News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  When he is not wielding a camera on the sidelines of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s athletic contests or crafting an endless stream of press releases, WVWC Sports Information Director Pete Galarneau ’98 may just be working on an idea for his next novel.

Two new books were published in time for the spooky season: “A Coupla’ Cool Cars”  and “The Trash Man and The Legend of Ashbury Creek.”

In the novella, “A Coupla’ Cool Cars,” Galarneau spins a story of a man returning to the West Virginia hills to handle family business during the COVID-19 pandemic. On a bike ride one day, an encounter with some people on a back road leads to an adventure.

“It was inspired by me being out riding and seeing a drift car where a drift car should not be,” Galarneau said. “The story is really about COVID. Anytime I write something, there is something about me that has to do with how I handle struggles in write. I write novels. I knew people who had died from COVID including some close family members. I kind of encapsulate those feelings. People who know me well will recognize that. People who don’t will just get a really good story.”

In the novel, “The Trash Man,” Galarneau sets the novel at a race track, an idea he first had in the early 1990s and had set aside until more recently. A man who picks up extra work during the summers at a local race track ends up making a deal with a shadow creature to save the life of a little girl who was very sick. However, the man pays a heavy price as readers will discover.

Although a published author, this is the first time Galarneau wrote two stories simultaneously. He began writing “The Trash Man” when the idea for “A Coupla’ Cool Cars” came to Galarneau on a bike ride.

Galarneau will have a book signing at Argo Books, Main Street, Buckhannon, on Friday, Nov. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. The books will be available exclusively at Argo Books and at petergalarneau.com

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-seven West Virginia Wesleyan College students had an incredible opportunity recently to travel to Washington, D.C.  for some high-impact professional networking and career development training.

The trip was hosted and sponsored by Tad Rupp, a partner at Targeted Victory, according to Dr. Justin Bowers, Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning at WVWC.

“He and his team helped plan an amazing day that included meetings on Capitol Hill with staff members from the office of both Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, “ Bowers said. “We also spent time at the Philips office where we heard from Angel Riley ’99, David Young ’87, Phil A. Hancock ’02 and Dana Madden regarding internship opportunities, professional branding, and high-impact relationships.

“The evening was full of inspiration from both Paul D. Daugherty ’00 and the honorable Kimberly Reed ’93 sharing about the impact they’ve had on the world and how it all started at Wesleyan. We ended the day with a beautiful rooftop reception looking over D.C.,” Bowers said.

Prior to the trip, students also had an opportunity to connect with many of the trustees and others during a networking dinner held Homecoming Week.

Zeinah Abdelsalam ’25, of United Arab Emirates, said, “Grateful to the shared wisdom of everyone involved in this trip, I ended the day in D.C. with a wealth of knowledge about the city’s professional and social culture. As a current student, it has also deepened my pride in being part of Wesleyan’s alumni network—a network that continuously gives back in ways that are both generous and transformative.”

Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, said, “I had been to Washington, D.C. once before as a sightseer, but it was a unique experience being able to bask in the professional world in our nation’s capital. As a political science major, exploring the opportunities in the field – from political consulting and lobbying to working for congressional staffs – and talking to passionate individuals gave me a renewed sense of confidence for my future.

“The biggest takeaway I can share from the trip is that no matter who you are or what your interests might be, there is a career path available. Work relentlessly to discover new horizons, and keep your eyes open at all times; you never know who or what you might bump into! Thank you to the faculty and alumni who helped organize this matchless event. It is a blessing to have such a dedicated network of support here at West Virginia Wesleyan College!”

Bowers added, “I cannot express how humbled I was to be in the presence of such knowledge, experience, and passion. Each of our guests, and so many Wesleyan alumni demonstrated servant leadership and our students soaked in the day.

“The other side of this was how well our students engaged. They took risks, stepped out of comfort zones, and represented themselves and Wesleyan with poise and coachability. It was a proud day to be a Bobcat and I was reminded of the gift of this role I am in.”

