Borrowed cap and gown and diploma cover available.

From 5:30-7 p.m., join the Aloha Block Party for $15 with a tropical feast including pig roast, chicken, and other inspired foods. Then head over to the WVWC Football game under the lights at 7 p.m. as the ‘Cats host Frostburg State. Athletic trainers will be recognized prior to the game as WVWC celebrates 40 years of athletic training.

A planetarium show will also take place at 7 p.m. in the Christopher Hall of Science Planetarium. 

On Sunday, prepare to say aloha with a Gospel Service at 10 a.m. in Wesley Chapel, followed by the Aloha Brunch in the French A. See Dining Hall and two final sports contests to close out the weekend. Women’s Soccer will play the University of Charleston at 1 p.m., while the men will face off against UC at 3:30 p.m.

For a full schedule and to see more details about these events, visit www.wvwc.edu/homecoming 

 ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College’s French A. See Dining Center has received some upgrades aimed at enhancing students’ on-campus dining experience.

New flooring installed in Spring 2025 has now been complemented with new dining furniture and the hall has been freshly painted. Tables and chairs in a neutral color scheme have now been added to the dining hall. The new tables include some at counter-top height, allowing for intimate seating looking across campus. Additional lounge seating has been added to the perimeter, providing more places for students to connect. 

The upgrades are courtesy of current Board of Trustees members, as well as former Trustees.  Their focus was to enhance a space that students utilize every day.  

Kevin Spear ‘76, chair of the WVWC Board of Trustees, said, “Both current and former Trustees wanted to provide tangible evidence of our ongoing support of the forward movement of our College.  What better way to do so than by updating the fundamental center of our campus for current and future students?”

French A. See Dining Center opened in 1995, and this is the first time a complete overhaul including new furniture, has happened in 30 years. The first class to fully use the new dining center during their four years at WVWC was the Class of 1999, with some of them joining the Board of Trustees in donating to the initiative. 

 

Student Senate President Brayton Boggs ‘27 said, “Not only is the dining hall a place for students to decompress and enjoy their meals, but it is also a setting where conversations and laughter flourish. These improvements provide for a more welcoming environment and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.”

 

“On behalf of the entire Wesleyan community, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our energetic Board of Trustees for sponsoring this project.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Today, West Virginia Wesleyan College announces the launch of its new Physician Assistant (PA) Program, marking a significant stride in our ongoing commitment to healthcare education and workforce development, while filling a critical gap in rural healthcare delivery. 

The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Pending successful achievement of this status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting, West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates welcoming its inaugural PA class in May 2028 to Battlers Knob in Philippi.

President Dr. James Moore said, “West Virginia Wesleyan College is excited and proud to make this announcement. As the region’s leader in care-centered healthcare education, we believe that it’s central to our mission to launch programs that will produce graduates who will improve the healthcare outcomes of West Virginians and Appalachians. We are grateful to our healthcare partners for their guidance and partnership in this exciting new program.”

There are currently hundreds of job openings for PAs in West Virginia, demonstrating the need for more graduates.

Entrance into Physician Assistant schools is highly competitive, and roughly one-fourth of applicants are accepted. There are five PA programs in the Mountain State, but none are located geographically between Charleston and Morgantown.   

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “The physician assistant profession is essential to meeting the growing healthcare needs of West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. By launching this program, we are preparing skilled, compassionate providers who will expand access to care, strengthen healthcare systems, and build healthier communities. This is not only an investment in our students, but a legacy that will shape lives and reaffirm West Virginia Wesleyan College’s leadership in healthcare education and workforce development.”

The PA Program at Wesleyan is designed to prepare compassionate, highly-skilled medical professionals through a blend of rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. 

Deanna Leach, DMSc, PA-C, has been hired as the program’s first director, bringing a clinical background as a physician assistant and serving as associate director of the previous program at the former Alderson Broaddus University. Most recently, Dr. Leach has served as assistant director of the PA program at West Liberty University.

