Wednesday, April 16 , 2025
Catamounts Climb Back
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.
The Wallace family formally invites you to join us for a little family fun on campus at the Community Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. We look forward to meeting more community members and providing an opportunity for parents and children to have fun on campus. You may even get the opportunity to meet Ace the Prez Pup!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
We were happy to announce Chris Biser as the Head Coach of our newly added Track & Field teams. Coach Biser is the current Head Cross Country Coach and has seen great success in the three years that he has been a Catamount. He has led the women’s team to three Region 20 Championships, as well as NJCAA National Championship appearances. It is exciting to have him lead the way with these new additions.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Allyson and I attended our first Mineral County Ham, Bacon, and Egg Auction to support the Mineral County FFA Chapter. Many PSC faculty, staff, and students were in attendance to volunteer, support their family members, and purchase some goods. We were proud winners of two raffle prizes and won a few bids from future Catamount students!
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
The opening night of Anastasia was magnificent and the perfect production to officially introduce me to the Church-McKee Arts Center Auditorium! WVU Potomac State College freshman Jonah Caudle played the role of Dimitry, and his performance was magnificent.
Ironically, I met Jonah at my initial “Meet & Greet” at Queen’s Point Coffee, and he shared his passion for theatre, acting, and more. I was delighted to see Jonah reach his first goal at Potomac State College early on as a freshman.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
While students were home for Spring Break, the college prepared for the biggest fundraising day of the year. PSC Day of Giving was promoted with one of our favorite local partners, Queen’s Point Coffee. The PSC Day of Giving branded “Sip & Support” coffee sleeve and cups spread Catamount pride to all customers. Have you noticed the Potomac State College cups and sleeves at Queen’s Point?
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
I was delighted to welcome high school attendees of the PVH Health Careers Day to the PSC campus. Kudos to Potomac Valley Hospital for holding this event to expose students to health profession pathways across our region and state. In addition to sharing photos from this event, I was able to create a video recap utilizing the footage from my meta-glasses. Each table had engaging professionals from the industry and even students of the specific academic programs.
MONDAY, MARCH 24
Quote of the Week : “Doing what you love is not a waste of time.” - Marley & Sydney Wallace
We had the pleasure of hosting my older brother, Marcus Wallace, and my lovely nieces. The young ladies spent some time with our dynamic PSC softball team. Thanks to the coaches and student athletes for making their visit even more special.
Inaugural PSC Retiree Breakfast: We welcomed all the PSC retirees we could find back to campus for the Inaugural PSC Retiree Breakfast! It was a wonderful gathering of past faculty, staff, and friends who contributed to the legacy and success of WVU Potomac State College over the years. The dedication and hard work of all retirees helped shape our culture to serve students.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
The PSC WVU Day of Giving goal was to get 124 donations to honor 124 years of service. I kicked off the day with a $124 donation in honor of the PSC retirees who dedicated their careers to Potomac State College. In total, PSC raised a whopping $166,843 for Day of Giving, doubling our fundraising total from last year. The generosity of donors is just a reflection of the importance of PSC to our community.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27
At the monthly “All College” Meeting, we took time to recognize just a few of our important employees and their contributions to student success.
- Carita Mills, Athletic Trainer: Recognized for her constant support of our student athletes as well as her quick actions to help a visiting athlete who was seriously injured in a contest during basketball season.
- Andrea Schafer, Professor and Advisor: Recognized for the impact that she makes on students to include her ability to both challenge and support them through their journey.
- Michele Labar, Professional Advisor: Recognized for the impact she made on a student and, how with her encouragement, the student stayed enrolled and continued to pursue a degree.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
PSC students made more memories and danced the night away during the Spring Fling Dance. Congratulations to our winners of the evening:
- Meghan Harris: Best Dressed Casual Solo Winner
- Alyssa Dunn & Harper Furioso: Best Dressed Fancy Couple
- Marquis Beverly: Best Dressed Fancy Solo Winner
- Kylie Troutman & Levi Ferster: Best Dressed Casual Couple
- Sara Alaoui: Good Style & Good Vibes Winner
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
Congratulations to sophomore pitcher Chloe Greise, who broke the WVU Potomac State softball career record for strikeouts. Greise logged 210 strikeouts as a freshman and hit 110 as a sophomore, breaking the record that had previously stood at 319. Her totals will continue to climb as the Catamounts continue their season.
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
T-Mobile Visits PSC: WVU leaders from Morgantown and PSC visited with T-Mobile representatives who came to campus to share our community connections. The Church-McKee Arts Center auditorium was the focus of our conversation as many memorable performances, graduations, and other events are held there! PSC is excited about the possibilities to enhance our auditorium capabilities with T-Mobile partnerships and grants.
NJCAA Official Visits PSC: PSC Athletic Director Mandi Larkin and I welcomed National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) President Dr. Parker to WVU Potomac State College. This was Dr. Parker’s first visit to Potomac State to visit our college as the lone NJCAA member in the state. Dr. Parker shared trending NJCAA sports and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) updates and even visited with coaches and student athletes. Our goal is to have WVU Potomac State College be a powerhouse among all NJCAA sports.
WVU President Benson: Incoming WVU President Dr. Michael Benson made a special visit to Potomac State College, along with Provost Paul Kreider, to engage with our campus. PSC leaders and students had the opportunity to visit and speak with President Benson, who will officially start in his role this summer.
Carver Vocational Technical School: Fifty students from Baltimore, who attend Carver Vocational Technical School, visited the PSC campus for a tour and to experience what their college journey could entail.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Quote of the Week : “Winning is an attitude!” ~NJCAA President Dr. Christopher Parker
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
I was invited to share the PSC Annual Report update with the WVU Board of Governors (BOG). I’m very proud of the recent successes and innovations the college has shown in one semester!
- New Metro Tuition expansion
- Day of Giving record year
- New Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams were added to the athletic program.
- Launch of the Inaugural PSC Retiree Breakfast
- President Catamount Chat Tour
I concluded my presentation with a special invitation to all WVU BOG board members to visit our wonderful campus and community in Keyser, WV. When they arrive, I am sure they will fall in love with the “Friendliest City in the USA.”
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Potomac State Softball hosted a free pitching clinic for youth softball players. Forty-three youth players came out to receive instruction on how to improve their skills and maybe even become a future Catamount.
MONDAY, APRIL 7
Allyson safely delivered Maxwell Chadwick Wallace on April 7, at 9:27 a.m. Maxwell weighed six pounds, ten ounces, and was nineteen inches in length. Sister Kennedy has been excellent with the transition from only child to big sister. Thank you all for the well wishes, gifts, and prayers. Here are a few early photos.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
Bowling Night: Allyson and I organized an end-of-the-season bowling night for the PSC men’s and women’s basketball teams. PSC student athletes volunteer and give back all year, so we wanted to have a little fun! Each team had a player wear the meta glasses so be on the lookout for those videos coming soon on my LinkedIn page.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sat, Apr 19: Community Egg Hunt
PSC will host a community egg hunt on Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. Guests should park and meet at the Church-McKee Arts Center. The event will happen on the surrounding grounds. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors.
Bring your own basket. Don’t have one? No problem. Bags will be available. A total of 5,000 eggs will be waiting to be discovered, including some with extra special prizes inside!!