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 – Awake your senses! The Rustic Mechanicals are proud to present Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Julius Caesar to West Virginia Wesleyan College as part of their 2024 Lend Me Your Ears Tour! The Mechanicals have performed on the beautiful campus of WVWC several times, their latest performance being The Tempest for the Governor’s School for the Arts. Founded by Celi Oliveto in the summer of 2014, The Rustic Mechanicals is the only troupe of actors in the state dedicated to touring the works of William Shakespeare and other classical playwrights.

In Shakespeare’s epic political tragedy, Caesar returns from war, all-conquering, but mutiny is rumbling through the corridors of power as the race to claim the empire spirals out of control. This production, dedicated to replicating Shakespeare’s true-to-life staging conditions, will feature modern music, a three-quarter thrust, and audience interaction that is sure to entertain, enthrall, and embrace the attention and hearts of its audience. 

Jim Warren, director of the Mechanical’s Julius Caesar, reiterates his wonder for the relevance of this piece to a modern world. “The world of Shakespeare’s JC is not black and white, it’s shades of gray in ways that can be gripping, loving, noble, thrilling, sometimes funny, and sometimes just plain stupid. That’s our world too. That’s why this play is about us. We hope our production makes you think, makes you laugh, makes you feel. Join us on the journey, become one of the thundering hearts pounding throughout West Virginia this fall. And don’t slip on all that blood on the floor; there’s a lot of it.”

 

Directed by Jim Warren, alongside Intimacy Director and Fight Choreographer Jessica Morgan, assisted by Matthew Fry, Voice & Text Coach Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, and Dramaturg John S. Shirley, with Technical Direction by Justin Grow, Production Design by Jason A Young, original Hair, Make-Up, and SFX Design by Samantha Huffman, and Production Management by Niki DeWitt, the Mechanicals featured in this production include Josh Brooks, Seret Cole, Isaac Covey, Derek Hess ’23, Stephen Phillips, Sinead Tobin, Jason A Young, and Sarah Young. 

Tommy Schoffler, Professor of Theatre at WVWC, is thankful for the opportunity to host the Mechanicals. “WV Wesleyan is committed to the arts and we love hosting WV’s only professional touring Shakespeare company. It’s especially wonderful to see some of our graduates working with the troupe and to hear their stories from the road. The Mechanicals are sponsored by our Arts Alive! Series, which brings live performances to Buckhannon, free for everyone in the community.”

The Mechanicals will be touring the historical play Julius Caesar throughout the fall months for schools and educational purposes. The Mechanicals focus on making Shakespeare’s plays accessible to modern audiences by utilizing dynamic and extreme casting techniques paired with Shakespeare’s staging conditions. For more information on booking these touring shows, you can email vtcrusticmechanicals@gmail.com. 

This performance of Julius Caesar will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center on West Virginia Wesleyan’s campus in Buckhannon on November 1. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and all tickets are free! Show your support for this event on the Mechanicals’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RusticMechanicals!”

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 – Area youth are invited to a short concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats for some ghoulish tunes, sweet treats and a “spooktacular” time.

A brief but festive Halloween Concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Aside from a smattering of some Halloween—themed tunes, children in costume will be treated to some goodies. 

Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Robert Palmer said, “The opportunity to perform for a younger crowd will be one of the highlights of the season. The band will dress up in their own costumes and let loose for the kids who come. Having performed in concerts like this in the past, I know both the audience and band will have an excellent time!

“Children who come will have the opportunity to showcase their costumes, win prizes, and get some candy at the end. Being the first time we’ve ever done something like this, I’m anxious to see the turnout from the Upshur County community.”

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 Department of Theatre & Dance presents a murder mystery whodunnit that would baffle even the greatest detectives:

Three years ago, rising actor Derry Freefall was poisoned onstage during a performance, but her killer was never found. Now, auditions for roles at national theatres from across the nation are interrupted by a murder most ridiculous, and hysteria reigns as egos are unleashed and we see just how good bad actors can be at lying to their audiences! No one is safe as the clues bring us closer and closer to the truth. Oh, the humanity!  Oh, the drama! Oh, the overacting! There’s food, there’s music, there are laughs and zany antics galore as we try to solve one of the craziest mysteries to hit the stage!

The show is written and directed by Dr.  Greg Mach, associate professor, who explained that the show includes scripted and improvised segments so no two shows are the same.

