News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Twenty-one West Virginia Wesleyan College students gained valuable experience this summer through a variety of research internships that culminated with presenting their research at the INBRE Symposium held at Marshall University.

Curtis Litton ‘26, of Duck, West Virginia, gained experience at WVU’s Health Sciences Center under the INBRE program, investigating the impact of Type 2 diabetes on heart function. The research focused primarily on the effects of diabetes on mitochondria, which are organelles that play a critical role in producing the energy needed for the heart to pump properly.

“We came away with some intriguing results which I was then able to present at INBRE’s summer research symposium at Marshall University,” Litton said. The internship was a great way for me to not only gain more experience in the field of biomedical research but also to learn more about myself. I feel as though it gave me great insight as to how a career in scientific research would work for me and helped solidify my intent to pursue that career path.”

Annalise Gentilozzi ’26, of Clarksburg, West Virignia  worked on a retinal gene therapy project focused on PROM1-associated cone-rod dystrophy. I was responsible for preparing and analyzing an animal model that received AAV-PROM1 subretinal injections,” she said. “My work included cryostat slicing of retinal tissue, immunohistochemistry and expansion microscopy to visualize structural details of the outer nuclear layer.” 

“This experience shaped both my technical and professional skills,” Gentilozzi said. “I developed precision and dexterity in lab procedures. When looking towards a career in dentistry, these skills directly translate to the fine motor skills required in dentistry. Being a part of the research team showed me how science can directly impact patient care, which ultimately shows the reason why people go into health care.”

Mariam Al-Zoubi ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, spent her summer at Marshall University studying pro-inflammatory cytokines related to the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

“Using methods of tissue culture, protein extraction and Western Blot, I studied the expression of certain pro-inflammatory proteins in intestinal mucosa,” she said. “This experience was very beneficial for me because not only did I become equipped with knowledge about the importance of literature and differing research methods in the lab, I was also able to work in a professional setting that allowed me to expand on my ideas for my future.”

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 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 wvw

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – On Oct. 3, the WE LEAD Invisible Illness team at West Virginia Wesleyan College will host its annual Suicide Prevention Walk. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of Wesley Chapel, where participants can create a small luminary bag. The community is invited to attend. 

The walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the chapel steps, proceed through campus towards and through the RiverWalk, and return to the Chapel steps. Collaborating WE LEAD Teams will also hand out informational handouts and glowsticks throughout the walk. Afterwards, at the Chapel steps, Shauna Jones, Director of Counseling Services at WVWC, will give a keynote address about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention while the luminaries are lit. All students and community members are encouraged to join us in raising awareness and supporting mental health.

“Walking through darkness, we carry the light of hope, reminding each other that even in the deepest shadows, we are not alone,” LouMasi Lott ‘26, Invisible Illness Team Representative, said. “Every step forward is a step towards preventing suicide and illuminating a path to healing.”

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 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 was recognized as the No. 2 Best Value School by U.S.  News and World Report – the only regional college in West Virginia to earn a Best Value Ranking in the 2026 Best Colleges publication.

Under the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, the College was also named a Best Regional College in the South. West Virginia Wesleyan is listed as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility, which measures how well schools enroll and graduate students who received federal Pell Grants. 

The College, celebrating 135 years of equipping students for the future,  is also one of 98 institutions of higher learning listed in the Princeton Review 2026 Best Colleges, Best in the Mid-Atlantic list.  The Princeton Review recognized 631 colleges for 2026 considered academically outstanding.

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ‘01 said, “With continued success in enrollment, including a 38% growth in graduate students this year and 100% enrollment in our first LPN to BSN pathway cohort,  it is clear that students and families value a Wesleyan education and recognize it as the premier education in our region.  West Virginia Wesleyan continues to provide critical solutions to our region’s needs, including the recent announcement of a Physician Assistant program.”

