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PSC Op-Ed with Dr. Jerry Wallace, Nov.-Dec. 2025

Finishing Strong  

WVU Potomac State College closed out the Fall 2025 semester with lots of celebrations and fun activities. Last month, we celebrated the retirement of Professor John Stone, who, to my knowledge, will retire with 53.5 years as the longest tenured employee in WVU Potomac State College history.  

125 years of history to be exact, Potomac State College will officially hit the milestone next month. To commemorate this historic achievement, the Catamount Community can purchase a PSC Limited-Edition 125th Anniversary Framed Poster that includes the PSC Alumni Association mini-documentary “Catamount Chapters”. 

Nov. 5 - PSC Athletic Department organized a short send-off for our traveling student athletes. PSC cross country teams traveled to the 2025 NJCAA Cross Country Nationals in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  Head Coach Chris Biser leads PSC cross country teams and our new track & field program!  

 PSC cross country send offPSC Cross Country Send Off 

Nov. 6 – WVU Potomac State College first-generation student celebration dinner included prizes, encouraging testimonies, and resources for success. Many employees like me, identify as first-generation students, so together we shared stories of leading families in higher education and the fear of trying. 

 First Generation celebration dinnerFirst Generation Celebration Dinner 

Nov. 6 - Mr. Ron Bowser visited campus for a full day with our Agriculture program faculty and leadership. The Bowser Scholarship continues to support many PSC students as they chase their goals in education. I had the pleasure of presenting Ron with a commemorative PSC 125th Birthday poster with the “Catamount Chapters” mini documentary embedded via QR Code. 

 Mr. Bowser and Dr. WallaceMr. Bowser and Dr. Wallace 

Nov. 7 - I presented to the WVU Board of Governors the much-needed upgrades on our campus. I’m happy to share that they approved the $5 million renovation project for our Science Hall building. Thank you, WVU President Benson, WVU Medicine leadership, and PSC BOG Mr. Terry Hauser.  
Full article: https://lnkd.in/er4RX9eF 

 President Benson, Dr. Wallace, and BOG Terry HauserPresident Benson, President Wallace, BOG Terry Hauser 

 

Nov. 8 - The Wallace Family waved flags and picked up a lot of candy during the Mineral County Veterans Day Parade on Saturday. PSC students and employees participated by riding horses in the parade. 

 Veterans Day parade in KeyserVeterans Day Parade on Main St.  

 

Nov. 11 – PSC hosted Discover Potomac State College Day, welcoming families to our wonderful campus.  Individuals attending a Discover Potomac State Day event are encouraged to ask questions of our helpful faculty and staff, chat with our students, and tour the campus while getting a glimpse of college life. 

 PSC Discovery Day

Nov. 12 – I traveled to Morgantown to attend the monthly University Leadership Team meeting at Blaney House. As always, President Benson and I took our traditional photo at the conclusion of our meeting.  

 Dr. Wallace and Dr. BensonDr. Wallace and Dr. Benson 

 

Nov. 14 - The Greenbrier 5 emerged from the WVU vs #15 Duke women’s basketball game. Losing most of the WVU players to ejection at half, the crowd rallied behind the remaining 5 ladies! WVU President Benson took us to meet the players and congratulate them on the amazing win! As season ticket holders, one of our favorite players Celia (CeCe), off the bench, played phenomenally for the entire half.  

  Greenbriar Five Watching women's basketball game

Photos from WVU Women's basketball game at The Greenbrier.  

Nov. 17 - Happy Founders Day to my “Good Bruhz” of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated! Student organizations and activities are cornerstones to building an engaged student community. I’m honored to be a member of such a historic and uplifting fraternity.   

Dr. Wallace, member of Omega Psi PhiDr. Wallace member of Omega Psi Phi 

Nov. 18 - Quote of the Week: “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude” - Michelle Obama 
SGA President Marquis Beverly shared this quote from Michelle Obama, and he does not lack any confidence, if you know Marquis! 

 SGA president Marquis BeverlySGA President Marquis Beverly 

Nov. 20 – Welcome Preston High School! It was my pleasure to welcome the students to PSC with PSC admissions counselor Jonas Terrell.  

Preston County high school studentsPreston County High School students 

Nov. 25 – The Administration Building received some extra swag to brighten up the hallways. Check out the new WVU Potomac State College decals. Adding the additional PSC swag near the information office is fitting for all visitors. Let’s go Catamounts! 

New brandingNew branding.

Administration 2nd and 1st floors. 

