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PSC Op-Ed with Dr. Jerry Wallace

"Catamount Momentum"

Over the past few months, the Catamount Community has responded to the needs of our students and partners with enthusiasm. Our excitement stems from the opportunities we have to improve our services and expand access to education throughout our region. Most recently we announced the WV Guarantee program and there may be more scholarship support to come before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

The WVU Guarantee is open to undergraduate students across the WVU system who are West Virginia residents, have a family-adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less, and annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Over the past few months, the Catamount Community has responded to the needs of our students and partners with enthusiasm. Our excitement stems from the opportunities we have to improve our services and expand access to education throughout our region. Most recently we announced the WV Guarantee program and there may be more scholarship support to come before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

The WVU Guarantee is open to undergraduate students across the WVU system who are West Virginia residents, have a family-adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less, and annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA).


Tuesday, January 14

Meeting with Eastern Action: PSC leaders met with Matthew Hinkle (CEO) and Susan Knibdiehly (CFO) of Eastern Action. Our collaboration meeting explored how we can expand access for potential and current students.

a group of six people smiling at the camera - in the background is a door and beige wall
(l-to-r): Dr. Megan Webb, Phil Douthitt, Matthew Hinkle, Susan Knibdiehly, Vicki Huffman, and Dr. Jerry Wallace

Mountain Streams Radio Partnership: Ed McDonald and Leeanne King, who oversees Mountain Streams Radio on behalf of the Mineral County Convention & Visitors Bureau, invited me to discuss the partnership with PSC and set the framework for potential future goals. WVU Potomac State College is proud to be a community partner of the radio station. We believe our students will benefit from a hands-on learning experience in multiple areas through volunteering or interning with the station.

Ed McDonald and Jerry Wallace smiling at the camera
Ed McDonald and Dr. Wallace


Wednesday, January 15

WVU Center of Community Engagement: Potomac State College leaders learned more about programs within the WVU Center of Community Engagement. Dr. Wood-Turner and her team traveled from Morgantown to Keyser to visit with us and share information. We highlighted Catamount Pride by sharing PSC’s existing partnerships in the community spanning student internships, volunteerism, and community-based learning.

five people smiling at the camera - in the background are three bookcases and a beige wall
Dr. Wallace with Dr. Kristi Wood-Turner and her team

Faith in Action Food Pantry: The Potomac State Men’s Soccer Team started their semester with service at the Faith in Action Food Pantry. Each month, athletic teams volunteer at the food pantry helping to unload their monthly food delivery, lifting between 7,000-12,000 lbs.


a photograph of a soccer team unloading objects from a trailer outside in warm light
PSC Men’s Soccer team members unload 8,000 lbs. of food.


Thursday, January 16

I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with local author, volunteer, community leader, and veteran Mr. T. J. Coleman. I was impressed by his authenticity and care for the community. I look forward to supporting his efforts for a unified community that focuses on removing barriers for students to succeed.

Jerry Wallace and TJ Coleman smiling at the camera - in the background are three bookcases
Dr. Wallace and T.J. Coleman

Banners were placed in Lough Gymnasium, recognizing donors who provided financial support to our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams this academic year. The funds raised were used for uniforms, gear, and travel expenses for the teams.

a scoreboard surrounded by an american flag and sponsor icons
A few of many corporate sponsors supporting PSC Athletics


Friday, January 17

Allyson and I are blessed enough to be able to give back, so we started an endowment to help PSC Athletics. We are hopeful our gift will inspire more matching gifts from donors so we can build PSC athletics, thereby changing the trajectory of current and future student-athletes.

The Wallace Brothers WVU PSC Athletic Staff Support Fund was created with a $25,000 gift. Any matching gifts will be greatly appreciated by our athletic programs and student-athletes! Please contact Megan Webb at psc-officeofdevelopment@mail.wvu.edu or 304.788.7085, if you are interested in matching the Wallace Brothers gift or a donation.

