Laney Rodeheaver, a sophomore from Huntington, WV, was recognized with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for February 2026 by President Jerry Wallace at WVU Potomac State College.
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce that Laney Rodeheaver of Huntington, West Virginia, has been named the February 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 Laney models both inside and outside the classroom.
Laney is a sophomore majoring in General Studies with a 3.49 cumulative GPA. She hopes to eventually study health sciences. She was nominated by Farren Smith, academic affairs instructor. Smith stated she admires Laney’s resiliency and courage when faced with obstacles and challenges.
“Laney is a wonderful example of a hard worker who always strives to be better, both professionally and personally. She is always self-reflecting on how she could do something in the future or ways she could have handled a situation in the past,” Smith said. “She always strives to be inclusive and empathetic with all of her peers.
Laney was selected by a committee of faculty and staff and presented with a commemorative flag in honor of her achievement. She said finding out that she was nominated for the Catamounts Climb Higher Award is an honor, but she also sees it as a humbling experience and one that can be inspiring to others.
“Receiving the Catamounts Climb Higher Award serves as a reminder of how fortunate I am and encourages me to continue striving for excellence,” she said. “I am incredibly proud to be a student at Potomac State College and deeply honored to receive this award. I cannot fully express the admiration I have for Assistant Professor Farren Smith; her nomination means so much to me. I am grateful to have been her student and an SI leader for Biology 102. Her mentorship has been one of the most impactful aspects of my college experience. I cannot thank her enough for the guidance and encouragement she has provided.”
Laney attended three different schools in her childhood. She said these changes taught her how to grow and adapt to change.
“As a young girl, this constant change felt overwhelming and, at times, intimidating,” Laney said. “However, I stayed motivated by reminding myself that each new beginning was an opportunity to grow, build new relationships, and discover more about who I was becoming. Over time, I learned to embrace change as a new journey rather than fear it.”
Laney said she is appreciative for her educational opportunities here at Potomac State. She defines her experience as a college student as a gift she has been given.
“I am inspired by the understanding that not everyone has the opportunity to pursue higher education, benefit from a strong support system, or wake up each day in good health,” she said. “Recognizing these privileges motivates me to make the most of every opportunity I am given.”
Laney believes just one act of kindness – like smiling at someone while crossing the Quad or while outside in a classroom hallway – can change the outcome of someone’s day.
“I strive to contribute that positivity whenever I can. On campus, I make it a priority to initiate interactions with my peers and the instructors. These interactions not only uplift others, but also bring me joy and a sense of purpose,” she said.
Laney said even as a sophomore, she has learned to savor and appreciate each moment for the lesson it teaches and the opportunity it provides.
“I find joy in the journey, not just the destination. I focus on the effort I put forth and how that effort shapes the outcome I am working toward,” said. “Being a student at Potomac State means having the opportunity to try new things in an environment that celebrates both successes and setbacks. The trial and error of college has motivated me to give my best in all that I do, knowing that each experience contributes to my development.”
Please join us in congratulating Laney Rodeheaver for her insight, resilience, and outstanding optimism. She is an inspiration to the Catamount community and a shining example of what it truly means to Climb Higher.