One year into his presidency, Dr. Jerry Wallace has guided WVU Potomac State College through a period of renewed energy, enrollment growth, and strengthened institutional culture, positioning the College for long-term success across the region and the state.
Since assuming leadership, Wallace has focused on affordability, access, student engagement, and rebuilding connections, both within the Potomac State community and across the broader West Virginia University system. The result has been a year marked by tangible accomplishments, historic fundraising, and measurable enrollment gains.
Expanding Access and Driving Enrollment
One of the most significant catalysts for enrollment growth during Wallace’s first year has been the expansion of the Metro Tuition Rate, launched in Spring 2025. The expanded rate allows more students from surrounding states to attend Potomac State at an affordable cost, reinforcing the College’s mission as West Virginia’s community campus.
The impact has been immediate. From Fall 2024 to Fall 2025, full-time enrollment increased more than 20 percent, growing from 1,077 students to 1,304 students. Additionally, participation in the ACCESS and Level Up programs surged by nearly 104 percent, opening doors for more local and regional high school students to earn college credit earlier.
Wallace also took the College’s message directly to students across the state through the President’s Catamount Chat Tour, visiting high schools throughout the year to personally connect with prospective students, families, and counselors. The President’s Tour traveled to Clarksburg, Morgantown, and Martinsburg this past year.
Strengthening Academic and Campus Infrastructure
Academic excellence and facilities renewal were also central to Wallace’s first year. In Fall 2025, Potomac State’s Surgical Technology Program earned full accreditation, enhancing workforce preparation in a high-demand healthcare field.
Most recently, the College announced a $5 million renovation of Science Hall, one of the most significant capital investments in recent years. The renovation project will modernize instructional spaces and support hands-on learning for future generations of Catamounts.
Growing Athletics and Student Life
Student Life opportunities expanded with the addition of Track and Field in Fall 2025, giving Potomac State’s student-athletes a new competitive opportunity and reinforcing the College’s commitment to a well-rounded campus experience. Athletics continue to be a growing segment of the College as the Catamounts compete in the NJCAA level of competition.
The College also celebrated a more robust Homecoming weekend in 2025, drawing alumni, students, and community members together for one of the most vibrant campus traditions in recent memory. Wallace said the College was excited to see so many alumni return to campus for the half-century Homecoming event: “The deep and abiding support of our former students as they graduated and pursued successful career paths is a testament to their faculty, mentors, and peers who all shaped their journey from their time at Potomac State College.”
Record-Breaking Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Over the past year, donor engagement rose dramatically, from approximately $300,000 to more than $1 million in total support during the 2024–25 year. This included the largest ‘Day of Giving’ in Potomac State College history, raising $166,000. This milestone reflects renewed confidence and pride among alumni and supporters.
Dr. Wallace and his wife Allyson also personally demonstrated their commitment to students, establishing the Wallace Brothers Scholarship as a means of reinforcing a culture of giving and service.
Rebuilding Culture and Strengthening Connections
Beyond metrics and milestones, Wallace placed strong emphasis on rebuilding institutional culture. One strategy was to implement PSC All College Meetings. The monthly meetings are hour-long college update gatherings with engaging presentations and raffles, as well as a way to honor retirees and highlight the accomplishments of colleagues.
Wallace has worked deliberately to strengthen connections with WVU Morgantown, welcoming campus leaders to Potomac State, collaborating on shared initiatives, and advocating for representation. A historic milestone followed with the appointment of Terry Hauser to the WVU Board of Governors, marking the first time Potomac State has had representation at that level.
Internally, Wallace introduced the PSC Retiree Breakfast, creating a meaningful way to honor former faculty and staff while keeping them engaged with the College’s present and future.
Communication also became a hallmark of the presidency. Wallace published monthly op-eds throughout the year, offering transparency, updates, and reflections directly to the Potomac State community, helping to restore pride and connection across campus.
Celebrating Alumni and Legacy
Alumni engagement grew through initiatives like the Catamount Chapters mini-documentary, sponsored by the PSC Alumni Association and showcased during Homecoming. The project highlighted alumni stories and reinforced Potomac State’s deep roots as it approaches its 125th anniversary.
As Wallace concludes his first year, WVU Potomac State College stands on a stronger footing financially, culturally, and academically than it did just twelve months earlier.
With growing enrollment, renewed donor confidence, expanded academic offerings, and a revitalized campus spirit, Wallace’s debut year has laid a foundation for sustained growth and renewed relevance.