News Type: Alumni

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel ushering in the holiday season for West Virginia Wesleyan College and local community.

Dr. R. Daniel Hughes, Chair of the WVWC Department of Music, said, “The program this year features music by many English composers including William Walton, Herbert Howells, Samuel Wesley, Charles Wood, John Gardner, Judith Weir, Bob Chilcott and Errollyn Wallen. It will also feature carols for all to sing, including favorite arrangements by David Willcocks accompanied by brass quintet, organ and timpani.”

Dean of the Chapel Rev. Jonathan Acord, said, “The purpose of Festival of Lessons and Carols is to invite the Wesleyan community to experience the story of Christ’s revelation to the world through reflection and song.”

Members of the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus community will be invited to share this story during the program.

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum, conducted by Hughes, will be joined by several alumni and by singers in fourth through eighth grades from Buckhannon Academy Elementary School, Flemington Elementary School, West Taylor Elementary School and Shady Spring Middle School, thanks to their teachers and West Virginia Wesleyan alumni Braden Hoffman ’20, Amanda Bise ‘10, M.Ed. ’16 and Megan Gray ‘14.

Immediately following the service, the congregation will recess outside for the lighting of the Christmas tree.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols and tree lighting ceremony are free and open to the public.

Aladdin Food Service will serve a holiday feast including herb crusted roast beef with a mushroom demi-glaze, chicken marsala, stuffed pork loin with peppercorn sauce, cranberry meatballs, caesar salad, spinach salad with dried cranberries, and feta, gratin potatoes, penne pasta with vegetable ragu, fresh green beans, wilted kale with apples
deviled eggs, fresh fruit platter and holiday dessert display.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 –   Eight individuals who continually find ways to serve their campus, community and beyond were officially sworn in as West Virginia Wesleyan College Trustees during Founders Day 2023.

Arria Hines ‘95, born and raised in rural West Virginia, is an accomplished and energetic business leader and entrepreneur. In 2009, Hines founded Allegheny Science & Technology, a woman-owned West Virginia-based energy services company. From two employees, to nearly 240, AST is a leader in alternative energy technologies and renewable energies. Hines is a member of WVU’s Visiting Committee, TechConnect Board of Directors, West Virginia Governor’s STEM Council, Upshur County Development Authority Board and an advocate for the West Virginia Public Speaker’s Bureau. She is an executive member of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Board.

Rev. Martha Ognibene ‘79, is senior pastor of Wesley UMC in Morgantown. Ognibene is an elder in The United Methodist Church and has served churches in Parkersburg, Huntington, Colliers and Short Gap as well as superintendent of the Northern District. Ognibene also earned degrees from Virginia Tech and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Angel (Williamson) Riley ’99 earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from WVWC and obtained a Master of Public Administration in Government Management from Southeastern University. She is senior manager, political affairs, for the North America subsidiary of the leading medical technology corporation Royal Philips. In 2005, she co-founded the Black Alumni Network, an unofficial alumni networking group for WVWC. She also previously served on the Alumni Council from 2009-2015 and headed a capital campaign to renovate the BSU House and chaired the Alumni Council’s silent auction. A four-time Amazon Bestselling author, podcast host, global speaker and certified life coach, Riley continually demonstrates Wesleyan’s objective for alumni to be leaders throughout their lives.

Curtis Wilkerson ’99 majored in history and political science at WVWC and went on to found Orion Strategies, a firm providing strategic communication, public relations and state and federal government affairs. Offices can now be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington, D.C., as well as West Virginia. He is married to Kristi Wilkerson ’99, who recently accepted the position of Vice President of Advancement at WVWC.

Michael Bush ’10 is an attorney and entrepreneur in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, owning and operating various real estate companies, including 1st Management Group, LLC and Real Property Solutions, LLC.  Mike graduated with Honors from WVWC in 2010 and from West Virginia University College of Law in 2013 as a member of Order of the Coif.  He is active with the Berkeley County Planning Commission and Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church. Mike and his wife, Liz, have the honor of raising a rambunctious toddler, Abby. Since graduating from Wesleyan, Mike and a core group of Bobcat friends gather every year for a Thanksgiving cabin weekend – and their spouses and children have quickly become part of the Wesleyan family.

David Young ’87 is the founder and chief consultant of Young & Associates, a specialized consultancy based in London that focuses on developing global product positioning and branding for pharmaceuticals and other medical products. David holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now a unit of Arizona State University), a BS degree in marketing and biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a certificate in Japanese studies from Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. He is a guest lecturer at the Karachi School of Business (with ties to Cambridge University). He is in the process of being certified as a board director from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). David has been an advisor to the Board of Trustees of Hackney Empire Theatre in London, where he helped shape their equity story to support fundraising efforts. He is a long-standing member and former chairman of the senior advisory board to the Dean of Thunderbird, where he also acts as counsel to the school on marketing and branding related issues. David is part of the original founding team for the ‘Thunderbird SHARE Fellowship’, a prestigious alumni-driven scholarship/mentorship programme for exceptional students from developing countries wishing to attend Thunderbird.  David speaks German, is a certified Master SCUBA Diver, an Emergency SCUBA Medic, enjoys skiing and riding horses, and in his spare time volunteers as a surgical assistant for medical mission work in remote locations around the world.

