BUCKHANNON, West Virginia —  West Virginia Wesleyan College will continue to inspire the state’s next generation of artists after being selected to host the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) for another three-year cycle, extending the partnership through 2030. 

The College first hosted GSA 2014-2016, and GSA returned in 2024 for a three-year cycle. The announcement marks a continued partnership between the College and one of the state’s premier educational enrichment programs for talented young artists.

Dr. James Moore, West Virginia Wesleyan College’s 20th president, came to the College in 2006 as Director of Jazz Ensembles, where he built one of the most vibrant collegiate jazz programs in the region. Today, that jazz program is under the direction of Adam Loudin ‘07, who studied under Moore and is continuing the tradition.

Moore said, “We are thrilled and honored that we have been trusted with another three years of this amazing program. This College has always been one that’s valued the arts, and it’s what brought me here in 2006 as a young faculty member. We see the value in these students and know that they need to be supported by an institution that understands that the contributions of artists are among the most valuable to society. West Virginia Wesleyan College is most certainly that place.”

A transformative, free-of-charge program, GSA invites current sophomores interested in expanding their artistic talents and experiences in digital art/media, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, studio art, theatre arts, and vocal music to apply.  The State of West Virginia covers the costs of the program.

The announcement comes at a time when West Virginia Wesleyan College continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to the creative and performing arts.  This fall, WVWC will welcome approximately 60 students in creative and performing arts, including several who attended the Governor’s School for the Arts in 2024. Overall, WVWC has welcomed more than 160 creative artists across the last three incoming cohorts, and 11% of students study creative arts.  

Sophomores can apply to GSA at https://govschools.wv.gov once applications are open in the 2026-2027 academic year. Stay tuned for announcements.

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.