News Type: Faculty

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/ 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 61st annual induction on March 27, 2024, in the Meditation Chapel.  The circle inducted four graduate students, four seniors, four juniors, 10 sophomores, two staff members, and two faculty.

The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,100 students, faculty and staff.  Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following:  athletics, music, arts, journalism and community service.

Newly inducted members include:  Graduate students, Laura Adams, South Charleston, West Virginia; Johnnie-Jo Hovis, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Judith Rose, Morgantown, West Virginia; and Ann Marie Whitehair, Grafton, West Virginia.  Seniors included Samantha Carlin, Sarasota, Florida; Zoe Casto, Fairmont, West Virginia; Kadie Dunham, Grafton, West Virginia; and Megan Pritt, Mt. Nebo, West Virginia.  Juniors included Savannah Herrod, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Edward Marks, Wellsburg, West Virginia; Sydney Vilain, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Carly Rae Wolfgang, Leesburg, Virginia.  Sophomores inducted included Madelyn Armstrong, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Cullen Cairns, Riverview FL; Tobias Fleece, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Laura Gatewood, Huntington, West Virginia; Kostadena Hartley, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Leah Ireland, Maitland, Florida; Zoe Jarvis, Big Chimney, West Virginia; Renae Kennison, Rainelle, West Virginia; Kylah Lockriddge, McGraws, West Virginia; and Breanne Waldron, Fairmont, West Virginia. 

Also inducted were Dr. Rae Emrick, vice president for athletics, Alexis de Coning, assistant professor of communications, Jonathan Acord, dean of the chapel, and Colby Wamsley, assistant director of campus life.

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Lively, dean of students and circle advisor, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement and circle staff.  Officers participating included Srikiran Nandigama, president, and Ellie Pergoletti, treasurer.  Guest speaker was Paula McGrew, professor of library science and director of library services emeritus.  Student officers for the 2025-2026 academic year include Srikiran Nandigama, president, Faith Yoho, vice-president, and Sydney Vilain, treasurer.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.  The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life.  The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community.  The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Departments of Theatre & Dance presents Oscar Wilde’s comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This production contains a unique twist to Wilde’s work, featuring both a dressed-down British cast and an American Southern cast set in the 1960s. Performances run April 10 at 7:30 p.m., April 11 at 7:30 p.m., and April 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The British cast will be performing April 10 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m., while the Southern cast will be performing April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain and are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, students, or anyone with a WVWC ID.  

Known for its sharp social commentary and delightful absurdities, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has captivated audiences for over a century. Set in Victorian England, the play follows the escapades of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to avoid societal pressures. Their comical deceptions set off a chain of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements, culminating in Wilde’s signature humorous and revealing conclusion. 

This production creatively blends Wilde’s witty English satire with the warmth and charm of Southern culture. Directed by Thomas Schoffler, chair of the WVWC Department of Theatre and Dance, this reimagining infuses the traditional British setting of the play with the distinctive accent, style, and humor of the American South. A talented British cast brings Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp dialogue to life, while Southern elements provide a unique contrast, amplifying the comedy and ensuring a completely original theater experience. 

