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PARKERSBURG - As the new semester gets underway at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, the college once again is stressing how their students are at the center of what they do as well as taking a moment to remember a faculty member who had a huge impact on the school.
President Torie Jackson addressed the Board of Governors during their regular meeting on Tuesday which was also the first day of classes for students for the fall semester.
"As we welcomed faculty and staff back for the fall semester this week, we intentionally centered our opening session on the reason this institution exists -- our students," Jackson said.
As of Tuesday, WVU Parkersburg had a headcount of 2,699 students starting Tuesday compared to 2,640 this time last year with the full-time equivalencies of 1,815.67 on Tuesday compared to 1,823.13 last year, Jackson said.
Those numbers did not represent the final enrollment, she said adding they are expecting to add around 300 more students in the next few weeks.
She invited five students of different academic programs, different backgrounds and different life experiences to share how education changes their lives, and how the people of WVU Parkersburg make that transformation possible. They were Liliya Beha, Alexandra Wilson, Macy Crock, Charlotte Daniels and Emily Proscia.
"Every story carried the same message – education changes lives, and the people of WVU Parkersburg make that transformation possible," Jackson said.
She asked every employee to reflect on a number of simple but meaningful questions, including how their work contribute to student success; if they were a student, what experience would they want to have; and what they could do differently this year to help students achieve more.
"Those conversations generated thoughtful discussion throughout the campus and reinforced a culture that keeps students at the center of every decision we make," Jackson said.
Sh commended student Moon King who was honored with the Governor’s Service Award in the Young Adult category earlier this month for his commitment to volunteerism and community service.
"Moon’s story is one of resilience, determination, and personal growth," Jackson said. "He has overcome significant challenges while consistently choosing to give back to others.
"We are incredibly proud to call him a WVU Parkersburg student, and his recognition reflects not only his character but also the values we hope every graduate carries into our communities."
Jackson also recognized faculty and staff for their College 101 Orientation which helps incoming students get their footing as they embark on their college careers.
"Beginning college can be intimidating, and for many of our students, this is their first experience with higher education," she said. "Our employees invested countless hours preparing, presenting, advising, and welcoming hundreds of new students to campus.
"From faculty members introducing academic expectations to student services staff helping students navigate financial aid, technology, registration, and campus resources, every person played an important role in helping our newest students feel that they belong here."
Jackson said she remains optimistic about where the university is headed.
"This year will undoubtedly bring challenges, as every year does," she said. "The stories we heard this week reminded us that our work is never simply about policies, budgets or buildings.
"It is about changing lives. Every decision made by this Board and every action taken by our employees creates opportunities for students to discover their potential and build brighter futures."
The board also swore in Sammy Kincaid as the new staff representative to the Board of Governors. He replaced Cody Irick.
Jackson also recognized the passing of Associate Professor of Accounting Alice Harris. Harris had also served as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration for a number of years. The Board of Governors held a moment of silence in her memory.
"Many remember Alice as an exceptional faculty member, but her impact on this institution reached far beyond the classroom," Jackson said. "She helped guide WVU Parkersburg through some of its most challenging financial years with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering stewardship.
"She was a trusted leader whose careful management and long-range vision helped strengthen the financial foundation of our college, positioning us for the opportunities we continue to pursue today. Her legacy is reflected not only in the lives she changed through teaching, but also in the stability and strength of the institution she helped build."
A ceremony will be held 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, August 23 in the College Activities Center. It will be an opportunity for colleagues, students, alumni, and friends to reflect on their life and service to the college.
"Alice dedicated more than a decade of her life to our students, our institution, and the communities we serve," Jackson said. "She was an extraordinary educator whose impact extended far beyond the classroom.
"Through her kindness, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success, she changed countless lives and inspired those who had the privilege of learning from and working alongside her."
Contact Brett Dunlap at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com