Joanna McQuaid Webb ’07 is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She graduated from Wesleyan with a BS in Chemistry in 2007. She obtained her PhD in organometallic chemistry in 2012 from the University of Virginia, synthesizing novel transition metal complexes for catalytic small molecule transformations related to the energy sector. She began teaching at Wesleyan in 2012 and received the Exemplary Teaching Award in 2018. Joanna currently serves as a Career Consultant for the American Chemical Society and as Chair of Faculty Senate.  She also owns and operates Three Little Buds in Buckhannon.

Bill Pastorius earned both of his degrees from West Virginia University – he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary English specialization) in 1996 and Master of Arts in Reading in 2003. He taught English at Frankfort High School for five years before moving to Johnson City while his wife did research at East Tennessee State University.  After the birth of his daughter in 2009, Bill moved back home to WV and began working as a reading clinician at Wesleyan’s Learning Center in May of 2010.  He has been the Coordinator of Lindamood-Bell®* Methods program since August 2011.  Bill was elected to Staff Council in 2020, served as Vice Chair in 2022-2023, and currently serves as Chair.

Sadie Nichols ’25, current president of the Student Senate, is an ex-officio member of the board of trustees, along with Webb and Pastorious.

The trustees recently elected new officers: Kevin Spear ’76 as chair, Dr. Ellis Conley ’73 as secretary, Bill Fahrner ’96, MBA ’02 as chair of finance and David A. Young ‘87 as chair of governance and trusteeship.  Other trustees returning are John Allevato ’76, Brian Brouillette ’82; Jason Fiegel ‘00; Dr. Alan Letton; Justin Raber ’08; Rev. Dr. Vance Ross ’79; Rev. Amy Shanholtzer ’87; Dr. Joanne Soliday ’69, Hon. ’16; Craig Welsh ’93; and Jamion Wolford ’08.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 Department of Theatre & Dance presents “Proof” by David Auburn, Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain and are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, students or anyone with a WVWC ID.

Winner of the 2001 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Proof” is the story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her calculating older sister, their genius father, and an unexpected suitor, all pieces of the puzzle in the search for evidence about the origins of a mysterious mathematical proof. This poignant drama unfolds on the back porch of an older suburban Chicago home, near a university where the father taught. David Auburn’s characters are brilliant and instantly recognizable as those members of our own families.

The cast includes junior musical theater majors Sydney Stewart of Barboursville, West Virginia as Claire and Ben Long of Buckhannon, West Virginia as Hal, as well as Buckhannon resident Alan Stephens as Robert. As part of the requirements for their senior capstone, senior acting and directing major Ellery Brown of Bay City, Michigan is featured as Catherine. Crew for the show includes costume designs by freshman psychology major Kostadena Matina Hartley of Buckhannon, West Virginia, properties design by freshman education major Tina Green of Huntington, West Virginia, house and box office management by senior psychology major Colby Wamsley of Clarksburg, West Virginia, sound design by senior biochemistry major Owen Hess of Bridgeport, West Virginia and stage management by criminal justice and technical theater double-major Jay Coping-Smith of Charleston, West Virginia, graphic designs by Associate Professor Jon Benjamin, with scenic and lighting designs by David Hartley, new Director of Technical Theater. The play is directed by Associate Professor and Department Chair, Thomas Schoffler.

This play runs just under two hours with a 10-minute intermission and contains adult language, physical intimacy and frank depictions of mental illness. If you have questions, please contact schoffler_t@wvwc.edu

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 once again ranked in the top 10 for Best Value in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Colleges and is one of the Best Regional Colleges by The Princeton Review.

Under the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, the College was ranked eighth for Best Value amongst Regional Colleges in the South, and 24th overall in the same category.  West Virginia Wesleyan is also listed as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility which measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants. 

 Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ‘01 said, “Growth in our new student and overall enrollment numbers this fall shows that students and families value a Wesleyan education and the unique campus experience and true personal attention our residential setting offers.  We have seen tremendous growth this year in West Virginia Promise Scholars, Creative and Performing Artists, Community Service Scholars, and Student Athletes—along with our largest freshman international population in over 20 years.”

In determining Best Value Schools, U.S. News & World Report considered academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. 

More than 95 percent of WVWC students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships. WVWC awards academic scholarships up to $18,000 per year, which can be combined with co-curricular scholarships (athletics, creative arts, community service), the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship, and all outside scholarships obtained by incoming students.

