News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Severe flooding in February in Wyoming County, West Virginia, caused significant damage to people’s property. 

Wyoming County is the home county of freshman Matthew Hatfield ’28, who watched from his residence hall as his community dealt with flooding and wanted to help. Other West Virginia Wesleyan College students were also watching the devastation and brainstormed how they could help.

“WVWC Student Senate contacted me and asked what they could do to help,” Hatfield said. “When I was approached and asked how they could help, I was moved. Growing up in the small town of Oceana, West Virginia, I was taught that when your neighbor needs help, you help. That is exactly what happened on February 15th. To say I wasn’t worried about my community would be a lie. Getting on Facebook and seeing people begging for help and to be rescued made me feel helpless. Seeing the pictures as the water destroyed homes and businesses that I have walked in hundreds of times made me feel paralyzed. Going back and hearing the stories of people I hold dear tell me that they had to escape in knee-high water made me feel like I was there when it happened,” he said. 

Hatfield stated, “Being at West Virginia Wesleyan College reminds me so much of being back home. Seeing this College come together for a community they have never been to shows the love this College has. I am the only student from Wyoming County here at WVWC and for them to go out of their way to do this for my community shows me again that I picked the right College.” 

WVWC Student Senate President Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, said, “Our goal as a Student Senate is to be a supportive governing body for campus organizations as well as a source of support for the student body as a whole. However, WV Wesleyan College has a unique history of not being limited by the boundaries of the campus, and I truly believe that we have an important role to play in supporting our fellow citizens and West Virginians. Seeing the needs of those affected by the flooding, we felt duty-bound as a Senate to offer our support. After hearing from Matthew and communicating with community service organizations in the region, we felt that monetary aid would be the most appropriate option.” 

“These individuals are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, and it is my hope that this gesture will reach many families and households in the tight-knit communities of Southern West Virginia. The Student Senate is proud to have contributed to these recovery efforts,” he added. 

The WVWC Student Senate agreed to donate $1,000 to Mountain Heart Community Service in Metheny, West Virginia, who will oversee the distribution for needed supplies such as shovels, brooms and cleaning supplies. 

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Departments of Theatre & Dance presents Oscar Wilde’s comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This production contains a unique twist to Wilde’s work, featuring both a dressed-down British cast and an American Southern cast set in the 1960s. Performances run April 10 at 7:30 p.m., April 11 at 7:30 p.m., and April 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The British cast will be performing April 10 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m., while the Southern cast will be performing April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 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.  

Known for its sharp social commentary and delightful absurdities, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has captivated audiences for over a century. Set in Victorian England, the play follows the escapades of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to avoid societal pressures. Their comical deceptions set off a chain of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements, culminating in Wilde’s signature humorous and revealing conclusion. 

This production creatively blends Wilde’s witty English satire with the warmth and charm of Southern culture. Directed by Thomas Schoffler, chair of the WVWC Department of Theatre and Dance, this reimagining infuses the traditional British setting of the play with the distinctive accent, style, and humor of the American South. A talented British cast brings Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp dialogue to life, while Southern elements provide a unique contrast, amplifying the comedy and ensuring a completely original theater experience. 

Wesleyan’s cast includes junior musical theatre/media communication major Ashton Nardella ‘26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as Southern Algernon Moncrieff and freshman musical theatre major John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as British Algernon Moncrieff, sophomore acting/directing major Eli Dickey ‘27 of Chloe, West Virginia, as southern Jack Worthing, sophomore English major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as British Jack Worthing, senior acting and directing major Ellery Brown ’25 of Bay City, Michigan as Southern Gwendolen Fairfax, senior musical theater major Sydney Stewart ‘25,  of Barboursville, West Virginia, as British Gwendolen Fairfax, sophomore biology (pre-med) major Kaylie (Kai) Toler ‘27, of Harts, West Virginia, as Southern Cecily Cardew, freshman acting/directing major Leigh Rice ‘28, of Philippi, West Virginia, as British Cecily Cardew, Buckhannon resident Jett Eric as Southern Lady Bracknell,  Assistant Professor of Communication Dr. Lexi de Coning from South Africa as British Lady Bracknell, junior musical theater/communications double-major Julius Pretlow ‘26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as Southern Reverend Chasuble, freshman acting/directing major Salem Bradshaw ‘28 of Nicholas County, West Virginia, as British Reverend Chasuble, Senior English major Roxie Underwood 25’, as Southern Miss Prism, sophomore acting/directing Major Rhyan Sebring ‘27 of Caldwell, Ohio, as British Miss Prism, freshman pre-drama therapy major Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, as Southern Merriman and Lane, and  interim Director of Technical Theater Justin Grow as British Merriman and Lane. 

