News Type: Campus

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.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  A generous gift by an alumnus and friend of West Virginia Wesleyan College has provided for a columbarium to be located in the West Meditation Chapel on campus. 

Rev. Dewayne Lowther ’57 was searching for peace of mind after the death of his spouse, Rev. Ginnie Settle Lowther ’68, and he found it at an unexpected moment: while attending the memorial service for United Methodist Bishop William Boyd Grove, Hon ‘86.  Lowther noticed the location for that service had a columbarium, and it sparked an idea. 

Given his and his family’s deep personal and professional connections with West Virginia Wesleyan College, Lowther inquired if a columbarium could be located in or near Wesley Chapel.  Rev. Jonathan Acord, Dean of the Chapel, explored the idea to determine feasibility and administration supported the project.

“How meaningful it has been to provide funds for the creation of a columbarium on Wesleyan’s campus and to plan for our niche where we can join ‘a cloud of witnesses,” Lowther said. “Other options had been discussed, but we kept coming back to Wesleyan. This is sacred space.”

The Lowthers were married on campus and lived in married housing on campus. Numerous family members have graduated from the institution and the Lowthers spent many years working with the West Virginia United Methodist Annual Conference held in Wesley Chapel.

“We’ve had awesome experiences and Wesleyan has been at the heart of it all,” Lowther said. “It’s where it all started.”

Thanks to Lowther’s generosity, Wesleyan’s new columbarium has been installed and is now available and ready to serve others who find the campus or the chapel home.  Details can be found at www.wvwc.edu/columbarium or by contacting the Office of Advancement or the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at WVWC.  Niches can be reserved by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends such as United Methodist clergy and laity.  

“To be with people who are meaningful and to be surrounded by people who I’ve known for a long time – that’s what we wanted,” Lowther said. “This columbarium pulls it all together.  I am happy that my gift to Wesleyan will also make this an option for others so that they, too, can have peace of mind.”

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 –  Welcoming in a new era, West Virginia Wesleyan College officially introduced head football Coach Mike Kellar during a press conference Monday. 

VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Kyle Hoffman, MBA ‘06, said, “Mike brings vision and leadership as we turn the page with our football program.  I have full confidence in his ability to lead our program and look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

A native and resident of Shinnston, West Virginia, Kellar spent seven seasons as the head coach for Glenville State Football, finishing the 2025 season 6-5, the fourth consecutive winning season for the program. His overall coaching record is 87-63.

Kellar is ready to begin filling out his coaching staff and building a program after meeting with College leadership.

“I was impressed with how quickly they can move things, the direction they wanted and the vision they wanted,” he said. “I can’t say enough about how excited I am to get things moving in the right direction.”

Kellar began his collegiate football career as starting quarterback at Glenville State, before transferring to Fairmont State. Following graduation in 1994, Kellar served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fairmont State for eight seasons, where he helped lead Fairmont to two WVIAC championships.  After two years in Northern Michigan as an offensive coordinator, Kellar moved to California (PA) in 2004 as offensive coordinator, where the Vulcans would win four straight PSAC West Titles, two NCAA Division II regional crowns and earn a pair of ECAC Lambert Trophies.
 
Kellar debuted as head coach at Concord University, launching a turnaround for a program that had been 1-21 over the 2007-2008 seasons. Returning to California (PA) as associate head coach in 2011, Kellar would become head coach when John Luckhardt retired – garnering a 31-12 record over four years. Before coming to Glenville, Kellar also had stints at Lenoir-Rhyne and West Liberty.

Kellar holds a master’s degree in safety management from West Virginia University. He and his wife, Missy, have four children, Diedra, Jarrod, Anthony and Jacob.

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 announced today that Coach Dwayne Martin will not return as the head of its football program, effective immediately. 

“After a comprehensive review and evaluation of the football program’s direction and long-term needs, and with consideration of the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, WVWC has decided to move in a new direction with its football program,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Kyle Hoffman. “WVWC thanks Coach Martin for his years of service and tireless dedication to student-athletes, and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.”

WVWC will begin the search for its next coach immediately.

WVWC remains focused on building a competitive program that is centered on its commitment to student-athletes, while aligning with the mission and values of the institution. As part of this transition, the remainder of the football coaching staff were not retained.

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 Beta Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society at West Virginia Wesleyan College recently inducted three new members into its honor society. 

Nora Carroll ‘27, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Mason Halfin ‘27, of Moatsville, West Virginia; and Haley Lane ‘26, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, qualified to join the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society on October 30, 2025.

To be eligible for membership, students must have completed 60 semester hours in undergraduate courses, have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.0, have completed the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Communication courses, have a Grade Point Average of at least 3.25 in those courses, and be in the upper 35% of their graduating class.

Lambda Pi Eta is the Honor Society for the Communication Department at WVWC and fosters interest in the field of communication. According to its website, Lambda Pi Eta was founded by the students of the Department of Communication at the University of Arkansas and was then formally endorsed by the faculty member and founder, Dr. Stephen A. Smith in 1985.

 Faculty advisor for Lambda Pi Eta, Dr. Nancy Bressler, said, “Each year, we look forward to celebrating the wonderful students who qualify for the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. Our students are what makes our Communication Department fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what accomplishments they achieve next.”  

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 annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, Nov. 30  at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel, inviting both the campus and community to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

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

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

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum, conducted by Dr. Dan Hughes, will offer a live performance of many traditional and loved carols as well as several unique selections. John Morrison will accompany on piano and organ, and the service will feature a brass quintet made up of current and former Wesleyan faculty members, including Adam Loudin ‘07, Andy Scott, T.J. Metzger, Logan Lindsey and President James Moore.