“We started doing these dinner theatre mysteries 10 years ago, and we have such a blast every time,” he said. “It’s a great way to showcase our talent and the great food at these restaurants. The audience has so much fun because they are a part of the action- they have to figure out ‘whodunnit,’ or sit back and laugh while other people figure it all out. Either way, it’s two hours of fun, great food, and great music.”

“Doing these shows helps our students to learn the ins and outs of improvisational theatre. They never know what the audience will say or will ask them, so they have to figure out how to answer in character and in a way that will help their character get away with it, or implicate another character, or just move the plot along. And usually they’ll give us a good laugh along the way.”

Cast members include Makya Bradshaw ’28, of Summersville, West Virginia as ZaZa; Leigh Rice ’28, of Philippi, West Virginia as Mel; Sadie Huynh ’28, of Princeton, West Virginia, as Sam; Kostadena Matina Hartley ’27, of Buckhannon, as KC; Elijah W. Dickey ’27, of Chloe, West Virginia; as Ollie; Rhyan Sebring ’27, of Caldwell, Ohio, as Juice and WVWC’s Director of the MFA Program Dr. Doug Van Gundy as ChaCha.

Stage Manager is Emme Castellow and Hartley is the assistant stage manager and costumes.

Mach added,“Students learn how to build broad characters and play in a variety of spaces, adjusting the show each time they tour the show to a new venue. The Department of Theatre & Dance makes no profit from the shows, but uses them to help local businesses pull in new customers who might not have been to the venue before. It’s a lovely partnership between the C ollege and the local communities.”

Performances:

Nov. 10, 2 p.m.  The Lodge in Alpena, Bowden, WV

Menu:
Strychnine Salad with Fresh Bread
Petite Cyanide Filet
VX Mashed Potatoes
Arsenic Green Beans
Pineapple and Hemlock Upside Down Cake or Sarin Cheesecake
Price: $50

To make reservations, please call 304-636-1470

 

Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., French See Dining Hall at WV Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV (College Community with ID only)

Menu:

Hemlock and Pasta Salad
Strychnine Garlic Bread Sticks
Lasagna (Beef, Cyanide, and Vegetarian)
Nightshade Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine (for nut allergies)
Tetrodotoxin Cupcakes and Amotoxin Brownies

Price: Free with meal plan, or $11.53 for Wesleyan Community, friends, and family

Phone number/email for reservations: 304-473-8037/theatreboxoffice@wvwc.edu

 

Nov. 15, 6 p.m., The Lunch Box, Elkins, WV

Menu:

Cyanide Salad Bar
Deadly Nightshade Baked Steak”
Tetrodotoxin Mashed Potatoes
Strychnine Green Beans
Arsenic Cobbler
Uranium Tea and Soft Drinks

Price: $35

Info and reservations at: (304) 642–6083

Nov. 16, 6:30pm, Lambert’s Winery, Weston, WV

Menu:
Fresh Strychnine Salad
Chardonnay and Mercury Baked Chicken Breast
Garlic and Cyanide Baby Baked Potatoes
Tetrodotoxin Green Beans
Hot Baked Arsenic Artisan Rolls
Assorted Amatoxins Gourmet Desserts
Pay bar with Domestic Beer and Six Lambert Wines to choose from

Price: $45

Website for reservations:  lambertswinery.com. and  (304) 269-4903

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 – Hannah Lively, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College, began the “Lunch Bunch” program at Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to bridge the gap between students in 4th to 5th grade and adults with diverse backgrounds.

Students, including many athletes from West Virginia Wesleyan College, have been visiting Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to eat lunch and converse with students from diverse backgrounds. 

Raveena Navaglund ‘26, a captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team stated, “Attending the diversity luncheon reminded me how important it is to celebrate our differences and find common ground at a young age. Seeing the kids embrace each other’s cultures with curiosity and respect was truly inspiring. My favorite part was witnessing how open-minded and eager they were to learn from one another and us college students.”

Ella Gomez ‘26, a team captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team, as well, stated, “Attending the luncheon was a wonderful experience. I learned how important it is to provide positive diverse role models for kids at such a young age. 

