The College’s weekend activities kick off with the 48th Annual Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m. in Senate Commons. ĚýThe traditional ceremony, featuring the pinning of all ASN, BSN, and RN-BSN graduates, rose presentations and Florence Nightingale pledge will be led by keynote speaker and Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ alumna, Robin Stillwater, ’13 and ’14. ĚýStillwater currently serves aboard the USS Sterett.

Events continue Friday evening with the College’s Baccalaureate Service of Praise and Worship at 7:00 p.m. in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. ĚýGraduates will be presented with this year’s Commemorative Coin, designed by senior Maddie Edicola depicting Lake Tolstead – a popular area of campus for students to gather. ĚýEvening service will be led by the Reverend Dr. Scott Ramsey. ĚýRamsey has served Lewinsville Presbyterian Church since 2015, believing the church is called to live intentionally at the intersection of God’s grace and the world’s pain.

Saturday’s 117th Commencement Ceremony is set to celebrate the Class of 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. ĚýThis year’s keynote speaker is senior vice president for human resources, strategy, and administration at General Dynamics, Shane Berg. ĚýBerg also serves on the board of his alma mater, the University of Jamestown, a small, liberal arts, and Presbyterian (USA) affiliated college in North Dakota.

“The Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and Commencement are the celebration of years of hard work and determination by the graduate, his or her family, the faculty, and the staff of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­,” states Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President Chris A. Wood. Ěý“While this weekend is a milestone for certain, it is also the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity and experiences made possible by our gradates’ years on the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ campus. ĚýWe are so proud of each member of the Class of 2026, and it is a high honor for me to hand each of them their well-deserved diploma.”

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Departmental Achievement Awards

Students from across the College were recognized for excellence within their academic programs. Honorees in Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability included Jaden B. Bender, Alyssa M. Haynes, Shelby Marsh, and Lauren Twyman, with Emma K. Engle receiving the Robert E. Urban Memorial Award.

In Business and Entrepreneurship, honorees were David A. Bailey, Filippo Buffo, Alyson Miller, Melisa Ozsar, Tyler A. McCune, Samuel A. Rached, Catalina Salas Ortega, and Julia Vieira. Chemistry students Brooke J. Jacobs and Taytum Walls were recognized, with Jacobs also earning the Dr. Charles E. Albert Memorial Prize in Chemistry.

Additional honorees included Morgan T. Rogers and Ana L. Ubalde in Communication; Jocelyn P. Burnside, Alyssa J. Moss, Wesley T. Strawderman, and Lydia S. Wamsley in Education; and Savanna G. Hardman, Marina Saviceva-Noti, and Damian R. Stevenson in English and Foreign Language, Religion and Philosophy. Julia Vieira received the Tatiana Jardetzky Scholarship in Foreign Languages and Cultures.

Creative Arts honorees included Madeline L. Edicola, Greydon M. Fischer, and Nicole M. Schumacher. In History, Emma Gioia and Jacklyn Howell were recognized, while Peyton M. Friel received the James H. Swanton Prize in History. Mathematics and Physics honorees included Marcos Pacheco Padilla and Wesley T. Strawderman.

Nursing students recognized included Hillary L. Channell, Autumn Plauger, Aleah L. Sharp, Mary G. Beverage, and Macaden Taylor across ASN and BSN levels. In Psychology, Human Services, Political Science, and Criminology, honorees included Alena R. Armstrong, Erin Laubscher, and Melisa Ozsar, with Marina Saviceva-Noti recognized in Political Science. Bella G. Beaver received the Dorothy F. Roberts Achievement Prize, and Criminology honorees included Avelyn Anderson, Kristia Kouppi, and Shelley E. Steff.

Sport Science honorees included Samy Burd, Francisco L. Kreik, Daphne C. McCann, Jacob Milligan, Justus Petersilie, and Ian M. Wood, with Courtney F. Luikart receiving the Minnick-McCoy Award.

Special Awards and Honors

Several prestigious awards highlighted excellence beyond the classroom. The Faculty Senior Award was presented to Julia Vieira, recognizing a senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and intellectual leadership. The Dean’s Award was awarded to Willow Ferguson, while Junior Marshals Aiden Lloyd and Rafaela Moreira were selected to represent the junior class during commencement ceremonies.

Julia Vieira was also recognized with the L. Newton Thomas Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The Freeman J. Daniels Academic Achievement Awards honored Rafaela Moreira as the top junior, Donna McCauley as the top sophomore, and Christopher Wirahadipoernomo as the top freshman.

The Charles H. Potter II Scholarship Award was presented to JayC G. Morlog for outstanding leadership within the campus community. The Campus Impact Award was awarded to Deimante B. Antoine in recognition of meaningful contributions to campus life.

Outstanding Junior Student Life Awards were presented to Damian R. Stevenson and Maybellene M. Ledesma, while Outstanding Senior Student Life Awards were awarded to Connor R. Hyde and Alexis M. Herndon for their significant contributions outside the classroom.

