News Type: Student

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 – 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.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Space Club will travel to Norway in November for a sounding rocket launch that will send their projects into orbit.

On Thursday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m., members of the Space Club will be telling the campus community more about these projects as part of a special Faculty-Student Lecture Series in the side dining hall.

The Space Club will head to Andoya, Norway this fall where they will learn more about pre-launch and post-launch processes with a sounding rocket launch. Two projects they have been developing under advisor Dr. Tracey Delaney, a Spectrometer and a Langmuir Probe, will be launched into the ionosphere to study the properties of Aurora Borealis.
Making the trip are Dakota Carpenter ’28, Sonya Carper ’28, Jacob Dawson ‘25, Sneha Sundareneedi ‘27, Ezekiel Hall ‘27, Josiah Bradsher ‘28,  and mathematics professor Dr. Jesse Oldroyd. 

Thursday’s presentation will begin with an intro by department chair Dr. Bert Popson and the opportunity to hear from three students making the trip. 

Dawson, a business administration major with a minor in political science from Martinsburg, West Virginia, is the project manager for the Space Club’s trip to Norway. 

“I have experience in Project Management, and love learning how space works, so I joined Space Club
here at WVWC,” Dawson said.
Dawson will give an overview of the trip planned for November 2025.
“We are so excited to make this prestigious trip to learn and experience traveling to a foreign country. Being able to do this program through NASA has been a wonderful experience and our team of students are so grateful for the opportunity.”

Thompson, of Philippi, West Virginia, is a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in physics.
“I was introduced to Wesleyan as one of the West Virginia Metro News Scholar Finalists and received the Presidential Scholarship.
“I had the honor of participating in the Summer Research Program where I studied Ionized Elemental Isotopes,” he said. I would later present my research at the APS Eastern Great Lakes Section representing the Appalachian AAPT at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. After Wesleyan, I plan to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering at West Virginia University.”

Thompson will present about Ionizing Elemental Isotopes.
“This experiment was to research the process of introducing different elements into a vacuum and ionizing isotopes to determine their elements using Mass Spectrometry. This idea was used to measure Argon, Nitrogen, Tri-gas mixture, Carbon Dioxide, Propane, and an Unidentified gas. I would build on this project to ionize isotopes using the Photoelectric effect and wavelengths to break their molecular bonds.

Carper is a physics/engineering major and part of the executive boards for Space Club and Sigma Pi Sigma, physics National Honor Society. She is a WV NASA SGC student ambassador and a Space Ambassador.
“I will be speaking about my journey with NASA, and the Langmuir Probe and the Spectrometer that we are building and going to Norway to launch into the ionosphere (LEO) in the northern hemisphere,” she 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 – West Virginia Wesleyan College has announced a new partnership with the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association to offer a Certificate in Addiction Counseling program.

This initiative, housed within WVWC’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, will provide essential training for professionals addressing substance use disorders in West Virginia and the Appalachian region.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at WVWC is the first graduate counseling training program in the state to offer a specialization in Addiction Counseling as part of the 60-credit degree. Students can enroll in the CAC as part of the CMHC master’s program or as a fully online, 12-credit certificate program if they already hold a healthcare-related master’s degree. The CAC can be completed in as little as one semester, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver quality addiction counseling services to communities hardest hit by substance use disorders.

Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Director of the School of Counseling and Psychology at WVWC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“The School of Counseling and Psychology at West Virginia Wesleyan College is honored to partner with the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association (WVBHPA) to bring our Certificate in Addiction Counseling (CAC) to their membership. We support WVBHPA’s mission to create and sustain healthy and secure communities by training exceptional counselors at Wesleyan through our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” Dr. Reyes said.

WVWC Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder emphasized the significance of this collaboration. 

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative Certificate in Addiction Counseling program, a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for skilled addiction counselors in our state. This program embodies West Virginia Wesleyan College’s commitment to creating meaningful impact and fostering positive change in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region, providing flexible pathways for professionals to gain expertise in tackling substance use challenges,” Dr. Linder said.

Through this partnership, the WVBHPA’s nearly 40 member organizations will have access to WVWC’s high-quality addiction counseling training, furthering their mission to strengthen behavioral healthcare services across the state. By expanding educational opportunities for professionals in the field, WVWC and WVBHPA are taking a vital step toward combating substance use disorders and supporting community health initiatives.

For more information about the Certificate in Addiction Counseling program, visit www.wvwc.edu/counseling-programs/#cac. 