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.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host Fall Open Houses Oct. 25 and Nov. 8, giving prospective students the opportunity to discover how they can find their place at their Home Among the Hill.  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  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  –  Join West Virginia Wesleyan College’s  Center for Cultural and International Affairs at West Virginia at A Taste of Africa sampling African goods and drinks and experiencing West African culture with the Pittsburgh-based Balafon West African Dance Ensemble.

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 3-6 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Sample African food and drinks from 3-4 p.m. WVWC graduate student Sharon Nansikombi ‘26 will also give a presentation on Ugandian Independence. 

Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, a dynamic performance company that celebrates West Africa’s rich cultural traditions through dance, music, and community engagement, will perform at 4 p.m. Founded by the late Mama Kadiatou Conte in 1997 and established as a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit in 2010, Balafon carries forward a vibrant legacy of cultural expression and artistic excellence. Balafon offers enriching opportunities to experience the joyful spirit of traditional dance. The ensemble’s dedication to preserving and sharing West African cultural heritage, particularly celebrating the contributions of women, makes them a vital force in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. Through classes, performances, and community programs, Balafon continues to inspire and educate while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Following the performance, Balafon will give a hands-on workshop in drum and dance from 5-6 p.m. 

Experience the vibrant energy of West African dance and music with Balafon West African Dance Ensemble! Born from a love of dance in 1997 under the leadership of Mama Kadiatou Conte, this Pittsburgh-based group brings the heart and soul of dance traditions from Guinea, Senegal and beyond to life. When you see Balafon perform, you’ll be swept away by colorful costumes, powerful drums, joyful songs, and dancers who move with both grace and power. Whether you’re catching a show, taking a class, or joining one of their community events, Balafon welcomes everyone to share in the joy and spirit of West African culture.

 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 French A. See Dining Center has received some upgrades aimed at enhancing students’ on-campus dining experience.

New flooring installed in Spring 2025 has now been complemented with new dining furniture and the hall has been freshly painted. Tables and chairs in a neutral color scheme have now been added to the dining hall. The new tables include some at counter-top height, allowing for intimate seating looking across campus. Additional lounge seating has been added to the perimeter, providing more places for students to connect. 

The upgrades are courtesy of current Board of Trustees members, as well as former Trustees.  Their focus was to enhance a space that students utilize every day.  

Kevin Spear ‘76, chair of the WVWC Board of Trustees, said, “Both current and former Trustees wanted to provide tangible evidence of our ongoing support of the forward movement of our College.  What better way to do so than by updating the fundamental center of our campus for current and future students?”

French A. See Dining Center opened in 1995, and this is the first time a complete overhaul including new furniture, has happened in 30 years. The first class to fully use the new dining center during their four years at WVWC was the Class of 1999, with some of them joining the Board of Trustees in donating to the initiative. 

Student Senate President Brayton Boggs ‘27 said, “Not only is the dining hall a place for students to decompress and enjoy their meals, but it is also a setting where conversations and laughter flourish. These improvements provide for a more welcoming environment and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.”

“On behalf of the entire Wesleyan community, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our energetic Board of Trustees for sponsoring this project.”

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 is thrilled to announce the return of the acclaimed Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra (PJO) for a special concert as part of its annual Homecoming program.

Following an outstanding and highly popular performance in 2023, the PJO will once again grace the stage on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts.

Known for their talent and dedication to preserving Pittsburgh’s rich jazz legacy, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra promises an evening of electrifying music that will captivate the audience. As Pittsburgh’s premiere big band, local jazz musicians unite to perform a broad scope of jazz styles in orchestral format. They have much to teach audiences about the history and language of jazz. You will not want to miss this opportunity to hear one of the country’s most prolific modern jazz ensembles.

This performance is back by popular demand, reflecting the success of their last appearance at WVWC—and showcases the musical talent of the College’s president, Dr. James Moore, as a member of this ensemble!

The concert is a cornerstone event of Wesleyan’s Homecoming festivities, offering a unique opportunity for both the college community and local residents to experience world-class jazz.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra back to campus for Homecoming,” said Liz Short, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement. “Their 2023 concert was truly memorable, and we know this year’s performance will be just as spectacular. We encourage not only our alumni but also the entire Buckhannon, north central, and central West Virginia community to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable night of jazz.”