The show features designs by two professional guest artists including costumes by Pittsburgh-based designer Jacob Currence and scenic designs by former Wesleyan technical director Keith Saine. The production’s stage manager is sophomore arts administration major Tina Green ‘27, of Huntington, West Virginia, and Assistant Stage Manager Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia. Additional crew includes properties design by senior psychology major Cam McGriff ‘25, of Wilmington, Deleware, sound design by sophomore acting/directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio, with lighting design by senior technical theater major Jay Coping-Smith ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and freshman musical theater Major Adrian Legg ‘28, of Charleston, West Virginia, with senior musical theatre major Ben Long ‘25 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, serving as assistant director. 

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Sleeth Gallery will host an exhibit in April from an artist who found inspiration in Appalachia. The exhibit, “Exploring West Virginia: Sketches, Studies and Finished Works” by the late Carl Gaertner will run Thursday, April 3 through May 3 in Sleeth Gallery. An opening reception will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. by the artists’ granddaughter,  Erin Gaertner.

Erin Gaertner will also be on campus Friday, April 4 to present a work to WVWC by her grandfather during a program at 5 p.m. in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library. 

Carl Gaertner was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 18, 1898. He attended the Cleveland School of Art, now known as the Cleveland Institute of Art, from 1920 to 1922. He then taught at the Cleveland School of Art from 1925 until his death in 1952, where he was highly respected and influential. While his early work focused on his surroundings in Cleveland, he soon began to travel and gained interest and inspiration from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Cape Cod, and New York. Though he garnered much attention for his industrial landscapes, he has also captured the hard work of agriculture with sloping, mountainous backgrounds, demonstrating Appalachian beauty and the labor of the people living there at that time. He died unexpectedly on Nov.  4, 1952 at his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

 “Exploring West Virginia: Sketches, Studies, and Finished Works” reflects on Gaertner’s work documenting Appalachian life and landscapes. As an outsider, it can be difficult to capture the essence of the Appalachian people, but Gaertner was able to do so with empathy, understanding, and grace that felt more comforting than critical.

Gaertner visited West Virginia a few times throughout his life, including an extended visit in the summer of 1933, teaching with William Grauer and the Art Colony at The Greenbrier. The first retrospective show in 25 years was exhibited at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, West Virginia earlier this year, and we are now happy to share it with West Virginia Wesleyan College at Sleeth Gallery. Carl Gaertner’s granddaughter, Erin Gaertner ’08, has worked to preserve and exhibit Gaertner’s art to share with those who are familiar fans and those who are receiving their first introduction. She has curated this collection to demonstrate his connection to Appalachia with pieces that focus on West Virginia and surrounding areas.

Katy Whitlow ’08 has assisted in research and archival work. 

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College will welcome Bishop Julius C. Trimble as the Baccalaureate speaker on Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.  Trimble assumed the role of General Secretary for the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church on Sept. 1, 2024.

Trimble was assigned July 16, 2016, to the Indiana Episcopal Area (Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church) during the North Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church meeting in Peoria, Illinois. He was elected and consecrated a bishop by the same jurisdiction in 2008 and served eight years as the bishop of the Iowa Conference before his assignment to Indiana.

Trimble is a native of Chicago and a graduate of Illinois State University. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill., and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.

Trimble preached his first sermon when he was 16 years old based on the conversion of Saul in Acts 9:1-9 entitled “Picked out to be picked on.”  He was ordained a deacon and elder in the Northern Illinois Conference where he served two churches before transferring to the East Ohio Conference. He served churches in the Cleveland area and as the District Superintendent of the Cleveland District from 1996-2003.

