News Type: Faculty

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –Charles Dickens’ famous work A Christmas Carol has been made into numerous adaptations over the decades. This timeless tale about the ability to grow and feel compassion has been an integral part of the holiday season since it was first published in 1843.

West Virginia Wesleyan College Associate Professor Tommy Schoffler is spending this holiday season on stage himself for Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” Schoffler, who chairs the Department of Theatre and Dance and was recently announced as Dean of the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for Summer 2024 at WVWC, is a familiar face in GVT with previous roles in “Into the Woods” and “Route 66.”

Greenbrier Valley Theatre will be producing a new adaption of Dickens’ work written by Catherine Bush. The cast is completed by Christopher Onken, (“Frankenstein”) Will Broyles, (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Babes in Toyland”) Ben Liebert, (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pride and Prejudice”) Emily Bosco, (“Steel Magnolias,” “Pride and Prejudice”) Kim Wilpon, (“Christmas Time is Here,” “Pride and Prejudice”) and Marjie Shrimpton and Bec Hyde. Sarah Stacy will serve as an understudy in the production.

Matthew Scott Campbell (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Mountain Home Christmas”) will direct the newly adapted play.

“It’s a great opportunity to present this classic story in a new and magical way,” says Campbell. “Everyone knows this story so well, so the opportunity to create something unique out of the text is very exciting.”

The production will feature scenic design completed by Yuri Okahana-Benson, costume design by Jenna Fawn Brown, and lighting design by E. Tonry Lathroum. Sound design is completed by Abigail Coppock, with prop design by Ashton Webb. Elizabeth Salisch serves as Production Stage Manager, who will be assisted by Mallory Topel.

A Christmas Carol opens in Lewisburg on December 8 and runs through December 16. Due to high ticket demand, an added performance is on December 13. Tickets are $32 for general seating, $29 for senior citizens age 60 and above, and $20 for students. For more information on tickets, shows, and the organization’s history, visit the theatre’s website: www.gvtheatre.org or call the box office at (304) 645-3838.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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.

Photos courtesy of Greenbrier Valley Theatre.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. in Wesley Chapel ushering in the holiday season for West Virginia Wesleyan College and local community.

Dr. R. Daniel Hughes, Chair of the WVWC Department of Music, said, “The program this year features music by many English composers including William Walton, Herbert Howells, Samuel Wesley, Charles Wood, John Gardner, Judith Weir, Bob Chilcott and Errollyn Wallen. It will also feature carols for all to sing, including favorite arrangements by David Willcocks accompanied by brass quintet, organ and timpani.”

Dean of the Chapel Rev. Jonathan Acord, said, “The purpose of Festival of Lessons and Carols is to invite the Wesleyan community to experience the story of Christ’s revelation to the world through reflection and song.”

Members of the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus community will be invited to share this story during the program.

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum, conducted by Hughes, will be joined by several alumni and by singers in fourth through eighth grades from Buckhannon Academy Elementary School, Flemington Elementary School, West Taylor Elementary School and Shady Spring Middle School, thanks to their teachers and West Virginia Wesleyan alumni Braden Hoffman ’20, Amanda Bise ‘10, M.Ed. ’16 and Megan Gray ‘14.

Immediately following the service, the congregation will recess outside for the lighting of the Christmas tree.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols and tree lighting ceremony are free and open to the public.

Aladdin Food Service will serve a holiday feast including herb crusted roast beef with a mushroom demi-glaze, chicken marsala, stuffed pork loin with peppercorn sauce, cranberry meatballs, caesar salad, spinach salad with dried cranberries, and feta, gratin potatoes, penne pasta with vegetable ragu, fresh green beans, wilted kale with apples
deviled eggs, fresh fruit platter and holiday dessert display.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 – All Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2023 graduates have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt, a testament to the dedication and excellence of students and faculty in the West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing.

School of Nursing Director Dr. Tina Straight, DNP, MSN Ed., CNE, RN, said, “The NCLEX-RN is widely recognized as one of the most challenging professional licensure exams, and achieving a 100% pass rate is a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence within our School of Nursing. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the outstanding education and training provided by our faculty and the hard work and dedication of our students.