Among the College’s highest honors, the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was presented to Sidney Ann Megna, and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was awarded to Samuel Antonio Rached. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify a spirit of service, character, and commitment to others.

The Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to Dr. Sarah Garrison, honoring her dedication to student learning and academic mentorship. Jane Corey was named Staff Emerita in recognition of her years of service, and Stephanie Haynes, College Registrar, received the Robin Price Award for Staff Excellence for her outstanding contributions to the College community.

Academic Distinction: President’s List and Dean’s List

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ also celebrated academic excellence across the student body through the Fall 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List.

President’s List – Fall 2025 Semester

Students earning a 4.0 GPA while completing at least 12 credit hours

Sidney Apanowicz, Christyna Armijo, Jonathan Armijos, Alena Armstrong, David Bailey, Nicholas Barrickman, Nayo Barroso, Bella Beaver, Zoe Belshan, Jaden Bender, Mary Beverage, Jackson Bigwood, Carrie Bonner, Cameron Branham, Filippo Buffo, Samy Burd, Jocelyn Burnside, Taylor Cable, Melanie Caldwell, Hillary Channell, Lindsay Clendenen, Erin Collins, Olivia Cook, Gabriela Crespo, John Croyle, Erin Dettinger, Alexander Dickinson, Caio Dourado Dias Braga, Jacob Dowdy, Tanner Eaves, Alfred Elfstrom, Joetta Elkins, Lydia Falkenstein, Greydon Fischer, Trinity Fleming, Deylana Forrest, Peyton Friel, Malia Galan, Timo Gerach, Cooper Gibson, Victoria Gill, Emma Gioia, Emiliana Golac, Guia Gomez, Makenzie Gregory, Jillian Griffin, Yiftah Harari, Umut Hatunoglu, Alyssa Haynes, Meg Henkle, Alexis Hewitt, Lisa Hinchman, Julian Hitt, Julianne Hobson, Brooke Jacobs, Aries Jennings, Luka Kalinic, Louay Kassel, Amber Kesling, Simon Kiekebeld, Tiffany King, Kristia Kouppi, Laufey Kristinsdottir, Fabienne Lahn, Erin Laubscher, Rafaela Leao Cota Moreira, Aiden Lloyd, Lauren Lockwood, Brooklyn Long, Francisco Lopez Kreik, Benjamin Luengo, Courtney Luikart, Mackenzie Lyons, Zoe Mackey, Shelby Marsh, Sergio Martinez Laborda, Willow Martz, Daphne McCann, Kelsolynn McCullough, Tyler McCune, Grant Mealey, Sidney Megna, Kade Melton, Alyson Miller, Jacob Milligan, Madison Mims, Kelsea Moore, Alyssa Moss, Taylor Mudd, Jack Murphy, Chasidy Murray, Victoria Noonan, Christopher Osborn, Leonardo Oshiro, Melisa Ozsar, Gabriela Pacheco Acevedo, Landon Paulson, Jeanne Pelissier, Justus Petersilie, Charles Phillips, Autumn Plauger, Sydney Prince, Gustavo Queiroz, Marcus Rader, Maya Rayman, Ariana Rectenwald, Varshith Reddy Marreddy, Jaela Reid, Natasha Rivero-Deighan, Raylynn Roberts, Keira Robinson, Lorena Ruiz-Rubio, Brody Rumon, Reagan Saab, Catalina Salas Ortega, Kyra Sauerwein, Nicole Schumacher, Lincoln Scott, Bethany Settle, Rohan Shah, Aleah Sharp, Alyssa Sharp, Rylan Sharp, Thomas Shaver, Bracie Sheets, Ava Sherman, Amber Short, Rochelle Shoulders, Manuella Silva Cogliatti, Kiara Sisler, Mackenzie Skidmore, Ruby Smith, Miranda Smith, Rachel Snedden, Jan Spehar, Shelley Steff, Charla Stemple, Edward Stephens-Truman, Ke’ya Stevens, Wesley Strawderman, Alyssa Stump, Sydnie Tate, Carla Tegner, Rebecca Tellez, Cathrynne Tenney, Tommaso Tofani, Lauren Twyman, Ana Ubalde, Julia Vasconcelos Vieira, Bailey Verkouteren, Sierra Walesheck, Haden Wamsley, Cayden Warfield, Rebekah Warren, Allyssa Waybright, Victoria Webster, Lilly Wentzler, Hannah White, Josephine Whorton, Emmalyn Whyte, Spencer Willey, Kimberly Winoker, Christopher Wirahadipoernomo, Joel Wise, Karmen Wolverton, Ian Wood.

