News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –The CCIA and Arts Alive! are presenting Jazz & Java in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct.15) with live Latin Jazz music led by Yamil Conga Trio at the CJ Maggies, Opera House on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The event will be from 6-8 p.m., with live music, a salsa dance lesson and food. Donation of $10 requested at the door. West Virginia Wesleyan College students receive free admission.

Conga is a native of Puerto Rico and a current resident of Nashville, Tennesee. Conga tours nationally and internationally and also visits colleges and universities, bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College has extended a special on-campus room discount to full-time enrolled students from Harrison County.  Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, West Virginia Wesleyan College will add Harrison County students to the list of full-time students from Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur who have on-campus room costs reduced by $2,000 a year.  

The rate reduction will be honored for all campus housing choices for the length of time a student is enrolled at WVWC.

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, John Waltz ‘01, said:   “By removing the variables of students needing to find an apartment and deal with monthly utilities and groceries we help families control costs, and we ensure a more stable learning and living environment where young people can both enjoy themselves and focus on academic and extracurricular success. Lots of students and their families already see the value in this type of experience and we are especially excited to extend this benefit to the excellent students of Harrison County this year.”  

The announcement comes on the heels of the College’s newest ranking from U.S. News and World Report. WVWC is No. 2 for Best Value Colleges. 

WVWC will host two Fall Open Houses, Oct. 25 and Nov. 8.  Register at www.wvwc.edu to learn more about what makes West Virginia Wesleyan College special. 

 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 – 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