Immediately following the service, the audience will recess outside for the lighting of the Christmas tree with Moore.

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

Following the tree lighting, Elior Collegiate Dining will serve a holiday meal including smoked brisket and Peruvian chicken  French See Dining Hall from 5- 7 p.m. Cost for community members will be $13, while children 8 and under are $5. Faculty and staff normal rate applies.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be live streamed at https://www.wvwc.edu/livestream/

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 hosting its 10th North Central West Virginia Honor Band Nov. 6-8.  More than 100 students from 22 different schools around the state will arrive Thursday, Nov. 6. The students will spend three days on campus, engaging in rehearsals with distinguished faculty, touring campus, and participating in activities, making the honor band a highly rewarding and meaningful musical experience. 

The 2025 North Central West Virginia Honor Band conductors are WVWC Director of Athletic Bands Eliza Taylor ‘19 and WVWC Director of Jazz Ensembles Adam Loudin ‘07.

Taylor is conducting the high school honor band. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from WVWC and a Master of Music in flute performance with graduate certificates in instrumental conducting and music administration from The Ohio University School of Music.  Taylor has directed middle school and high school bands in North Central West Virginia. Her ensembles have most frequently achieved Superior “I” ratings and have also premiered works at West Virginia ratings festivals. 

Loudin will conduct the middle school band and is a dedicated music educator, conductor and performer with over 15 years of experience inspiring young musicians in West Virginia and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from WVWC and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Under his previous leadership at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston, both band and choir ensembles were repeatedly recognized as WVMEA State Middle School Honor Ensembles.

Taylor said, “I was one of the student volunteers coordinating this event in its first year. Our purpose then was to serve local schools in an honor band experience. It is humbling to see how much this event has grown and to see it serve students across the entire state. I am looking forward to the extensive amount of growth that happens to students who participate in events like this. To only spend a day or two on music for an entire concert with ensemble members you’ve never met before is a great experience for young musicians.”

The high school honor band concert will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8  in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. The middle school honor band concert will follow at 3 p.m. in the PAC. Admission is free to both concerts. 

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 School of Nursing is pleased to announce a School Health Nurse Certification Program starting Spring 2026, with applications now being accepted.  The program consists of two online courses totaling seven credit hours that can be completed in one academic semester.  

Director of the School of Nursing Kimberly White, PhD, MSN, RN, said, “The School of Nursing is pleased to be able to work with the West Virginia Department of Education in this endeavor to help alleviate shortages of certified registered nurses in the public school system in our state.  Our school nurses in West Virginia play a vital role in promoting students’ health and well-being. Certification ensures that RNs possess the specialized knowledge and skills needed to address the unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children in the school setting. 

“In West Virginia, where access to health care can be limited in rural areas, certified school nurses often serve as the primary health resource for students, bridging the gap between education and healthcare to support academic success and lifelong wellness.”

The second course, a school health nurse practicum, includes a one-hour clinical practicum in the school system either precepting a certified school nurse or having a certified school nurse mentor for those who are already full-time, first-class WV Department of Education employees in the school nurse setting.

Once both courses are successfully completed, students will be eligible to apply for certification through the WV Department of Education as a School Nurse. Tuition cost is $450.00 per credit hour. Admission requirements include a BSN from an accredited school of nursing and an active unencumbered West Virginia RN license.

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  – WV Dance Company will bring its touring program to West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. for a free performance courtesy of WVWC Arts Alive!

Recognized for both artistic achievement and excellence in arts education, WVDC has toured throughout West Virginia, as well as 14 other states, reaching tens of thousands of people each year. WV Dance Company’s current concert program for public venues has an evening that has something that people of all ages can enjoy together. 

The evening starts with a new work of choreography “Purple Emergence” by Toneta Akers-Toler to a new composition by Holden Akers-Toler ’16 based on the traditions of Blues and Caribbean music genres. Next will be world-renowned dance artist Gerri Houlihan’s duet, “In Your Dreams,” performed by Dane Toney and Emily Dodrill Akers. The first act will end with a group work by Houlihan, performed by the main company, to the delightful music of J. S. Bach. These works by Gerri Houlihan were created in Miami on her dance company and have been set on many dance companies and university programs. This group work, “Beyond Angels,” can only be described as uplifting and enjoyable. After intermission three more works will finish out an evening with highlights of joy, history, irony, intrigue and entertaining moments to offer some unique adventures for the entire audience. Dane Toney’s “Triptych” will explore Wisdom, Boredom, and Balance to music of J.S. Bach, Mark Davis and Michel Legrad. Donald Laney, past co-artistic director of WVDC will follow with a new solo that is always a highlight of WVDC’s touring season. 

The evening closes with Donald Laney’s “Bull Moose Special” that is performed to an original story and music composition by Adam Booth. This ending work with the powerful choreography that depicts the story has been a work that audience members everywhere have inquired for ways to experience again and again. That time is here! All the dance artists will send the audience home with their feet moving and their minds dancing! 

Dancers Emily Dodrill Akers, Toneta Akers-Toler, Kristen Fisher, Carsyn Harris, Bailey Heffernan, Donald Laney, Chloe Mansheim, Owen Tidd and Dane Toney will magically capture the many different styles of dance during the evening. Costumes and props will add to the kaleidoscopic visions of a multifaceted evening. 

Lighting design will be by Jacob Spruce ‘22.