“West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing has a long-standing tradition of producing highly skilled and competent nurses who make a positive impact on healthcare in our community and beyond. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, and they are dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience they need to excel in their nursing careers.

“We are extremely proud of our students for their dedication and perseverance in preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. Our faculty members have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students are well-prepared for this important milestone in their nursing careers.

“The 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam is a testament to the exceptional quality of education and support provided by the School of Nursing. It reaffirms our commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses who are ready to meet the health care challenges of today and tomorrow.”

For more information about the School of Nursing, visit www.wvwc.edu/nursing.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 – Two feuding mountain families and a nearly 1,000-pound pig are the beginnings of the latest dinner theatre offering from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Department of Theatre & Dance.

Written and directed by Dr. Gregory Mach, associate professor, “The Case of the Sleepwalking Pig” promises lots of laughs, some mountain music and a murder-mystery to solve.

The play starts with a meeting to announce that Curly Boy, the 977 pound MacRoy family pig, has been kidnapped. The MacRoys suspect the Flatfield family and they want the pig back. The pastor tries to keep the peace as accusations and old animosities fly, stirring up the feud again.

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

There are three opportunities to try to figure out ‘whodunnit.”

On November 4, the dinner theatre will be produced at the Buckhannon Opera House on Main Street at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes slow-roasted pork, mashed potatoes with peppercorn gravy, homestyle green beans, American salad, artisan dinner rolls, soda, water or coffee and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Tickets are $30. Call 304-472-8369 for reservations.

The following weekend, there are two showtimes at 2 or 6 p.m. on November 12 at the Lodge in Alpena, located in Bowden. The menu includes pulled pork, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, five-bean bake, cole slaw, cornbread, garden salad, homemade bread an choice of pineapple upside down or chocolate cream cake. Tickets are $45 per person and call 304-636-1470.

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

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 honored a professor who fosters a learning environment where students are empowered to beyond what they believe they are capable of and who mentors students in ways that go beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Dr. Jessica Scott ‘04, associate professor of gender studies, was presented with the 2023 Award for Exemplary Teaching by Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs, during the Founders Day Convocation recently.

Scott said, “I was overwhelmed to receive this honor from Dean Linder and West Virginia Wesleyan College. The award is a profoundly gratifying affirmation of the investment in intellectual, emotional, and political energy I have poured into students on this campus since I began teaching at Wesleyan.”

Scott is well known for collaborating with other faculty to provide students with transformative educational experiences, according to Linder. One colleague shared, “This professor cares about students in ways that go far beyond delivering content in the classroom. She applauds their successes, encourages their dreams, sees them through their struggles. Her students love her back. They know they have been truly seen by her, and that she wants them to thrive.”

A student also shared: “She is a treasure we do not deserve. Not only did she take a class full of folks who were a little scared and unsure of each other and make us all trust, but she also gave us the space to be vulnerable and be honest with ourselves and each other. Her ability to facilitate class discussion goes beyond compare of any professor, I have ever had. She is truly amazing, and this class was raw and it hurt, but for the first time, I felt heard.”

Linder said, “I’ve rarely known a professor to give more of their time, resources, care and compassion to nurturing students in all aspects of their lives than this year’s awardee.”

Scott added, “I teach because I want to learn, and I learn from students every day. Any recognition of my teaching is also a recognition of Cynthia Brissey and the Center for Teaching and Learning at WVWC, which has been profoundly influential to my development as an educator.  Because state legislatures across the country are determined to attempt to censor critical areas of study, it is more important now than ever to have solid pedagogical tools that we can continue to rely on in teaching our students. I’m grateful to the Center for Teaching and Learning for helping us cultivate those tools.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 –   Eight individuals who continually find ways to serve their campus, community and beyond were officially sworn in as West Virginia Wesleyan College Trustees during Founders Day 2023.

Arria Hines ‘95, born and raised in rural West Virginia, is an accomplished and energetic business leader and entrepreneur. In 2009, Hines founded Allegheny Science & Technology, a woman-owned West Virginia-based energy services company. From two employees, to nearly 240, AST is a leader in alternative energy technologies and renewable energies. Hines is a member of WVU’s Visiting Committee, TechConnect Board of Directors, West Virginia Governor’s STEM Council, Upshur County Development Authority Board and an advocate for the West Virginia Public Speaker’s Bureau. She is an executive member of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Board.