Dean’s List – Fall 2025 Semester

Students earning a GPA between 3.6 and 3.99 while completing at least 12 credit hours

Saige Abbott, Rylee Anderson, Emma Andrews, Lydia Andrzejuk, Tessa Banasiak, Marissa Barajas, April Belcher, Britney Bond, Addison Boram, Nicole Bramble, Braelyn Brenneman, Grace Bronkella, Sophia Brown, Zachary Calef-Boring, Brenda Castro, Joao Vitor Cavaletti, Devon Channell, Penelope Chavez, Addyson Cogar, Jackson Cogar, Nicholas Colarossi, Kristin Coleman, Taylor Cooper, Allison Cuellar, Cortney Dobbs, Madeline Edicola, Kaitlyn England, Isaac Ferguson, Preslee Fincham, Savannah Foley, London Frame, Madison Frazier, Gabriel Glover, Madison Godwin, Alexia Gonzales, Carson Gorby, Luke Grilliot, Diana Gutierrez, Jacob Hamrick, Gavin Hardister, Savanna Hardman, Brock Harlow, Quinn Hazelett, Faith Heater, Axel Hedreux, Haiden Hedrick, Morgan Hill, Jacklyn Howell, Connor Hyde, Samantha Jarvis, Justin Kearney, Fallyn Kelley, Saylor Kneeland, Dylan Leadbetter, Maybellene Ledesma, Avery Linthicum, Jeremy Lis Rojas, Gabriel Machala, Aidan Maldonado, Tiffany Manning, Juan Martinez Hess, Benjamin McComas, Isabell McCormick, Addison McDonald, Jolie McGaughan, Aidan Miller, Payton Miller, Tomas Miyagi, Hannes Morell, Aiden Morey, Mackenzie Mullan, Cameron Murray, Brooke Nicklaus, Liebe Oosthuizen, Jacob Orr, Andrea Pannell, Kaitlyn Parker, Kendall Pellot Carrasquillo, Rachel Petrice, Kenzie Phillips, Ariona Plumley, Lillyan Plumley, Logan Powell, Emma Prater, Savannah Quave, Samuel Rached, Dallas Rasmussen, Corbin Reilly, Charlie Ressler, Rafael Revenga, Walter Ridgley, Gavin Rodriguez-Cayro, Tomas Rumanko, Briyana Sapp, Marina Saviceva-Noti, Mark Shelley, Bethany Shumway, Nathaniel Silvus, Debra Smith, Madison Smith, Chiebuka Soribe, Tristan Starks, Colten Stasny, Tom Strohschein, Jaelynne Surface, Maximillia Sutherland, Garrett Swecker, Charles Taylor, Nathaniel Taylor, Sierra Taylor, Maiah Teter, Isabelle Thomas, Darren Tjen, Jill Van der Velde, Fletcher Van Heuven, Anthony Vera, Jackson Waggy, Cade Walters, Jarrett Walters, Lydia Wamsley, MacKendrick Weber, Cameryn Wheeler, Zoey White, Charlie Whitsed, Max Wildbore, Abigail Wilfong, John Wilkins, Viktor Yanev, Jose Zavala, Sasha Zirkle.

Looking Ahead

The ceremony also recognized students selected for the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy, as well as graduating seniors continuing their education at institutions across the country. Academic honor societies, including Alpha Delta Nu, Chi Beta Phi, Delta Alpha Pi, Kappa Delta Pi, and Sigma Theta Tau, were also acknowledged for their commitment to scholarship and service.

As the academic year draws to a close, the 2026 Academic Awards and Recognition Convocation served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and impact of the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ community, both inside and outside the classroom.

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Both DeLuca and Young were voted in unanimously during the state conference in October.

SHAPEWV promotes quality physical education, health education, and physical activity programs across the state by supporting educators and schools. As the state affiliate of SHAPE America, SHAPEWV also helps bring national initiatives like Health.Moves.Minds to West Virginia schools, encouraging students to build healthy habits through physical activity and social-emotional learning.

“Serving as the SHAPEWV Physical Activity Chair allows me to advocate for the importance of lifelong physical activity while supporting educators and professionals who are passionate about health and movement,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Young. “It’s meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to support the profession while encouraging more opportunities for physical activity across West Virginia.”

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ will play an instrumental part in the support of SHAPEWV’s virtual conference between March 1 and April 1 of 2026. The conference, designed as a flexible and accessible way for physical educators to discuss health, physical education, and innovative teaching concepts, will feature five education sessions filmed at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ with Randolph County Health and Physical Educators Todd Price and Luanne Moore, SHAPEWV officer Kelsey Young, and Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Head Athletic Trainer Kerrie Snyder.

“SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle,” says Chair and Professor of Sport Science, DeLuca. “As Vice President of Higher Education for SHAPEWV, I am inspired to encourage innovative teaching and professional growth to others in the field, and to help strengthen connections between higher education institutions across the state of West Virginia, public and private schools, and private health and wellness industries. SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle.”

Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca

Dr. Kelsey Young

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Strawderman was recognized earlier in the year as a Clinical Teacher of Record, filling a vacancy in middle school math in Tucker County.

“We are incredibly proud of Wesley and the growth he has demonstrated throughout his preparation as a mathematics educator,” sayid Assistant Professor of Education and Chair, Teacher Education Melanie Gribble.