Tickets are $20 per person, and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/WVWCPJO, or at the door, as available. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now. Don’t miss this chance to experience the vibrant sounds of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra!

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Today, West Virginia Wesleyan College announces the launch of its new Physician Assistant (PA) Program, marking a significant stride in our ongoing commitment to healthcare education and workforce development, while filling a critical gap in rural healthcare delivery. 

The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Pending successful achievement of this status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting, West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates welcoming its inaugural PA class in May 2028 to Battlers Knob in Philippi.

President Dr. James Moore said, “West Virginia Wesleyan College is excited and proud to make this announcement. As the region’s leader in care-centered healthcare education, we believe that it’s central to our mission to launch programs that will produce graduates who will improve the healthcare outcomes of West Virginians and Appalachians. We are grateful to our healthcare partners for their guidance and partnership in this exciting new program.”

There are currently hundreds of job openings for PAs in West Virginia, demonstrating the need for more graduates.

Entrance into Physician Assistant schools is highly competitive, and roughly one-fourth of applicants are accepted. There are five PA programs in the Mountain State, but none are located geographically between Charleston and Morgantown.   

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “The physician assistant profession is essential to meeting the growing healthcare needs of West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. By launching this program, we are preparing skilled, compassionate providers who will expand access to care, strengthen healthcare systems, and build healthier communities. This is not only an investment in our students, but a legacy that will shape lives and reaffirm West Virginia Wesleyan College’s leadership in healthcare education and workforce development.”

The PA Program at Wesleyan is designed to prepare compassionate, highly-skilled medical professionals through a blend of rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. 

Deanna Leach, DMSc, PA-C, has been hired as the program’s first director, bringing a clinical background as a physician assistant and serving as associate director of the previous program at the former Alderson Broaddus University. Most recently, Dr. Leach has served as assistant director of the PA program at West Liberty University.

On Sept. 10 at 3 p.m., WVWC will host an event at Battlers Knob in Philippi. The public is invited to attend to formally celebrate the announcement and partnerships.

Since the closure of Alderson Broaddus University, WVWC has partnered with Battlers Knob to plan and execute in-person programs and services. The first, an LPN to BSN Pathway, launched this fall and is at 100% capacity with a waiting list. Beginning in Spring 2026, the hybrid program will see students return to Battlers Knob for clinicals. 

Glen E. Combs, Ed.D. (HC), PA, is president of the Hu C. Myers Association and an alum of the ABU PA Program.

Combs added, “The establishment of a new program to educate future PAs is a monumental step forward for the health and well-being of our communities. It signifies a strong commitment by West Virginia Wesleyan to educate skilled medical practitioners, particularly in our state’s rural and underserved regions. By educating a new generation of compassionate and competent PAs, we are not only enriching our local workforce but also ensuring that more West Virginians have access to the quality medical care that they deserve. This new PA program will be a beacon of opportunity, fostering educational excellence and building a healthier future for all.”

Adding the Physician Assistant Program builds on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the greater Appalachian region through its BSN, Nursing Practitioner and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees and the more recent establishment of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Addiction Certificate. 

ABOUT WVWC’s APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION-PROVISIONAL
West Virginia Wesleyan College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates matriculating its first class in May 2028, pending achieving Accreditation – Provisional status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. If the West Virginia Wesleyan College Physician Assistant Program does not achieve Accreditation-Provisional status as planned, students will not matriculate and will receive a full refund of tuition and deposits. Please note that this does not include fees paid by applicants to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

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 is set to welcome over 390 new students for fall semester 2025 across all programs, continuing an overall enrollment increase of 10% since 2022.

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ‘01 said, “We are so excited to welcome freshmen and transfer students for orientation activities this weekend.  I am proud of the work of our admissions and financial aid teams, coaches, faculty, and staff for these enrollment successes in a challenging climate.

