News Type: Student

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College recently recognized its 2025 Homecoming Court with President James Moore and First Lady Jessica Moore crowning the top vote-getters at halftime of the football game.

The two highest vote-getters this year, chosen by their peers, were Cliff Carpenter ’26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Stanley Martin ’26, of Charleston, West Virginia.

Carpenter is a biology major with a chemistry minor and a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and TriBeta Biology Honor Society.

Martin is a biology pre-med major. A member of BSU, Theta Chi, Service Scholars and WE Lead, Martin is also resident director for campus life, senior class vice president and a member-at-large for Student Senate.

Abigail Dilly ’26, of Lewisburg, West Virginia. A business administration major also enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program, Dilly is captain of the WVWC Competitive Dance Team and president of Alpha Delta Pi.

Haden Fincham ’26, of Berkley Springs, West Virginia, is a biology major and president of TriBeta Biology Honor Society. He serves as coordinator for the WE LEAD High Tunnel Team, vice president of PRISM and a member of Bobcat Entertainment.

Kristin Hicks ’26 of Parsons, West Virginia, is an elementary education major and vice president of operations for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She also serves as a Service Scholar, a tutor for the Education Department and a member of Delight Ministries.

Kylie Holloway ’26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a computer science major. She is a resident director for campus life and also serves as the campus life representative for Student Senate. She is a Service Scholar, WE LEAD member, secretary of the Black Student Union, the Elior Marketing Representative and a member of Bobcat Entertainment.

Dakota Johnson ’26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a music, gender studies and psychology major. She is a student-athlete on the cross country and track teams and is a member of LeaP, the Praise and Worship Team and BSU.

Kennedy Marshall ’26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is a nursing major and is a member of Student Nurses of Wesleyan and a nursing mentor. She is a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha, a founding member of WE LEAD End the Cycle, a work study in admissions and a note taker for The Learning Center.

Julia McCoy ’26, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, is a nursing major and the vice president for Student Senate, a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority where she holds multiple positions and a member of Student Nurses of Wesleyan.

Raveena Navalgund ’26, of Fairmont, West Virginia, is a biology pre-med major with minors in honors and chemistry. She is a two-time captain for the Lacrosse team, ranked No. 1 by NCAA DII for defensive statistics, a member of TriBeta Biology Honor Society, Benzene Ring, SAAC and the Go D.O. program. She is also a student ambassador and a first year experience teaching assistant.

Representing the junior class were Abby McDonough ’27, of Salem, West Virginia,  and Sophia Shoemaker ’27, of Elkins, West Virginia. McDonough is an elementary education major, a member of the women’s basketball and track teams and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Shoemaker is a biochemistry major, a member of Alpha Delta Pi, the Benzene Ring and a Wesleyan Service Scholar.

Sophomore attendant Breanna Waldron ’28, of Fairmont, is a biology pre-med major and a member of the swim team, Alpha Delta Pi, Delight Ministries, the Student Ambassador program, and serves on the Student Senate as the Sophomore Class President.

Freshman attendant Ava Smith ’29, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, is a nursing major and a member of the competitive dance team.

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 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 Department of Theatre & Dance presents a reimagining of Shakespeare’s ”MACBETH”  that is a funny look at events from the perspective of the three witches. 

This version, written and directed by Dr. Greg Mach, with a lot of help from William Shakespeare, is entitled “Macbeth Bewitched.” 

Warriors in Scotland are victorious over the Viking attackers, and are told by three “weird sisters” in prophecies that promotions are in order, and that, indeed, one of them, Macbeth, will become king. When the king pops by Macbeth’s castle for celebrations, Macbeth and his wife let ambition steer them into murder, and that’s just the beginning. The new king and queen will stop at nothing to stay in power, and the death count grows in this tragedy made a comedy by the crazy antics of those around them. 

The cast list includes Ashton Nardella ’26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as witch one, Elijah W. Dickey ’27, of Chloe, West Virginia,  as witch two, Julius Pretlow ’26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as witch three, and John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as Macbeth. Ness Schauman ’29, of Elkins, West Virginia, appears as King Duncan/Hecate, Adrian Legg ’28, of Charleston, West Virginia, as Banquo, Heath Gilliam ’29, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, as Malcom and DeAndre Jones ’29, of Morgantown, West Virginia,  as Macduff.  Rhyan Sebring ’27, of Caldwell, Ohio,  portrays Fleance and Lady Macduff while Leigh Rice ’28, of Philippi, West Virginia, is Lady Macbeth. The Macduff Child is played by both Kendall Marcum ’29, of Hurricane, West Virginia, and Schauman. 