On Sept. 10 at 3 p.m., WVWC will host an event at Battlers Knob in Philippi. The public is invited to attend to formally celebrate the announcement and partnerships.

Since the closure of Alderson Broaddus University, WVWC has partnered with Battlers Knob to plan and execute in-person programs and services. The first, an LPN to BSN Pathway, launched this fall and is at 100% capacity with a waiting list. Beginning in Spring 2026, the hybrid program will see students return to Battlers Knob for clinicals. 

Glen E. Combs, Ed.D. (HC), PA, is president of the Hu C. Myers Association and an alum of the ABU PA Program.

Combs added, “The establishment of a new program to educate future PAs is a monumental step forward for the health and well-being of our communities. It signifies a strong commitment by West Virginia Wesleyan to educate skilled medical practitioners, particularly in our state’s rural and underserved regions. By educating a new generation of compassionate and competent PAs, we are not only enriching our local workforce but also ensuring that more West Virginians have access to the quality medical care that they deserve. This new PA program will be a beacon of opportunity, fostering educational excellence and building a healthier future for all.”

Adding the Physician Assistant Program builds on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the greater Appalachian region through its BSN, Nursing Practitioner and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees and the more recent establishment of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Addiction Certificate. 

ABOUT WVWC’s APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION-PROVISIONAL
West Virginia Wesleyan College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates matriculating its first class in May 2028, pending achieving Accreditation – Provisional status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. If the West Virginia Wesleyan College Physician Assistant Program does not achieve Accreditation-Provisional status as planned, students will not matriculate and will receive a full refund of tuition and deposits. Please note that this does not include fees paid by applicants to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  Harrison County educator and West Virginia Wesleyan College alum Renee Powell ‘10, M.Ed. ‘10, has been named a finalist for West Virginia Teacher of the Year.

A fourth-grade teacher at Big Elm Elementary School, Powell became an educator to help support students and their families struggling with finding resources to improve reading and mathematics.   

“When I was growing up, I struggled a lot in elementary school,” Powell said. “My parents were wonderful and helped the best they could, but they didn’t always know the best ways or strategies to help me with reading and math. As I got older, I realized that many of my peers had similar experiences and that many families just needed tools and encouragement, not judgment.

“I have always loved working with kids. I taught swim lessons and babysat growing up. But it was that early experience that made me want to teach and support families in meaningful ways. That’s why I send home weekly newsletters with simple strategies parents can use to support learning at home. I also started the Mystery Reader Program at my school, which invites community members to come into the classroom and share the joy of reading. Before their visit, they submit three clues about themselves, and the students try to guess who the “mystery reader” is. When the reader is revealed, they share a book with the class and answer student questions. It’s been a great way to build connections between my school and the community. 

“What inspires me is knowing that I’m not just teaching students. I’m partnering with families and community members to build stronger support systems for my students.”

At WVWC, Powell found support to make her plans to be an educator happen earning both her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master’s in Education with a reading specialization. She achieved National Board Certification in 2019.

“Attending West Virginia Wesleyan College has been a tremendous advantage in my teaching career,” she said. “The smaller class sizes and strong student-to-professor ratio were especially important to me, particularly as a student-athlete balancing academics and athletics.  The professors were incredibly supportive and instrumental in providing the skills, strategies, and hands-on experience I needed to succeed. Each methods course included extensive classroom hours, which gave me valuable real-world practice. Peer collaboration, meaningful feedback, and rigorous coursework all played a key role in my development.  WVWC provided a well-rounded, supportive environment that truly prepared me to enter the classroom with confidence and purpose.  I am always so thankful for my time spent there and that I chose WVWC.”

“I feel incredibly honored to be a finalist for the West Virginia Teacher of the Year Award,” Powell said. “All five of us bring unique strengths and experiences to the classroom, and it’s truly humbling to be recognized alongside such passionate and dedicated educators. I believe it speaks volumes about the quality of educators in West Virginia and the bright future we’re helping to build for generations to come.” 