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 www.wvwc.edu

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  A West Virginia Wesleyan College Service Scholar project has connected some of Upshur County’s youngest residents with elderly residents to spread some Valentine’s cheer. 

Matthew Hatfield ‘28, of Oceana, West Virginia,  is a Service Scholar through West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development. His site placement this academic year has been Tennerton Elementary where he spends six to 10 hours assisting school counselor Suzanne Bohman with everyday tasks, taking on responsibilities of projects for the students, and helping mentor some students.

Hatfield brainstormed the Valentines as a service project for students.

“When I started this project, my main intention was to bring smiles to those in nursing homes,” he said. “I have family members in nursing homes and I have since realized how lonely being in a nursing home can actually be. Of course, the residents see the employees, but not every resident is fortunate enough to see all their family. I wanted to educate the kids on the importance of being there for the wise.”

Hatfield asked students from kindergarten through fifth grades to make cards for the residents on St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Third Floor and at Holbrook Nursing Home and Serenity Care. He printed about 300 cards to make sure residents received two each and delivered them to the facilities on Valentine’s Day.

“When I first got the cards I went through each and every card reading them and some cards warmed my heart. I read some cards that had a paragraph on them, I saw some that had colorful drawings. I wanted to bring warmth, joy; happiness to the faces in the nursing homes. We always hear of the bad things that go on in the world. I think it’s time that we flood the world with kindness, smiles, hugs, and a simple card. It may not have been a big deal to some people, but I believe my goal was accomplished, and that was for the residents to have a smile on their faces again.”

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 –   Two West Virginia Wesleyan College students have been named NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Student Ambassadors, serving as a link between the WVSGC and the community.

Sonya Carper ’28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia,  a dual physics and engineering major, and Dakota Carpenter ‘28, a triple major in mathematics, physics and engineering from Birch River, West Virginia, are building their future paths through their programs here at WVWC and with the WVSGC.

Carper said, “The work I have completed for NASA WV and Space Club with Dr. Tracey Delaney has led me to aerospace engineering. Being able to help build payloads that will be launched from Andoya Space Center in Norway, is, I hope

the beginning of many things. I was afforded a nice scholarship, as well as free travel to events nationwide, and I will never walk away from an opportunity to share my love of all things STEM.”

Carpenter said, “As a freshman, I was unaware of many of the opportunities available to me. After joining West Virginia Wesleyan’s Space Club, Dr. Delaney reached out to me and other students to offer this opportunity to join the WVSGC as an ambassador. Being an ambassador has helped me learn about new opportunities and show my friends and peers the opportunities available to them in their career paths. Being an ambassador has helped me meet new people and learn about new opportunities with my career. As a triple major in mathematics, physics, and engineering I want to become a theoretical physicist and working with people at WVSGC has helped me to meet and connect with people who are aligning with my career path, which has pushed me to work harder in my studies and will help me with finding a job in the future.”

As ambassadors, Carper and Carpenter do not only work with WVWC but with other colleges in the state.

“The ambassador program doesn’t just help at WVWC but at any college that is apart from or working with the WVSGC,” Carpenter said. “At Wesleyan specifically, we have had multiple events with younger children in elementary school age come out and did demonstrations with them on scientific tools and activities to get them excited about college and pursuing a stem field. I personally have worked with people at Wesleyan to help them sign up for WVSGC summer internship programs and paid personal research grants.”

One upcoming event open to the community is also made possible though the WVSGC.

“The Space Club was able to receive funding for Space Day, which is a free event that we will be hosting on March 30, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the auxiliary gym,” Carper said. “Additionally other organizations on campus can also apply for funding for certain events.”

The Space Club will be giving a Faculty Lecture Series on Feb. 27 to talk more about their NASA project.  If anyone would like any information, they can reach out via email anytime or I will be doing a presentation for the physics department on the 27th in the dining hall as part of the lecture series.”

This has also brought our program coordinator, Kristina Angeline, to our campus with gifts that were handed out to the student body.

Carpenter added, “All of this is an effort to both increase the amount of people applying for summer internships and research projects, promote stem majors/jobs to the youth, and help people find opportunities they need to pursue the career they desire.”

For Carper and Carpenter, the opportunities through the WVSGC continue to pay off.

Carper added, “I was selected to attend the National Council of Directors Conference in Washington, D.C. later this month and I can’t wait to tell them about “My Home Among the Hills at WVWC.”

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 Center for Professional Development is hosting a Career Week to connect students with potential graduate schools, employers and internships.

Dr. Justin Bowers, director of career services and experiential learning at WVWC and Davis and Elkins, said, “Career Week is an opportunity for our students at Wesleyan to experience practical and compelling programs and opportunities to assist them in seeing tangible next steps related to their future careers.”