“MacBeth Bewitched” features scenic and lighting design by new designer and tech director Boyd Wolz, 

Costume design by guest artist Ruth Humphrey, fight choreography by guest artist Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre. Sarah Farlow ’29, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, serves as stage manager. 

Show times are Oct. 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 25 in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door for $10 general admission, $8 seniors and $5 for WVWC students and community. 

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 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 CCIA and Arts Alive! are presenting Jazz & Java in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct.15) with live Latin Jazz music led by Yamil Conga Trio at the CJ Maggies, Opera House on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The event will be from 6-8 p.m., with live music, a salsa dance lesson and food. Donation of $10 requested at the door. West Virginia Wesleyan College students receive free admission.

Conga is a native of Puerto Rico and a current resident of Nashville, Tennesee. Conga tours nationally and internationally and also visits colleges and universities, bringing educational lectures on the conga drum and salsa music. 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  West Virginia Wesleyan College has extended a special on-campus room discount to full-time enrolled students from Harrison County.  Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, West Virginia Wesleyan College will add Harrison County students to the list of full-time students from Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur who have on-campus room costs reduced by $2,000 a year.  

The rate reduction will be honored for all campus housing choices for the length of time a student is enrolled at WVWC.

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, John Waltz ‘01, said:   “By removing the variables of students needing to find an apartment and deal with monthly utilities and groceries we help families control costs, and we ensure a more stable learning and living environment where young people can both enjoy themselves and focus on academic and extracurricular success. Lots of students and their families already see the value in this type of experience and we are especially excited to extend this benefit to the excellent students of Harrison County this year.”  

The announcement comes on the heels of the College’s newest ranking from U.S. News and World Report. WVWC is No. 2 for Best Value Colleges. 

WVWC will host two Fall Open Houses, Oct. 25 and Nov. 8.  Register at www.wvwc.edu to learn more about what makes West Virginia Wesleyan College special. 

 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 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 – Twenty-one West Virginia Wesleyan College students gained valuable experience this summer through a variety of research internships that culminated with presenting their research at the INBRE Symposium held at Marshall University.

Curtis Litton ‘26, of Duck, West Virginia, gained experience at WVU’s Health Sciences Center under the INBRE program, investigating the impact of Type 2 diabetes on heart function. The research focused primarily on the effects of diabetes on mitochondria, which are organelles that play a critical role in producing the energy needed for the heart to pump properly.

“We came away with some intriguing results which I was then able to present at INBRE’s summer research symposium at Marshall University,” Litton said. The internship was a great way for me to not only gain more experience in the field of biomedical research but also to learn more about myself. I feel as though it gave me great insight as to how a career in scientific research would work for me and helped solidify my intent to pursue that career path.”

Annalise Gentilozzi ’26, of Clarksburg, West Virignia  worked on a retinal gene therapy project focused on PROM1-associated cone-rod dystrophy. I was responsible for preparing and analyzing an animal model that received AAV-PROM1 subretinal injections,” she said. “My work included cryostat slicing of retinal tissue, immunohistochemistry and expansion microscopy to visualize structural details of the outer nuclear layer.” 

“This experience shaped both my technical and professional skills,” Gentilozzi said. “I developed precision and dexterity in lab procedures. When looking towards a career in dentistry, these skills directly translate to the fine motor skills required in dentistry. Being a part of the research team showed me how science can directly impact patient care, which ultimately shows the reason why people go into health care.”

Mariam Al-Zoubi ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, spent her summer at Marshall University studying pro-inflammatory cytokines related to the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

“Using methods of tissue culture, protein extraction and Western Blot, I studied the expression of certain pro-inflammatory proteins in intestinal mucosa,” she said. “This experience was very beneficial for me because not only did I become equipped with knowledge about the importance of literature and differing research methods in the lab, I was also able to work in a professional setting that allowed me to expand on my ideas for my future.”

