News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College recently received its second Generous Promise grant from The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a religious order and philanthropic organization whose grant-making philosophy focuses on systemic change through justice and peace initiatives.

The $30,000 award will support the efforts of the Center’s partner organization, The West Virginia Restorative Justice Project, a diverse network of persons and agencies dedicated to addressing harm restoratively in K-12 education, the criminal courts, juvenile justice, and addiction recovery.

The Honorable Michael John Aloi ‘80, who is a member of the advisory team, notes that “the work of healing the harms suffered by so many in our communities, especially the most vulnerable, is more important than ever. I am honored to be a part of the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project, and grateful to the Center for Restorative Justice and to Dr. Debra Dean Murphy ’84 for bringing together practitioners from across the state who are passionate about changing narratives and changing lives.”

Murphy, co-director of the CRJ at WVWC along with Dr. Jessica Scott ’04, and also a member of the WVRJP advisory board, wrote the grant.

She added, “The shared work of the Center for Restorative Justice and the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project is not only transforming lives around the Mountain State through a range of initiatives, it is shedding a positive light on and bringing renewed visibility to the College’s commitment to serve West Virginia, Appalachia and the greater 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 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 – Community Care of West Virginia recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator to West Virginia Wesleyan College, adding to the number of AEDS on campus and enhancing access to life-saving equipment in the event of an emergency.

The AED is located in Haymond Hall which is home to several academic departments as well as the College’s Learning Center.

Trish Collett, PA-C and Chief Executive Officer of CCWV, said, “Community Care of West Virginia has a wonderful, collaborative relationship with West Virginia Wesleyan College, and we are proud to support this institution in its mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for its students, faculty, and staff. As a healthcare organization, we understand the vital importance of having immediate access to life-saving equipment, especially in settings where young adults congregate and engage in various activities. Sudden cardiac events can occur without warning, and having an AED on-site can be the difference between life and death. We hope that this AED will provide peace of mind to the Wesleyan community and serve as a valuable resource for any potential emergency situations.”

Dr. Dan Martin, professor and chair of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, has been very active in CPR/AED training for many years. He is a member of the City Heart Safe committee. Martin also takes care of checking all the campus AEDs on a regular basis.

“I am very appreciative of the support we have received from CCWV as we continue to add AEDs in strategic locations around our campus,” Martin said. 

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 – During the second week of November, West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Restorative Justice hosted screenings of the 2016 documentary film Disturbing the Peace, followed by circle discussions on “Peace in the Middle East.” The goal of these events was to help students process the conflict unfolding in an area of the world often referred to as “the Holy Land.”

The Center for Restorative Justice was created by Drs. Murphy and Scott to host important conversations and to foster restorative community-building practices on campus.

Between the film screenings and the three circle conversations, over 150 students participated in these events. Scott spoke to what she sees as the importance of the event this way: “At a time when Harvard University publicly reprimanded their students for speaking out on an issue of global importance, the Center for Restorative Justice thought it was important to create a different environment for the students on our campus. Instead of being afraid to speak about global events in which our country is inextricably intertwined, we want students to explore the complexities that shape global reality. We also leaned in to the academy’s characterization of itself as a place for the free exchange of ideas in order to facilitate conversations about meaningful issues alongside our students.”

Murphy, too, shared why the Center’s work is important.

“We believe that Restorative Justice—especially the circle process, which is both simple and powerfully effective—is transforming lives, relationships, and conversations on our campus. It’s a privilege and a gift to share in the good work that is happening 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 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 excited to announce the return of West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for summer 2024-2026. Dates for Summer 2024 are June 23-July 13. The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016.

West Virginia Wesleyan College has a tremendous commitment to creative and performing arts.  This fall, over 45 creative artists enrolled at West Virginia Wesleyan College, contributing to the largest new student class since 2017.  

Dr. James Moore, West Virginia Wesleyan College’s 20th president, came to the College in 2006 as Director of Jazz Ensembles where he built one of the most vibrant collegiate jazz programs in the region and was heavily involved with GSA’s prior launch at WVWC.

Moore said, “As an artist-led institution, we at WVWC know full well the value of GSA and the impact it has on the development of tomorrow’s artists. We were honored to host three highly successful GSAs between 2014-2016. We can’t wait to have more of these students back on campus and show them how much we ‘get’ the journey they’re on.”

The 2024 Governor’s School for the Arts is bringing back digital media as a major focus as students are showing more of an interest in this evolving media. Students work intensively within their disciplines, but also spend time in interdisciplinary study with other forms. 

Governor’s School for the Arts will be headed by Dean Thomas Schoffler who is chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance and an associate professor at WVWC.

Schoffler said, “As a professional theater maker and a teacher, I am thrilled to facilitate the GSA experience for young West Virginia artists because I know how vital that connection to other artists can be. Former GSA attendees cite that being part of our intensive arts community allows them to grow and hone their craft in ways they never expected, while also forging ‘forever friendships’ with fellow artists of multiple disciplines.”

Current sophomores can apply soon at https://govschools.wv.gov/. The deadline is March 1. 