Powell will be recognized with the other finalists during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston on Sept. 9. The 2026 WV Teacher of the Year will also be named at the event. Read more about Powell and the other five finalists here 

Another WVWC alumnus Erin Anderson ‘99, was named the 2021 West Virginia Teacher of the Year.  

 

 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees recently voted to extend the contract of President Dr. James Moore through June 30, 2032, a move that affirms the institution’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the College’s future.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce our unanimous decision to extend Dr. Moore’s contract through June 30, 2032,” said Kevin Spear, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “This renewal reflects our deep confidence in Dr. Moore’s ability to continue to elevate our College, strengthen its academic programs, and further its ongoing mission of excellence in serving the needs of our region.”

Moore came to West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2006, serving as Director of Jazz Ensembles and Professor of Music. He then was appointed to Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty for five years. The board appointed Moore as interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan in 2022, making it official in 2023.

Since stepping into the presidency, Moore has continually underscored the role West Virginia Wesleyan College has to play in Appalachia by working to solve problems such as the demand for more clinical mental health counselors and health care professionals. 

Moore played a pivotal role in securing transformative partnerships and investments including the $1.2 million collaborative gift from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia to launch the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

WVWC recently announced the establishment of a new LPN to RN pathway program utilizing the Battlers Knob campus in
Philippi. Students will start the mostly online program with in-person clinicals at WVWC their first semester and then transition to the Battler’s Knob campus for the remainder of the program. 

A partnership with Mon Health System/Vandalia Health guarantees scholarships and employment for WVWC nursing graduates. There has also been the expansion of local and regional collaborations with Upshur County Schools, Valley Health, Behavioral Health Associates, City of Buckhannon/Colonial Arts Center, and Notre Dame High School.

Total enrollment has grown by 10% since 2022, marking two consecutive years of increased enrollment and a projected continuation of that growth into Fall 2025. The most significant increase has come at the graduate level. Graduate program enrollment has increased by 40 percent since 2023 with the introduction of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, new addiction and recovery certificate, and executive (online) MBA programs. 

This fall, WVWC will welcome its first Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity students to campus.

Campus and facility enhancements have also flourished during Moore’s tenure. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, new multi-purpose stadium lighting at the Cebe Ross Field has been installed allowing the return of nighttime games and events at the stadium. Seating upgrades at Rockefeller Gymnasium will be complete in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Renovations at McCuskey Hall and upgrades to the French A. See Dining Center, including new seating and flooring (set for Fall 2025 completion) were also made. The tennis complex received new enhancement including a striking Wesleyan-themed resurfacing and a new scoreboard. WVWC’s iconic Wesley Chapel steeple received a much-needed refresh. 

Moore oversaw a reimagining of the Office of Advancement, resulting in the highest Wesleyan Fund total in 20 years – with all donor gifts directly benefiting students. With Moore’s leadership, there has been the reestablishment of alumni trust and engagement, achieving 50% growth in the College’s alumni participation rate.  Due to Moore’s vision, the Office of Advancement also recently spearheaded the creation of the Wesleyan Athletics Endowment, ensuring long-term support for WVWC athletic programs. 

Moore said, “I am humbled and honored that the Board of Trustees has affirmed their confidence in the great work we’re doing at WVWC. Since 2006, this place has been my home and my passion, and I am excited to continue to be a member of this community for the next seven years.”

With this renewed leadership, West Virginia Wesleyan College remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience that supports its students, faculty, and the broader Appalachian region.

 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College community is mourning the sudden loss of Dr. George Albert “Bert” Popson Jr., Department of Physics and Engineering chair and long-time professor for nearly 36 years. Popson passed away July 14, 2025. 

Popson, originally from Kittanning, Pennsylvania, earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and a master’s from IUP in 1986. He completed his Ph.D. in physics from Clemson University in 1989 and began teaching at West Virginia Wesleyan College Sept. 1, 1989. After teaching at the secondary level and a career in the private sector, Popson found his true passion at the collegiate level. 