“Watching him develop into a thoughtful and skilled teacher has been a privilege, and this recognition highlights the high standards of preparation we value in the mathematics education program at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.”

The Walter Regula Mathematics Teacher-in-Training grant is named in honor of Walter Regula, a Marshall University math education professor who also served as president of the West Virginia Council of Teachers in Mathematics.

The award is made each year to an outstanding college or university student who is training to become a mathematics teacher and who has intentions of teaching in West Virginia.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award,” says Strawderman. “To me, it represents not just past effort, but a responsibility to continue striving for excellence as a future educator.

“Meeting the criteria for this award reassures me that my dedication to learning, leadership, and service is making an impact. Most importantly, this recognition strengthens my commitment to give back to West Virginia, whether that’s through education, community involvement, or supporting the next generation.

“I’m proud to represent a state that has given me so much, and I’m motivated to give just as much back to it,” Strawderman said.

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FYRA is an exciting opportunity that pairs outstanding students with Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s excellent, award-winning faculty, allowing in-depth cooperation with a faculty mentor from a first day on campus.Ěý Recipients will devote four to six hours per week across their first year to the FYRA research-related project of their choice.Ěý Students will create a FYRA learning contract, participate in regular meetings, present their results, and submit their findings to the appropriate university office.

“The FYRA program is a unique opportunity for incoming students to be involved with research from day one; they work with dedicated faculty mentors and have hands-on experience that is simply not possible at most schools,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison.Ěý “Such experiential learning also better prepares students for future opportunities: internships, graduate school, jobs.Ěý This type of independent work is what employers look for, and what helps hone students’ abilities in communicating, collaborating, and thinking critically.Ěý We are excited to roll these out at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, and I’m grateful we have dedicated faculty members looking to mentor our incoming Senators.”

Projects available for research in the upcoming academic year include Public Digital Humanities, Baker Street in Elkins, FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, and FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2.Ěý Public Humanities researchers will join a team of elite first-year students to bridge scholarship and community via hilltop history at Halliehurst and Graceland as it applies to the greater Elkins area.Ěý Baker Street recipients dive into the work of Sherlock Holmes, event planning, guest speaker correspondence, and other components of public relations campaigns.Ěý Chemistry 1 students will deepen their understanding of scientific principles, enhancing competitiveness for medical school admissions and setting realistic expectations for graduate level work.Ěý Chemistry 2 researchers assist in the collection and analysis of data, and find additional support from scientific literature, across two comprehensive projects.

When asked about the importance of the public digital humanities project, program leader and Assistant Professor of English Colten Biro said, “This public digital humanities project will connect Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ to its alumni, unique regional location, and to the local community – but, I am really excited about the way the project provides students the opportunity to connect their research and their humanities education to real-world stakeholders, projects, and community organizing.Ěý It’s a wonderful experience specifically tailored to start the student thinking about “life after college,” and providing the opportunity in their first year at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ sets them up for success during their time with us and in their future.”

Programs and their respective contact points: Public Digital Humanities Project, Colten Biro, 304.637.1431, biroc@dewv.edu; Baker Street in Elkins, Andrew Jones, 304.637.1691, jonesa7@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, Emma Johnson, 304.637.1427, johnsone4@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2, Roshani Asuramana Pedi Durayalage, 304.637.1426, asuranamar@dewv.edu.

The FYRA Scholarship is not part of a student’s work study award.Ěý Applications should be submitted by April 15 for full consideration.