 

Nov. 27 - Quote of Week: “One of the first steps to successful leadership is to forget your age and remember your dream” - Isrealmore Ayivor (Ghana Entrepreneur and Leader) 
WVU Potomac State College SGA Vice President Keilei Christian shared this inspirational quote! 

 SGA vice president Keilei ChristianSGA Vice President Keilei Christian 

Dec 1- Work Anniversary! I’m pleased to reach one year of serving WVU Potomac State College. https://www.potomacstatecollege.edu/news/2025/12/16/wvu-psc-president-wallace-s-first-year-accomplishments  

Dec. 2 – Congratulations to Addison Cross on the November 2025 Catamounts Climb Higher Award. Learn more about Addison Cross and the award here: https://www.potomacstatecollege.edu/news/2025/11/21/november-climb-higher-award-recipient-addison-cross-driven-by-faith 

 Dr. Wallace and Addison CrossDr. Wallace and Addison Cross 

Dec. 3 – Frosty Fest 2025 was another great success at WVU Potomac State College. Many PSC employees and student-athletes volunteer their time for this wonderful community activity. Maxwell loved Frosty, Kennedy not so much! 

  Wallace family at Frosty Fest The Wallace Family enjoying Frosty Fest 2025 

Dec. 4 - The PSC holiday door decoration competition started this week, and I have a few surprises up my sleeve! Potomac State College students and employees showed lots of creativity last year and it’s getting festive on campus already. 

 Dr. Wallace decorating his doorDr. Wallace starting his office door decorating 

Dec. 6 - I cheered on both Catamount basketball teams during the weekend. The women’s team took home the 77-50 victory while our men’s team fell a little short. I was happy to see AD Mandi Larkin recognize PSC Professor John Stone for his 53.5 years of commitment to teaching at PSC!  

 Professor Stone recognitionProfessor Stone being recognized at game 

Dec. 10 - Ace and I made a special classroom visit to the PSC senior nursing students on campus. Thank you to the excellent nursing faculty and staff for inviting us to be a surprise to help lift spirits before finals week! We hope the dog cuddles and downtime helped to relax the students so they can perform their best on the upcoming tests.  

 Ace and Dr. Wallace with nursing studentsAce and Dr. Wallace with PSC senior nursing class 

Dec. 11 - Our annual Late Night Breakfast brought all the energy, laughter, and good food. Faculty and staff served up student favorites: pancakes, eggs, omelets, bacon, donuts, and more. The lounge buzzed with Bingo, crafts, and an intense game of Beanie Snatching that I won! Thank you to every volunteer who helped make the night unforgettable. Enjoy more photos from the evening: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDB16 

Students enjoying Late Night BreakfastStudents enjoying Late Night Breakfast 

Dec. 12 – Potomac State faculty, staff, and students marched in the annual Keyser Christmas Parade, flooding the Main Street parade route with approximately 200 Catamounts, dressed in their blue and gold! 

Dec. 15 - When you mix school spirit, innovation, and competition, you get the Catamount Barbie entry for the meter decoration downtown. I made a special visit to get my selfie with PAWS! Mineral County Parks & Recreation awarded the PSC Catamount Barbie entry the “Most Unique Award”. Thank you, Kara Hotchkiss, Mandi Larkin, Micah Pears, Amy Weaver, and Noah Klingler, for bringing home the trophy for PSC! 

Catamount Barbie and Dr. WallaceCatamount Barbie with Dr. Wallace 

 

Dec. 16 - This year, the President’s Holiday Door Decorating Contest was judged by PSC alumni & retirees Karen Campbell and Rene Trezise. Dr. Megan Webb won with a gingerbread house theme and a tray of tasty gingerbread cookies. 
Check out the creative entries here: https://lnkd.in/gSUKkRv5 

 PSC Enrollment door decorationPSC door decoration  

 

Dec. 18 - SGA Vice President Keilei Christian was selected as the December Catamounts Climb Higher recipient. Keilei is an excellent student leader on campus and has a wonderful attitude. Learn more about Keilei’s journey here: https://www.potomacstatecollege.edu/news/2025/12/18/december-climb-higher-award-winner-keilei-christian-spreads-positivity 

 

 Dr. Wallace and Keilei ChristianDr. Wallace and Keilei Christian 

 

Dec. 19 - The Wallace Family's annual trip to Charleston, WV to catch the holiday light show was electric. Kennedy is two years old, so she was excited about the walking path so close to the light displays. The holiday spirit is in full gear! 

holiday lightsmore holiday lights

Wallace Family trip 

 

Upcoming Events: 

January 12th – First Day of Spring 2026 Semester 

January 14th & 15th - Mineral County Days at the Capital