Megan Webb and Allyson holding a large check and smiling at the camera, alongside Jerry Wallace
Dr. Jerry & Allyson Wallace with Dr. Megan Webb
Saturday, January 18

Allyson is in her third trimester and has started her weekly purchases from M&S Desserts & Bakery or simply sending me to pick up items. Here is a glimpse into a typical weekly order from M&S Desserts & Bakery in the Wallace household.

a photograph of various desserts
Wallace Family M&S Desserts & Bakery order

Tuesday, January 21

Quote of the Week – Amy Alton: “You can do anything, but not everything.” ~ David Allen. Shared by PSC’s Chief Business Planning Officer, Amy Alton, this quote reminds us to focus on what we can and invest our resources strategically to accomplish anything on which we set our minds!

a photograph of Jerry Wallace sitting with a signboard displaying a quote: "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING BUT NOT EVERYTHING"
Dr. Wallace sitting in for Amy Alton

Thursday, January 23

The Wallace family cheered on the Lady Catamounts as they beat Waynesburg University JV with a final score of 84-52 at the Lough Gymnasium.

a photograph of womens basketball players on a basketball court.  In the background are blue bleachers
PSC Lady Catamounts starting lineup

Friday, January 24

National Compliment Day: I recognized my amazing leadership team at WVU Potomac State College for National Compliment Day! Each member is dedicated to our mission and our students. Two PSC student workers, Telina Boyles and Alaana McDuffie, delivered the sweet compliments to our leaders.

an icon featuring digital info over a photograph of wrapped candy bars which have messages attached to them
National Compliment Day

Catamount Kick-off Party: Shout out to Kara Hotchkiss and her team for organizing this amazing, safe, and engaging experience for our students on campus. I was a DJ on one of the floors in Friend Hall—playing delightful music and having fun with members of the Catamount family.

an icon displaying info of "CATAMOUNT KICKOFF", including the information: "FRIDAY JANUARY 25TH FRIEND HALL 8:00 - 10:00 PM GROUND FLOOR: USA! FIRST FLOOR: PRESIDENT'S VIP LOUNGE & COUNTRY THROWDOWN SECOND FLOOR: NEON BLACKLIGHT PARTY" a photograph of two people holding a crafted representation of a cow and horse, in front of a cow print fabric, underneath balloon letters "YEE HAW", in a dimly lit interior space

Tuesday, January 28

With the upcoming 124th PSC Birthday Celebration and the Eighth Annual PSC Day of Giving, I had the chance to bring Ace – the Prez Pup on campus for the video shoot done by Blackfoot Productions.

a photograph of Jerry Wallace sitting by video shoot equipment.  Behind him, are three people standing.  All of them are posing for a picture in a room with three bookcases behind them and a yellow wall
A peek behind the scenes

Wednesday, January 29

Quote of the Week – Dr. Megan Webb: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson. Thank you to PSC Director of Development Dr. Megan Webb for sharing this quote.

a photograph of Megan Webb sitting down and holding a signboard with a quote "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant"
Quote of the Week – Dr. Megan Webb

Church-McKee Plaza Enhancement Fund: Dr. Megan Webb and I had the privilege of welcoming executor Duke Ebert and his wife, Debbie, to campus to review the Church-McKee Plaza Enhancement Fund, a project established in memory of Dr. Kenneth F. Haines. Dr. Haines' bequest will enhance the Church-McKee Arts Center Plaza with the addition of an elegant clock tower and a commemorative plaque honoring his legacy.

As a Class of 1950 alumnus and esteemed professor emeritus, Dr. Haines inspired generations of students from 1952 to 1996. With Duke Ebert’s approval, the project is set to begin construction with a timeline goal of May 2026.

a photograph of six people standing and smiling at the camera - behind them are three bookcases and a beige wall
(l-to-r): Micah Pears, Phil Douthitt, Dr. Megan Webb, Debbie Ebert, Duke Ebert, and Dr. Jerry Wallace

Thursday, January 30

The TGCC Education and Workforce Development group met at Alleghany College of Maryland for lunch. The work group includes educational institutions from the region intentionally working together to eliminate duplication and maximize awareness of resources.

a photograph of people eating food on a series of tables arranged at least partly in a U shape, as if meeting to also discuss.  They are in a room with dim lighting
TGCC lunch meeting

