Tyler Blizzard, a double major in physics and aerospace engineering from Ridgeley, W.Va., was recognized with the Keyser Rotary Club Service Above Self Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
WVU Potomac State College Alumni Newsletter | Summer 2024
Whitmore/Gates Scholar
West Virginia University Potomac State College Alumnus Paul E. Gates, DDS, was honored by his alma mater with the inscription of his name on the Duke Anthony Whitmore/Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Academic Achievement Wall, during the College’s 84th Recognition Day Awards ceremony.
CESPY Awards Presented
WVU Potomac State College student athletes were recognized at the CESPY Awards for individual and team accomplishments throughout the academic year. Pictured with the recipients is WVU Potomac State College Athletic Director Mandi Larkin (far left). Those being honored include (l-r) Nik Rubendall, Alexa Shoemaker, Alex Kile, Jaden Fultz, Gavin Barkley, Arrisyn Amtower, Emonie Fennell, and Griffin Paugh.
Catamounts Climb Higher Student Awards
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for displaying the following traits — their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and a positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, the recipient must be in good academic standing. The awards are given monthly.
The following students received a Catamounts Climb Higher Award. Using your mouse to move the pointer, select the student’s name to read more about their achievements.
PSC Presidential Search
A committee is in place and is actively searching for the next PSC campus president. Dean Phil Douthitt is chairing a search committee comprised of faculty and staff. Sabrina Cave, PSC Alumni Association president, is serving on behalf of the PSC Alumni Association. At this point in the process, there is a strong pool of applicants.
The search committee will begin vetting the applicants in early August and convene later in the month to determine a first round of interviews. Finalists for the position are expected to be on campus during the first two weeks of October. The goal is to have a new campus president in place as early as January 2025.
Director of Development Hired
WVU Potomac State College Interim Campus President Paul Kreider is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Megan Webb as the Director of Development.
Softball Coach Hired
WVU Potomac State Athletic Director Mandi Larkin has announced the hiring of Chris Greise as the Catamounts next Head Softball Coach.
Greise is not an unfamiliar name to the Catamounts, having been in the regional softball scene for over a decade. In 2019, he developed the softball program at Bishop Walsh High School and successfully led the team to a 60-8 record during his time as the head coach.
Ohio Reciprocity Agreement
As the result of a special agreement, first-time freshmen or transfer students from Ohio who are directly admitted to certain majors can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Learn more.
Campus Carry in Effect
On July 1, Senate Bill 10, the W.Va. Campus Self-Defense Act, took effect in West Virginia. Passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023, the Campus Self-Defense Act allows a person who has a current and valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon, to carry a concealed pistol, or revolver on the grounds of an institution of higher education, with some exceptions.
The West Virginia University Campus Safety Steering Group has been working for many months on how the law will be implemented across the WVU System. They have been coordinating with several sub-groups, including one focused solely on what is commonly known as campus carry. This week, the University updated the resources available at safety.wvu.edu/campus-carry. The PSC campus map with exempt locations and restrictions is now available. This map and signage provide information about where licensed concealed pistols and revolvers are and are not permitted on the Keyser campus.
Campus Security Measures
WVU Potomac State College received grant money to install exterior cameras and online locks in residence halls and academic buildings. The “where you live and where you learn” project will assist University Police (UP) in averting, responding to, and investigating crime.
The technological upgrades will not only help deter crime but will also provide UP with the tools to efficiently address crime when it does occur. The project will benefit WVU Potomac State College as cameras and online locks add two types of state-of-the-art and effective layers of safety for students and staff who live in campus housing.