The recipient of many honors and awards, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1998 from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the 2007 Bishop James S. Thomas Social Action Award from the Methodist Federation for Social Action. He continues to promote faith-based response to domestic violence and has encouraged the establishment of mental health ministries at the local church and conference level. He is also an active advocate for social justice, faith-based initiatives to address gun violence, as well as immigration reform. Trimble has preached throughout the United States and in Africa. He has also written a book, to support The United Methodist Church campaign Imagine No Malaria, A Faithful Church and a Healthy World: Reflections and Poems by Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble (2015). Trimble received the 2015 Peace and Justice Award from Iowa Conference MFSA. In December 2017, he was the Graduation Keynote speaker at United Theological Seminary Dayton, Ohio, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity for leadership in area of Global Health and Global Justice.  He has authored two books: 10 Reasons I am Methodist, published in 2022, and I Dreamed of Life in Living Color, published in 2024, each by Popular Truth Publishing.

Bishop Trimble has been married since May of 1979 to First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble, a professional counselor and graduate of Methodist Theological School in Ohio. They are the parents of three adult children: Cameron, Candiace, and Julius Thomas. In June 2018, the Trimbles celebrated the birth of their first granddaughter, Corrine.

Trimble served as chairperson of the Development Committee and the Advisory Development Committee for Africa University for which he continues to be a Board Member; chairperson of the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee (UMGAC); on the Council of Bishops Immigration Task Force; and as a Board member of Indiana University Health System from 2017-2024.

Trimble’s personal mission statement is “to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential or “Be Encouraged” for short. 

For a schedule of commencement activities, visit www.wvwc.edu/commencement-2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for the full obituary. 

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The Black Student Union and Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business are hosting a unique event Friday to bring entrepreneurs and business professionals together for a day of networking and learning with students. 

Laurie Goux, director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs, said this expo has three goals.

“First,  to create a directory of black-owned businesses in West Virginia, across the United States and globally,” she continued. “The second goal is to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset in students pursuing business careers. Third, to educate all business students on issues that affect minority-owned businesses.” 

All events will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts and are open to the public.

The winner of the business entrepreneur contest will be announced. Over the past week, WVWC students have had the opportunity to submit their idea for a business and the chance to win $500 toward their project. 

Lunch and Learn at noon will be served by Aladdin Catering. Student vendors will set up from noon-1 p.m.  Sample “Gabby Bakes” sweet potato pie, Paula Kaufman, poet, visual artist, and educator will share her artwork and present on African American Foodways. 

From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a discussion panel organized by the Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business. Beginning at 3 p.m., there will be various business professionals sharing about an “Entrepreneurial Mindset” via Zoom. An in-person book club discussion panel will be held from 4-5 p.m. with Shawn Rochester, author of The Black Tax, who will join by Zoom. 

The event will culminate from 5-6 p.m., with a presentation on House music and entertainment brought by WVWC students.

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – The community is invited to blast off with the West Virginia Wesleyan College Space Club for science-themed fun and a chance to win prizes on Sunday, March 30 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Activities will be held in the auxiliary gymnasium located in Rockefeller Center.  The first 50 kids will receive a NASA-themed drawstring backpack.  The activities and science demonstrations will include a Tesla coil, bottle rockets, a paper airplane contest,  a spaghetti tower contest, and a popsicle stick catapult contest.

There are over $500 in prizes to be awarded in two age classes, over 10 years old and 10 and under.  There will be a special chemistry presentation by Dr. Ed Wovchko who has promised a fun explosion experiment. There will also be tours of Wesleyan’s Science Labs for high school juniors and seniors.  The door prize is a LEGO model of the Mars rover Perseverance.  This event is sponsored by the NASA-WV Space Grant Consortium.

“The last NASA Space Day held at Wesleyan was in 2019 and the kids had a blast,” Space Club Advisor Dr. Tracey Delaney said.  “We had over 200 people in attendance and we’re hoping to outdo that this time.”

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – Just in time as warmer weather draws near, the final West Virginia Wesleyan College Faculty Lecture Series of the year will focus on ticks and tick-borne disease in West Virginia.

The community is invited to attend this lecture Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. 

The project is overseen by Dr. Kim Bjorgo, Department of Biology and Environmental Science chair, and Dr. Melanie Sal, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, and has been ongoing since 2018.  Their research partnership is unique because Bjorgo is an ecologist and Sal is a microbiologist. They work closely together to find and identify ticks, then look for any diseases the ticks might be carrying using DNA analysis.

The professors and a number of student researchers over the years have been studying ticks around Upshur County and beyond. 

As the project progresses, the research team will use this information to help the Upshur County community know where ticks carrying vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease are found in high numbers.

Sal said, “Eventually, we will publish this research. Our overall goal is to assess the potential risk of encountering Lyme disease in Upshur County and the surrounding area.”

