News Type: Campus
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College has named Davin L. Seamon as General Counsel and Administrator for Strategic Initiatives.
“We are so excited that Davin has agreed to join our team at WVWC,” President James Moore said. “His experience in a variety of areas of legal practice, coupled with his deep connections to our broader community, make him the ideal person to lead our legal affairs efforts.”
A graduate of The George Washington University Law School, Seamon brings over 25 years of broad yet sophisticated experience in the legal field, including 19 years in the Business Department of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Bridgeport. Since leaving Steptoe & Johnson PLLC to found his own solo business practice, Ivory Legal PLLC, Seamon has served as a trusted legal advisor for a variety of clients in the higher education, medical, logistics and fulfillment industries, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and technology-focused contract negotiations.
Seamon attended West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management.
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – For gifted students in grades 5-12, the Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program is an experience they will never forget. The only program of its kind in the state, this STEM program provides gifted students with the academic and social stimulation they need.
Since its inception in 1983, the program has been held on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The program offers advanced classes in physics, math, computer programming, environmental science, creative arts, and creative writing. These classes are all taught by college professors who delight in working with these young, gifted students.
Campers room in a dormitory, eat together in the cafeteria, attend classes, and are given the chance to participate in fun, exciting activities every day. These students are supervised by college-age counselors who serve as guides and mentors. Many participants have such a great time they return year after year. Some even go on to become counselors at the camp or students at Wesleyan.
Besides academics, the program offers the college’s extensive facilities for the students to use – swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, a walking trail, the library, music practice rooms, and outdoor rec equipment. Activities include movies, a planetarium show, guest speakers, games, and a talent show on the last night. On the weekend they go downtown to experience a Festival Friday and visit local shops.
The program is directed by Dr. Tracey DeLaney, professor of physics at WVWC. “This program is a boon to kids who never really felt like they fit in anywhere,” says Dr. DeLaney. “We are proud to be able to support these students academically and provide them with the opportunity to be around others with similar abilities.”
To be eligible for the program, students in rising grades 5-12 must be identified as gifted through their school or through testing. This summer’s program runs from June 15 to 28 and is limited to 50 students. The program will be taking enrollments through June 7.
Interested parents, students, or teachers can view our offerings, learn about the professors and courses, and enroll online at http://www.wvwc.edu/summergifted. For more information you can call Tracey DeLaney at 304-473-8330 or email us at sgp@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 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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate recognized a faculty and staff member who each go above and beyond in their respective roles.
Assistant Professor Dr. Alexis de Coning, a member of the Communications Department, is the student-elected Faculty Member of the Year. De Coning is known for her caring nature and vibrant, bubbly personality. She always puts students first, both in the classroom and through dedicated academic advising. Going above and beyond, De Coning teaches in First Year Experience, honors and throughout the Communications Department. In addition to teaching, De Coning serves on numerous faculty and senate committees and was recently in a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
De Coning has been teaching at WVWC for three years.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my students,” she said. “My teaching philosophy has always been one of community and collaboration with students, and I love learning alongside my students. Receiving this award is acknowledgement that our shared efforts to build a meaningful learning environment have made an impact.”
Amy Rogosky, laboratory manager in biology, is the student-elected Staff Member of the Year, who is always known for greeting others with a warm smile. Rogosky’s genuine care and outreach are truly felt by the students in the biology department. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student receives individual attention, whether in the lab or while serving as an adjunct in the classroom. Students and colleagues deeply appreciate Rogosky’s wit, wisdom and unwavering dedication.
She has been employed at WVWC for 13 years.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Rogowsky said. “The fact that it is a student-elected award makes it even more meaningful. The best parts of my day involve students – from encouraging them to discover the fascinating processes of life in the classroom to the memorable moments created while sharing chocolates and chatting about life in my office. Wesleyan has the best students, and I am thankful that I can play a small part in their Wesleyan 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.
Left to right, Amy Rogosky, Student Senate President Bray Boggs ’27 and Dr. Alexis de Coning.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates who have succeeded in making an impact on campus, in the community and beyond were recognized as Outstanding Seniors during the recent Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.
Nominated by faculty and staff, these seniors were chosen for academic performance, with a 3.8 grade point average or above, and significant leadership in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities. These superior seniors, who best exemplify the high ideals of student involvement and contribution to campus life, have shown an uncommon commitment to academic excellence, participation in campus life, and service to the College.