Wesleyan’s cast includes junior musical theatre/media communication major Ashton Nardella ‘26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as Southern Algernon Moncrieff and freshman musical theatre major John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as British Algernon Moncrieff, sophomore acting/directing major Eli Dickey ‘27 of Chloe, West Virginia, as southern Jack Worthing, sophomore English major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as British Jack Worthing, senior acting and directing major Ellery Brown ’25 of Bay City, Michigan as Southern Gwendolen Fairfax, senior musical theater major Sydney Stewart ‘25,  of Barboursville, West Virginia, as British Gwendolen Fairfax, sophomore biology (pre-med) major Kaylie (Kai) Toler ‘27, of Harts, West Virginia, as Southern Cecily Cardew, freshman acting/directing major Leigh Rice ‘28, of Philippi, West Virginia, as British Cecily Cardew, Buckhannon resident Jett Eric as Southern Lady Bracknell,  Assistant Professor of Communication Dr. Lexi de Coning from South Africa as British Lady Bracknell, junior musical theater/communications double-major Julius Pretlow ‘26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as Southern Reverend Chasuble, freshman acting/directing major Salem Bradshaw ‘28 of Nicholas County, West Virginia, as British Reverend Chasuble, Senior English major Roxie Underwood 25’, as Southern Miss Prism, sophomore acting/directing Major Rhyan Sebring ‘27 of Caldwell, Ohio, as British Miss Prism, freshman pre-drama therapy major Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, as Southern Merriman and Lane, and  interim Director of Technical Theater Justin Grow as British Merriman and Lane. 

The show features designs by two professional guest artists including costumes by Pittsburgh-based designer Jacob Currence and scenic designs by former Wesleyan technical director Keith Saine. The production’s stage manager is sophomore arts administration major Tina Green ‘27, of Huntington, West Virginia, and Assistant Stage Manager Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia. Additional crew includes properties design by senior psychology major Cam McGriff ‘25, of Wilmington, Deleware, sound design by sophomore acting/directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio, with lighting design by senior technical theater major Jay Coping-Smith ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and freshman musical theater Major Adrian Legg ‘28, of Charleston, West Virginia, with senior musical theatre major Ben Long ‘25 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, serving as assistant director. 

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 Black Student Union and Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business are hosting a unique event Friday to bring entrepreneurs and business professionals together for a day of networking and learning with students. 

Laurie Goux, director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs, said this expo has three goals.

“First,  to create a directory of black-owned businesses in West Virginia, across the United States and globally,” she continued. “The second goal is to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset in students pursuing business careers. Third, to educate all business students on issues that affect minority-owned businesses.” 

All events will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts and are open to the public.

The winner of the business entrepreneur contest will be announced. Over the past week, WVWC students have had the opportunity to submit their idea for a business and the chance to win $500 toward their project. 

Lunch and Learn at noon will be served by Aladdin Catering. Student vendors will set up from noon-1 p.m.  Sample “Gabby Bakes” sweet potato pie, Paula Kaufman, poet, visual artist, and educator will share her artwork and present on African American Foodways. 

From 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a discussion panel organized by the Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business. Beginning at 3 p.m., there will be various business professionals sharing about an “Entrepreneurial Mindset” via Zoom. An in-person book club discussion panel will be held from 4-5 p.m. with Shawn Rochester, author of The Black Tax, who will join by Zoom. 

The event will culminate from 5-6 p.m., with a presentation on House music and entertainment brought by WVWC students.

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – Just in time as warmer weather draws near, the final West Virginia Wesleyan College Faculty Lecture Series of the year will focus on ticks and tick-borne disease in West Virginia.

The community is invited to attend this lecture Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. 

The project is overseen by Dr. Kim Bjorgo, Department of Biology and Environmental Science chair, and Dr. Melanie Sal, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, and has been ongoing since 2018.  Their research partnership is unique because Bjorgo is an ecologist and Sal is a microbiologist. They work closely together to find and identify ticks, then look for any diseases the ticks might be carrying using DNA analysis.

The professors and a number of student researchers over the years have been studying ticks around Upshur County and beyond. 

As the project progresses, the research team will use this information to help the Upshur County community know where ticks carrying vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease are found in high numbers.

Sal said, “Eventually, we will publish this research. Our overall goal is to assess the potential risk of encountering Lyme disease in Upshur County and the surrounding area.”

Bjorgo added, “If we do happen to have a lot of Lyme disease positive ticks in one area, that is good information for folks to have. We want to raise awareness of diseases carried by ticks, and remind folks to use insect repellent and do a tick check after being outside.”

So far, several students have expressed an interest in continuing research this summer.