Rev. Martha Ognibene ‘79, is senior pastor of Wesley UMC in Morgantown. Ognibene is an elder in The United Methodist Church and has served churches in Parkersburg, Huntington, Colliers and Short Gap as well as superintendent of the Northern District. Ognibene also earned degrees from Virginia Tech and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Angel (Williamson) Riley ’99 earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from WVWC and obtained a Master of Public Administration in Government Management from Southeastern University. She is senior manager, political affairs, for the North America subsidiary of the leading medical technology corporation Royal Philips. In 2005, she co-founded the Black Alumni Network, an unofficial alumni networking group for WVWC. She also previously served on the Alumni Council from 2009-2015 and headed a capital campaign to renovate the BSU House and chaired the Alumni Council’s silent auction. A four-time Amazon Bestselling author, podcast host, global speaker and certified life coach, Riley continually demonstrates Wesleyan’s objective for alumni to be leaders throughout their lives.

Curtis Wilkerson ’99 majored in history and political science at WVWC and went on to found Orion Strategies, a firm providing strategic communication, public relations and state and federal government affairs. Offices can now be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington, D.C., as well as West Virginia. He is married to Kristi Wilkerson ’99, who recently accepted the position of Vice President of Advancement at WVWC.

Michael Bush ’10 is an attorney and entrepreneur in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, owning and operating various real estate companies, including 1st Management Group, LLC and Real Property Solutions, LLC.  Mike graduated with Honors from WVWC in 2010 and from West Virginia University College of Law in 2013 as a member of Order of the Coif.  He is active with the Berkeley County Planning Commission and Gerrardstown Presbyterian Church. Mike and his wife, Liz, have the honor of raising a rambunctious toddler, Abby. Since graduating from Wesleyan, Mike and a core group of Bobcat friends gather every year for a Thanksgiving cabin weekend – and their spouses and children have quickly become part of the Wesleyan family.

David Young ’87 is the founder and chief consultant of Young & Associates, a specialized consultancy based in London that focuses on developing global product positioning and branding for pharmaceuticals and other medical products. David holds an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now a unit of Arizona State University), a BS degree in marketing and biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a certificate in Japanese studies from Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. He is a guest lecturer at the Karachi School of Business (with ties to Cambridge University). He is in the process of being certified as a board director from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). David has been an advisor to the Board of Trustees of Hackney Empire Theatre in London, where he helped shape their equity story to support fundraising efforts. He is a long-standing member and former chairman of the senior advisory board to the Dean of Thunderbird, where he also acts as counsel to the school on marketing and branding related issues. David is part of the original founding team for the ‘Thunderbird SHARE Fellowship’, a prestigious alumni-driven scholarship/mentorship programme for exceptional students from developing countries wishing to attend Thunderbird.  David speaks German, is a certified Master SCUBA Diver, an Emergency SCUBA Medic, enjoys skiing and riding horses, and in his spare time volunteers as a surgical assistant for medical mission work in remote locations around the world.

Joanna McQuaid Webb ’07 is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She graduated from Wesleyan with a BS in Chemistry in 2007. She obtained her PhD in organometallic chemistry in 2012 from the University of Virginia, synthesizing novel transition metal complexes for catalytic small molecule transformations related to the energy sector. She began teaching at Wesleyan in 2012 and received the Exemplary Teaching Award in 2018. Joanna currently serves as a Career Consultant for the American Chemical Society and as Chair of Faculty Senate.  She also owns and operates Three Little Buds in Buckhannon.

Bill Pastorius earned both of his degrees from West Virginia University – he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary English specialization) in 1996 and Master of Arts in Reading in 2003. He taught English at Frankfort High School for five years before moving to Johnson City while his wife did research at East Tennessee State University.  After the birth of his daughter in 2009, Bill moved back home to WV and began working as a reading clinician at Wesleyan’s Learning Center in May of 2010.  He has been the Coordinator of Lindamood-Bell®* Methods program since August 2011.  Bill was elected to Staff Council in 2020, served as Vice Chair in 2022-2023, and currently serves as Chair.