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 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 wvw

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – On Oct. 3, the WE LEAD Invisible Illness team at West Virginia Wesleyan College will host its annual Suicide Prevention Walk. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of Wesley Chapel, where participants can create a small luminary bag. The community is invited to attend. 

The walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the chapel steps, proceed through campus towards and through the RiverWalk, and return to the Chapel steps. Collaborating WE LEAD Teams will also hand out informational handouts and glowsticks throughout the walk. Afterwards, at the Chapel steps, Shauna Jones, Director of Counseling Services at WVWC, will give a keynote address about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention while the luminaries are lit. All students and community members are encouraged to join us in raising awareness and supporting mental health.

“Walking through darkness, we carry the light of hope, reminding each other that even in the deepest shadows, we are not alone,” LouMasi Lott ‘26, Invisible Illness Team Representative, said. “Every step forward is a step towards preventing suicide and illuminating a path to healing.”

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 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 French A. See Dining Center has received some upgrades aimed at enhancing students’ on-campus dining experience.

New flooring installed in Spring 2025 has now been complemented with new dining furniture and the hall has been freshly painted. Tables and chairs in a neutral color scheme have now been added to the dining hall. The new tables include some at counter-top height, allowing for intimate seating looking across campus. Additional lounge seating has been added to the perimeter, providing more places for students to connect. 

The upgrades are courtesy of current Board of Trustees members, as well as former Trustees.  Their focus was to enhance a space that students utilize every day.  

Kevin Spear ‘76, chair of the WVWC Board of Trustees, said, “Both current and former Trustees wanted to provide tangible evidence of our ongoing support of the forward movement of our College.  What better way to do so than by updating the fundamental center of our campus for current and future students?”

French A. See Dining Center opened in 1995, and this is the first time a complete overhaul including new furniture, has happened in 30 years. The first class to fully use the new dining center during their four years at WVWC was the Class of 1999, with some of them joining the Board of Trustees in donating to the initiative. 

Student Senate President Brayton Boggs ‘27 said, “Not only is the dining hall a place for students to decompress and enjoy their meals, but it is also a setting where conversations and laughter flourish. These improvements provide for a more welcoming environment and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.”

“On behalf of the entire Wesleyan community, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our energetic Board of Trustees for sponsoring this project.”

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 – Today, West Virginia Wesleyan College announces the launch of its new Physician Assistant (PA) Program, marking a significant stride in our ongoing commitment to healthcare education and workforce development, while filling a critical gap in rural healthcare delivery. 

The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Pending successful achievement of this status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting, West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates welcoming its inaugural PA class in May 2028 to Battlers Knob in Philippi.

President Dr. James Moore said, “West Virginia Wesleyan College is excited and proud to make this announcement. As the region’s leader in care-centered healthcare education, we believe that it’s central to our mission to launch programs that will produce graduates who will improve the healthcare outcomes of West Virginians and Appalachians. We are grateful to our healthcare partners for their guidance and partnership in this exciting new program.”

There are currently hundreds of job openings for PAs in West Virginia, demonstrating the need for more graduates.

Entrance into Physician Assistant schools is highly competitive, and roughly one-fourth of applicants are accepted. There are five PA programs in the Mountain State, but none are located geographically between Charleston and Morgantown.   

Provost Dr. Lynn M. Linder said, “The physician assistant profession is essential to meeting the growing healthcare needs of West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. By launching this program, we are preparing skilled, compassionate providers who will expand access to care, strengthen healthcare systems, and build healthier communities. This is not only an investment in our students, but a legacy that will shape lives and reaffirm West Virginia Wesleyan College’s leadership in healthcare education and workforce development.”

The PA Program at Wesleyan is designed to prepare compassionate, highly-skilled medical professionals through a blend of rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. 

Deanna Leach, DMSc, PA-C, has been hired as the program’s first director, bringing a clinical background as a physician assistant and serving as associate director of the previous program at the former Alderson Broaddus University. Most recently, Dr. Leach has served as assistant director of the PA program at West Liberty University.

On Sept. 10 at 3 p.m., WVWC will host an event at Battlers Knob in Philippi. The public is invited to attend to formally celebrate the announcement and partnerships.

Since the closure of Alderson Broaddus University, WVWC has partnered with Battlers Knob to plan and execute in-person programs and services. The first, an LPN to BSN Pathway, launched this fall and is at 100% capacity with a waiting list. Beginning in Spring 2026, the hybrid program will see students return to Battlers Knob for clinicals. 