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Those earning the distinction of president’s list: Sidney Apanowicz, Fairmont, West Virginia; Christyna Armijo, Glendale, Arizona; Jonathan Armijos, East Hampton, New York; Alena Armstrong, Belle, West Virginia; David Bailey, Elkins, West Virginia; Nicholas Barrickman, Beverly, West Virginia; Nayo Barroso, Elkins, West Virginia; Bella Beaver, Elkview, West Virginia; Zoe Belshan, Floyd, Virginia; Jaden Bender, Philippi, West Virginia; Mary Beverage, Dunmore, West Virginia; Jackson Bigwood, Burgess Park New Plymouth, New Zealand; Carrie Bonner, Bowden, West Virginia; Cameron Branham, Arthur, West Virginia; Filippo Buffo, Legnago, Italy; Samy Burd, Boca Raton, Florida; Jocelyn Burnside, Hambleton, West Virginia; Taylor Cable, Montrose, West Virginia; Melanie Caldwell, Junior, West Virginia; Hillary Channell, Huttonsville, West Virginia; Lindsay Clendenen, Buckeye, West Virginia; Erin Collins, Elkins, West Virginia; Olivia Cook, Foster, West Virginia; Gabriela Crespo, Queens, New York; John Croyle, Morgantown, West Virginia; Erin Dettinger, Elkins, West Virginia; Alexander Dickinson, Elkins, West Virginia; Caio Dourado Dias Braga, Brasilia, Brazil; Jacob Dowdy, Cool Ridge, West Virginia; Tanner Eaves, Beverly, West Virginia; Alfred Elfstrom, Hackefors, Sweden; Joetta Elkins, Ashford, West Virginia; Lydia Falkenstein, Tallmansville, West Virginia; Greydon Fischer, Washington, D.C.; Trinity Fleming, Temecula, California; Deylana Forrest, Groveland, Florida; Peyton Friel, Marlinton, West Virginia; Malia Galan, Hamilton, Canada; Timo Gerach, Hassloch, Germany; Cooper Gibson, Ona, West Virginia; Victoria Gill, Moundsville, West Virginia; Emma Gioia, Vacaville, California; Emiliana Golac, Echazu, Bolivia; Guia Gomez, Donegal, Ireland; Makenzie Gregory, Jane Lew, West Virginia; Jillian Griffin, Wheeling, West Virginia; Yiftah Harari, Srigim-Li on, Israel; Umut Hatunoglu, Istanbul, Turkey; Alyssa Haynes, Pataskala, Ohio; Meg Henkle, Delphos, Ohio; Alexis Hewitt, Elkins, West Virginia; Lisa Hinchman, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Julian Hitt, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Julianne Hobson, Trenton, Ohio; Brooke Jacobs, Fort Ashby, West Virginia; Aries Jennings, Tunnelton, West Virginia; Luka Kalinic, Vrsac, Serbia; Louay Kassel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Amber Kesling, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Simon Kiekebeld, Nootdorp, Netherlands; Tiffany King, Volga, West Virginia; Kristia Kouppi, Cyprus; Laufey Kristinsdottir, Hlioar Rvk, Iceland; Fabienne Lahn, Blies Ebersing, France; Erin Laubscher, Durbanville, South Africa; Rafaela Leao Cota Moreira, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Aiden Lloyd, Beverly, West Virginia; Lauren Lockwood, Barboursville, West Virginia; Brooklyn Long, Ellamore, West Virginia; Francisco Lopez Kreik, Funes, Argentina; Benjamin Luengo, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Courtney Luikart, Liberty, West Virginia; Mackenzie Lyons, Davis, West Virginia; Zoe Mackey, Saint Albans, West Virginia; Shelby Marsh, Philippi, West Virginia; Sergio Martinez Laborda, Monteagudo, Spain; Willow Martz, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Daphne McCann, Stockton, California; Kelsolynn McCullough, Mount Clare, West Virginia; Tyler McCune, Richwood, West Virginia; Grant Mealey, Weston, West Virginia; Sidney Megna, Fairmont, West Virginia; Kade Melton, Boonsboro, Maryland; Alyson Miller, Elkview, West Virginia; Jacob Milligan, Elkins, West Virginia; Madison Mims, Raleigh, North Carolina; Kelsea Moore, Westmeath, Canada; Alyssa Moss, Belington, West Virginia; Taylor Mudd, Sheridan, Wyoming; Jack Murphy, Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Chasidy Murray, Weston, West Virginia; Victoria Noonan, Albright, West Virginia; Christopher Osborn, Upperville, Virginia; Leonardo Oshiro, Jardim Itatiaia, Brazil; Melisa Ozsar, Turkey; Gabriela Pacheco Acevedo, Lima, Peru; Landon Paulson, Enosburg Falls, Vermont; Jeanne Pelissier, La Mézière, France; Justus Petersilie, Ratingen, Germany; Charles Phillips, Thetford, United Kingdom; Autumn Plauger, Elkins, West Virginia; Sydney Prince, Sunderland, Maryland; Gustavo Queiroz, Louveira, Brazil; Marcus Rader, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Maya Rayman, Pickering, Canada; Ariana Rectenwald, Saint Albans, West Virginia; Varshith Reddy Marreddy, Casa Botanica Premium Homes, India; Jaela Reid, Jessup, Maryland; Natasha Rivero-Deighan, Elkins, West Virginia; Raylynn Roberts, New Martinsville, West Virginia; Keira Robinson, Snellville, Georgia; Lorena Ruiz-Rubio, Long Beach, California; Brody Rumon, Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Reagan Saab, Mount Clare, West Virginia; Catalina Salas Ortega, Curridabat, Costa Rica; Kyra Sauerwein, Coalton, West Virginia; Nicole Schumacher, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Lincoln Scott, Elkins, West Virginia; Bethany Settle, Charleston, West Virginia; Rohan Shah, Bangkok, Thailand; Aleah Sharp, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Alyssa Sharp, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Rylan Sharp, Morgantown, West Virginia; Thomas Shaver, Morgantown, West Virginia; Bracie Sheets, Marlinton, West Virginia; Ava Sherman, Jessup, Pennsylvania; Amber Short, Cowen, West Virginia; Rochelle Shoulders, Beverly, West Virginia; Manuella Silva Cogliatti, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Kiara Sisler, Durbin, West Virginia; Mackenzie Skidmore, Philippi, West Virginia; Miranda Smith, Elkins, West Virginia; Ruby Smith, Masontown, West Virginia; Rachel Snedden, Hundred, West Virginia; Jan Spehar, Zagreb, Croatia; Shelley Steff, Elkins, West Virginia; Charla Stemple, Parsons, West Virginia; Edward Stephens-Truman, Lubbock, Texas; Ke’ya Stevens, Irving, New York; Wesley Strawderman, Parsons, West Virginia; Alyssa Stump, Williamstown, West Virginia; Sydnie Tate, Elkins, West Virginia; Carla Tegner, Solrod Strand, Denmark; Rebecca Tellez, Hagerstown, Maryland; Cathrynne Tenney, Beverly, West Virginia; Tommaso Tofani, Milan, Italy; Lauren Twyman, Vinton, Ohio; Ana Ubalde, Elkins, West Virginia; Julia Vasconcelos Vieira, Brazil; Bailey Verkouteren, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Sierra Walesheck, Forest Lake, Minnesota; Haden Wamsley, Hambleton, West Virginia; Cayden Warfield, Millersburg, Pennsylvania; Rebekah Warren, Hambleton, West Virginia; Allyssa Waybright, Belington, West Virginia; Victoria Webster, Hedgesville, West Virginia; Lilly Wentzler, Pfaffenhofen, Germany; Hannah White, Kerens, West Virginia; Josephine Whorton, Moundsville, West Virginia; Emmalyn Whyte, Palmyra, Virginia; Spencer Willey, Pocatello, Idaho; Kimberly Winoker, Ringwood, Illinois; Christopher Wirahadipoernomo, Semarang, Indonesia; Joel Wise, Moundsville, West Virginia; Karmen Wolverton, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Ian Wood, Evans, West Virginia.