Popson mentored thousands of students in the classroom and through summer research projects who went on to pursue graduate degrees and careers with NASA and major companies across the globe.

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder, said, “Dr. Bert Popson’s legacy goes far beyond the classroom or lab. For more than 35 years, he poured his heart into West Virginia Wesleyan College — mentoring students, supporting his peers, recruiting tirelessly for the Department of Physics and Engineering, and doing it all with a smile and sincere care for those around him. His presence will be profoundly missed, but the goodness he brought to our College community will never be forgotten.”

Professor of Physics and Engineering Dr. Joseph Wiest, who is retiring after 52 years, added, “All of us in the Department of Physics and Engineering at West Virginia Wesleyan College are grieving over the sudden and unexpected loss of Bert Popson. I was the department chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering at West Virginia Wesleyan College when we had the privilege of hiring Bert over 35 years ago.”

Wiest recalled Popson had recently graduated with his Ph.D. in solid state physics from Clemson University and set up undergraduate lecture and laboratory classes on that topic as well as teaching electronics and introductory physics classes.

“He was a great teacher who was deeply appreciated by all of his students and his co-workers in all of these years. He had a fine mind, always carried a smile on his face, and was always available to help a fellow teacher or student who had a need of any kind,” Wiest said. “Out of the classroom, he loved to take his bicycle out into the countryside on a beautiful day and to ride for miles at a time. He was a member of the state and national branches of the American Association of Physics Teachers and presented talks to those groups of college teachers.”

Popson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the Appalachian Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 2007.  He served as president of the organization in 1999 and made numerous presentations on improving physics teaching at AAPT meetings. 

“Bert will be sorely missed by all of us at Wesleyan in the sciences and in all of the other teaching areas, and by all of the students who took his classes over all of these years,” Wiest said. “He represented the best in teaching to all of his students and to all of his fellow teachers at the College.  He was unfailingly kind and approachable, and always found time for those in need.”

Popson’s classes at WVWC grew to include engineering thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, materials lab and advanced engineering lab. During his time at WVWC, Popson also served as advisor for the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honorary Society. His research interests included cryogenics, superconductors, wind tunnels, X-ray crystallography, heat pumps, strength of materials and magnetic resonance.

Associate Professor Dr. Tracey DeLaney, said, “Bert was instrumental to the growth and strength of the Department of Physics and Engineering, having negotiated the articulations agreement with our partner universities for our dual degree engineering program.  But far more than that, he was a dear friend and colleague.  When I was going through treatment for breast cancer, Bert constantly checked in on me and gave me rides and was a rock whom I could lean on for anything.”

A memorial service will be held at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 9, 2025 at 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Dr. Popson can be made to the WVWC Department of Physics and Engineering via postal mail to the WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or online at https://www.wvwc.edu/give/  

An obituary can be found here.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Nursing runs in the family, and now West Virginia Wesleyan College degrees do, too.

During Commencement Weekend, visiting assistant professor Valerie Jordan M’25 pinned her son Noah Jordan ’25 in the Nursing Convocation and presented him with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma the next day. She also participated in both ceremonies as a graduate with her MSN in Nursing Leadership.

Valerie began teaching at WVWC in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience in psychiatric mental health, but decided to pursue graduate studies.

“I started taking one class at a time, one or two a semester, working towards my Master’s in Nursing Leadership, and I’m hopefully getting my doctorate next year in leadership,” she said. “To continue working here at Wesleyan, which I love, I wanted to further my education, and I like learning.”

For Noah, choosing nursing follows a family tradition.

“My great-grandma was a nurse, my grandma was a nurse, and my mom was a nurse, and she was my biggest inspiration,” he said. “She loves helping people, which made me want to be like her. She is always kindhearted and loves caring for people. I hope I can be half the nurse she is one day.”

At WVWC, Noah found the School of Nursing Program nurturing and encouraging.

