Photo: Community leaders, educators, and nonprofit representatives gather for a campus–campus-community conversation in Keyser.
KEYSER, W.Va. — West Virginia University Potomac State College (WVU PSC), in partnership with the WVU Center for Community Engagement, recently hosted CommUNITY Connection: A Campus–Community Conversation, bringing together local leaders and organizations to discuss ways the College and community can work together to address shared needs.
The December event was held at the Mineral County Extension Office Assembly Hall in Keyser. Community members representing education, health care, workforce development, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, civic groups, and local media participated in an open dialogue focused on strengthening partnerships and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
The discussion centered on how WVU Potomac State College’s students, faculty, and resources can support local priorities through volunteering, service-learning, and applied projects, while also helping students gain real-world experience and career-ready skills.
“This was an important opportunity to listen and learn directly from our community,” said Megan Webb, WVU PSC Director of Development. “Our goal is to build strong, lasting partnerships that benefit both our students and the people and organizations serving Mineral County.”
Participants also learned about iServe, WVU’s volunteer management platform, which helps connect community organizations with students and campus partners interested in service and engagement opportunities.
“This conversation reflects Potomac State College’s commitment to listening first and staying engaged. By centering community voice, we are creating opportunities for students to learn alongside the community and for faculty to share their expertise as partners in shaping meaningful, place-based solutions,” said Kristi Wood-Turner, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement.
The CommUNITY Connection event marks the first step in a broader initiative that will continue with additional conversations involving faculty and students, with the long-term goal of positioning WVU Potomac State College as a welcoming and accessible community partner.
For more information about WVU Potomac State College and its community engagement efforts, visit www.potomacstatecollege.edu.