Bjorgo added, “If we do happen to have a lot of Lyme disease positive ticks in one area, that is good information for folks to have. We want to raise awareness of diseases carried by ticks, and remind folks to use insect repellent and do a tick check after being outside.”

So far, several students have expressed an interest in continuing research this summer.

“The next phase is branching out and looking for more than just Lyme disease in ticks,” Bjorgo said. There are other tick-borne diseases, and our research partnership allows us to find those areas with lots of ticks and identify the potential pathogens.”

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia– West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) welcomes alumnus Ryan Thorn ’07 as the college’s new Associate Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships.

“I’m so honored that Ryan Thorn is returning to his alma mater and bringing his considerable talents to our work,” stated Dr. James Moore, President of West Virginia Wesleyan. “I know Ryan is a proud West Virginian, just like me, and he shares our vision that WVWC can and should be a leader in bringing in generational change to our part of the Appalachian region. I can’t wait to hit the road with Ryan and start expanding our base of support. This is a great day for WVWC.”

In this role, Thorn will lead the College’s engagement with corporate, foundation and government stakeholders across the state and region. He will cultivate new and strengthen existing relationships while identifying new funding opportunities, partnerships, and other resources that support the College’s mission and priorities. 

“I’m excited to be back at WVWC and serve the College that had such a positive impact on my life during very formative years and provided the foundation for who I am today,” said Thorn. “I look forward to engaging with the College’s stakeholders to create new opportunities that advance its mission and ensure that students have the same transformative experience that I had for decades to come.”  

“We are delighted that Ryan accepted our invitation to return to Wesleyan in this critical role,” said Kristi Wilkerson ’99, Vice President for Advancement. “His expertise, experience, and connections throughout the region will undoubtedly make WVWC even stronger and have a lasting impact on our students and College.”

Thorn most recently served as State Director for USDA Rural Development in West Virginia from 2022-2025. Under his leadership, Rural Development invested more than $1.5 billion through hundreds of projects across the state that strengthened infrastructure, enhanced public safety and vital community facilities, bolstered rural healthcare, expanded access to broadband, provided home ownership and repair opportunities to residents, and supported agricultural producers and small businesses. Prior to his appointment at Rural Development, Thorn served as economic development manager for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III and held several public and government affairs roles in the private sector. 

A native of New Martinsville, West Virginia (Wetzel County), Thorn was the first in his immediate family to graduate from college and is a long-time supporter and strong advocate of higher education. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from WVWC, he earned a master’s degree in communication from West Virginia University. 

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – A new collaboration between West Virginia Wesleyan College and Stone Tower Brews will bring West Virginia-roasted coffee drinks to campus beginning Fall Semester 2025.

Taking over the former Sunny Bucks location on the first floor of the Benedum Campus Center, Stone Tower Brews will operate a smaller-scale version of its Main Street Buckhannon shop. Launching the first “Stone Tower Coffee” campus location will focus primarily on coffee offerings, showcasing the company’s best West Virginia-roasted beans. 

Vice President of Student Affairs Alison Whitehair said, “This new collaboration between WVWC and a downtown Buckhannon business is something students have been asking for.  A coffee shop on campus isn’t just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a space where students can connect, recharge, and find inspiration.”

Sadie Nichols ‘25 added, “I can’t even begin to describe the anticipation, elation, and pure excitement I finally get to share with the Wesleyan community. As Student Senate President for the past two years, I had the unique privilege and opportunity to be part of a hopeful idea that has now become an exhilarating reality. I have been eagerly waiting for the day we get to walk across campus with a fresh cup of coffee in hand and ask, “Where have you BEAN all my life?” Well, my friends, that day has officially arrived!”

Stone Tower Brews currently has locations in Buckhannon, Bridgeport, Morgantown, and its original Fairmont store—known as The Joe. All coffee is roasted at Stone Tower Coffee Roasters in Fairmont.

James Kane, president and CEO of Stone Tower, said, “In 2018, we opened our doors on Main Street and have enjoyed being a part of the Buckhannon community ever since. Over the years, we’ve welcomed countless students, providing a space where friendships can grow and connections can flourish. This new partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College is an extension of our commitment to community—a place where students, faculty, and locals can come together over great coffee and meaningful conversations. We look forward to continuing to serve and grow with the Wesleyan and Buckhannon communities.”

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.