News Type: Faculty

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new director of technical theatre found his passion in set design and has worked in theatre, small movie projects and television.

Boyd Wolz holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre set design from Boston University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University and an Associates Degree in Fine Arts from Casper College.

Following graduate school, Woltz worked in New York City as an assistant designer for several Broadway, off-Broadway, and also regional productions.  He also brings experience working in higher education at Utah Tech University, Susquehanna University, University of Louisiana-Monroe, University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Brigham Young University-Idaho.

“My quest has been to meet new people and be challenged by new ideas as I have sought to develop my artistic ability,” Wolz said.” Even though my degree is in scenic design, I have experience in every aspect of theatrical design and have also directed a few productions. I have also been able to teach a variety of theatre courses, and have developed curriculum for design, history, and technical theatre.” 

Wolz is the co-author of two books about the culture of business and relationships, “Winning the Culture Game” and “Crabs in a Bucket.” 

Originally from Wyoming, Wolz will make North Central West Virginia his new home.

“I am excited to work with West Virginia Wesleyan College, the students, and the community of Buckhannon,” he said. 

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 –  Nursing runs in the family, and now West Virginia Wesleyan College degrees do, too.

During Commencement Weekend, visiting assistant professor Valerie Jordan M’25 pinned her son Noah Jordan ’25 in the Nursing Convocation and presented him with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma the next day. She also participated in both ceremonies as a graduate with her MSN in Nursing Leadership.

Valerie began teaching at WVWC in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience in psychiatric mental health, but decided to pursue graduate studies.

“I started taking one class at a time, one or two a semester, working towards my Master’s in Nursing Leadership, and I’m hopefully getting my doctorate next year in leadership,” she said. “To continue working here at Wesleyan, which I love, I wanted to further my education, and I like learning.”

For Noah, choosing nursing follows a family tradition.

“My great-grandma was a nurse, my grandma was a nurse, and my mom was a nurse, and she was my biggest inspiration,” he said. “She loves helping people, which made me want to be like her. She is always kindhearted and loves caring for people. I hope I can be half the nurse she is one day.”

At WVWC, Noah found the School of Nursing Program nurturing and encouraging.

“It’s very family-oriented here,” he said. “They care for all their students, and they are willing to work with you if you are having life troubles or need time on any assignments. They care for your success and want you to succeed in the program. They want you to succeed and do well.”

Regarding school, Noah had family support at Middleton Hall and home through his mom.

“I leaned on her the most probably — she has been my biggest support system throughout everything,” he said. “She has helped me study. She has given me tips on how to be successful.”

Nursing Convocation and Commencement were extra special with the two graduates.

Valerie added, “I was just so proud of him and his accomplishments, and I was so honored that they let me give him a diploma. Our administration and faculty are wonderful to work with. That day was bittersweet -we got to see our family and share it.”

Noah will be working on the cardiac stepdown unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital, but like his mom, is also planning to pursue graduate education. He will apply to WVWC for his psychiatric nursing practitioner degree in partnership with Shenandoah University.

Having struggled with mental health issues, Noah said it is something close to his heart as he looked at careers in nursing.

“I feel like we need more people here for those who are mentally ill and unable to take care of themselves,” he said

Valerie has transformed her career from working in psychiatric nursing to teaching the next generation of nurses.

“My mom was a nurse and an educator, and I had taught 14 years in CNA program classes,” she said.

Coming to WVWC has expanded those opportunities as she is left with her major project to finish her doctorate.

“I love the students,” she said. “We have an excellent group of students who come through Wesleyan. They try very hard and are very respectful. Two who graduated were in my first freshman class.”

WVWC offers flexible degrees and stepping stones to further nursing education, including launching a new LPN to BSN pathway and several master’s and doctoral programs.

“The FNP program is probably one of the most popular,” she said. “We have had a 100 percent pass rate for the last several years.”

With the early assurance program, students can begin taking graduate classes going into their senior year, allowing them to complete some courses while earning their BSN.

Valerie said, “Wesleyan is a great place – the whole campus. All of it is very family-oriented, like Noah said. Everybody is there to help each other. You can always reach out. Our students work well together, peer to peer and student to faculty.”

Recently, students took care of a paraplegic patient who was so appreciative that his hygiene needs were met.

“Two students wrote in their reflection that they would never forget that experience,” she said. “I will never forget that experience.”

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 welcoming back two accomplished music alumni to lead its marching and jazz programs. Eliza Taylor ‘19 will be Director of Athletic Bands, and Adam Loudin ‘07 will be Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Jazz Ensembles.