“It’s very family-oriented here,” he said. “They care for all their students, and they are willing to work with you if you are having life troubles or need time on any assignments. They care for your success and want you to succeed in the program. They want you to succeed and do well.”

Regarding school, Noah had family support at Middleton Hall and home through his mom.

“I leaned on her the most probably — she has been my biggest support system throughout everything,” he said. “She has helped me study. She has given me tips on how to be successful.”

Nursing Convocation and Commencement were extra special with the two graduates.

Valerie added, “I was just so proud of him and his accomplishments, and I was so honored that they let me give him a diploma. Our administration and faculty are wonderful to work with. That day was bittersweet -we got to see our family and share it.”

Noah will be working on the cardiac stepdown unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital, but like his mom, is also planning to pursue graduate education. He will apply to WVWC for his psychiatric nursing practitioner degree in partnership with Shenandoah University.

Having struggled with mental health issues, Noah said it is something close to his heart as he looked at careers in nursing.

“I feel like we need more people here for those who are mentally ill and unable to take care of themselves,” he said

Valerie has transformed her career from working in psychiatric nursing to teaching the next generation of nurses.

“My mom was a nurse and an educator, and I had taught 14 years in CNA program classes,” she said.

Coming to WVWC has expanded those opportunities as she is left with her major project to finish her doctorate.

“I love the students,” she said. “We have an excellent group of students who come through Wesleyan. They try very hard and are very respectful. Two who graduated were in my first freshman class.”

WVWC offers flexible degrees and stepping stones to further nursing education, including launching a new LPN to BSN pathway and several master’s and doctoral programs.

“The FNP program is probably one of the most popular,” she said. “We have had a 100 percent pass rate for the last several years.”

With the early assurance program, students can begin taking graduate classes going into their senior year, allowing them to complete some courses while earning their BSN.

Valerie said, “Wesleyan is a great place – the whole campus. All of it is very family-oriented, like Noah said. Everybody is there to help each other. You can always reach out. Our students work well together, peer to peer and student to faculty.”

Recently, students took care of a paraplegic patient who was so appreciative that his hygiene needs were met.

“Two students wrote in their reflection that they would never forget that experience,” she said. “I will never forget that experience.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College is welcoming back two accomplished music alumni to lead its marching and jazz programs. Eliza Taylor ‘19 will be Director of Athletic Bands, and Adam Loudin ‘07 will be Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Jazz Ensembles.

The hires come as the College has continued to put a strong emphasis on the arts. Including the incoming Class of 2029, WVWC has welcomed over 150 creative arts to campus in the last three classes. Later this month, WVWC will welcome high school students to the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for the second summer in a row and will also host in 2026. The College has hosted GSA for two of the last three cycles. 

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Master of Music in flute performance with graduate certificates in instrumental conducting and music administration from The Ohio University School of Music. She is a member of Women Band Directors International, National Association for Music Education, West Virginia Music Educators Association, West Virginia Bandmasters, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda honor society for music.

A formidable director and conductor, Taylor has directed bands at the middle school and high school level in North Central West Virginia. Her ensembles have most frequently achieved Superior “I” ratings and have also premiered works at West Virginia ratings festivals. As a conductor, she is known for her expressive gestures and stylistic clarity. Eliza studied wind band conducting at Ohio University under Dr. William Talley. 

“I have a firm belief that a school’s marching band is the public face of the College as well as an ambassador for the entire community. I am honored to be returning to my Alma Mater to support their efforts and to grow a program that means so much to me.” 

Taylor is primarily a flutist, but is also an accomplished conductor, singer, pianist, and trombonist. Well-versed in classical, jazz, and Latin styles, she has performed and collaborated with a variety of individuals and ensembles. 