Katie Morgan ‘25, of Monongah, West Virginia, is a psychology major with a religious studies minor. As a student leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, she fostered faith-based connections on campus, mentored peers, and created a welcoming environment for spiritual growth. Her passion for restorative justice led her to an internship at the Center for Restorative Justice, where she has contributed to efforts that promote healing and rehabilitation. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Center for Community Engagement WE LEAD Human Rights and Youth Empowerment teams. Morgan will be pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology.
Zeinah Abdelsalam ‘25, came to WVWC from Egypt via Dubai. A double major in economics and political science, Abdelsalam was a four-year member of the Women’s Swim Team and served as Captain, President of International Student Organization, Vice President of Student Senate, member of the WE LEAD Poverty Reduction Team, a member of the Student Conduct Board, served as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Formal Sub-Committee Chair, served on the Economics Department Search Committee, served on student senate committees for Renovations, Academic Calendar, and Food, and served as an intern for the Center for Restorative Justice. Additionally, she interned in Public Relations for Orion Strategies, served as an Economics tutor, served as a teaching assistant, and gave lots of swim lessons to local youth. She has been accepted to Georgetown University in their Master of Science in Foreign Service Program.
Danica Propst ‘25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a three-year member of the Service Scholar Program and served as a Site Leader, the Student Senate-Awards & Elections Chairperson for two terms, the Alpha Delta Pi-Vice President of Operations & Greek Week Chair, the Lambda Pi Eta-Vice President, The Pharos Campus Newspaper-Editor-in-Chief, the Delight Ministries-Community Service Coordinator & Book Coordinator, a Communication Department Tutor, a Writing Center Employee, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and a Law Intern at Klie Law Offices. She has also served as a Youth Development Professional for the Boys and Girls Club of America, a Communication and Marketing intern at Trump’s Salon in Buckhannon, and a Summer SOLE Program assistant teacher. Propst graduated in three years and will be attending Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Sadie Nichols ‘25 is a biochemistry major from Sistersville, West Virginia. She is a McCuskey Fellowship recipient and has served as a four-year service scholar with her service site as Tennerton Elementary. She served two terms as the Student Senate President, which afforded her the opportunity to be a voting member of the College’s Board of Trustees. She is a member of Concert Chorale, Gamma Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Lambda Delta, TriBeta Biology Honor Society, and the Benzene Ring Chemistry Club. She is a work-study for the chemistry department, and served as an intern for Children’s HopeChest and traveled to Uganda with that project. She was also able to travel to Vietnam to study Vietnamese medicine and the Vietnamese language in a six-week summer program.
Nichols will be attending Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a graduate student in their Entry-Level Doctor in Occupational Therapy program. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist.
Kaef Rehman, ‘25, of Daniels, West Virginia, is a biology major with a chemistry minor from Daniels, West Virginia. He entered Wesleyan in the GO D.O. Early Scholars program with his dreams to be a physician and he has never looked back! He has been a 4-year Service Scholar, held several leadership positions in the Theta Chi Fraternity, been a member of the WE LEAD Invisible Illness team, Bobcat Entertainment, Tri-Beta Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. He has also served as a Chemistry teaching assistant and a summer research intern in the WV INBRE program. As a part of the Children’s HopeChest program, Rehman was also able to travel to Uganda to experience the benefits of this outreach program.
He will attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine to fulfill his dream of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Nearly 200 West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates walked in the 134th Commencement held in Wesley Chapel Saturday representing 39 bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) gave the commencement address and was presented the prestigious Rhododendron Award by Dr. James Moore, the College’s 20th President.
Capito encouraged participants to make the most of their experiences and to look up and be present in the moment versus spending so much time on their cell phones.
“Go out, explore, but remember to look up,” Capito said. “When the time comes, just know that these country roads will welcome you home.”
“I encourage you to build a life here in West Virginia. No matter where you come from, no matter where your personal history is, you are all West Virginians now. I hope you will love the state and have come to love the state like we all do.”
U.S. Senator Capito was presented with West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Rhododendron Award, a prestigious recognition provided by the College to individuals who have brought distinction and honor to their state or have offered exemplary acts of leadership on behalf of the College. Capito is only the 16th individual to receive the Rhododendron Award since its inception in 1967.
President James Moore said, “On behalf of the graduating class, faculty, staff and the entire West Virginia Wesleyan College Community, we extend our gratitude to Senator Capito for joining with us to celebrate our graduates and providing the 134th Commencement Address. Her words of encouragement, hope and resiliency are inspirational and have made this commencement truely memorable. We appreciate the Senator’s friendship, her service to our state, the nation and her continued support of higher education.”
