News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Departments of Theatre &  Dance and Department of Music present Maltby and Shire’s “Closer Than Ever,” Thursday,  Feb. 12 through Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and also Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2  p.m. in the Balcony Theatre at the Colonial Arts Center downtown Buckhannon. 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.  

A look into the private song vault of Richard Maltby, Jr., and David Shire (“Big;” “Starting Here,  Starting Now;” “Baby”), the review, Maltby and Shire’s “Closer Than Ever,” is filled to the brim with the brilliance for which these musical theatre giants are known. 

“Closer Than Ever” is a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the “modern world.” Topics  ranging from unrequited adoration to aging are tackled with resounding sincerity and precisely  placed hilarity. Each song is a unique story told by a new character, taking audiences, not only  into the songbook of Maltby and  Shire, but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely relatable challenges. 

Wesleyan’s cast includes: senior Musical Theatre/Communications double-major Ashton  Nardella ‘26, of Bridgeport; junior Creative Writing major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of  Bridgeport; sophomore Musical Theatre major Adrian Legg ‘28, of Charleston; freshman Musical  Theatre major DeAndre Jones ‘29, of Morgantown; and freshmen Vocal Performance majors  Kendall Marcum ‘29, of Hurricane and Alexis “Ness” Schauman ‘29, of Elkins. 

Junior Acting/Directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio will be the Stage Manager,  with set and lighting design by Boyd Wolz, Director of Technical Theater, and costume design  by Jody Wolz. Associate Professor of Music Dr. R. Daniel Hughes provides musical direction,  working with Lauren Hull ‘22 (piano), Leo Dunmire ‘28 (drums), of Elkins, West Virginia, and Mason Atha (bass). Caleb Waybright serves as choreographer. The musical is directed by guest artist Katherine Smart  Hughes.

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 Office of Spiritual and Religious Life will host the fifth annual WVWC Christian Ashram Jan. 23-25, 2026 in the Greek Alumni Room of the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

West Virginia Wesleyan College is the only college/university in the United States to host a Christian Ashram for its students, faculty, staff and alumni. The community is also invited. 

A Christian Ashram is a retreat to focus on one’s relationship with God. Christian Ashrams are designed to help the attendees grow in faith through worship, teaching and witness; receive spiritual renewal through prayer, healing and sharing; experience life in an ecumenical, Christ-centered fellowship  and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as one experiences “the Kingdom of God in miniature.”

Ashrams are nondenominational, but the Christian Ashram was started by a Methodist missionary named E. Stanley Jones, who served in India and became close friends with Mahatma Gandhi. Jones modeled the Christian Ashram after the Hindu Ashram. 

Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. in the Greek Alumni Room featuring on Friday, Jan. 23 and the Christian Ashram concludes Sunday, Jan. 25 at noon. Attending the Ashram is free; those not on a college dining plan will need to pay for meals if they wish to eat on campus.

For more information, contact Jonathan Acord, Dean of the Chapel, at acord.j@wvwc.edu or Dr. Becky Swisher at swisher_r@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.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – Passionate about serving the community through emergency medicine and promoting West Virginia, Kourtney Jones ‘28, a nursing student at West Virginia Wesleyan College, is the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals (WVAFF) Queen. 

As the 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival Queen, Jones participated in the eight-day festival in Buckhannon, but also attended other events promoting the WVSF, making her selection as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals a meaningful continuation of her service. Now, she will represent the WVAFF across the Mountain State, promoting West Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage and the importance of local fairs and festivals.

During the annual convention, which culminated in Jones receiving the crown on Jan. 10 in Charleston, Jones gave a promo about the festival and participated in interviews with the judges, during which she shared the impact the Strawberry Festival has on the area. 

“It is truly an honor to have been crowned the association queen,” Jones said. “This is a huge industry in our state and bringing this representation back to Buckhannon and the Strawberry Festival means so much. This is something I’ve worked towards for so long and has so much meaning to my family. I am so excited to represent our state and promote what our association is all about.”

The West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals supports and promotes fairs and festivals throughout the state, recognizing their role in preserving history, fostering tourism, and enhancing community pride. As Queen, Jones will attend fairs, festivals, and public events across the state throughout 2026. She will also reign over the 101st West Virginia State Fair Aug. 13-22. 

