Dr. G. Edward Richards Named 2023 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. Graydon Edward Richards was born in rural Gilmer County, WV, in 1933. He is a graduate of WVU Potomac State College (Class of ’53), West Virginia University, and Ohio State University where he received his Ph.D. in Agronomy in 1961.
Dr. Richards served as a research and technical service agronomist for 22 years with the International Minerals and Chemical Co., Continental Oil Co., Olin Corp., Smith-Douglass Division Borden, Inc., and Sohio Chemical Co. He then became Director of the Southeast Research and Extension Center at the University of Arkansas and Head of the Department of Agriculture at the Monticello campus. Dr. Richards was one of the first 20 individuals to be certified as a Professional Soil Scientist and Agronomist. He was later appointed to the certifying board, serving twice as chairman.
He is the author of numerous technical articles and books. He received the American Society Agronomy’s Crop and Soils Award for Excellence in Agriculture Journalism and was listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest and in American Men and Women of Science.
In 2009, he published “Cows, Classes & Co-Eds,” a depiction of his experiences that centered around the WVU Potomac State College farm, his classes, and the camaraderie he shared with faculty and classmates at PSC. He was a charter member of Circle K Clubs at both Potomac State and WVU.
In addition to his professional contributions, Dr. Richards was active in the community as a coach, athletic official, church leader, and political advocate. Dr. Richards is a member of Missouri Writers' Guild and past president of Marshall Writers' Guild. He has also researched family genealogy since 1963 and published five books on history and genealogy.
He resides in Marshall, MO, with his wife Patricia Ann (Royster), who is also a native of West Virginia and graduate of Glenville State College. He is a 2013 Alumni Achievement Honoree and will be recognized with the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award on Recognition Day, scheduled on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at WVU Potomac State College.
YA Joseph
Alumnus YA Joseph, who has lived in West Virginia most of his life, recently completed his new book, As I Walk Through My Mind. The book is a gripping and potent collection of poetry that includes a few poems from the author’s youth, as well as several poems about love and love lost.
Author YA Joseph attended St. Brenden Catholic School during his first eight years of school. He next attended Elkins High School where he was active in numerous sports. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He later attended WVU Potomac State College and continued his education at the WVU Morgantown campus. He has traveled to many countries as well as all fifty states. YA believes that West Virginia is the most beautiful and is truly where he belongs.
Mr. Joseph taught in public schools for forty-five years. He was instrumental in the special Olympic Movement in parts of West Virginia. He also coached football, baseball, track, golf, and girls’ volleyball. Since retiring from the school system, YA can be found at his home in Putnam County or at his retreat in Tucker County.
Published by Newman Springs Publishing, YA Joseph’s moving poetry shares the author’s perspective on events that have had a profound effect on his life as well as his view of the world. This is his second book of poetry to be published.
Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase it at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple Books, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
Conor Farrell
Alumnus Conor Farrell is in his first season as an assistant coach with the UConn Avery Point baseball program. Farrell joined the Pointers after spending summer 2021 with the Danbury Westerners. While there he worked alongside Avery Point head coach Ian Ratchford and helped the squad win the New England Collegiate Baseball League crown.
He has gained additional coaching experience at The King School as well as with municipal leagues in Stamford, Norwalk, and Wilton, Connecticut. Farrell is also the founder and owner of Connecticut Sports Performance.
Farrell played collegiately at WVU Potomac State College and helped the team win three Region XX titles.