“The next phase is branching out and looking for more than just Lyme disease in ticks,” Bjorgo said. There are other tick-borne diseases, and our research partnership allows us to find those areas with lots of ticks and identify the potential pathogens.”

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 – A new collaboration between West Virginia Wesleyan College and Stone Tower Brews will bring West Virginia-roasted coffee drinks to campus beginning Fall Semester 2025.

Taking over the former Sunny Bucks location on the first floor of the Benedum Campus Center, Stone Tower Brews will operate a smaller-scale version of its Main Street Buckhannon shop. Launching the first “Stone Tower Coffee” campus location will focus primarily on coffee offerings, showcasing the company’s best West Virginia-roasted beans. 

Vice President of Student Affairs Alison Whitehair said, “This new collaboration between WVWC and a downtown Buckhannon business is something students have been asking for.  A coffee shop on campus isn’t just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a space where students can connect, recharge, and find inspiration.”

Sadie Nichols ‘25 added, “I can’t even begin to describe the anticipation, elation, and pure excitement I finally get to share with the Wesleyan community. As Student Senate President for the past two years, I had the unique privilege and opportunity to be part of a hopeful idea that has now become an exhilarating reality. I have been eagerly waiting for the day we get to walk across campus with a fresh cup of coffee in hand and ask, “Where have you BEAN all my life?” Well, my friends, that day has officially arrived!”

Stone Tower Brews currently has locations in Buckhannon, Bridgeport, Morgantown, and its original Fairmont store—known as The Joe. All coffee is roasted at Stone Tower Coffee Roasters in Fairmont.

James Kane, president and CEO of Stone Tower, said, “In 2018, we opened our doors on Main Street and have enjoyed being a part of the Buckhannon community ever since. Over the years, we’ve welcomed countless students, providing a space where friendships can grow and connections can flourish. This new partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College is an extension of our commitment to community—a place where students, faculty, and locals can come together over great coffee and meaningful conversations. We look forward to continuing to serve and grow with the Wesleyan and Buckhannon communities.”

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 proud to launch a new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, designed to provide students with a robust foundation of knowledge that will empower them to add value to any organization or pursue post-graduate education.

The new major will be available starting in the Fall 2025 semester and aims to bridge some of the gaps between the most commonly leveraged enterprise software for critical cybersecurity and business functions to help allow students to transition to the workforce as seamlessly as possible.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s new cybersecurity major, a program designed to empower our graduates to make immediate contributions in one of today’s most critical and dynamic fields,” said Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Provost of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “What sets this program apart is its intentional focus on bridging the gap between academic theory and professional expectations. Through hands-on applications, experiential learning opportunities, and internships, our students will gain the practical skills and real-world experience they need to seamlessly transition into the workforce and succeed in the field of cybersecurity.”

Daniel Anderson has been hired as Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. Anderson has worked in Information Technology and Cybersecurity for 25 years. He brings experience in networking and cybersecurity domains including data tokenization, post-quantum readiness, network firewalls, PKI, cryptography, and system architecture.   In his most recent position as a cybersecurity engineering manager for Huntington Bank, Anderson designed a weekly class for engineers to study for the CISSP exam internally. Anderson earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cyber security and information assurance from WGU. 

Anderson said, “I’m honored to be a small part in bringing Cybersecurity curriculum and career development to the students of West Virginia Wesleyan College.  Through strong fundamentals and industry-focused majors, we begin to help bridge the gap between entry-level and mid-career cybersecurity professionals that the industry so desperately needs.”

The introduction of the Cybersecurity major reflects WVWC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education that meets the evolving needs of the workforce. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity-related jobs are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, highlighting the need for well-trained professionals in the field. WVWC’s program is designed to address this demand.

The Cybersecurity major will complement WVWC’s existing computer science program, while introducing students to artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Prospective students interested in learning more about the new cybersecurity major can visit www.wvwc.edu or contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@wvwc.edu.

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