WVU Potomac State College Dean of Academic Affairs Phillip Douthitt is pleased
to announce the students who earned a place on the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. To
be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled for at least twelve
credit hours of graded courses, excluding courses in which any grade of Audit,
Pass, or Incomplete is recorded, and must maintain a grade-point average of 3.000
to 3.699 for the semester. A student is not eligible if the grade recorded for
a course is: D, F, I (Incomplete), NR (Not Recorded), P (Pass), S (Satisfactory),
or Audit.
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Spring 2025 President’s List Announced
WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace is pleased to announce the students
who earned a place on the Spring 2025 President’s list. To be eligible for the
President’s List, a student must be enrolled in at least twelve credit hours of
graded courses, excluding courses in which any grade of Audit, Pass, or Incomplete
is recorded, and must earn a grade-point average of 3.7 or higher for the semester.
A student is not eligible if the grade recorded for a course is: D, F, I (Incomplete),
NR (Not Recorded), P (Pass), S (Satisfactory), or Audit.
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Catamounts Climb Higher April Award Recipient
Nixin Ponturo (right), an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is
presented with the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at WVU Potomac State College
by PSC Biology Instructor Farren Smith.
Nixin Ponturo, an elementary education major from Centreville, Virigina, is the recipient
of the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at WVU Potomac State College. Nixin
serves as an assistant to PSC Title III Career Specialist Melissa Dayton and enjoys
playing on the Valorant and Marvel Rivals esports teams.
Even though Nixin was recently diagnosed with a hypermobility disorder and struggles
with joint pain and chronic nausea, she has not let that deter her from attending
class and completing her assignments.
“Despite her health conditions, Nixin has a charming personality, always has a
smile, and is excited to learn. She naturally takes on a leadership role in groups,
and will help anyone she can,” Biology Instructor Farren Smith said.
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Catamounts Climb Higher May Award Recipient
Debra Wood, a mental health and addictions studies, and pre-social work major
was chosen as the May Catamounts Climb Higher Award recipient at WVU Potomac State
College. PSC Campus President Dr. Jerry Wallace presented the award.
Catamounts Climb Higher award recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce
back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying
the course — and May’s recipient, Debra Wood, has faced and overcome many challenges.
“As a first-generation college student at the age of 61, my journey has been filled
with numerous challenges and triumphs. My majors in mental health and addictions
studies, and pre-social work have provided me with the knowledge and skills to
make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Volunteer work has been a cornerstone
of my personal and professional growth. I have had the privilege of volunteering
at Loving Hands Outreach Ministry, HopeFest, and collaborating with other organizations
in the community to raise awareness about mental health and addiction,” Wood said.
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Scholarships Awarded to Keyser High School Students
West Virginia University Potomac State College (PSC) recently awarded scholarships
to numerous Keyser High School students as they embark upon continuing their education
at PSC. Dr. Megan Webb, who serves as the Director of Development at the College,
presented students with the following two scholarships.
The Dulin Memorial Scholarship, made possible by George K. Oss and his wife Joann,
in memory of George’s beloved grandmother, Cora A. Dulin, was presented to Keyser
High School (KHS) student, Malachi Green, in recognition of his achievements, leadership,
and dedication.
After George tragically lost his mother at a young age, Cora raised him and his
sister, instilling in them the values of education, resilience, and community.
George went on to graduate from Potomac State College in 1955 and built a remarkable
career in aeronautical engineering, contributing to the development of rocket propulsion
systems and serving his country through science and innovation.
Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship Established
Judith Brenneman, daughter of Betty Livengood, with PSC President Dr. Jerry Wallace.
The Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship at West Virginia University
Potomac State College was initiated and established in 1993 by friends and colleagues
wishing to acknowledge her lifelong commitment to education and her love of teaching.
This historic scholarship has now been formally recognized by the WVU Foundation
as an established scholarship, supported by the Livengood family’s commitment to
ensure it continues in perpetuity.
Betty T. Livengood began her professional teaching career at Short Gap Primary
School in Short Gap, West Virginia, teaching grades first through fourth. During
her 27 years with the Mineral County School system, Betty was recognized at the
regional, state, and national levels for her work in curriculum development.
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Student Scholarship & Donor Luncheon
WVU Potomac State College recently held the Student Scholarship Recipient &
Donor Luncheon on the Keyser campus. Donors and student recipients were given the
opportunity to tell their stories to one another, including how scholarships helped
them stay focused and succeed during their time at PSC.
The significance of donor scholarships for college students should never be understated.
They can reduce or eliminate the financial burden of a college education, serve
as a lifeline for low-income students, and allow students to better focus on their
academic studies.
“I am super appreciative of the donors who graciously give to PSC scholarships.
They have greatly impacted my life and college experience. Because of their generous
contributions, I can proudly say that I received my BAS in business administration
debt free, allowing me to start my career without the burden of student loans,”
recent graduate Averi Smith said.
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2025 Recognition Day Awards Ceremony
Jacob Stout, a sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship major from Winchester,
Va., was the recipient of the John Philip Spoerl Scholarship which is awarded by
the WVU Potomac State College Alumni Association. John Philip Spoerl, (class of
1963), created a perpetual trust as part of his estate which funds scholarships
for students at the College. PSC Alumni Association President Sabrina Cave
On Sunday, May 4, students, faculty, staff, and alumni at WVU Potomac State College
were recognized by their peers, professors, and alumni at the 2025 Recognition
Day Awards Ceremony.
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2025 Outstanding Student of the Year
Hartley VanGilder with President Jerry Wallace.
During West Virginia University Potomac State College’s Annual Recognition Day Awards
Ceremony, Hartley VanGilder was named Outstanding Student of the Year for 2025,
earning her the distinction of serving as the student speaker during this year’s
Commencement Ceremony. She will also have her name inscribed on the Duke Anthony
Whitmore Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Academic Achievement Wall.
Hartley earned an associate degree in sustainable ag entrepreneurship (SAGE) in
2023. She earned two degrees this spring, a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis
in SAGE and an associate degree in agribusiness management.
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