Hunter Turner (right) was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College by Interim Campus President Paul Kreider. Turner is a business management major from Upper Tract, W.Va.
Hunter Turner, a business management (BAS) major from Upper Tract, W.Va., has been presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Turner serves as the current President of the PSC Ag and Forestry Club, is a member of the Tink Smith Collegiate Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and attends Baptist Campus Ministries. He also serves as a student worker with PSC Athletics, conducting all livestream broadcasting and is ‘the voice of the Catamounts’ for all sporting events, among other duties.
“During the past academic year, Hunter has gone above and beyond in his role in the Athletic Department. He has assisted in training new student workers, and designed cheat sheets to help them navigate various technologies, tasks, and game day operation assignments,” said Athletic Director Mandi Larkin. “Hunter has single handedly brought our live stream to a new level. Parents and fans throughout the country have expressed appreciation for what he does. His love for sports shines through and you can tell how deeply he cares for Catamount Athletics.”
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
When Turner began his college career in 2020, he was dealing with the onslaught of COVID, with all its rules and regulations. He also experienced personal adversity, yet, despite the heartbreaking loss of his father during the middle of his first year as a college student, Turner displayed remarkable resilience, maintaining exceptional focus toward his studies.
In addition to his studies and working at the College, Turner runs his own business, volunteers with his high school alma mater by assisting as a football coach and serves as a substitute teacher in his home county.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this award. The small campus and feeling of community helped me succeed at PSC. Not only have I gotten to know my professors, but they’re interested in knowing me and seeing me succeed,” Turner said. “Two years ago, when I graduated with my first degree, I was all set to move on, but I felt that Potomac State was where I needed to stay and I’m glad I did."
Those who know him agree that Turner sets the standard in work ethic, creativity, serving, and is passionate about what he does. “He is the first student employee that I lean on when we have large projects to tackle and he is always the first to reach out and ask if I need help with even the simplest of tasks,” Larkin added.