WVWC Senior Class President Zoe Casto ‘25 announced that more than $2,000 had been raised for the senior class gift, adding to security cameras on campus
This year’s participants in commencement represented 22 states and eight countries. Fifty-nine percent of participants call the Mountain State home and hail from 34 different counties. Thirty percent received the West Virginia PROMISE scholarship and 17% are First Generation college students. Thirty-two percent participated on an NCAA athletic team. WVWC competes in the Mountain East Conference.
The most popular undergraduate degrees among the degrees conferred Saturday are nursing, business administration, biology, psychology and criminal justice.
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is preparing for commencement exercises to be held on the Wesley Chapel oval this year.
Commencement will be held Saturday, May 10 beginning at 10 a.m. this year recognizing nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate students. A livestream link is available at https://www.wvwc.edu/livestream-events/
A number of activities have been planned leading up to commencement this week. Grad Fest will kick off at 5 p.m. at the 88 Pavilion on Wednesday, May 7.
On Thursday, May 8, graduates get a final opportunity to win big at the Last Chance Big Bingo at 8 p.m. in the French A. See Dining Center. Prizes will be themed around items that will be needed for graduates to establish their new homes and careers.
On Friday, May 9, Alderson Broaddus University transfer students will be recognized in the morning with a special reception at 11 a.m. in the Greek Alumni Room.
Nursing Convocation is slated for 1 p.m. in Wesley Chapel with a reception to follow in the French A. See Dining Hall Side Dining Rooms at 2 p.m.
The School of Education Reception will take place at 3 p.m. in the Greek Alumni Room.
Several organizations are participating in a Celebration of Achievement and Cording Ceremony at 4 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.
The Baccalaureate Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.
Following the ceremony, President James Moore invites graduates and their families to a Senior Send-Off at the 88 Pavilion beginning at 8:15 p.m.
For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu/commencement-2025/
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College and the Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development (CCE) celebrated 17 graduating students from the Wesleyan Service Scholar (WSS) program on April 27, 2025.
Over their time at WVWC, these students have completed over 9,900 service hours at the department’s dedicated community partner sites and peer council groups on campus. In total, they have contributed nearly $87,000 worth of value to the community, based on West Virginia’s minimum wage of $8.75 per hour.
The Class of 2025 got tangible leadership and service experiences that provide content for future interviews and job responsibilities. They also increased their knowledge about a rural West Virginia county and the needs that exist. By providing support and guidance to a classroom, a local food pantry, a visitors bureau, and so many more, these students have created an immeasurable dedication to organizations or individuals that have needs greater than themselves. The community called, and the WSS students answered.
Students in the program experienced a test lab for life, as service is a great way to give them the real-world experience of being in a community and being a part of something much greater than one individual person. It taught them how to manage time, be consistent, and understand how important it is to show up for people.
“My love for helping people motivates me. I have always loved helping people,” Allison Kunes, a 2025 WSS graduate from Maryland, said.
Megan Pritt, a 2025 WSS graduate from Summersville, West Virginia, added. “Throughout this time, I have had the opportunity to serve as a positive role model for students across Upshur County.”
The application to live out one’s passion and engage in the community is NOW open. It is open to all high school seniors with a background in social justice, leadership, and service. To apply, visit wvwc.edu or go to https://form.jotform.com/221805833746157.
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – With the launch of the state’s first Certificate in Addiction Counseling, West Virginia Wesleyan College has now hired a program coordinator who brings extensive education, background and knowledge in addiction certifications and clinical services.
Jon Dower, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, completed a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Mr. Dower is a Licensed Professional Counselor in West Virginia and holds several addiction-related certifications, including advanced alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, and intervention professional. Jon is the Executive Director for WVSL Solutions, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides recovery housing across West Virginia, peer recovery support services, supportive employment, and clinical services as a licensed behavioral health organization.
At the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dower has taught in academic settings, including with the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. He serves on several SUD-related boards of directors, including the WV First Foundation, and is the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAPP) president.
Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Director of the School of Counseling and Psychology, said, “We are thrilled to have Jon join our team! His expertise in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders will support us in the creation of exceptional programming for behavioral healthcare practitioners. The fact that Jon also understands the multifaceted nature of addiction counseling work made him the ideal candidate for this role. We are in total alignment on creating a program that brings the tradition of servant leadership which Wesleyan has cultivated for 135 years into the realm of addiction work. I am grateful to Drs. Lynn Linder, Provost, and Chris Schimmel, Associate Provost, for supporting this vital next step in our Counseling Program’s growth.”