Sadie Nichols ’25, current president of the Student Senate, is an ex-officio member of the board of trustees, along with Webb and Pastorious.

The trustees recently elected new officers: Kevin Spear ’76 as chair, Dr. Ellis Conley ’73 as secretary, Bill Fahrner ’96, MBA ’02 as chair of finance and David A. Young ‘87 as chair of governance and trusteeship.  Other trustees returning are John Allevato ’76, Brian Brouillette ’82; Jason Fiegel ‘00; Dr. Alan Letton; Justin Raber ’08; Rev. Dr. Vance Ross ’79; Rev. Amy Shanholtzer ’87; Dr. Joanne Soliday ’69, Hon. ’16; Craig Welsh ’93; and Jamion Wolford ’08.

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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –   The West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Theatre & Dance presents “Proof” by David Auburn, Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 5-7 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.

Winner of the 2001 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Proof” is the story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her calculating older sister, their genius father, and an unexpected suitor, all pieces of the puzzle in the search for evidence about the origins of a mysterious mathematical proof. This poignant drama unfolds on the back porch of an older suburban Chicago home, near a university where the father taught. David Auburn’s characters are brilliant and instantly recognizable as those members of our own families.

The cast includes junior musical theater majors Sydney Stewart of Barboursville, West Virginia as Claire and Ben Long of Buckhannon, West Virginia as Hal, as well as Buckhannon resident Alan Stephens as Robert. As part of the requirements for their senior capstone, senior acting and directing major Ellery Brown of Bay City, Michigan is featured as Catherine. Crew for the show includes costume designs by freshman psychology major Kostadena Matina Hartley of Buckhannon, West Virginia, properties design by freshman education major Tina Green of Huntington, West Virginia, house and box office management by senior psychology major Colby Wamsley of Clarksburg, West Virginia, sound design by senior biochemistry major Owen Hess of Bridgeport, West Virginia and stage management by criminal justice and technical theater double-major Jay Coping-Smith of Charleston, West Virginia, graphic designs by Associate Professor Jon Benjamin, with scenic and lighting designs by David Hartley, new Director of Technical Theater. The play is directed by Associate Professor and Department Chair, Thomas Schoffler.

This play runs just under two hours with a 10-minute intermission and contains adult language, physical intimacy and frank depictions of mental illness. If you have questions, please contact schoffler_t@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 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 once again ranked in the top 10 for Best Value in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Colleges and is one of the Best Regional Colleges by The Princeton Review.

Under the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, the College was ranked eighth for Best Value amongst Regional Colleges in the South, and 24th overall in the same category.  West Virginia Wesleyan is also listed as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility which measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants. 

 Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ‘01 said, “Growth in our new student and overall enrollment numbers this fall shows that students and families value a Wesleyan education and the unique campus experience and true personal attention our residential setting offers.  We have seen tremendous growth this year in West Virginia Promise Scholars, Creative and Performing Artists, Community Service Scholars, and Student Athletes—along with our largest freshman international population in over 20 years.”

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

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

 The U.S. News & World Report rankings follow the College’s listing in the ‘Best in the Southeast’ section of The Princeton Review’s “2024 Best Colleges: Region by Region” publication in August.

 WVWC was also ranked number one in Safest College Campuses in West Virginia, according to the 2024 NICHE Best College Rankings.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host Fall Open Houses Oct. 21 and Nov. 11, giving prospective students the opportunity to explore all the College has to offer. For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2024 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan eighth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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 holding an Oktoberfest Dinner Party on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the Benedum Campus Center plaza. The event will kick off a slate of celebrations in honor of the inauguration of the College’s 20^th president, Dr. James H. Moore.

The dinner party will feature German food prepared by Aladdin Food Services and traditional music by the Edelweiss Band, sponsored by Arts Alive!  The menu includes: Wiener Schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet), Brats, German Potato Pancakes, green beans, sautéed cabbage, Spaetzle, salad, pretzels with cheese, hot rolls, apple strudel, German chocolate cake, and more.

