WVU Potomac State College President Dr. Jerry Wallace presents the Catamounts Climb Higher Award to Courtney Barrackman, the March 2026 recipient.
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce that Courtney Barrackman has been named the March 2026 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 as a nontraditional student, Courtney models both inside and outside the classroom.
Courtney plans to graduate with her RBA (Liberal Arts concentration) in May 2026. With a 3.73 GPA, she has an incredible work ethic and determination that have led her to excel in her classes.
She was nominated by Caitlin Hudgins and Bonnie Lawson.
“Courtney is all online this semester. But that doesn't stop her from being engaged on campus. She visited the Writing Center regularly last fall for support with her BTEC 360 marketing project and serves as the Online Student Representative for the Library Committee this semester,” Caitlin said. “Courtney is a first-generation, non-traditional college student, a mother, and a commuter. Despite her busy schedule and her commute, Courtney takes the time and puts in the effort to go above and beyond in her academics, whether that means signing up for tutoring, going down deep research rabbit holes, asking detailed and relevant questions of her professors via email, or making meaningful contributions to discussion boards. Whenever faculty, staff, and students see Courtney, whether in person or on Zoom, we know we can expect her to be friendly, enthusiastic, and full of great ideas.”
Courtney was selected by a committee of faculty and staff and presented with a commemorative flag and gift card in honor of her achievement. She said that learning she was nominated for the Catamounts Climb Higher Award and had been selected for the month of March evokes feelings of gratitude.
“I am honored to receive this award. Receiving this award tells me I must be doing something right,” she said. “I’m thankful for all the support I have received from my professors and other PSC staff members. Everyone has played an important role in my journey.”
Courtney said that as a nontraditional student, Potomac State College offers her scheduling flexibility.
“I’m still in the midst of a significant challenge. As a single parent, it’s often difficult to find a good balance in life while juggling work, school, and life’s daily responsibilities,” she said. “I make sure to find the time to slow down and spend quality time with my family. I’m incredibly thankful to my Granny and Pap for helping with childcare and offering support. Without them, returning to college would have been much more difficult. Everything that I do in life, I do with my son in mind. The more I can learn, the better I can prepare him for his future.”
Courtney said she is a big believer in performing random acts of kindness.
“It doesn’t take much effort to put a smile on someone’s face or make them feel included, so why not try?” she said. “I like giving compliments to strangers and flipping tail-sided pennies to heads so that the next person can get some good luck! Maybe it’s silly, but it makes me smile.”
“Courtney is just a lovely human being. I love to work with her, with her attention to detail, infectious energy, and her clear determination to succeed in everything she does,” said Caitlin.
“She represents everything any professor could want in a student: engagement, curiosity, and enthusiasm for her work.”
Please join us in congratulating Courtney Barrackman 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.