Dower added, “I am a third-generation West Virginian who has witnessed the impact of addiction across our state. From a public health and economic perspective, addiction touches all West Virginians. Joining an institution with deep historical roots and traditions willing to meet our state’s needs is an honor, a privilege, and, quite frankly, a no-brainer. Wesleyan is leading the way by bringing a program unlike any other in the state, a state impacted by substance use at higher rates than anywhere else in the country. My goal with this program is simple: create a legacy of well-trained clinicians preventing and treating substance-related issues, ensuring a better West Virginia. If someone has a heart attack, we send them to a cardiologist, not a podiatrist. If your loved one is experiencing substance use disorder in West Virginia, I want them sent to the best treatment providers possible. Wesleyan is creating that opportunity due to the incredible leadership of President Moore. This program will change lives and our state for the better. Is there a better purpose in life than that?”
To learn more about the Certificate in Addiction Counseling, visit https://www.wvwc.edu/counseling-program/
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – As the semester winds down, West Virginia Wesleyan College will host a variety of events next week culminating with Spring Weekend.
The Bobcat football team will host its Spring Game Wednesday, April 23 under the lights. Come out and cheer on the offense or defense, or both in the annual Orange and Black Game at Cebe Ross Field. Admission is free.
Also on Wednesday, WVWC Concert Band will perform a free concert in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, April 24, the women’s lacrosse team will take on the University of Charleston at home at 7 p.m. on the Cebe Ross Field.
The WVWC Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum will also perform a free concert in Wesley Chapel from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, April 25.
On Saturday, April 26, join the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for a Young Alumni Reunion at Jimbo’s in downtown Buckhannon, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Fried appetizers will be provided.
Or choose to head to the PAC for Danceworks at 2 p.m. spotlighting students from department dance classes and dance minors.
Want to take in a baseball game? WVWC will play a double header at home at 1 and 3:30 p.m. against Glenville State University on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, April 26, the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be inducted including Rayner Balciunas ‘03, Robert Hardin ‘01, Narayana Hall Hines ‘95, Eric Myers ‘97, Dr. Summer Finnigan ‘98 and the 2003 WVIAC Football Championship Team beginning at 3:45 p.m. in the French See Dining Hall. Ticket sales are closed for this event.
Due to a late Easter break this year, sororities and fraternities competitions were spread out over a three-week period versus the traditional Greek Week. On Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m., Spring Sing Royalty will be crowned in Wesley Chapel followed by a country-themed Spring Sing.
On Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. West Virginia Wesleyan’s Awards and Leadership Convocation will take place in Wesley Chapel highlighting the hard work of our students in academics and co-curricular programming.
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.
about
News
BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 61st annual induction on March 27, 2024, in the Meditation Chapel. The circle inducted four graduate students, four seniors, four juniors, 10 sophomores, two staff members, and two faculty.
The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,100 students, faculty and staff. Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following: athletics, music, arts, journalism and community service.
Newly inducted members include: Graduate students, Laura Adams, South Charleston, West Virginia; Johnnie-Jo Hovis, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Judith Rose, Morgantown, West Virginia; and Ann Marie Whitehair, Grafton, West Virginia. Seniors included Samantha Carlin, Sarasota, Florida; Zoe Casto, Fairmont, West Virginia; Kadie Dunham, Grafton, West Virginia; and Megan Pritt, Mt. Nebo, West Virginia. Juniors included Savannah Herrod, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Edward Marks, Wellsburg, West Virginia; Sydney Vilain, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Carly Rae Wolfgang, Leesburg, Virginia. Sophomores inducted included Madelyn Armstrong, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Cullen Cairns, Riverview FL; Tobias Fleece, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Laura Gatewood, Huntington, West Virginia; Kostadena Hartley, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Leah Ireland, Maitland, Florida; Zoe Jarvis, Big Chimney, West Virginia; Renae Kennison, Rainelle, West Virginia; Kylah Lockriddge, McGraws, West Virginia; and Breanne Waldron, Fairmont, West Virginia.
Also inducted were Dr. Rae Emrick, vice president for athletics, Alexis de Coning, assistant professor of communications, Jonathan Acord, dean of the chapel, and Colby Wamsley, assistant director of campus life.
Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Lively, dean of students and circle advisor, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement and circle staff. Officers participating included Srikiran Nandigama, president, and Ellie Pergoletti, treasurer. Guest speaker was Paula McGrew, professor of library science and director of library services emeritus. Student officers for the 2025-2026 academic year include Srikiran Nandigama, president, Faith Yoho, vice-president, and Sydney Vilain, treasurer.
Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life. The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community. The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.