BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — West Virginia Wesleyan College welcomed its largest mid-year class of undergraduate students in the past 32 years for Spring 2026.

The most popular declared majors from the 62 new students include exercise science, business administration, psychology, accounting, computer science, sport business and biology. While pursuing their academic degrees, the students will also be participating in athletics, creative and performing arts, community service and more.

President James Moore said, “More and more, students and their parents are looking for a college that gives them the best experience possible for the best value possible. In some cases this means students are seeking to transfer from their first college of choice to their next college of choice. We’re honored that so many students who were searching for a new home found us, and we’re excited for them to earn their bachelor’s degrees at their new Home Among the Hills.”

The list includes student-athletes joining 10 different varsity teams, the largest cohort joining new head football coach Mike Kellar’s roster. Kellar was named as head football coach in November and immediately began recruiting for his program.

The class also includes the first pickleball recruit, Connor Waybright ‘29, of Charleston, West Virginia.  The College announced it would begin varsity pickleball in Fall 2026 and is the first college in West Virginia to offer scholarships.

Waybright said, “I came to WVWC looking for a place where I could challenge myself academically while being part of something new and meaningful. As a freshman biology major on the pre-medical track and a transfer from Michigan State University, I’m excited to be the first pickleball recruit and help build a brand-new team from the ground up. Pickleball has pushed me to compete, grow, and connect with others, and I’m thrilled to represent WVWC and be part of its future.”

Also included in the incoming class are creative artists, service scholars and esports athletes.

Andrew Bobby ‘29, of Frederick, Maryland, has already found a service site through the Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development. Bobby, who aspires to be a DNR officer, is placed at the Buckhannon Police Department. 

Hannah Davis ‘29, of Elkins, West Virginia, is double-majoring in psychology and sociology with a minor in criminal justice, and is also a new music merit scholarship member of the marching and concert bands.

Of the new students, 29% are from West Virginia, while 71% represent 16 U.S. States or territories and six additional countries. 

States and territories represented include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, New York, Texas, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Indiana, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Students also arrived from Argentina, Canada, Germany, Dominican Republic, Spain and Turkey.

Ready to apply for Fall 2026? Head over to www.wvwc.edu/apply for more information. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.