The hires come as the College has continued to put a strong emphasis on the arts. Including the incoming Class of 2029, WVWC has welcomed over 150 creative arts to campus in the last three classes. Later this month, WVWC will welcome high school students to the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for the second summer in a row and will also host in 2026. The College has hosted GSA for two of the last three cycles. 

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Master of Music in flute performance with graduate certificates in instrumental conducting and music administration from The Ohio University School of Music. She is a member of Women Band Directors International, National Association for Music Education, West Virginia Music Educators Association, West Virginia Bandmasters, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda honor society for music.

A formidable director and conductor, Taylor has directed bands at the middle school and high school level in North Central West Virginia. Her ensembles have most frequently achieved Superior “I” ratings and have also premiered works at West Virginia ratings festivals. As a conductor, she is known for her expressive gestures and stylistic clarity. Eliza studied wind band conducting at Ohio University under Dr. William Talley. 

“I have a firm belief that a school’s marching band is the public face of the College as well as an ambassador for the entire community. I am honored to be returning to my Alma Mater to support their efforts and to grow a program that means so much to me.” 

Taylor is primarily a flutist, but is also an accomplished conductor, singer, pianist, and trombonist. Well-versed in classical, jazz, and Latin styles, she has performed and collaborated with a variety of individuals and ensembles. 

As a WVWC student, Taylor was a member during the inaugural years of the Bobcat Marching Band, Concert Band, WVWC Big Band, choral ensembles and jazz combos. She was also the lead vocalist and flutist for the Afro-Cuban Ensemble and the assistant director of the Flute Ensemble during her time as a student. She received the Outstanding Music Department Senior Award and the Academic and Leadership Achievement Award, graduating magna cum laude. Eliza also has experience as a church musician and chorister. 

Taylor has studied flute with Dr. Keith Hanlon, Linda Wolfersheim, and Alison Brown Sincoff. She and her husband, Seth Blake ‘17, a fellow music educator, call Elkins home. 

Loudin is a dedicated music educator, conductor and performer with over 15 years of experience inspiring young musicians in West Virginia and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from WVWC and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied trumpet with Joey Tartell and served as a graduate assistant to renowned jazz educator David Baker.

 Under his leadership at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston, both band and choir ensembles were repeatedly recognized as WVMEA State Middle School Honor Ensembles. His commitment to excellence in music education earned him the title of Teacher of the Year twice during his 15-year tenure in Lewis County. In 2016, Adam was honored with the West Virginia Wesleyan College Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Loudin said, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the music faculty at WVWC.  The school, its professors, and its tradition of valuing the arts were integral to my development as a young jazz musician, and I consider the opportunity to become a part of the WVWC campus community as a professor a true honor and privilege.”

 In addition to his work in public education, Loudin served as artistic director of the Chanticleer Children’s Chorus of West Virginia in 2015. He also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at WVWC for over a decade, where he taught secondary music education methods, brass methods, and applied lessons. A sought-after clinician, Adam has conducted honor choirs and bands throughout the state.

 As a performer, Loudin has remained active in both jazz and classical music. He has played jazz extensively throughout West Virginia and surrounding states and spent more than 10 years as a member of the West Virginia Brass Quintet.

 In 2024, Loudin was honored nationally by School Band and Orchestra Plus (SBO+) magazine as one of the “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference,” highlighting his significant contributions to music education. 

Loudin and his wife, Katie ‘07,—a fellow WVWC graduate, former Director of Community Engagement for WVWC, and current Director of Strategic Development for the WV Community Development Hub—live in Buckhannon with their two sons, Thomas and Elliot, who share their parents’ love for music.

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 Class of 2025 honored a faculty member who teaches some of the most difficult classes while fostering an environment where students can succeed.

Dr. Kelly Terhune ’03, MBA ‘05, Director and Assistant Professor for the Thomas Albinson School of Business, received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Senior Class President Zoë Casto during WVWC’s 134th Commencement.
“Thirty-five years ago, the WVWC Class of 1990 established an award to recognize a member of Wesleyan’s faculty for the quality of their contributions to the College and its students,” Casto said. “While she teaches some of the hardest classes, she takes the time to help students understand the concepts and creates an atmosphere to succeed.”

Terhune just completed her 18th year at WVWC. She earned her undergrade degree in mathematics and health promotion/fitness management and her MBA from WVWC before later pursuing a Masters in Economics from WVU in 2012.

“I have always taught Statistics for Business and Economics, but have also taught all but two economics courses through my 18 years here,” she said. “It is hard for me to identify my favorite classes to teach, but I can say  I like to teach mathy things and microeconomic things, but at the end of the day I really just love teaching.”

