Spring 2025 Dean’s List Announced

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

a photograph of Nixin Ponturo holding the climb higher banner alongside Farren Smith
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

a photograph of Debra Wood and Jerry Wallace smiling
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.

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Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship Established

a photograph of Judith and Jerry
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.

a portrait photograph of Betty Livengood smiling at the camera

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

people sitting at tables
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

a photograph of Jacob Stout and Sabrina Cave
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

a photograph of Hartley VanGilder
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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