Friday, January 31

The first PSC All-College Meeting for employees was engaging and fun! The monthly meetings allow employees time to come together, share college updates, enjoy refreshments, and win prizes. Three PSC stellar faculty members recited the college mission to kick things off! My WV flag was signed by attendees and will go up in my office!

a photograph of Jerry Wallace smiling and gesturing toward a WVU flag, bearing many signatures on itself
WVU flag signed by PSC students and employees
Wednesday, February 5

Potomac State Athletics celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The PSC Catamounts are members of the NJCAA (National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association). The NJCAA focused their celebration on how sports empowHER women to succeed. Current athletes, coaches, and alumni contributed quotes about how sports have empowHER-ed them.

an icon displaying a photograph of women posing around a volleyball net and text that reads "national girls and women in sports day" on a gold-orange background
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Thursday, February 6

Quote of the Week – Norma Hart: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela. Thank you, Norma Hart, WVU Potomac State College assistant registrar, for sharing this quote.

a photograph of Norma Hart sitting and smiling at the camera while holding a signboard that is displaying a quote: "IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL ITS DONE"
Quote of the Week – Norma Hart

Many Hands Make Work Light: When there is a need, our students rise to help. When two tons of salt for sidewalks and roadways was delivered after regular work hours, several students stepped up to assist Director of Facilities and Strategic Infrastructure Micah Pears with the unloading process.

a photograph of seven people standing in a large warehouse-like room, posing for the camera
Students lending a helping hand.

Friday, February 7

The Keyser High School Club X invited me to serve as a Black History Month speaker. The KHS attendees were engaged, and everyone was very welcoming, including Superintendent Troy Ravenscroft who supported the event. Many Golden Tornadoes become Catamounts, so it was a pleasure to serve in this capacity.

a photograph of Jerry Wallace on a dais, speaking to students sitting at desks in a carpeted room

a photograph of multiple people, including Jerry Wallace, standing on a dais/dais-steps and posing for the camera.  In the foreground are desks, and in the background is a projector screen mostly rolled up to its container
Dr. Wallace with Keyser High School Club X members, advisors, and the Mineral County Schools Superintendent Troy Ravenscroft

Monday, February 10

NJCAA Letters of Intent have been issued to recruits that are committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at WVU Potomac State College. To date, over 30 have been signed and returned, with more being issued daily. Signed athletes represent six states and six countries, including Sweden, Brazil, Columbia, Canada, Kenya, and the United States!


Upcoming events:

Wed & Thu, Feb 12 & 13: Mineral County Days

I am happy to be participating soon in my first Mineral County Days, at the state capital, Charleston, WV. A group of PSC leaders will be traveling to Charleston to visit with elected officials and legislatures to share our successes and future goals.

Mon, Feb. 17: WVU Potomac State College 124th Birthday Celebration

Next month, WVU Potomac State College will celebrate its 124th birthday and you are invited to join in the festivities! The fun begins at 5 p.m., and lasts until 7 p.m., at the North Branch Brewing Company, 101 Armstrong Street, in Keyser, at the corner of Main and Armstrong Streets.

Don’t miss out on this evening of connection, celebration, and giving! Enjoy birthday cake, meet Dr. Jerry Wallace, and discover how you can support our Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 26. Enjoy a delicious slice of cake. Take selfies with Dr. Wallace and PAWS. Beverages will be available for purchase. RSVP for the event  online today. Monday, February 17 – Happy Birthday, PSC!

an icon representing the 124th birthday of potomac state college.  There are balloons on the left with wv logos and catamount logos on them.  It is yellow writing on a blue background
You are invited to the celebration! Mark your calendar!!

Thu & Fri, Feb 20 & 21: President Catamount Chat Tour

The PSC President Catamount Chat Tour kicks off on Thursday, February 20. The first phase of the tour series will cater to all West Virginia high schools within a 150-mile radius of campus. I am eager to get out and share the Catamount Pride with potential students.

I will be at Liberty High School, in Clarksburg, on Thursday, February 20. Next, I will head to Martinsburg High School in Martinsburg, and Musselman High School in Inwood, both scheduled for Friday, February 21.


Let's go... Catamounts!