A native of Elkins, West Virginia, now residing in Buckhannon, Jones has held several titles en route to becoming the WVFFA Queen. Her passion for service aligns closely with her academic path as a nursing student at WVWC, where she is preparing for a career centered on compassion, advocacy, and community well-being. She is also a nationally registered EMT and serves three West Virginia counties. 

Jones added, “Being a student at Wesleyan has truly helped so much, even in pageants. Attending a smaller college has connected me closely with our amazing faculty, who have supported me at every step, not just with this huge accomplishment. Having a faculty that supports big accomplishments outside of our College says a lot about how welcoming and amazing Wesleyan is.”

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 — In furthering its commitment to supporting the local community, the Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development (CCE) at West Virginia Wesleyan College will host a Community Lab on Fundraising on Friday, Feb. 6, from 3–4:30 p.m. in Hyma Auditorium (1st Floor Christopher Hall of Science) on Wesleyan’s campus.

The Community Lab will feature training and practical strategies presented by Mike Bell & Associates and is open to CCE community partners, WVWC students (including Wesleyan Service Scholars), and businesses across the Buckhannon–Upshur region interested in strengthening their fundraising efforts. The session is designed to support nonprofit and community-based organizations, mission-driven initiatives, and local businesses seeking to build sustainable support for their programs and operations.

Participants will leave with practical tools, actionable insights, and best practices that can be applied to real-world fundraising challenges. The Community Lab format emphasizes learning, dialogue, and shared problem-solving, creating space for participants to build capacity while connecting with peers across campus and the broader community.

CCE’s Community Lab series supports the Center’s mission to advance West Virginia Wesleyan College’s commitment to transformative learning and community engagement that promotes positive social change.

The CCE will also host a second Community Lab on Friday, April 10, focused on marketing, featuring content provided by Agency LMC, a firm specializing in advertising, marketing, public relations, and social media management. Both Mike Bell & Associates and Agency LMC operate within the region and bring valuable insight into navigating fundraising and marketing challenges while considering the local environment and market.

CCE Community Labs are free and open to the public. Community members, partners, and students are encouraged to attend. If you have other topics you desire to see addressed in future Community Labs, please reach out and share with the CCE.

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 come together to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19.

The annual dinner will begin at 5 p.m. in the French See Dining Room side dining hall. Keynote speaker Danielle Walker will speak around the theme of Non-violence 365: Creating a Community of Peace and Love. The dinner is hosted by the Center for Cultural and International Affairs.

Walker is a former West Virginia House of Delegates member for District 51 and 81 is the former vice chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party.  She is now a consultant, motivational speaker and writer. Walker has received the West Virginia American Civil Liberties Union Roger N. Baldwin Award. Through her advocacy and activism, the West Virginia University Center for Black Culture and Research presented Walker with the 2022 Martin Luther King Achievement Award.

The dinner buffet will include slow-roasted roast beef, roasted turkey, garden salad, caesar salad, potato salad, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, California veggie blend, grilled vegetable bowtie pasta, rolls and desserts. The meal is free for students. Guests are $14.

Christiana Mande ‘27 will be a vocalist for the program. Matthew Harris, Minister of Music at New New Hope Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia, will also sing.

Sneha Sundaraneedi ‘27, president of the International Student Organization, will introduce Walker. 

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 has received over $1.2 million in Momentum Initiative Grants (MIG) from the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF).

The first grant, $947,916 awarded under the WVFF’s Foster Care & Non-Parental Caregivers target area, will support a statewide initiative in partnership with West Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (WV CASA) build capacity and expand the work of CASA staff and volunteers through training programs designed to empower innovation and strengthen existing work with foster parents and non-parental caregivers.

Additionally, the College received a $246,125 award under the Behavioral Health & Workforce Development target area to support the addiction counseling workforce by expanding access to WVWC’s Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate program. In coordination with participating county and municipal governments, qualified healthcare professionals that reside or work within WVFF Region Four (Barbour, Braxton, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur counties) may be eligible for scholarship dollars that may be used toward the graduate certificate program – strengthening the region’s capacity to meet critical behavioral health needs. This initiative models a program developed between the City of Buckhannon and WVWC in 2025.  

