The Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship at West Virginia University Potomac State College was initiated and established in 1993 by friends and colleagues wishing to acknowledge her lifelong commitment to education and her love of teaching.
This historic scholarship has now been formally recognized by the WVU Foundation as an established scholarship, supported by the Livengood family’s commitment to ensure it continues in perpetuity.
Betty T. Livengood began her professional teaching career at Short Gap Primary School in Short Gap, W.Va., teaching grades 1-4. During her 27 years with the Mineral County School system, Livengood was recognized at the regional, state, and national levels for her work in curriculum development.
She was the recipient of the West Virginia Department of Education’s Leader of Learning award in 1985 and was also recognized in Delta Kappa Gamma’s 1988 listing of Outstanding Women Educators in West Virginia.
“Mother was affectionally known as the ‘Mother of Middle Schools’ for her dedication to the concept and development of the middle school program in West Virginia,” her daughter, Judith Brenneman said.
After attending Potomac State College, Livengood transferred to Frostburg State University where she graduated summa cum laude in 1962, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She earned her master’s degree in supervision from West Virginia University (Morgantown campus) in 1965 and completed 80 additional hours of post-graduate work.
At the time of her retirement in 1989, Livengood was serving as the director of Curriculum and Instruction for K-12 general education, and as the staff development coordinator for the Mineral County School System. Throughout her career, Livengood also taught graduate courses in classroom management, curriculum, and administration for Potomac State College.
Livengood’s family, coworkers and friends remember her warmth of spirit and genuine caring for others. Her colleagues describe her as having unique gifts, an insightful perspective, an enthusiastic work ethic, giving well-qualified counsel, being a dynamic speaker and teacher, and possessing a beautiful spirit. She was an enthusiastic participant in life, not merely a spectator.
Recipients of the Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship must be an undergraduate WV resident, enrolled at Potomac State College, and majoring in education. Preference is given to students from Frankfort and Keyser High Schools, followed by any WV resident. Other criteria include leadership ability, character, and professional motivation for service to youth.
Students receiving the scholarship may be eligible for consideration for a second year provided they make satisfactory academic progress and continue to meet the selection criteria.
The Livengood gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliates.
For more information regarding how to donate to the WVU Foundation to support Potomac State College, please reach out to Megan Webb, director of development at WVU Potomac State College at mwebb9@mail.wvu.edu.