Those earning the distinction of dean’s list: Saige Abbott, Coshocton, Ohio; Rylee Anderson, Painesville, Ohio; Emma Andrews, Altavista, Virginia; Lydia Andrzejuk, Parker, Colorado; Tessa Banasiak, West Chicago, Illinois; Marissa Barajas, Clarksburg, West Virginia; April Belcher, Warrenton, Virginia; Britney Bond, Selbyville, West Virginia; Addison Boram, Walkersville, Maryland; Nicole Bramble, Elkins, West Virginia; Braelyn Brenneman, Accident, Maryland; Grace Bronkella, Greenwood, Indiana; Sophia Brown, Shipshewana, Indiana; Zachary Calef-Boring, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Brenda Castro, Manvel, Texas; Joao Vitor Cavaletti, Campinas, Brazil; Devon Channell, Beverly, West Virginia; Penelope Chavez, Washington, D.C.; Jackson Cogar, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Addyson Cogar, Elkins, West Virginia; Nicholas Colarossi, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Kristin Coleman, Parsons, West Virginia; Taylor Cooper, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia; Allison Cuellar, Stafford, Virginia; Cortney Dobbs, Pataskala, Ohio; Madeline Edicola, Sandston, Virginia; Kaitlyn England, Pleasant View, Tennessee; Isaac Ferguson, Barboursville, West Virginia; Preslee Fincham, Belington, West Virginia; Savannah Foley, Lake Stevens, Washington; London Frame, Elkins, West Virginia; Madison Frazier, Barboursville, West Virginia; Gabriel Glover, Middlebourne, West Virginia; Madison Godwin, Elkins, West Virginia; Alexia Gonzales, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Carson Gorby, Paden City, West Virginia; Luke Grilliot, Fairborn, Ohio; Diana Gutierrez, Lexington, Kentucky; Jacob Hamrick, Norton, West Virginia; Gavin Hardister, Randleman, North Carolina; Savanna Hardman, Martinsburg, West Virginia; Quinn Hazelett, Culloden, West Virginia; Faith Heater, Weston, West Virginia; Axel Hedreux, Rennes, France; Haiden Hedrick, Belington, West Virginia; Morgan Hill, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Jacklyn Howell, Coalton, West Virginia; Connor Hyde, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; Samantha Jarvis, Sun City, Arizona; Justin Kearney, Bentonville, Virginia; Fallyn Kelley, Hanover, Pennsylvania; Saylor Kneeland, Frederick, Maryland; Dylan Leadbetter, Myersville, Maryland; Maybellene Ledesma, Anaheim, California; Avery Linthicum, Frederick, Maryland; Jeremy Lis Rojas, Oakville, Canada; Gabriel Machala, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Aidan Maldonado, St. Cloud, Florida; Tiffany Manning, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Juan Martinez Hess, Spain; Benjamin McComas, Charleston, West Virginia; Isabell McCormick, West Milford, West Virginia; Addison McDonald, Coalton, West Virginia; Jolie McGaughan, Longview, Washington; Payton Miller, Union, West Virginia; Aidan Miller, Elkins West Virginia; Tomas Miyagi, Martínez, Argentina; Hannes Morell, Uppsala, Sweden; Aiden Morey, Ocala, Florida; Mackenzie Mullan, Glen Burnie, Maryland; Cameron Murray, Rochester, New York; Brooke Nicklaus, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Liebe Oosthuizen, Oudtshoorn, South Africa; Santiago Ordonez, Jamundi, Columbia; Jacob Orr, Calgary, Canada; Marcos Pacheco Padilla, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Andrea Pannell, Wytheville, Virginia; Kaitlyn Parker, Westmont, Illinois; Kendall Pellot Carrasquillo, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico; Rachel Petrice, Elkins, West Virginia; Kenzie Phillips, Elkins, West Virginia; Lillyan Plumley, Parsons, West Virginia; Ariona Plumley, Parsons, West Virginia; Logan Powell, Corsica, Pennsylvania; Emma Prater, Cowen, West Virginia; Savannah Quave, Felton, Pennsylvania; Samuel Rached, Cividad de Panama, Panama; Dallas Rasmussen, Tavares, Florida; Corbin Reilly, Bethesda, Maryland; Charlie Ressler, Weston, West Virginia; Rafael Revenga, Caracas, Venezuela; Walter Ridgley, Dewittville, New York; Gavin Rodriguez-Cayro, Lake Helen, Florida; Tomas Rumanko, Slovakia; Briyana Sapp, Riverview, Florida; Marina Saviceva-Noti, Odessa, Florida; Mark Shelley, Dundalk, Maryland; Bethany Shumway, Philippi, West Virginia; Nathaniel Silvus, McConnelsville, Ohio; Debra Smith, Petersburg, West Virginia; Madison Smith, Brea, California; Chiebuka Soribe, Silver Spring, Maryland; Tristan Starks, Grand Prairie, Texas; Colten Stasny, Elkins, West Virginia; Tom Strohschein, Hitdorf, Germany; Jaelynne Surface, Oak Hill, West Virginia; Maximillia Sutherland, Garland, Texas; Garrett Swecker, Elkins, West Virginia; Sierra Taylor, Moundsville, West Virginia; Charles Taylor, Alexandria, Virginia; Nathaniel Taylor, Stafford, Virginia; Maiah Teter, Harman, West Virginia; Isabelle Thomas, Wheeling, West Virginia; Darren Tjen, Indonesia; Jill Van der Velde, Herentals, Belgium; Fletcher Van Heuven, Te Aroha, New Zealand; Anthony Vera, Houston, Texas; Wouter Vondeling, Friesland, Netherlands; Jackson Waggy, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Jarrett Walters, Morgantown, West Virginia; Cade Walters, Apollo Beach, Florida; Lydia Wamsley, Valley Bend, West Virginia; MacKendrick Weber, Calgary, Canada; Cameryn Wheeler, Pataskala, Ohio; Zoey White, Elkins, West Virginia; Charlie Whitsed, Bendigo, Australia; Max Wildbore, Hastings, New Zealand; Abigail Wilfong, Parsons, West Virginia; John Wilkins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Viktor Yanev, Sofia, Bulgaria; Jose Zavala, Stoneville, North Carolina; Sasha Zirkle, Elkins, West Virginia.