“We are honored to receive not one, but two grants from the West Virginia First Foundation in this award cycle,” said Dr. James Moore, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “These investments allow us to strengthen our growing Certificate in Addiction Counseling Program, which develops well-trained professionals equipped with the training to address substance use disorders in West Virginia. We are also honored to expand our commitment to servant leadership through a new partnership with WV CASA, supporting their vital mission to serve children and families affected by the opioid epidemic while helping to build a stronger, healthier state.” 

The Momentum Initiative Grant reflects WVFF’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds and to supporting projects and organizations that strengthen systems of care across West Virginia.

Jonathan Board, WVFF executive director, added, “The Momentum Initiative Grant was designed to support organizations that are ready to scale, collaborate, and deliver lasting results. The work of West Virginia Wesleyan College reflects the kind of leadership and local insight needed to move this effort forward.”

Through MIG, WVFF is advancing nearly $18 million to support projects across the state that address prevention, treatment, recovery, and workforce needs; building on lessons learned and focusing on accountability, sustainability, and long-term impact.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA FIRST FOUNDATION:
The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is a nonprofit organization established to address the opioid crisis and its lasting impact across the state. Created under the terms of the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), WVFF was designed to receive and distribute opioid settlement funds. Guided by the principles outlined in the MOU, the Foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) entity to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts. Through strategic funding and community collaboration, WVFF is committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. For more information, visit wvfirst.org.

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 –  Applications are now open for the third year of Governor’s School for the Arts on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016. Dates for Summer 2026 are June 21-July 11.

The 2026 Governor’s School for the Arts is shining the spotlight on theatre arts including acting, directing and stage design. Digital media/art, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, studio art and vocal music make up the other disciplines. 

Digital media/art is a growing track in the GSA line-up that exposes students to design theory and principles with real-world applications. 

Students in GSA’s digital media program will apply art theory, such as color, typography, cinematography, and Gestalt principles, across a wide breadth of media, including logo design, animation, video production, photography, web design, and promotional posters. 

Throughout the GSA experience, this process is guided by an industry expert with 25 years of experience and will culminate in a complete, portfolio-ready brand identity system for each student. 

Dean of the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts Dr. Alexis de Coning said, “We are excited to welcome more students to GSA 2026. Programs like GSA create space for young artists to develop their craft while learning how creative work can foster connection, empathy, and shared understanding.”

There are opportunities for students to learn from guest artists and professionals in their fields, explore downtown Buckhannon and participate in arts field trips. Students also learn from published authors who will be on campus as part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing summer residency. 

Students who attended the 2025 Governor Schools for the Arts shared their thoughts: 

“Students find their calling here . . . This was the best experience of my life, and I’m leaving with great new knowledge on my art.”

“It was one of the best experiences to learn more art and meet amazing new friends. I love this program because it’s helping keep the arts alive and shows off all the amazing talented artists of WV.”

“It’s an amazing experience for a young artist to show what art school is like and to make some friends who are like you.”

“The feedback, experience, people, and knowledge gained are so valuable. This is a very essential experience if you would like to continue to improve in your art form.”

Current sophomores can apply now at https://govschools.wv.gov/ before the March 6 deadline. GSA is funded by the State of West Virginia at no cost to families.

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 https://wvde.us/academics/middle-secondary-education/student-events-programs-initiatives/governors-schools-west-virginia

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia—  West Virginia Wesleyan College will celebrate a milestone this week as the first students in its new Master of Arts in Counseling Program are set to graduate – a group of emerging counselors ready to help meet the state’s need for qualified mental health professionals.

The program, launched in 2024 through a partnership between West Virginia Wesleyan College, Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, and Community Care of West Virginia, was developed to expand access to high-quality training for future counselors. It offers both full- and part-time enrollment pathways designed for students balancing professional and personal roles.

The inaugural class will be recognized during a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 12, in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. All six students completed the full-time track and have achieved notable success, passing the Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam on their first attempt. Four students specialized in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and two chose Addiction Counseling.

Program leaders say the graduates represent more than academic achievement — they embody a commitment to service and healing across West Virginia communities.

“Our students have shown incredible dedication to our shared mission of servant leadership, and they enter the field at a time when our state urgently needs their skilled, compassionate care,” said Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Program Director.

Provost Lynn M. Linder said, “When Wesleyan launched the Master’s in Counseling program, we did so with an understanding of the urgent need for mental health professionals across our state. Partnering with Community Care and Aetna Better Health has allowed us to turn that understanding into action. Our graduates are not only well-prepared clinicians—they are empathetic leaders ready to help strengthen the well-being of individuals and communities throughout West Virginia.”

