The fall semester has started with celebrations and many great announcements. I’m eager to share the President Catamount Chat Tour will resume at the end of October with visits to Morgantown High School and Lincoln High School in Shinnston, WV. The tour is catered to high schoolers to learn more about WVU Potomac State College and the WVU system.
Did you know WVU Potomac State College has Starbucks on campus? Captain Chad Barker, PSC officers and I had a special taste testing of the new Starbucks drinks at the Catamount Cafe. I invite you to come to campus and enjoy the new addition at the college!
Wednesday, September 3
Potomac State College is always ready to support economic development. It was my pleasure to discuss future collaborations and opportunities for our region with WV Delegate Gary Howell and Kevin Clark of the Mineral County Development Authority.
Thursday, September 4
I made a special trip to Keyser Middle School to bring WVU Potomac State College 2025 Alumni Achievement Award recipient Tommy Lee Nester some PSC T-shirts. Principal Kara Lyons joined us with Keyser Middle School students in a few photos.
Saturday, September 6
Saturday the WVU Potomac Valley Alumni Chapter hosted a football watch party at our local spot North Branch Brewing. I was happy to meet so many dual WVU Potomac State College alumni and give out PSC swag. Let’s go Catamounts and Mountaineers!
Wednesday, September 10
Freshman Tanner Hinkle and I went to the Gustafson Farm on campus to visit “Kevin the Goat”. Tanner is from Petersburg, WV and actually raised Kevin before PSC purchased him at auction. My daughter Kennedy met Kevin and all the other goats for the first time.
Thursday, September 11
Governor Morrisey joined leaders at WVU Morgantown to sign House Bill 2595, authorizing WV higher education institutions to establish a nonprofit to manage revenue sharing and NIL opportunities for student athletes. He also signed House Bill 2576, which is called the NIL Protection Act. WVU President Benson and WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker gifted Gov. Morrisey a special WVU Mountaineer jersey! PSC athletes will also benefit from the NIL support.
Friday, September 12
I attended the inauguration of Dr. David Jones of Alleghany College of Maryland. Congratulations, Dr. Jones!
Saturday, September 13
The PSC Cross Country Teams hosted their first-ever Catamount Classic at Frankfort High School. The women’s team scored a perfect score and locked in first place as they competed against Penn Highlands, Hagerstown, and Allegany College of Maryland. The men fell just short of Hagerstown but had a strong showing on a difficult course. Congratulations to all the Catamounts! “TEAGAN” (Teagan Huff) had some die hard fans in attendance.
Monday, September 15
WVU Potomac State College hosted Dr. Sandra Elmore, the first PSC Women’s basketball coach and 1994 Hall of Fame recipient. Dr. Elmore stopped by PSC for the day after watching the Backyard Brawl in Morgantown. I received a very pleasant surprise as Dr. Elmore sent me a wonderful card following her visit to campus!
Wednesday, September 17
Democracy Rocks! PSC student services hosted the first “Democracy Rocks” event. Our goal is to encourage the participation of young people in the democratic process. Thank you to all the organizers and faculty who supported this event. Students enjoyed a number of activities, including a DJ and multiple prizes.
Thursday, September 18
Isaiah Garcia, a freshman from Martinsburg, West Virginia majoring in Business Administration, was the September recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award. The Climb Higher Award is presented monthly to a student who exemplifies resiliency, outstanding work ethic, and kindness and positivity—qualities that Isaiah displays both inside and outside the classroom. Isaiah was nominated by Assistant Professor Erin Wyer, his full story is on the PSC website.
Friday, September 19
All College Meeting - Our first All-College Meeting of the year brought our campus community together to reconnect, welcome new employees, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to Homecoming and upcoming events.
Monday, September 22
Quote of the Week: “Find out who you are & do it on purpose” - Dolly Parton.
Kara Hotchkiss is bringing back my quotes of the week with this gem from
Dolly. WVU Potomac State College students enjoy a great experience on campus
with Kara!
Tuesday, September 23
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce that its softball program has signed a new equipment and apparel deal with Rawlings, a premier brand in the world of softball and baseball. This exciting partnership will outfit the Catamounts with industry-leading gear, positioning the team to remain competitive at the highest levels of NJCAA play nationwide. The deal further enhances the program's ability to attract top talent and perform at an elite level.
Congratulations Mr. Denny Avers, Potomac State College 1961 Alumnus and 2025 Whitmore-Gates Scholars Achievement Wall Alumni Inductee. My goal is to have all PSC students love our college as much as Denny.
Wednesday, September 24
Thank you Pilgrim’s (Moorefield, WV) for the generous donation of 200 lbs of chicken for the Catamount Cookout. Potomac State College homecoming tailgate event is free to the community. Thanks, also, for sending a contingent of employees to represent Pilgrim’s at the event.
Tuesday, September 30
Quote of the week: “Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface” - Moana.
My daughter Kennedy is representing a quote from one of her favorite movies
and characters, Moana, while wearing her shirt; reminding us all to look
beyond the surface.
September — On-Campus Rotation Schedule
During the month of September, I scheduled specific days to work in different buildings across campus. Having the opportunity to engage with employees and visit classrooms was very energizing and a change of pace.
My on-campus rotation schedule even included “Ace the Prez Pup” as he joined me in the PSC library to close out the visits.
- Church-McKee — 9/17
- Science Hall — 9/18 (Ground Floor & 2nd Floor Offices)
- Academy Hall — 9/23 (Room 308)
- Reynolds Hall — 9/30 (Room 211)
- Mary F. Shipper Library — 10/1 (joined by Ace the Prez Pup)
Upcoming Events
Trunk or Treat
Date: October 30, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
WVU Potomac State College Healthcare Summit 2025
Date: November 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (light lunch provided)
In Athletics:
October 18, 2025 — Youth Basketball Clinic
November 15, 2025 — Youth Soccer Clinic
November 15, 2025 — Men's Soccer ID Camp