“It is also heartening to welcome new students to our diverse array of graduate programs and to our new LPN to BSN pathway program, truly illustrating the many doors to a Wesleyan education.”

The College’s new LPN to BSN program, announced over the summer, welcomes its first full cohort. The hybrid online program includes clinical days at WVWC in the first semester and at the Battlers Knob campus in Philippi for subsequent semesters. 

Graduate enrollment has increased by 37% over 2024 and 117% since 2023. The Master’s in Counseling Program, launched in 2024, continues to grow with a new addictions certificate added this fall. An online EMBA program tailored to working professionals was also recently added to the existing MBA, nursing, creative writing and athletic training graduate programs. 

The new first-time and transfer full-time students represent both geographic diversity and academic achievement. Forty-four percent hail from West Virginia, representing 38 of the state’s 55 counties. Another 46% are from out of state, representing 25 states, while 10% are international students from 25 different countries. The incoming class average GPA is 3.45 with 20% reporting a 4.0.

The 10 most popular majors among the incoming class include business administration, pre-nursing, exercise science, psychology, biology, sports business, computer science, criminal justice, physics/engineering and education.

Undergraduate students will participate in orientation activities on Saturday, Aug. 16, including meetings with faculty and staff, lunch with President James Moore, the Bobcat Street Fair where families interact with local businesses and community members, and activities for both parents and students to prepare them for transition to college.  

Classes for the Fall 2025 semester will begin on August 18 and campus will welcome alumni and families back for Homecoming Weekend Sept. 26-29.

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 Board of Trustees recently voted to extend the contract of President Dr. James Moore through June 30, 2032, a move that affirms the institution’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the College’s future.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce our unanimous decision to extend Dr. Moore’s contract through June 30, 2032,” said Kevin Spear, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “This renewal reflects our deep confidence in Dr. Moore’s ability to continue to elevate our College, strengthen its academic programs, and further its ongoing mission of excellence in serving the needs of our region.”

Moore came to West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2006, serving as Director of Jazz Ensembles and Professor of Music. He then was appointed to Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty for five years. The board appointed Moore as interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan in 2022, making it official in 2023.

Since stepping into the presidency, Moore has continually underscored the role West Virginia Wesleyan College has to play in Appalachia by working to solve problems such as the demand for more clinical mental health counselors and health care professionals. 

Moore played a pivotal role in securing transformative partnerships and investments including the $1.2 million collaborative gift from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia to launch the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

WVWC recently announced the establishment of a new LPN to RN pathway program utilizing the Battlers Knob campus in
Philippi. Students will start the mostly online program with in-person clinicals at WVWC their first semester and then transition to the Battler’s Knob campus for the remainder of the program. 

A partnership with Mon Health System/Vandalia Health guarantees scholarships and employment for WVWC nursing graduates. There has also been the expansion of local and regional collaborations with Upshur County Schools, Valley Health, Behavioral Health Associates, City of Buckhannon/Colonial Arts Center, and Notre Dame High School.

Total enrollment has grown by 10% since 2022, marking two consecutive years of increased enrollment and a projected continuation of that growth into Fall 2025. The most significant increase has come at the graduate level. Graduate program enrollment has increased by 40 percent since 2023 with the introduction of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, new addiction and recovery certificate, and executive (online) MBA programs. 

This fall, WVWC will welcome its first Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity students to campus.

Campus and facility enhancements have also flourished during Moore’s tenure. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, new multi-purpose stadium lighting at the Cebe Ross Field has been installed allowing the return of nighttime games and events at the stadium. Seating upgrades at Rockefeller Gymnasium will be complete in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Renovations at McCuskey Hall and upgrades to the French A. See Dining Center, including new seating and flooring (set for Fall 2025 completion) were also made. The tennis complex received new enhancement including a striking Wesleyan-themed resurfacing and a new scoreboard. WVWC’s iconic Wesley Chapel steeple received a much-needed refresh. 