Glen E. Combs, Ed.D. (HC), PA, is president of the Hu C. Myers Association and an alum of the ABU PA Program.

Combs added, “The establishment of a new program to educate future PAs is a monumental step forward for the health and well-being of our communities. It signifies a strong commitment by West Virginia Wesleyan to educate skilled medical practitioners, particularly in our state’s rural and underserved regions. By educating a new generation of compassionate and competent PAs, we are not only enriching our local workforce but also ensuring that more West Virginians have access to the quality medical care that they deserve. This new PA program will be a beacon of opportunity, fostering educational excellence and building a healthier future for all.”

Adding the Physician Assistant Program builds on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the greater Appalachian region through its BSN, Nursing Practitioner and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees and the more recent establishment of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Addiction Certificate. 

ABOUT WVWC’s APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION-PROVISIONAL
West Virginia Wesleyan College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). West Virginia Wesleyan College anticipates matriculating its first class in May 2028, pending achieving Accreditation – Provisional status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. If the West Virginia Wesleyan College Physician Assistant Program does not achieve Accreditation-Provisional status as planned, students will not matriculate and will receive a full refund of tuition and deposits. Please note that this does not include fees paid by applicants to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees recently voted to extend the contract of President Dr. James Moore through June 30, 2032, a move that affirms the institution’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the College’s future.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce our unanimous decision to extend Dr. Moore’s contract through June 30, 2032,” said Kevin Spear, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “This renewal reflects our deep confidence in Dr. Moore’s ability to continue to elevate our College, strengthen its academic programs, and further its ongoing mission of excellence in serving the needs of our region.”

Moore came to West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2006, serving as Director of Jazz Ensembles and Professor of Music. He then was appointed to Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty for five years. The board appointed Moore as interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan in 2022, making it official in 2023.

Since stepping into the presidency, Moore has continually underscored the role West Virginia Wesleyan College has to play in Appalachia by working to solve problems such as the demand for more clinical mental health counselors and health care professionals. 

Moore played a pivotal role in securing transformative partnerships and investments including the $1.2 million collaborative gift from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia to launch the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

WVWC recently announced the establishment of a new LPN to RN pathway program utilizing the Battlers Knob campus in
Philippi. Students will start the mostly online program with in-person clinicals at WVWC their first semester and then transition to the Battler’s Knob campus for the remainder of the program. 

A partnership with Mon Health System/Vandalia Health guarantees scholarships and employment for WVWC nursing graduates. There has also been the expansion of local and regional collaborations with Upshur County Schools, Valley Health, Behavioral Health Associates, City of Buckhannon/Colonial Arts Center, and Notre Dame High School.

Total enrollment has grown by 10% since 2022, marking two consecutive years of increased enrollment and a projected continuation of that growth into Fall 2025. The most significant increase has come at the graduate level. Graduate program enrollment has increased by 40 percent since 2023 with the introduction of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, new addiction and recovery certificate, and executive (online) MBA programs. 

This fall, WVWC will welcome its first Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity students to campus.

Campus and facility enhancements have also flourished during Moore’s tenure. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, new multi-purpose stadium lighting at the Cebe Ross Field has been installed allowing the return of nighttime games and events at the stadium. Seating upgrades at Rockefeller Gymnasium will be complete in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Renovations at McCuskey Hall and upgrades to the French A. See Dining Center, including new seating and flooring (set for Fall 2025 completion) were also made. The tennis complex received new enhancement including a striking Wesleyan-themed resurfacing and a new scoreboard. WVWC’s iconic Wesley Chapel steeple received a much-needed refresh. 

Moore oversaw a reimagining of the Office of Advancement, resulting in the highest Wesleyan Fund total in 20 years – with all donor gifts directly benefiting students. With Moore’s leadership, there has been the reestablishment of alumni trust and engagement, achieving 50% growth in the College’s alumni participation rate.  Due to Moore’s vision, the Office of Advancement also recently spearheaded the creation of the Wesleyan Athletics Endowment, ensuring long-term support for WVWC athletic programs. 