“We want to congratulate all the students on the president’s and dean’s list for the Fall semester,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison. “Inclusion on these lists indicates a lot of hard work and perseverance – hours spent in class, studying, writing papers, giving presentations. It is a mark of a semester well spent, a reward well earned.”

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The ACA, through its 2025-2026 Faculty Fellowships, seeks to furnish financial support to member institutions’ faculty for post-doctoral research or pre-doctoral completion in the 2026-2027 academic year. ĚýThis year, 31 faculty members representative of 23 institutions have been granted this prestigious opportunity.

The Lady Widow is a narrative fiction short film that explores themes of liberation, gender equity, and self-determination in the wake of World War I. ĚýThe project features Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ alumni both in front of and behind the camera. ĚýPrinciple Photography was completed earlier this year over four days of filming at Graceland Inn & Restaurant and on private property in Doddridge County. ĚýFunding from the ACA will support post-production actions of editing, color correction, sound design, music composition, sound mixing, and visual effects.

“This project is a personal labor of love,” says Martin. Ěý“It also showcases Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s commitment to faculty-led creative research that integrates artistry, scholarship, and teaching. ĚýThe College has been immensely supportive with both encouragement and resources. ĚýI’m hopeful the finished film will enhance the visibility of the Theatre and Film program, and serve as both a recruitment tool and an example of the high-caliber work that can emerge from a small liberal arts environment.”

The Lady Widow is tentatively set to be completed by April of 2026 for a film festival run.

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CAEP is dedicated to ensuring excellence, relevance, and continuous improvement in educator preparation, and Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s achievement affirms that the College meets CAEP’s rigorous standards in program quality, clinical partnerships, candidate performance, and impact on P-12 student learning.Ěý In turn, this accreditation reflects the College’s commitment to preparing highly effective teachers who are grounded in best practices and ready to serve the diverse needs of today’s schools.

CAEP fully accredited programs at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ include: Elementary Education (K-6); Special Education (K-12); Mathematics Education (5-Adult); Health Education (5-Adult); Physical Education (PreK-Adult); Reading (endorsement only).

