News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Celebrating 30 years in bringing high-energy dance styles rooted in African culture, Step Afrika! will offer a free performance on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College Feb. 17. Made possible by funding from WVWC’s Arts Alive!, the performance is part of a line-up of events hosted by the Center for Cultural &  International Affairs to celebrate Black History Month.  The performance will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts from 7-8:30 p.m. 

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. 

In summer 2024, Governor’s School for the Arts students at WVWC traveled to Washington, D.C. to see Step Afrika!, one of the highlights of their visit to the nation’s capital.

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Alisa Lively said, “The Arts Alive! program complements Bobcat Entertainment by providing Wesleyan’s campus with numerous cultural activities, including concerts, dramatic productions, musical performances, modern dance and ballet, and lectures. Nationally and internationally renowned groups and artists provide a splash of cultural diversity and entertainment to the campus. We are so excited to welcome Step Afrika! back to our campus!”

Laurie Goux, director of the WVWC Center for Cultural & International Affairs, said, “One only has to witness this art form to see the roots of Appalachian percussive dances. Step Afrika! is breathtaking, uniquely blending culture and history to offer the best in “edutainment.”

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 –  Applications are now open for the second year of Governor’s School for the Arts on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The College previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016 and is in the middle of a three-year program ending summer 2026. Dates for Summer 2025 are June 22-July 12.

West Virginia Wesleyan College has a tremendous commitment to creative and performing arts.  Over the past two academic years, more than 100 students have enrolled in one of the College’s arts programs. 

The 2025 Governor’s School for the Arts will feature classes in acting, creative writing, ballet and modern dance, instrumental music, studio art, vocal music and the ever-changing field of digital media.

In addition, 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. 

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

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

Students who attended the 2024 GSA shared their thoughts: “Thank you very much for this opportunity. It has changed my life and perspective on how the arts are impactful.”

“I am going to miss this place, these activities, and these people so very much. I hope every artist can have this experience and fall even more in love with their craft.” 

“I loved it and I can’t thank all the staff who are involved enough. Thank you for making this a great experience.” 

Current sophomores can apply now at https://govschools.wv.gov/ before the Feb. 28 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 wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life will host the fourth annual WVWC Christian Ashram Jan. 24-26, 2025 at the Greek Alumni Room in 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. 

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 Mahatmas Gandhi. Jones modeled the Christian Ashram after the Hindu Ashram. 

Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. in the Greek Alumni Room featuring a free coffee bar on Friday, Jan. 24 and the Christian Ashram concludes Sunday, Jan. 26 at noon in the Greek Alumni Room. Dr. Justin Bowers, pastor of New Community Church, will play during worship on Saturday. The Christian Ashram is free to all current students at WVWC. All others will need to pay for their meals if they choose 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.

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

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 – Twenty-six Fall Semester West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were recently recognized at a program commemorating their academic achievement. All Fall graduates are invited to walk in the May 10 Commencement. 

President of West Virginia Wesleyan College Dr. James Moore asked graduates to think about the faculty, staff, fellow students, friends and family who helped them achieve success in their academic journeys and reminded them that this support does not end upon graduation.

He also encouraged the graduates to “keep dreaming big.”

“Dream big, don’t lose that sense of hope you have and know that whatever life throws at you, you have graduated from one of the finest institutions anywhere,” Moore said. “We have been doing this for 134 years. You’ve got this and we know it because you are absolutely the best measure of our success as an institution.”

The following is an official list of December graduates as of Dec. 10, 2024: Omolade Aderemi ’24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences; Electra Allembert ’24,  of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice; Loan Chau ’24, of Worcester, Massachusetts, Master of Science in Nursing; Madysan Chisholm ’24, of Waldorf, Maryland; Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Ashton Crosten ‘24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Hanna Davis ’24, of Elkins, West Virginia; Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; Kelsey Dean ’24, of Buckhanon, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Abigail Fowler ’24, of Hurricane, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education; Chelsey Fritz ’24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in English; Devin Johnson ’24, of Matthews, North Carolina, Five-Year Master of Business Administration; Kihiro Karasawa ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Physics; Victoria Klinger ’24, of Coalton, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Emily Lahman ’24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Management; Bree Moll ’24, of Craigsville, West Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Itsuki Muramatsu ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Kosei Nkamura ’24, of Japan, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Jaime Razo Jr. ‘24, of Tomball, Texas, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Bethani Rucker ‘24, of Hampton, Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Novalee Schmidt ‘24, of Inwood, West Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Elizabeth Sendling ‘24, of Coalton, West Virginia; Master of Science in Nursing; Christopher Taylor ‘24, of Leesburg, Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Crimimal Justice; Chance Walther ‘24, of Greenbank, West Virginia, Master of Science in Nursing; Colyn Webster ‘24, of Accokeek, Maryland, Bachelor of Science in Management; Nathan Whitman ‘24, of South Charleston, West Virginia; Bachelor of Arts in Religous Life Studies; and Gabriella Wolverton ‘24, of Exchange, West Virginia; Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

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

ABOUT 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 Campus Life has opened a gender-inclusive learning community for students. The learning community is a space for students who identify with the LGTBQ+ community and learning space that fosters security for those in the community.

