SUMMER BREAK
The New Student Orientation (NSO) at Potomac State College is a key introduction to our culture and services at the college. I am grateful for the opportunity to deliver the welcoming message to our new Catamounts and their families. This summer, I have extended my personal cell phone number to NSO parents who may have anxiety or need extra assurance about attending PSC. I have complete confidence in the WVU Potomac State College faculty and staff and the student experience we provide.
Save the Date: WVU Potomac State College Homecoming 2025 – October 2– 5. The PSC homecoming committee is well on its way to finalizing a very engaging homecoming schedule for the Catamount Community. We have special events and projects to unveil, working with the PSC Alumni Association, PSC retirees and our community partners. If you have never attended a PSC homecoming, I encourage you to join us as there will be fun for all ages.
Register Now: There is still time to get registered for the Fall 2025 semester and secure a spot in the residence halls. PSC’s enrollment team and financial aid personnel are ready to assist you in taking the first steps in your academic journey. WVU Potomac State College provides both associate and bachelor’s degrees, providing a variety of pathways for you to pursue.
MONDAY, JUNE 16
NSO attendees
Dr. Wallace providing NSO welcome message
TUESDAY, JUNE 17
Allyson and I are proud to be season ticket holders of the WVU Women’s basketball
team for the upcoming year. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the young women battle
it out in the Big 12 conference last year and we have high hopes for a great
tournament run this year. We also plan to raffle off some of the game tickets
to PSC employees and staff throughout the season!
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Thank you, Judith Brenneman, for stopping by the office after expanding the Livengood
Family gift. The Betty T. Livengood Teacher Education Scholarship at West Virginia
University Potomac State College was initiated and established in 1933 by friends
and colleagues wishing to acknowledge her lifelong commitment to education and
her love of teaching. Judith shared that her mom, Betty, was known as the “Mother
of Middle Schools” based on her commitment to WV middle school education. WVU
Potomac State College students are fortunate to have such generous donors who
value our commitment to students!
Judith Brenneman and Dr. Wallace
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Kato Retirement: Kato, your dedicated K-9 partner, was retired from active
duty as of June 30. This decision comes after careful evaluation of his service,
health, and well-being, ensuring that Kato's receives the rest and care he deserves
after years of faithful service. PSC employees threw a retirement party for
Kato which featured toys, treats and many pets and hugs.
“ Kato has been an invaluable member of our PSC unit, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, exceptional skill, and a strong commitment to duty. Throughout his time with the WVU Potomac State College Police Department, Kato has contributed immensely to our mission, assisting in our mission of campus and community safety and security” Captain Chad Barker.
“ Kato has been an invaluable member of our PSC unit, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, exceptional skill, and a strong commitment to duty. Throughout his time with the WVU Potomac State College Police Department, Kato has contributed immensely to our mission, assisting in our mission of campus and community safety and security” Captain Chad Barker.
Kato enjoying his retirement party with PSC colleagues
TUESDAY, JUNE 24 - THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Beckley Campus: We traveled to Allyson’s hometown of Beckley, WV, so I
could connect with my fellow colleagues at WVU Tech. Considering Allyson, and I
both previously worked at WVU Tech, we had the pleasure of attending Rita Fairfax’s
surprise retirement party celebrating 45 years at the college.
Dr. Jerry and Allyson Wallace
WVU Tech Admissions Team
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Ending the work week in Beckley allowed for a chance to visit the Bill Withers statue
and have dinner with WVU Tech President Stuart. Allyson and I received wonderful
hospitality and I was even presented with a WVU Potomac State College gift to put
in my office. We look forward to hosting President Stuart and family in Keyser.
Gift from WVU Tech President Stuart
Dr. Wallace with the new Bill Withers statue in Beckley, WV
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Whenever we are near Beckley, we make a routine stop to the Secret Sandwich Society
in Fayetteville, WV. If you have not tried them, the Pimento Cheese Fries are a
staple and one of the Wallace family favorites. Fayetteville is a gem in West Virginia,
and we always enjoy our time in the welcoming town.
Allyson's favorite pimento cheese fries
HOLIDAY WEEK (4TH OF JULY)
The Wallace family traveled back to Michigan for the holiday for our traditional
4th celebrations. As many of you know, growing up on the Lake Michigan shoreline,
the summers are gorgeous. Here are a few photos from the beach and Pere Marquette
in my hometown Muskegon, MI.
Pere Marquette
Muskegon, Michigan
TUESDAY, JULY 8 - THURSDAY, JULY 10
WVU Potomac State College leaders and supervisors have completed three days of “crucial
conversations” training. Special thanks to our internal crucial conversations facilitator,
Janelle Williams, for creating a safe space for professional development. To create
a culture with more shared governance and understanding, we need to equip leaders
with the tools to be successful.
PSC crucial conversation training group
THURSDAY, JULY 10
We are gearing up with more videos and announcements to help all PSC students feel
at home this fall. Mike from Blackfoot Productions and his film crew are one of
my favorites to work with, and we have some amazing projects coming for homecoming
2025! I recently launched a YouTube channel to share more updates and videos where
students can connect with the President. The first installment of videos is 25
questions with Dr. Wallace which is available on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Potomac
State social media platforms.
Mike and Blackfoot Productions on campus shooting videos with Dr. Wallace
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Bravo to Kara Hotchkiss for leading PSC efforts and hosting HSTA (Health, Sciences
& Technology Academy) camp this week. The camp was also supported by other
PSC staff and faculty members. The banquet was full of energy and excitement about
the wonderful connections made. Thank you to Director Dr. Catherine Morton for
partnering with PSC.
Kara addressing HSTA participants
PSC faculty left to right: Ajaya Warrier, Jessie O'Quinn, Vicki Huffman,
Sarah Cross
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 10 – Fall athlete arrival
August 17 – Residence Hall move in
August 18-August 22 – Welcome Week
August 20 – First day of classes
August 24 -Softball Prospect Camp
August 31 – Youth Softball Camp
September 6-7 – Catamount Fall Frenzy Youth Softball Tournament
August 17 – Residence Hall move in
August 18-August 22 – Welcome Week
August 20 – First day of classes
August 24 -Softball Prospect Camp
August 31 – Youth Softball Camp
September 6-7 – Catamount Fall Frenzy Youth Softball Tournament
Let's go...
Catamounts!