“My favorite part was when we introduced ourselves and our backgrounds. I was proud to say I came from a biracial family, and relating to the other biracial kids brought a meaningful sense of belonging despite our age difference! I look forward to attending the next one.”

This program was started due to Lively’s vision to bring students with diverse backgrounds together in the community. Young students have the opportunity to engage in intentional, positive interactions. 

Lively, alongside West Virginia Wesleyan College, wants to ensure students are supported and have a safe space at all times. Many hands and hearts have been supporting this initiative within the walls of BAES. Adam White, Principal – BAES, William Squires, – Vice Principal – BAES, Kirsten Coit-Fetty, counselor at BAES, and Jaeneika Westfall, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School alumna, have each been a helpful source in bridging the gap in staff awareness and student support. 

Lively states, “Partnering with WVWC and sharing common goals, roles, and backgrounds can strengthen our community within the education system to prepare all students for successful futures.”

It is Lively’s goal to include topics such as unconscious bias, Diversity vs. Inclusion, and offer Q&A sessions for students. She also hopes to find funding for books that represent cultures and positive messages to include at the visits. This program has sparked parents’ attention which in turn has created a diversity committee at BAES. The committee includes parents and PTO representatives wishing to broaden the reach to all grade levels.

 

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 welcomed six new trustees to the Board of Trustees during Friday’s Founders Day Convocation bringing  years of  experience across diverse fields including education, health care and law.

Sam Fox ’86 earned his J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law in 1980 and is a health care layer at Flaherty Sensabaugh and Bonasso PLLC in Charleston, specializing in medical malpractice, defense, risk management and health care licensing. He has served as chair of the West Virginia State Bar’s Law and Medicine Committee and teaches business law and sports law at the University of Charleston.

Stephen Ranjan ’01 earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from WVWC and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. He is the Global Head of Digital Health for Roche Pharma personalized healthcare where he and his team are leading, co-creating and implementing the next generation of digital health concepts across the Roche Pharma functions and the Roche Group. With more than 20-plus years of experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device and health IT industry, Ranjan has extensive experience driving open innovation and establishing novel collaborations with customers and technology players such as Amazon, Verily and other digital health startups.

Danette Ifert Johnson ’90 is provost of Kalamazoo College in Michigan where she oversees academic vision, faculty development, curriculum and student access to experiential learning. Johnson also serves as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Johnson earned her B.A. in speech communication and history from WVWC, a master’s in educational psychology from WVU and a master’s and doctorate in communication studies from Northwestern University.

The Rev. Debra Wallace-Padgett began her new role as Bishop of the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in September. She also continues as Bishop of the Holston Conference. Wallace-Padgett holds degrees from Berea College, Scarritt College, Lexington Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. She was first elected a Bishop of the UMC at the 2012 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.

Dr. Jesse Oldroyd serves as chair of the faculty senate at WVWC. He is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2010 and his Master of Science and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Idaho, specializing in applied harmonic analysis. He has been a member of the faculty at WVWC since 2016.

Brenda Friend ’07 earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Multicategorical Special Education and Specific Learning Disabilities K-5, 6-A) and went on to teach at Buckhannon-Upshur High School and write project-based learning, assessments and content standards for the West Virginia Department of Education. She has been the assistant controller at WVWC since March 2012 and is a professional income tax preparer and enrolled agent. Friend is staff council chair.

The six new trustees join Brian Brouillette ’82, Michael Bush ’10, Jason Fiegel ‘00, Jamion Wolford ’08, Bill Fahrner ’96 and MBA ’02; David Young ’87; Martha Ognibene ’79, Arria Foster-Hines ’95, Alan Letton, Rev. Dr. Ellis Conley ’73, Justin Raber ’08, Craig Welsh ’93, Kevin Spear ’16, Angel Riley ’99, Rev. Amy Shanholtzer ‘87, Curtis Wilkerson ’99, and Sadie Nichols ’25, as president of the Student Senate.

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 – Building on a 134-year mission of academic excellence, service to others and equipping leaders, West Virginia Wesleyan College continues to rack up accolades in the prestigious college rankings programs. The College received the top 10 for Best Value in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges and is one of the Best Regional Colleges by The Princeton Review.