Moore said, “I am humbled and honored that the Board of Trustees has affirmed their confidence in the great work we’re doing at WVWC. Since 2006, this place has been my home and my passion, and I am excited to continue to be a member of this community for the next seven years.”

With this renewed leadership, West Virginia Wesleyan College remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience that supports its students, faculty, and the broader Appalachian region.

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

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Receiving several awards including Outstanding Senior, West Virginia Wesleyan College graduate Katie Morgan ’25 excelled in academics and service.  

At the Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony, Morgan also received the Wesleyan Values Award, the Practicing Restorative Justice Award, the Outstanding Senior in Psychology Award, and the Brad Long Peace Fund Award. On Commencement Day, Morgan graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. 

She did all this while navigating the campus, her studies, and service as a blind person.

Morgan is from Monongah, West Virginia, a community outside Fairmont about an hour’s drive from WVWC.

“I chose Wesleyan because I knew it was a small school and a small campus, which would mean it was easy for me to navigate as a totally blind person,” she said. “It was emphasized at Wesleyan that you would get one-on-one attention from your professors and they would be able to help you.”

Going away to college wasn’t without concerns for Morgan.

“I had heard stories from other blind people who went to colleges, about how they weren’t accommodated or that professors wouldn’t give them what they needed,” she said. “I am also a first-generation student. Neither of my parents graduated from college. Would I even be able to do the work? Compounding that, as a blind person, I definitely had a lot of concerns about how well I would be able to do in that environment.” 

WVWC has The Learning Center – something Morgan used throughout her time at WVWC, including its testing lab.

“For my first year, I would meet once a week with my advisor at The Learning Center, Linda Selan,” Morgan said. “We would check in on how I was handling the coursework, if I needed any accommodations. She was really good about checking in with me and making sure I had everything I needed. Everyone there was always kind and willing to hear my questions, always willing to help in whatever way I needed.” 

“They also provided people to walk to my classes with me in the beginning, so I would know where they were located and I could later find them independently,” she said.

“Every professor I ever had was very understanding and accommodating,” she said. “If I needed a test in an electronic format or if I needed to do an assignment in a different format, or email a paper instead of printing it, they would work with me.”

Morgan also became involved on campus, giving back to the community that welcomed her.

“The first organization I joined was Intervarsity Christian Fellowship,” she said. “Joining that organization really gave me the ability to lead Bible studies and welcome new students, giving them a safe space to come.

“I joined WE LEAD my junior year because they offered areas of service I could focus on,” she said. “My first semester with them I was on the youth security team focusing on children. Senior year, I switched to being involved with the human rights team. We provided educational materials on violations of human rights and spreading awareness about where human rights are lacking.”

“As a senior, I interned with the Center for Restorative Justice. I facilitated community-based conversations on the Wesleyan campus about different topics, providing people a safe space for people to have discussions. I also volunteered at Resilience Collaborative in Clarksburg with people who are unhoused, helping to cook and serve meals, having conversations, and learning more about their struggles.” 

Morgan is taking a gap year to gain work experience before entering West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Counseling with a goal to become a certified therapist. She feels her studies and experiences at WVWC will make these next steps possible. 

“Academically, I’ve learned a lot,” she said. “I had really awesome professors who took the time to teach and engage with students. The opportunities for leadership, particularly with WE LEAD and the Center for Restorative Justice, really feel like it has prepped me to be a therapist. It taught me to provide a positive space for other people and how to engage with other people and their life experiences, and what we can do to help. For any work team I am going to be part of in the future, the CCE provided really good opportunities for leadership and being in a team setting.” 

As she looks back on her experiences at WVWC, Morgan remembers the beginning of her first year.

“It was very overwhelming and also very positive,” she said. “I really got there and didn’t know if I would be able to succeed. I knew all throughout high school that I wanted to be a therapist. I had this career goal and didn’t really know what it would take or how I would get there.”

The answer proved to be one day at a time, according to Morgan.

“I thought every day something would happen and it would be too challenging, but one day at a time, I made it. I was surrounded by kindness. I definitely would not have made it without the support of those people and making those connections to people I knew would be willing to help me.”

Her advice to others?

“Don’t be afraid to do it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of the challenge. You gain so many skills, experiences, and so much knowledge you can apply to any part of your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Try to find a community that you fit into. Having a sense of community is really helpful with the isolation.”

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.