For those interested in a career in education, the Education Careers Summit at Davis & Elkins College Myles Center from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 will be the place to attend.  Join the Center for Professional Development and the Davis & Elkins and West Virginia Wesleyan College Education Departments for professional development, mock interviews, and recruitment opportunities for future positions.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, a Nursing Careers Summit will be held back on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts Center from 2-5 p.m. Join the Center for Professional Development and the WVWC and Davis & Elkins Nursing Departments for professional development, mock interviews, and recruitment opportunities for future positions.

Finally, a Professional Networking with WVWC Trustees will be held from 6:30- 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in Library Rooms 209 and 213 in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library.  Join the Center for Professional Development and the WVWC Trustees for a special evening of connection, conversation, and tips around professional relationships and development.

For more information about these events, contact Bowers at bowers.j@wvwc.edu or 304-473-8607.

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 – As she prepares for her next chapter, outgoing West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate President Sadie Nichols ’25, of Sistersville, West Virginia, reflected on her time heading the student-led organization for two consecutive terms.

“I chose to get involved in Student Senate at WVWC because I wanted to contribute to something greater than myself where I could make a meaningful impact and reach people in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” Nichols said. “I admired the work ethic, dedication, compassion, and leadership of many of the Student Senate members that I knew, and I desired to serve in the same way that those role models did before me. I wanted to give back to the new home I had found at WVWC, yearning for the opportunity to connect with people, hear their perspectives and stories, and enhance the Wesleyan experience for students, faculty, and staff alike.”

After serving not one, but two terms, Nichols recently passed the gavel to Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, who was elected Student Senate President in the fall and took office with the new officers this semester.

“I feel eternally grateful that my peers voted for me to serve as the president of Student Senate for two terms,” she said. “It has been such a joy and honor. The connections I have been able to make through my time at WVWC and through this position speak volumes to the devoted Home Among the Hills WVWC truly is. While being president for two years has been one of the most challenging and demanding experiences, serving in this role has also been one of the most impactful and rewarding in which I have ever been part.

“My favorite part about being on Student Senate for two years was being able to witness firsthand the remarkable growth of the individuals around me. I had the privilege of watching my dearest friends learn, grow, and emerge as brilliant leaders, overcoming challenges and serving as catalysts for change in a place I hold so dear to my heart.”

As Student Senate President, Nichols worked with the organization to build stronger connections within the campus community and the greater Buckhannon community.

“During my time as president, I feel Student Senate became a welcoming place where individuals could be heard and felt their voice mattered,” she said. “While many individuals didn’t know much about what Student Senate was or what they did previously, many new doors of connection were opened in this time. Relationships with organizations were fortified, and many organizations were able to advance, grow, and reach more individuals as a result.

“Student Senate also had the rare, extraordinary pleasure of hosting the 2024 Candidate Forum of Buckhannon, forging an even closer relationship between the college and town of Buckhannon. During my time as president, not only were several groundbreaking discoveries and advancements made, such as the creation of a new Budget Request form, but WVWC student body also became more engaged and involved in building a community of respect, support, and love.”

A biochemistry and political science major, Nichols will be continuing her education following graduation from WVWC at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program.

“It is my goal to become a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop and maintain skills needed for daily living and to improve their independence and quality of life,” she 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 – Celebrating 30 years in bringing high-energy dance styles rooted in African culture, Step Afrika! will offer a free performance on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College Feb. 17. Made possible by funding from WVWC’s Arts Alive!, the performance is part of a line-up of events hosted by the Center for Cultural &  International Affairs to celebrate Black History Month.  The performance will be held in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts from 7-8:30 p.m. 

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. 

In summer 2024, Governor’s School for the Arts students at WVWC traveled to Washington, D.C. to see Step Afrika!, one of the highlights of their visit to the nation’s capital.

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Alisa Lively said, “The Arts Alive! program complements Bobcat Entertainment by providing Wesleyan’s campus with numerous cultural activities, including concerts, dramatic productions, musical performances, modern dance and ballet, and lectures. Nationally and internationally renowned groups and artists provide a splash of cultural diversity and entertainment to the campus. We are so excited to welcome Step Afrika! back to our campus!”

Laurie Goux, director of the WVWC Center for Cultural & International Affairs, said, “One only has to witness this art form to see the roots of Appalachian percussive dances. Step Afrika! is breathtaking, uniquely blending culture and history to offer the best in “edutainment.”

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.