Tommy Schoffler, who is a tenured, full professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at WVWC, saw the Master’s in Counseling degree as a complement to the somatic work he has undertaken. 

“While I don’t believe in teaching acting as therapy, some of the skills I’ve honed in actor training really parallel and even complement counseling techniques,” Schoffler said. “Being a second-career counselor means that I can draw upon my previous experiences to empathize with clients’ struggles. Connecting with that kind of presence and authenticity creates a powerful potential for change.”

Priority deadline for the next cohort of applications is March 1, 2026 with regular deadline March 15, 2026. Visit www.wvwc.edu/counseling-programs to learn more.


ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 fastest-growing sport in the United States for the last five years is coming to West Virginia Wesleyan College. WVWC Pickleball will become the second varsity scholarship-offering college pickleball program in the U.S. and the first in West Virginia.

Pickleball, which includes elements of tennis, table tennis and other racket sports, was invented in the 1960s but began surging in popularity over the last five years.  The 25-34 age group now has the most pickleball players and one million more children have started playing the sport.

 Plans are underway to renovate the former WVWC tennis courts beside Ross Field into a home for WVWC Pickleball.

 Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kyle Hoffman, MBA ’06, said, “Renovating and utilizing the former home of WVWC Tennis will breathe new life into a facility that has hosted many matches and tournaments in the past. We look forward to creating a new home for WVWC Pickleball that will provide athletes the space they need to train at the highest level. We will be able to host local, regional, and potentially national college tournaments in the future.”

The College and community currently use these courts for pickleball, and renovations will allow for eight courts, with the potential to expand in the future. 

“We think there is a real opportunity for utilizing a space on campus that is already being used for recreational pickleball,” Hoffman added. “We want to invest in our student experience, and this is an example of how we can take existing space that we have on campus and repurpose it to our students’ interests.  Not only will this give us a collegiate-level facility, but it will be steps away from where our students live and be easily accessible for them to participate.Alec Moran joins the WVWC pickleball staff as general manager to build the initial roster for Fall 2026.

Moran said, “As an avid racket sports advocate in the state of West Virginia, I am very excited about the opportunity to help WVWC establish and grow the first scholarship college pickleball program in the state/region. We look forward to recruiting not only exceptional athletes, but also students who embody Wesleyan’s culture and will become future leaders of tomorrow.”

Moran previously served as an assistant tennis coach for Fairmont State University from 2021-2025. Both the men’s and women’s teams achieved unprecedented success during his time, including seven NCAA tournament appearances, a trip to the national tournament in Orlando, Florida, and an MEC tournament championship in 2023.

He was a four-year member of the men’s tennis team at Fairmont State, which achieved significant success during his time as a player.

Moran graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Fairmont State University in 2018 and completed his MBA at Salem University in 2020 while serving as a graduate assistant coach for the tennis team.

Scholarships are available for incoming students to play pickleball for WVWC. To learn more, visit www.wvwc.edu/pickleball

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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 launching a BobcAT Early Assurance Program, a new pathway designed for highly motivated high school students seeking to earn a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree.

Dr. Meleesa Wohleber, Director of the Master of Athletic Training Professional Program, said, “We are excited to open an early assurance pathway for high school students interested in pursuing an athletic training career. We hope that by providing access to an accelerated degree program, these future graduates can step right into the sports medicine workforce in their home communities and our region.” 

WVWC celebrated 40 years of athletic training at WVWC this fall, and this program builds on that legacy, giving the next generation of athletic trainers another opportunity. 

Students accepted into the program will be guaranteed in the MAT cohort, pending successful completion of all undergraduate academic requirements and prerequisites. In addition, high school students who complete the West Virginia Department of Education Career Technical Education (CTE) program in Sports Medicine may earn college credit toward WVWC’s Exercise Science undergraduate degree, helping them accelerate their progress toward both degrees.

The WVWC MAT Program is committed to expanding access to high-quality athletic training education while addressing the statewide and regional need for certified and licensed athletic trainers. Students in the BobcAT Early Assurance Program will have the opportunity to earn two degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Athletic Training—in just five years.

More information on the program can be found here. Priority deadline is Jan. 15, 2026 with rolling admission considered until June 30. 

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 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second 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 counseling; 22 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.