The learning community moved to a different residence hall this year due to the need for a more accessible space. With the vast number of students in the LGBTQ+ community, the residence hall floor co-exists as a learning center. It was designed to foster relationships and a safe space.

Kenna Whitcomb, the assistant director of Campus Life, states, “The floor is a learning community designed to foster relationships and provide a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In this community, Resident Assistants implement programming surrounding current events, hardships, social, and educational opportunities that involve the LGBTQ+ community.”

Alongside the campus’s efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community, a student-led group on campus has been flourishing with events. PRISM, the queer-straight alliance on campus allows the LGTBQ+ community and allies to interact and discuss what is happening on campus and plan events that bring awareness to the community. 

Cadie Kittle, a junior and secretary of PRISM at West Virginia Wesleyan College states, “PRISM is WVWC’s queer-straight alliance. On campus, PRISM provides a space where students, no matter their identity, can feel empowered and supported. Education and Unity are two major drivers of the organization, and we hope to spread awareness on issues impacting the queer community.

“This semester, we brought back an event that was previously held by PRISM, but died out with the COVID-19 pandemic: the Coming Out Door. The event is held annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day. Students, faculty, and community members alike are invited to step through a door and symbolically ‘come out,’ a term used in the community that refers to an LGBTQ+ person disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. People were welcome regardless of identity, with many participants ‘coming out’ as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.”

The student-led group has also held discussions with Shauna Jones, director of the Counseling Center, to discuss self-acceptance and survivor’s guilt and with Title IX coordinator, Amy Kittle about LGBTQ+ rights and resources. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 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 – Two alumni who continue to support their alma mater and the work of the Black Student Union on campus at West Virginia Wesleyan College were recognized during a special Homecoming celebration.

Angel Riley ’99 and Dr. Robbie Quarles ’11 received the first annual Sankofa BSU Alumni Awards.

Sankofa is a Ghanaian adinkra symbol that means to go back and reclaim your past so you can move forward to understand how you came to be who you are today, according to Laurie Goux, director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs. It reminds us that we must continue to move forward as we remember the past and simultaneously plant a seed for future generations.

Riley, a member of the WVWC Board of Trustees, said, “ I am deeply honored to receive the Sankofa Award from the Black Student Union (BSU). This recognition reaffirms my commitment to giving back to the student organization that nurtured my growth. The BSU continues to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, enriching campus life and shaping each student’s experience in invaluable ways. Let us, as alumni, strengthen the BSU legacy of support and education so future generations continue to benefit.”

Quarles previously worked at WVWC as Director of Multicultural Programs and Services before moving to South University where he is Dean of Student Affairs.

“It was an honor to receive acknowledgment and accolades from the Black Student Union,” Quarles said. “The BSU was not only a cultural cornerstone of my college experience but also became a significant part of my professional journey as a staff member. Wesleyan will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m deeply grateful that the organization and the multicultural office continue to thrive in support of 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 Hon. Judge Michael J. Aloi ’80 will give the welcome for an upcoming statewide event as part of International Restorative Justice Week.

The Center for Restorative Justice at WVWC is working in partnership with the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project to hold talking circles around the state on Nov. 20. Aloi will give the welcome on Zoom followed by a brief presentation about restorative justice and talking circles by members of the West Virginia Restorative Justice Project advisory team.

Aloi serves as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia in Clarksburg.

This free Zoom event will take place with talking circles throughout the state from Buckhannon to Wheeling, Charleston, Martinsburg and many points in between.

To register and find out more information, visit https://www.wvrjp.org/wvrjpnov24

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.

To learn more or to register, visit https://www.wvrjp.org/wvrjpnov24

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel bringing together the campus and community for a heartwarming tradition that opens 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 Hughes, will offer a live performance of many traditional and loved carols as well as several unique selections.

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

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

Aladdin Food Service will serve a holiday menu to the community in French See Dining Hall from 4:30- 7 p.m. Cost for community members will be $12.

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.