As a WVWC student, Taylor was a member during the inaugural years of the Bobcat Marching Band, Concert Band, WVWC Big Band, choral ensembles and jazz combos. She was also the lead vocalist and flutist for the Afro-Cuban Ensemble and the assistant director of the Flute Ensemble during her time as a student. She received the Outstanding Music Department Senior Award and the Academic and Leadership Achievement Award, graduating magna cum laude. Eliza also has experience as a church musician and chorister. 

Taylor has studied flute with Dr. Keith Hanlon, Linda Wolfersheim, and Alison Brown Sincoff. She and her husband, Seth Blake ‘17, a fellow music educator, call Elkins home. 

Loudin is a dedicated music educator, conductor and performer with over 15 years of experience inspiring young musicians in West Virginia and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from WVWC and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied trumpet with Joey Tartell and served as a graduate assistant to renowned jazz educator David Baker.

 Under his leadership at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston, both band and choir ensembles were repeatedly recognized as WVMEA State Middle School Honor Ensembles. His commitment to excellence in music education earned him the title of Teacher of the Year twice during his 15-year tenure in Lewis County. In 2016, Adam was honored with the West Virginia Wesleyan College Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Loudin said, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the music faculty at WVWC.  The school, its professors, and its tradition of valuing the arts were integral to my development as a young jazz musician, and I consider the opportunity to become a part of the WVWC campus community as a professor a true honor and privilege.”

 In addition to his work in public education, Loudin served as artistic director of the Chanticleer Children’s Chorus of West Virginia in 2015. He also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at WVWC for over a decade, where he taught secondary music education methods, brass methods, and applied lessons. A sought-after clinician, Adam has conducted honor choirs and bands throughout the state.

 As a performer, Loudin has remained active in both jazz and classical music. He has played jazz extensively throughout West Virginia and surrounding states and spent more than 10 years as a member of the West Virginia Brass Quintet.

 In 2024, Loudin was honored nationally by School Band and Orchestra Plus (SBO+) magazine as one of the “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference,” highlighting his significant contributions to music education. 

Loudin and his wife, Katie ‘07,—a fellow WVWC graduate, former Director of Community Engagement for WVWC, and current Director of Strategic Development for the WV Community Development Hub—live in Buckhannon with their two sons, Thomas and Elliot, who share their parents’ love for music.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Former West Virginia Wesleyan College President William “Bill” Haden died March 15, 2025 after a lifetime in service to his country, higher education institutions and the United Methodist Church.

Haden served as WVWC’s 17th president from 1995 to 2006 where he led the College into the new millennium. 

Dr. James Moore, the College’s 20th President, said, “President Haden’s leadership, advocacy, and tireless efforts for Wesleyan and all of higher education serve as an inspiration to all of us. I am grateful for his work for our College, which continues to bear meaningful fruit to this day. I am reminded at this time that we are all stewards of the College’s past, present, and future.”

“I am grateful for the leadership and love that both President Haden and his late wife Betsy gave to West Virginia Wesleyan, and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this sad time.”

Early in his tenure, Haden created the President’s Commission on the Future of the College to clarify goals for the new century. Growing technology, the dedication of the French See Dining Hall and several building renovations marked Haden’s presidency.

Vice President for Advancement Kristi Wilkerson ‘99 said, “As a freshman in the fall of 1995, I met Bill and his wife Betsy Flanagan, who were also relatively new to WVWC at the time. From that point on, they always greeted me with warm hospitality.  I fondly remember Orientation and Commencement gatherings for students and their families at the President’s Home on Pocahontas Street with live music and great conversation with faculty and staff.  I remember dinners at their home where students were encouraged to dress in “smart casual” attire – something they did to help us learn the art of networking.  And just last week a colleague and I reminisced about bobcat pawprint cookies that only appeared at official presidential events throughout Bill’s tenure at Wesleyan.  

“Others may remember President Haden as ushering in the days of being a ThinkPad institution with an early focus on technology, his advocacy for student international travel, or his engagement of alumni and donors through the Board of Trustees, National Advisory Council, and so on.  Some may also remember his commitment and service to the United Methodist Church.”

Click here for the full obituary. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.