Moore oversaw a reimagining of the Office of Advancement, resulting in the highest Wesleyan Fund total in 20 years – with all donor gifts directly benefiting students. With Moore’s leadership, there has been the reestablishment of alumni trust and engagement, achieving 50% growth in the College’s alumni participation rate.  Due to Moore’s vision, the Office of Advancement also recently spearheaded the creation of the Wesleyan Athletics Endowment, ensuring long-term support for WVWC athletic programs. 

Moore said, “I am humbled and honored that the Board of Trustees has affirmed their confidence in the great work we’re doing at WVWC. Since 2006, this place has been my home and my passion, and I am excited to continue to be a member of this community for the next seven years.”

With this renewed leadership, West Virginia Wesleyan College remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience that supports its students, faculty, and the broader Appalachian region.

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 community is mourning the sudden loss of Dr. George Albert “Bert” Popson Jr., Department of Physics and Engineering chair and long-time professor for nearly 36 years. Popson passed away July 14, 2025. 

Popson, originally from Kittanning, Pennsylvania, earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and a master’s from IUP in 1986. He completed his Ph.D. in physics from Clemson University in 1989 and began teaching at West Virginia Wesleyan College Sept. 1, 1989. After teaching at the secondary level and a career in the private sector, Popson found his true passion at the collegiate level. 

Popson mentored thousands of students in the classroom and through summer research projects who went on to pursue graduate degrees and careers with NASA and major companies across the globe.

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder, said, “Dr. Bert Popson’s legacy goes far beyond the classroom or lab. For more than 35 years, he poured his heart into West Virginia Wesleyan College — mentoring students, supporting his peers, recruiting tirelessly for the Department of Physics and Engineering, and doing it all with a smile and sincere care for those around him. His presence will be profoundly missed, but the goodness he brought to our College community will never be forgotten.”

Professor of Physics and Engineering Dr. Joseph Wiest, who is retiring after 52 years, added, “All of us in the Department of Physics and Engineering at West Virginia Wesleyan College are grieving over the sudden and unexpected loss of Bert Popson. I was the department chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering at West Virginia Wesleyan College when we had the privilege of hiring Bert over 35 years ago.”

Wiest recalled Popson had recently graduated with his Ph.D. in solid state physics from Clemson University and set up undergraduate lecture and laboratory classes on that topic as well as teaching electronics and introductory physics classes.

“He was a great teacher who was deeply appreciated by all of his students and his co-workers in all of these years. He had a fine mind, always carried a smile on his face, and was always available to help a fellow teacher or student who had a need of any kind,” Wiest said. “Out of the classroom, he loved to take his bicycle out into the countryside on a beautiful day and to ride for miles at a time. He was a member of the state and national branches of the American Association of Physics Teachers and presented talks to those groups of college teachers.”

Popson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the Appalachian Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 2007.  He served as president of the organization in 1999 and made numerous presentations on improving physics teaching at AAPT meetings. 

“Bert will be sorely missed by all of us at Wesleyan in the sciences and in all of the other teaching areas, and by all of the students who took his classes over all of these years,” Wiest said. “He represented the best in teaching to all of his students and to all of his fellow teachers at the College.  He was unfailingly kind and approachable, and always found time for those in need.”

Popson’s classes at WVWC grew to include engineering thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, materials lab and advanced engineering lab. During his time at WVWC, Popson also served as advisor for the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honorary Society. His research interests included cryogenics, superconductors, wind tunnels, X-ray crystallography, heat pumps, strength of materials and magnetic resonance.

Associate Professor Dr. Tracey DeLaney, said, “Bert was instrumental to the growth and strength of the Department of Physics and Engineering, having negotiated the articulations agreement with our partner universities for our dual degree engineering program.  But far more than that, he was a dear friend and colleague.  When I was going through treatment for breast cancer, Bert constantly checked in on me and gave me rides and was a rock whom I could lean on for anything.”

A memorial service will be held at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 9, 2025 at 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Dr. Popson can be made to the WVWC Department of Physics and Engineering via postal mail to the WVWC Office of Advancement, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201 or online at https://www.wvwc.edu/give/  

An obituary can be found here.

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