News for WVU Potomac State College

West Virginia University 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.

Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year at West Virginia University Potomac State College. WVU PSC Campus President Dr. Jerry Wallace presented the award.

Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year at West Virginia University Potomac State College. Harris began her career at the College in 2006, serving as a campus service worker for nearly 18 years.

Nixin Ponturo (right), an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is presented with the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College by PSC Biology Instructor Farren Smith. 

Nixin Ponturo, an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is the recipient of the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College. 

If you have been out and around town, you may have noticed the increase of Potomac State College’s presence in the community! We have been intentionally focusing our efforts on the mission statement—specifically, how we “…provide access to a better life for all West Virginians.” As both a community partner and economic driver for our region, PSC plays a vital role in shaping a successful future for all stakeholders. This month’s op-ed highlights our community connections and the importance of bridging the past with the present to improve our future.

Sara Alaoui (left), a general studies major at West Virginia University Potomac State College, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for March 2025, by PSC English Professor Deanna Armentrout.

Sara Alaoui, a general studies major from Bunker Hill, W.Va., is the recipient of the March Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College. 

Lucas Hoylman (left) a general studies major from Morgantown, W.Va., was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for February 2025, by President Jerry Wallace at West Virginia University Potomac State College.

Lucas Hoylman, a general studies major from Morgantown, W.Va., is the recipient of the February Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College. 

WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital, part of the West Virginia University Health System, recently made a generous gift to benefit student athletes at WVU Potomac State College.

“We are happy to support the many students at Potomac State College who participate in the various athletic programs,” said Amy Boothe, Ph.D., vice president and CFO/COO at the local critical access hospital. “Potomac State plays an important role in our community, and we recognize the importance of athletics and team participation in the college experience.”

WQZK Radio was on campus talking with students, faculty, staff, and coaches during the eighth WVU Day of Giving.  (Left) Elliana Mosby, a freshman volleyball student-athlete discusses with Amy Ryan the benefits of receiving a scholarship while attending Potomac State College. (Right) On-Air Personality Amy Ryan talks with WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace.

Alumnus Marion ‘Butch’ Chambers III recently made a $60,000 planned gift in his will to benefit WVU Potomac State College. The Butch Chambers President's Unrestricted Endowment will support the greatest needs of Potomac State College as determined by the president.

Chambers attended Potomac State College from 1962 to 1963. During his time at the College, Chambers served on the advertising and typing staff for the Catamount Yearbook, participated in tennis intramurals, and was a member of the campus Circle K Club.