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 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 – Several West Virginia Wesleyan College students spent part of their  summer traversing terrain in countries such as Chile, Vietnam, South Korea and Ireland while experiencing a different culture and taking advantage of unique learning opportunities.

Delaney Gump ’24, of Weston, West Virginia is a political science, criminal justice and sociology major, and said she had always wanted to experience study abroad. This summer, she spent June and July in Chile living with a host family and taking classes.

“My experience abroad was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life,” she said. “To immerse myself into Chilean culture and the Spanish language was an enlightening experience and allowed me to gain a new perspective on my own life. I plan to travel to Chile again in the near future to explore more. I am extremely grateful to Dr. [Tamara] Bailey and the Maier scholarship for making my study abroad possible!”

Sadie Nichols ’25, of Sistersville, West Virginia, is a biochemistry and political science major where she spent several weeks with a host family, as well as traveling and exploring Vietnam.

Nichols added, “Studying abroad in Vietnam was a life-changing experience. I grew more in those 6 weeks than I’ve grown in my 20 years of life. Learning about Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, while also learning about Vietnamese culture in an immersive way staying with my host family, will be exceedingly applicable in my future career not only as a pediatric physician, but also as a well-rounded individual in the world.”

Students interested in Wesleyan Abroad opportunities have been attending seminars this semester to learn more about the unique opportunities available. Wesleyan Abroad scholarship applications are due Nov. 29.

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 – WV Dance Company will bring its touring program to West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 1977, WV Dance Company has been serving public venues, schools, colleges and universities with entertaining and thought provoking performances and workshops through the language of dance. Recognized for both artistic achievement and excellence in arts education, WVDC has toured throughout West Virginia, as well as 14 other states, reaching tens of thousands of people each year. WV Dance Company’s current concert program for public venues has an evening that has something that people of all ages can enjoy together.

The evening starts with “Acoustic Translation,” a new work of choreography by DaneToney with a new composition by Dr. Richard Grimes. Next is “A Renaissance Gathering,” which takes a trip back to 15th-century Europe through choreography by Maureen Mansfield Kaddar. The first act ends with works that are built around West Virginia history. “Poets of Darkness” is a duet by Donald Laney that gives a view of coal mining experiences in West Virginia. “Sketches of Fall” by Toneta Akers-Toler is a reflection of Pearl S. Buck’s words from “My Several Worlds” describing the first time she viewed fall in West Virginia.

A Vietnamese Folktale that speaks of earth, water, air and fire is brought to life in the choreography by Donald Laney to the music composition of Holden Akers-Toler. The last work of the evening “Mercy!” by internationally renowned dance artist, Gerri Houlihan, ends the evening with a six section work of choreography about the 1950’s. This upbeat choreography with the dancing and acting skills of the dancers, will send the audience home with their feet moving and their minds dancing!

Dancers Nash Dawson, Emily Dodrill, Christine Hallinger, Donald Laney, Jax RF McAtee, Dane Toney and Sarah Walker beautifully capture the many different styles of dance during the evening. Troy Snyder and Tonry Lathroum, lighting design artists, add their talents to bring the evening to a magical experience for all. Combining the light designs with the visual art in the costume designs by Emily Dodrill and Donald Laney; the dancers move in a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors.

Admission is free.

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 Fall 2023 issue of West Virginia Executive introduces the Young Guns Class of 2024 – with a familiar WVWC face on the cover. President James Moore is one of 10 individuals honored in the magazine on the magazine for their exceptional efforts to improve their communities, state and world around them through dedication to their respected industries and service work.

This issue is themed Education and Information and highlights the state’s efforts in training students to be a part of West Virginia’s workforce, school safety measures, socioeconomic challenges, a new State Superintendent of Schools and broadband’s impact on West Virginia’s schools and economy. Also included are features on the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, the Mountaineer Country region and informational articles on human trafficking.

In addition to Moore, the Young Guns Class of 2024 includes Ashley Alford Glance, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce; James Bailey, West Virginia Secretary of Commerce; Jessica Hall, director of communications and development for HospiceCare; Ann Marie Murray, M.D., associate professor of neurology and movement disorders division chief for West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute; Heather Ouimette, director of sales and catering for The Resort at Glade Springs; Christopher Pankey, Ph.D., assistant professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine; Lindsey Piersol, executive director of the Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation; Ashley Rine, vice president of operations for PureTech Scientific; Christopher Willis, chief human resources officer and director of human resources and marketing for SDI Family of Companies.

Read more about the Class of 2024 at www.wvexecutive.com.

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, today, announced a partnership with Uwill, the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students, to increase and expand upon the college’s existing counseling capabilities. West Virginia Wesleyan College adds this teletherapy option at a time of increased mental health challenges across the United States. Uwill’s proprietary technology facilitates immediate appointments with licensed mental health counselors based on student needs and preferences.

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment that values the well-being of every individual,” said Alison Whitehair, Vice President for Student Development, at West Virginia Wesleyan College. “Uwill helps us to empower our students to prioritize their mental health and connect with a counselor that is right for them to support their academic journey.” 