 The U.S. News & World Report rankings follow the College’s listing in the ‘Best in the Southeast’ section of The Princeton Review’s “2024 Best Colleges: Region by Region” publication in August.

 WVWC was also ranked number one in Safest College Campuses in West Virginia, according to the 2024 NICHE Best College Rankings.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host Fall Open Houses Oct. 21 and Nov. 11, giving prospective students the opportunity to explore all the College has to offer. For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 – A member of the West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees and an alumnus will be the guest pastor for the annual ecumenical Homecoming Chapel Service to be held in Wesley Chapel on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

The Rev. Dr. Ellis E. Conley is a 1973 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University.  As a full member of the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, before his retirement Conley served congregations in St. Albans, Wayne, Beckley, Buckhannon, Elkins, and Hurricane, and as a District Superintendent served as secretary of the Cabinet.

Conley served a variety of roles in the Annual Conference, including as a trustee of the West Virginia United Methodist Foundation and as Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry for eight years.   He has been elected by his peers to General Conference four times and the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference eight times.  He has taught in the Local Pastor Licensing School and the Spring Heights Course of Study School.

Since retirement in 2019, Ellis has served as the Coaching Coordinator of the West Virginia Annual Conference and became an Associate Certified Coach in the International Coaching Federation, coaching pastors, facilitating cohorts of clergy in transition to new appointments, church strategic planning, and retirement seminars.

Conley is currently completing his fourth term as a member of the West Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees where he serves as secretary and a member of the Executive Committee.  He is a Paul Harris Fellow and an active member of the Putnam County Rotary Club. Conley and spouse, Julie, a ’74 Wesleyan graduate and a retired high school art teacher, reside in Hurricane with their dog, Duffy, where they volunteer weekly at the Community Food Pantry.   They have two married sons and three grandsons.

For a complete Homecoming schedule and to register, 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 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 President Dr. James Moore announced today that, following a three-month interim appointment, Kristi Lawrence Wilkerson ’99 has been named Vice President for Advancement.  

“It’s always a special situation when someone who loves their alma mater as much as Kristi does also possesses the unique skills and shared vision to make the place even stronger. I’m thrilled and humbled that she has agreed to join our team on a permanent basis.”

“Serving my alma mater is an honor and privilege,” Wilkerson stated. “Reconnecting with alumni over the past three months has been a joy, and the staff members of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office are nothing short of amazing.  They are all dedicated professionals who focus on expanding the reach of the College with alumni engagement and donor relations.  It is a wonderful team to be a part of and I am excited to continue serving Wesleyan alongside each one of them.”

Since July 1, 2023, Wilkerson’s focus has been to coordinate the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, strategize ways to engage alumni and donors, and set the foundation for fundraising and friendraising in the new fiscal year.  The recent 1890 Challenge was resurrected with tremendous response and success from alumni and donors.  In addition to Inauguration, the team is preparing for Homecoming Weekend where the College will welcome hundreds of alumni back to campus for a four-day celebration.  

Chair of the WVWC Board of Trustees Kevin Spear, ‘76, had this to say about Wilkerson’s appointment.

“I share President Moore’s excitement over the removal of the word Interim from Kristi’s title. Her ability and willingness to join the highly talented and engaged West Virginia Wesleyan College cabinet will play a critical role in our ongoing forward movement. Kristi is the right person at the right time in the right role for our beloved Wesleyan.  I am sincerely grateful that Kristi said yes.” 

Wilkerson added, “I look forward to visiting with alumni of all ages at the end of September when they are here for Homecoming festivities. A full slate of events is planned and campus is ready to welcome alumni back to their Home Among the Hills!”

Wilkerson brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, public relations and strategic communication.  She previously served as Director of Alumni Relations at West Virginia Wesleyan from 2008 to 2015.  Since 2019, she has served as Executive Director of the Upshur Parish House in Buckhannon.  She is also Conference Lay Leader of the West Virginia United Methodist Church, and a trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia.  Wilkerson has served as Associate Director of the West Virginia Independent College and Universities, as well as a past president of the Independent College Advancement Associates. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia Wesleyan, and a Master of Arts degree from Miami University located in Oxford, Ohio.  Kristi resides in Buckhannon with her spouse and fellow alumnus Curtis ’99 and their children Rebekah and Grant.

“I am grateful to Dr. Moore for his leadership of my alma mater, and for this opportunity to continue serving Wesleyan.  I truly had a transformative educational experience as a student at WVWC in the late 1990s, and I am humbled to give back and assist current and future students in having a similar life-changing experience at West Virginia Wesleyan College,” concluded Wilkerson.