“Achieving full seven-year CAEP accreditation is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of my entire team – faculty, staff, and partners alike,” says Chair, Teacher Education and Assistant Professor of Education Melanie Gribble.Ěý “We are fortunate to have strong local P-12 school and community partnerships.Ěý This accreditation reflects not only our commitment to excellence in teacher preparation, but also our shared mission of preparing educators who will positively impact students for years to come.”

The accreditation comes after an extensive multi-year review process that included a self-study, evidence-based reporting, and a comprehensive site visit by CAEP evaluators.Ěý The full seven-year accreditation cycle is the longest period granted by CAEP and is reserved for educator preparation providers that demonstrate strong performance across all standards, consistent quality, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement.

“This is excellent news,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison.Ěý “Professor Gribble, in addition to the rest of our Education department and all its partners, have done a marvelous job with this accreditation process — and CAEP’s decision showcases the strength of our Education program.Ěý We need quality teachers in our schools, and Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ prepares teachers as well as anyone.”

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“We are thrilled to be able to offer our first master’s program, in Sport Management, beginning in the fall of 2026,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison. “The program will offer the same small class sizes and close relationships with faculty members that our undergraduate programs do, and it will prepare students for a variety of opportunities: in coaching, in athletic administration, and within businesses that have a sport and/or recreation focus.”

The demand for sport professionals continues to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 30,000 coaching and scouting jobs will be created by 2029, and growth across the field is outpacing many other industries. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s one-year format means graduates can earn their degree and enter the workforce faster, ensuring a strong return on investment.

With sport management at the crossroads of athletics and business, the new master’s is designed to attract students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. From athletic departments and nonprofit programs to professional clubs and recreation-focused businesses, opportunities await those with the skills to lead.

Sport Management has already proven to be one of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s most popular undergraduate programs, offering a coaching education emphasis in tandem with business courses in marketing, finance and accounting. The new graduate degree builds on this momentum, expanding opportunities for advanced study while staying true to the College’s commitment to personalized instruction and experiential learning.

“I am happy and excited for the launch of the new Master’s in Sport Management degree for Fall 2026,” says department Chair Mary Ann DeLuca. “This first master’s program is an important step forward for Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, the Sport Science Department, and for the entire academic community. The College’s mission is to prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world. With the growing projections in sport business, students who study in the Sport Management master’s program at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ will be equipped with strategic, analytical and critical thinking skills to thrive and advance in job opportunities in the growing world of sport.”

The global sports market is projected to grow into the billions by 2030. With its unique curriculum and emphasis on applied learning, Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s program gives students a competitive edge in a worldwide industry. The College’s distinctive setting, offering the intimacy of small class sizes combined with hands-on partnerships at the local, state and national levels, ensures graduates are not only well-prepared academically but also professionally connected.

Applications for the Master of Science in Sport Management open November 1, 2025. Students can expect a program that reflects the hallmarks of a Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ education: close faculty mentorship, experiential learning, and preparation for meaningful careers.

For more information or to ask questions about the program, prospective students may contact Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca at delucam@dewv.edu.

The post D&E Makes History with Launch of First Graduate Program – Master’s in Sport Management Coming Fall 2026 appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Biro, serving in the College’s English department, is an award-winning instructor with more than half a dozen academic awards and publications. He has delivered more than 20 conference presentations, workshops, and invited lectures, and is active in the Children’s Literature Association, North American Victorian Studies, and Interdisciplinary-Nineteenth Century Studies.

Hill joins the nursing department as a healthcare professional with experience in Pennsylvania, Washington, Alaska, Delaware, and West Virginia. She has served on the boards of the Association of Public Health Nursing and the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee and was a founding member of the Deltana Community Services Partnership. Hill is also an award-winning and published healthcare professional.

Wallingford, who earned a doctor of nursing practice from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is expanding the nursing programs at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­. She serves has president of the Wallingford Foundation and is certified by the boards of registered nursing in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and West Virginia, as well as by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and National Asthma Educator Certification Board.

Pippin joins Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s mathematics program with master’s degrees in mathematics and secondary education from Marshall University and James Madison University, respectively. She previously served as an adjunct mathematics professor at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and has provided mathematics education and consultancy across West Virginia, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina.

Young, a member of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s Class of 2014, joins the sport management program after earning a doctorate in leadership: health and human performance from Concordia University Chicago in 2024. She holds multiple certifications recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine, American Red Cross, and Zumba Fitness. Since 2019, Young has served on the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Alumni Association Board of Directors, most recently as co-chair of the student recruitment committee.

“We are thrilled this year to bring in five new faculty members, in English, Mathematics, Sport Management, and two in Nursing,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison. “Each of them has traveled a different route to Davis & Elkins, whether through academia or the business world or some combination of both. Each of them has a wealth of experience and insight to share in their courses and will have an immediate impact on our students. We are lucky that so many talented people have accepted our invitation to join the mission of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­: to prepare students for success and thoughtful engagement with the world.”

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