Recent survey data shows 79% of surveyed students reported experiencing moderate or high stress levels within the last 30 days. Additionally, while 42% of college students have expressed the need for help with mental health difficulties in the last year, more than 60% of these students have never received counseling or therapy.

“We’re proud to be able to support colleges in a way that provides students with immediacy and without obstacles,” said Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill. “Our solution empowers students to select a therapist they feel most comfortable with when its convenient for them.”

Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness events, realtime data, and support. 

WVWC’s Center for Counseling and Wellbeing continues to offer free consultation, crisis support, solution-focused single session and short-term counseling sessions to all undergraduate and graduate students as  part of Wesleyan’s commitment to student well-being. Services are also provided through Community Care of West Virginia.

For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu/counseling. 

ABOUT Uwill

Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. The most cost-effective way to expand and enhance a college’s mental health offerings, Uwill partners with 200 institutions including Babson College, University of Michigan, Columbus State Community College, and University of Maryland, College Park. Uwill is also the teletherapy education partner for NASPA and the Online Learning Consortium. For more information, visit uwill.com. 

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 and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine continues to expand their partnership with four new students entering into the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program this academic year. 

The Go D.O. Early Scholars Program allows qualifying students to receive guaranteed acceptance into the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, upon successful completion of the undergraduate program requirements and interview as well as a waived MCAT. The program represents the first of its kind partnership between WVSOM and another institution of higher learning. 

The first cohort is now in their junior year at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“As this program continues to grow, we remain so proud of the students who have made the choice to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine,” Dr. James Moore, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, said. “Our region needs primary care providers who understand how to treat the whole person, and I know these students will be among the best practitioners anywhere. We continue to be honored that West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine thought of Wesleyan to partner in this program.”

Madelyn Armstrong ’27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Wyatt Burns ’27, of  Horner, West Virginia; Jack Monks ’27, of Charleston, West Virginia; and Lanna Nguyen ‘27, of Bristow, Virginia were recognized during a luncheon Tuesday with officials from WVWC and WVSOM in attendance. 

Armstrong said, “An offer like this only comes once in a lifetime. Being guaranteed a spot in medical school before I even began undergrad was truly a blessing, and being able to stay relatively close to home in both undergrad and med school is really important to me.”

“Having my mom, a nurse of 20 years, as a strong role model in my life directed me towards medicine, but the ability to help people in a way that piques my interest is why I chose medicine – specifically emergency medicine.”

Burns also saw the benefit of being able to advance his career goals with the Go D.O. Early Scholars program.

 “Wesleyan was a perfect fit in its size, location, and strong science department, while WVSOM is a top-tier primary care school,” he said. “I was interested in both schools before I even knew of this program, and it just seemed like a perfect fit. WVSOM also stood in high regard in my community, as many of Lewis County’s doctors have attended, and they strongly recommended the school.”

“I want to pursue a career as a doctor to provide a high-quality trustworthy service to my community,” Burns said. “I have seen so many people who have a negative stigmatism associated with going to a doctor, and having already strong ties to my community I hope to break those views. I want to be there for my community and help those who need it most.” 

Monks said, “The Go D.O. Program allows me to focus on exploring my interests in and outside of the medical field without the looming stress of medical school applications. The assurance of acceptance into osteopathic medical school combined with the education, service and research opportunities I am receiving at WVWC was too enticing to pass up.

“I want to pursue medicine as a way of giving back to the community that raised me. Food insecurity runs rampant in West Virginia, and heavily impacted me and my neighbors. I want to gain the education necessary to advocate for balanced diets in rural WV as a family physician.” 

Nguyen added, “Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to work in the medical field and work as a doctor, so after seeing that the Go DO Program was a guaranteed direct path to achieving my goal and dream, I applied. I first learned about osteopathic medicine in my sports medicine class during my senior year of high school and I instantly knew that it was what I wanted to do in the future as I loved the ‘whole person’ or ‘whole body’ approach of care, so I knew that WVSOM’s partnership with WVWC would give me the highest chance of success when it came to achieving my career goals.”

“I wanted to pursue a career in medicine for a variety of reasons. My mom works as a pharmacist, so I’ve always been immersed in the world of health care and I wanted to follow in the same path. My main reason for pursuing a career in medicine, however, stems from my deep passion for science (especially biological sciences), problem solving and being able to help and care for others, and my love for people and humanity. I love caring for others and I constantly want to help them by being the best person I can be for them, which makes me believe that medicine is my calling.”

Bryer Ketterman ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Kaef Rehman ’25, of Daniels, West Virginia; Matthew Hambrecht ’25, of Frederick, Maryland;  Abigail Patterson ’25, of Charleston, West Virginia; Ravenna Navalgund ’26, of Irvin, Pennsylvania; and Srikiran Nandigama ‘26, of Salt Point, New York comprise the first two classes of Go D.O. Scholars. 

Applications are now being accepted for 2024 admission. The priority deadline is December 1.  In-state and out-of-state students who score at least a 1390 on the SAT or at least a 30 on the ACT and have at least a 3.75 grade point average qualify for the Go D.O. Early Scholars Program. Click here to find out 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 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.