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 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 holding an Oktoberfest Dinner Party on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the Benedum Campus Center plaza. The event will kick off a slate of celebrations in honor of the inauguration of the College’s 20^th president, Dr. James H. Moore.

The dinner party will feature German food prepared by Aladdin Food Services and traditional music by the Edelweiss Band, sponsored by Arts Alive!  The menu includes: Wiener Schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet), Brats, German Potato Pancakes, green beans, sautéed cabbage, Spaetzle, salad, pretzels with cheese, hot rolls, apple strudel, German chocolate cake, and more.

West Virginia Wesleyan invites the community to join in the inauguration festivities and attend Oktoberfest.  Dinner is $12 per person and open to the public (cash only, please, and exact change is appreciated).  In the event of rain, Oktoberfest will be held in the French A. See Dining Center of the Benedum Campus Center.

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 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 – Alumni are invited to return to their Home Among the Hills at West Virginia Wesleyan College for Homecoming 2023, Sept. 28-Oct.1.

“We have a lot of exciting events planned not only for alumni returning to their Home Among the Hills, but for our students as well,” director of alumni relations Kobe Vinegar ’22 said. “This includes multiple reunions for graduation class years ending in “3” and “8” and a bonfire that will serve the purpose of cheering on all our fall sports. One of our most significant events featured this year will be the investiture of our very own Dr. James Moore as the 20th President of West Virginia Wesleyan College. There will be a number of events surrounding his investiture and that will involve members of the Wesleyan community and surrounding communities.”

Founder’s Day scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. in Wesley Chapel will include Moore’s inauguration ceremony.

“Homecoming allows alumni, students, and other members of the Wesleyan community to come together to celebrate a place that was truly transformational for us all,” Vinegar said.  “There are not many places like West Virginia Wesleyan. Homecoming brings us together to not only share stories of the past, but to also create new memories that will be told for generations to come.”

One of those events especially for the Wesleyan community is the return of a Homecoming bonfire and pep rally to be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 starting at 8 p.m. that will celebrate fall sports. The Wesleyan Marching band and dance team will perform and coaches or team captains from each athletic team have been asked to share a few words on behalf of their team. 

Additionally, there will be small giveaways, free T-shirts for the first 150 students who attend, music and campfire food provided by Aladdin. West Virginia Split Rail is generously assisting in the bonfire preparations.

Homecoming concludes Sunday, Oct. 1, with an ecumenical worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Wesley Chapel.  The Rev. Dr. Ellis Conley ’73, a member of the board of trustees, will be the guest speaker. 

For a complete schedule and to register, 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 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 – Brian Allman ‘07, a teacher at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, has been named the 2023 West Virginia History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K–12 American history education.

Allman is a nationally recognized public-school educator. Additionally, he has extensive teaching experience at the middle school level and has also served as an elementary school principal. In 2019, Allman was recognized with West Virginia’s Milken Educator Award as a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School.  This award is nicknamed the “Oscars of Teaching.” In 2020, Mr. Allman was selected as a member of the West Virginia State Journal Generation Next: 40 under 40 and was the recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award at his alma mater, West Virginia Wesleyan College.  Allman was also named a 2022 Lowell Milken Center Fellow, the first from the Mountain State.  He serves on many local, state, and national committees.  In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, history, and spending time with his friends, family, and Marisa (his better half).

Inaugurated in 2004 and now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the History Teacher of the Year award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K–12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories.

“Knowledgeable and impassioned teachers bring our country’s history to life for students, allowing them to understand that engaging with history is about more than a series of facts,” said James G. Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “Teachers are the lifeblood of our students’ education, and these are the best of the best.”

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Allman receives a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials and recognition at a local ceremony in their honor and becomes one of 53 finalists for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

This year’s National History Teacher of the Year will be announced in fall 2023 and celebrated at a ceremony in New York City. The ceremony will feature Peabody and Emmy Award-winning ABC News Senior National Affairs Correspondent Deborah Roberts as its presenter. Roberts, a contributing anchor for 20/20, was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in May. She is also the author of the New York Times recent bestselling book Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the National Daughters of the American Revolution. Visit gilderlehrman.org to learn more.

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 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 –  A West Virginia Wesleyan College professor recently participated as a subject matter expert in a panel on sports medicine hosted by West Virginia Public Service Training.

Dr. Dan Martin, LAT, ATC, and director of the graduate program in athletic training and a professor in the School of Exercise Science and Athletic Training participated in the Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletics panel discussion.

This two-hour continuing education event was provided to athletic trainers, emergency medical providers, coaches, parents and other allied health care providers to give them valuable information and resources for preparing for and responding to a sudden cardiac arrest incident at an athletic venue.

Martin also had the chance to work with a WVWC alum and former colleague Brian Potter ’03, MS, ATC, NREMT, who is employed by West Virginia Public Service Training as a public service training specialist.

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 one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 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.