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the senior class to receive this award, although I am shocked that I won.   I teach classes that challenge most students, but I try to be very available to them so they can ask questions.  At the end of the day, I am glad they recognize this and I hope they know how much I truly appreciate the recognition!”

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 School of Nursing honored 41 graduates recently in the Convocation Ceremony.

Guest speaker Dr. Thomas Smith ’84 recounted his nursing education at West Virginia Wesleyan College and his early years after graduation working in New York City.

“Healthcare nursing is not just a job,” he said. “It is a career that will be both challenging and rewarding. Always remember, once you have worked several years, there will be patients and there will be families who hold you in their hearts forever because you were kind. I want you to never forget that.

Smith reminded graduates that it’s OK to fail, to embrace the uncertainty and to keep their sense of humor. He encouraged them to network.

“Chase your passions, embrace the chaos and above all enjoy the ride,” he said. “Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.”

Noah Jordan ’25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, served as president of Student Nurses of Wesleyan.

“We did it,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds. We’ve been through it all together, but we didn’t just make it through. We crushed it, came out smarter, stronger and ready to take on the world.”

He thanked professors and those in the audience for their support of the graduates.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates included Emma Adcock ’25, of Plant City, Florida; Kaitlyn Barnette ’25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Zoe Casto ’25, of Fairmont, West Virginia; Talia Cooper ’25, of Beckley, West Virginia; Kadie Dunham ’25, of Grafton, West Virginia;  Baylee Estudillo ’25, of Mount Neb, West Virginia;  Abigail Fazzini ’25, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Kenna Ferguson ’25, of Elkins, West Virginia; Courtney Fizer ’25, of Charleston, West Virginia; Leigha Hall ’25, of Uniontown, Ohio; Chloe Hamrick ’25, of Rainelle, West Virginia; Kimberly Howell ’25, of Chesapeake, West Virginia; Jordan; Hannah Lafferre ’25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Katelyn Martin ’25, of Hinton, West Virginia; Erin McClelland ’25, of Kingwood, West Virginia; Kylie Metz ’25, of Weston, West Virginia; Paige Miller ’25, of Butler, Pennsylvania; Jody Mullens ’25, of Sugar Grove, West Virginia;  Emma Pankiewicz ’25, of Muskego, Wisconsin; Ellie Pergolotti ’25, of Cromwell, Connecticut; Lillie Peters ’25, of Sutton, West Virginia; Megan Pritt ’25, of Mount Nebo, West Virginia, and Ariel Sayre ’25, of Reedsville, West Virginia.

Those earning their Master of Science in Nursing in December 2024 but recognized in May were Lauren Casto, MSN, PMH ‘24; Loan Chau, MSN, FNP ‘24, of Worcester, Massachusetts; Aston Crosten, MSN, FNP ‘24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Kelsey Dean, MSN, FNP ‘24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Dawna Hardway, MSN, FNP ’24; Megan Kister, MSN, PMH ’24; Victoria Klinger, MSN, FNP ’24, of Coalton, West Virginia; Elizabeth Sendling, MSN, FNP ’24, of Coalton, West Virginia; and Chance Walther, MSN, FNP ’24, of Green Bank, West Virginia.

May 2025 MSN and DNP Graduates were Sara Beth Chipps, MSN, FNP ’25, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Valerie Jordan, MSN, Leadership ’25, of Buckhannon; Crystal Lough, MSN, FNP ’25, of Weston, West Virginia; Sydney Maxwell, MSN, FNP ’25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Holly Revling, MSN, FNP’ 25, of Ellamore, West Virginia; Paige Tusing, MSN, FNP ’25, of Belington, West Virginia, and Ann Whitehair, DNP ’25, of Grafton, West Virginia.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate recognized a faculty and staff member who each go above and beyond in their respective roles.

Assistant Professor Dr. Alexis de Coning, a member of the Communications Department, is the student-elected Faculty Member of the Year. De Coning is known for her caring nature and vibrant, bubbly personality. She always puts students first, both in the classroom and through dedicated academic advising. Going above and beyond, De Coning teaches in First Year Experience, honors and throughout the Communications Department. In addition to teaching, De Coning serves on numerous faculty and senate committees and was recently in a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by the Department of Theatre and Dance. 

De Coning has been teaching at WVWC for three years.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my students,” she said. “My teaching philosophy has always been one of community and collaboration with students, and I love learning alongside my students. Receiving this award is acknowledgement that our shared efforts to build a meaningful learning environment have made an impact.”

Amy Rogosky, laboratory manager in biology, is the student-elected Staff Member of the Year, who is always known for greeting others with a warm smile. Rogosky’s genuine care and outreach are truly felt by the students in the biology department. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student receives individual attention, whether in the lab or while serving as an adjunct in the classroom. Students and colleagues deeply appreciate Rogosky’s wit, wisdom and unwavering dedication.