Under the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, the College was ranked ninth for Best Value amongst Regional Colleges in the South, and 30th overall in the same area.  West Virginia Wesleyan College was the only West Virginia higher education institution to earn a Best Value Ranking.

West Virginia Wesleyan is also listed as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility which measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants. 

 Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ‘01 said, “We’ve experienced two consecutive years of overall growth, over 10% in that time.  With West Virginia freshman enrollment up 20% and a 40% growth in graduate enrollment, it is clear that students and families value a Wesleyan education and recognize it as the premiere education in our region.  West Virginia Wesleyan continues to provide critical solutions to market needs.”

In determining Best Value Schools, U.S. News & World Report considered academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. 

More than 95 percent of WVWC students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships. WVWC awards academic scholarships up to $18,000 per year, which can be combined with co-curricular scholarships (athletics, creative arts, community service), the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship, and all outside scholarships obtained by incoming students.

 

The U.S. News & World Report rankings follow the College’s listing in the ‘Best in the Mid-Atlantic’ section of The Princeton Review’s “2025 Best Colleges: Region by Region” publication in August.

College Raptor, a leading college planning platform, also selected West Virginia Wesleyan College as one of its Hidden Gem Colleges in the Southeast, based on graduation rates, retention, student-to-faculty ratio, endowment per student and other metrics via the National Center for Education Statistics.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host Fall Open Houses Oct. 26 and Nov. 16, giving prospective students the opportunity to discover how they can find their place at their Home Among the Hills. For more information, visit www.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 – An alum of West Virginia Wesleyan College who discovered his call for pastoral ministry after a 15-year law career will be the speaker at the annual Homecoming Chapel Service Sunday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m.

Monty Brown ’74 earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Religion from West Virginia Wesleyan College and then attended law school. After being admitted to the WV State Bar in 1977, he practiced law for 15 years in Marion County,
including two terms as the elected prosecuting attorney.

In 1992, Monty quit running from a call to pastoral
ministry and attended The Methodist Theological School
in Ohio. He was ordained an elder in the United
Methodist Church, and served in active pastoral ministry
for 25 years before retiring.

Now an artist, represented by Gallery Eleven, Brown has many wondering if the lawyer turned pastor turned artist will ever decide what to be when he grows up.

Along the way he was blessed with 50 years with his late wife, Jane Wentz Brown, and with two children, Josh and Bethany, and five grandchildren. Since his retirement from active pastoral ministry, Monty is occasionally called upon to fill a pulpit. But, he is always clear that he is no longer a preacher. He is a storyteller.

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; 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 lead of an agency that cultivates full participation of all people in the work, witness and life of The United Methodist Church will be the keynote speaker during West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Founders Day Convocation at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in Wesley Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo is General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race.

A native of Puerto Rico, Arroyo migrated to New York City as a young boy where he recognized and answered his call into ministry at Knickerbocker United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Beginning his ministry 

In the New York Annual Conference, Arroyo was one of three chaplains at Bellevue Hospital in New York City during the Sept. 11 attacks. 

Arroyo was recruited to the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church to help in a new Latino church start in 2004. Currently, he is an Elder of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference where he chairs the conference Hispanic/Latino ministries and is an advisor to the Racial Advocacy team, Call to Action Team and Intercultural Competency team. 

In 2019, Arroyo was invited to join The General Commission on Religion and Race where he is the team leader for program ministries responsible for overseeing all the programmatic initiatives and resources of the agency worldwide. Arroyo has developed training and curriculum around intercultural competence, conversations on race and institutional equity. He facilitates groups using different methodologies across the globe and relates to the ongoing development of GCORR work in the Central Conferences. Over the last eight years, Arroyo has administered 80 projects as the agency grant administrator for the CORR Action Fund. 

Arroyo holds a Master’s of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from the University of the Cumberlands, Doctor of Ministry on Transformational Leadership in the Wesleyan Perspective from Wesley Theological Seminary in partnership with Cambridge University: Methodist House of Studies in Cambridge, United Kingdom and a Pastoral Care Skills certificate from Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute of Mental Health and Religion.

Founders Day Convocation is part of Homecoming Weekend. For the full schedule, visit www.wvwc.edu/homecoming 

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; 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.