West Virginia Wesleyan invites the community to join in the inauguration festivities and attend Oktoberfest.  Dinner is $12 per person and open to the public (cash only, please, and exact change is appreciated).  In the event of rain, Oktoberfest will be held in the French A. See Dining Center of the Benedum Campus Center.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College welcomed nine new faculty members at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, including two for the new Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Dr. Yi Charlie Chen is a Visiting Associate Professor of Biology and will be teaching Principles of Molecular Biology and lab, Ecology and lab, Research, Principles of Organismal Biology and labs, and Senior Seminar. He holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and Molecular Biology from Washington State University. He previously taught at Alderson Broaddus University for 23 years and has worked in a USDA lab. Chen’s recent research is focused on studying the regulation of bioactive natural compounds on human health and cancer. The research found that theaflavins in tea reduced ovarian cancer cell growth therefore drinking tea reduces the chance of cancer in humans. Chen serves on the Steering Committee of the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE). Chen has published 94 scientific papers and book chapters, has been invited as a plenary speaker on several occasions, and serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nutritional Medicine and Diet Care. Chen is also serving as editor for four more scientific journals: Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Nutrition, Oncology Letters, and Cancers.

Dr. Paul Landen is a professor of Psychology at WVWC and will be teaching Introductory Psychology, Human Development, Counseling, and Abnormal Psychology this academic year along with supervising the psychology practicum students.  and professor emeritus of psychology at Kenai Peninsula College of the University of Alaska Anchorage. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology and religious studies from Michigan State University and completed post-doctoral work in clinical-community psychology with a rural, indigenous focus from the University of Alaska; three master’s degrees in counseling from Michigan State University, pastoral ministry from Marygrove College and Curriculum and Instruction from Ferris State University. He also completed two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and religious studies from Michigan State.  While at Kenai Peninsula College, Landen received the Outstanding Faculty Member award four times.

Dr. Jacob Hill is an assistant professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training. He is also a strength and conditioning specialist/athletic trainer at Gorilla Strength & Fitness and an athletic trainer at Bridgeport High School. He will be teaching Principles of Athletic Training, Orthopedic Support and Immobilization Techniques, and Advanced Emergency Care for the Athletic Trainer. Hill was previously a professor of Athletic Training and Exercise Science at Alderson Broaddus University. He holds a Doctorate in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University, a master’s in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from AB. Hill’s research interest is in the use of periodization in athletic training and strength and conditioning programs.

The Clinical Mental Health Master’s Program is accepting applications now with the first cohort to begin in January 2024.

Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, ALPS, LPC,  is the program’s first director and will also teach Orientation to Professional Counseling for Spring 2024. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from WVU, a Master of Arts in Mediation and Conflict from The George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from WVU in International Studies and German.  Randall Reyes has co-authored a book chapter currently in press for the bestselling Counseling Children and Adolescents textbook early next year. She has also accepted an invitation to participate in a round table presentation in October for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference in Denver, Colorado. Randall Reyes was recently elected a board member of the Harrison County Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Dr. Ariel Williams, LPC, will be an assistant professor in the Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Montana and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Williams has provided clinical counseling since 2012 and recently pivoted to a telehealth platform with a holistic model of healing. Her research interests relate to the experience and process of counseling supervision, creativity in teaching and counseling, and counselor wellness.

Kimberly Baughman is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing where she will teach Mental Health Nursing 320, Community Health 440, and Mental Health Clinicals. Baughman brings 18 years of teaching experience in career and technical education. Baughman earned her ASN and BSN from Fairmont State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Capella University. For the last two years, Baughman taught at Fairmont State and was a clinical adjunct instructor there. She also has experience working in behavioral health and med surge. Baughman’s research interests revolve around mental health issues, substance abuse, and the care of these patients.

Ann Whitehair ’24 is a Clinical Instructor of Nursing for this academic year while she is enrolled in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. Whitehair will be clinical instructing for the nursing program BSN, critical care, and pediatrics. She is working as an FNP in Community Care family medicine. Whitehair earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairmont State University in 2020.

Also joining the faculty this year are Director of Technical Theatre David Hartley and Emily Ziebarth, Irene McKinney Teaching Fellow.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 50 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.