She has been employed at WVWC for 13 years. 

“I am honored to receive this award,” Rogowsky said. “The fact that it is a student-elected award makes it even more meaningful.  The best parts of my day involve students – from encouraging them to discover the fascinating processes of life in the classroom to the memorable moments created while sharing chocolates and chatting about life in my office.  Wesleyan has the best students, and I am thankful that I can play a small part in their Wesleyan experience.”

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 – Nearly 200 West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates walked in the 134th Commencement held in Wesley Chapel Saturday representing 39 bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) gave the commencement address and was presented the prestigious Rhododendron Award by Dr. James Moore, the College’s 20th President.

Capito encouraged participants to make the most of their experiences and to look up and be present in the moment versus spending so much time on their cell phones. 

“Go out, explore, but remember to look up,” Capito said. “When the time comes, just know that these country roads will welcome you home.”

“I encourage you to build a life here in West Virginia. No matter where you come from, no matter where your personal history is, you are all West Virginians now. I hope you will love the state and have come to love the state like we all do.” 

U.S. Senator Capito was presented with West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Rhododendron Award, a prestigious recognition provided by the College to individuals who have brought distinction and honor to their state or have offered exemplary acts of leadership on behalf of the College. Capito is only the 16th individual to receive the Rhododendron Award since its inception in 1967.

President James Moore said, “On behalf of the graduating class, faculty, staff and the entire West Virginia Wesleyan College Community, we extend our gratitude to Senator Capito for joining with us to celebrate our graduates and providing the 134th Commencement Address. Her words of encouragement, hope and resiliency are inspirational and have made this commencement truely memorable. We appreciate the Senator’s friendship, her service to our state, the nation and her continued support of higher education.”  

WVWC Senior Class President Zoe Casto ‘25 announced that more than $2,000 had been raised for the senior class gift, adding to security cameras on campus

This year’s participants in commencement represented 22 states and eight countries. Fifty-nine percent of participants call the Mountain State home and hail from 34 different counties. Thirty percent received the West Virginia PROMISE scholarship and 17% are First Generation college students. Thirty-two percent participated on an NCAA athletic team. WVWC competes in the Mountain East Conference.

The most popular undergraduate degrees among the degrees conferred Saturday are nursing, business administration, biology, psychology and criminal justice.

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 – With the launch of the state’s first Certificate in Addiction Counseling,  West Virginia Wesleyan College has now hired a program coordinator who brings extensive education, background and knowledge in addiction certifications and clinical services.

Jon Dower, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, completed a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Mr. Dower is a Licensed Professional Counselor in West Virginia and holds several addiction-related certifications, including advanced alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, and intervention professional. Jon is the Executive Director for WVSL Solutions, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides recovery housing across West Virginia, peer recovery support services, supportive employment, and clinical services as a licensed behavioral health organization.

At the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dower has taught in academic settings, including with the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. He serves on several SUD-related boards of directors, including the WV First Foundation, and is the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAPP) president.

Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Director of the School of Counseling and Psychology, said, “We are thrilled to have Jon join our team! His expertise in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders will support us in the creation of exceptional programming for behavioral healthcare practitioners. The fact that Jon also understands the multifaceted nature of addiction counseling work made him the ideal candidate for this role. We are in total alignment on creating a program that brings the tradition of servant leadership which Wesleyan has cultivated for 135 years into the realm of addiction work. I am grateful to Drs. Lynn Linder, Provost, and Chris Schimmel, Associate Provost, for supporting this vital next step in our Counseling Program’s growth.”

Dower added, “I am a third-generation West Virginian who has witnessed the impact of addiction across our state. From a public health and economic perspective, addiction touches all West Virginians. Joining an institution with deep historical roots and traditions willing to meet our state’s needs is an honor, a privilege, and, quite frankly, a no-brainer. Wesleyan is leading the way by bringing a program unlike any other in the state, a state impacted by substance use at higher rates than anywhere else in the country. My goal with this program is simple: create a legacy of well-trained clinicians preventing and treating substance-related issues, ensuring a better West Virginia. If someone has a heart attack, we send them to a cardiologist, not a podiatrist. If your loved one is experiencing substance use disorder in West Virginia, I want them sent to the best treatment providers possible. Wesleyan is creating that opportunity due to the incredible leadership of President Moore. This program will change lives and our state for the better. Is there a better purpose in life than that?”

To learn more about the Certificate in Addiction Counseling, visit https://www.wvwc.edu/counseling-program/