Dean of Academic Affairs Phillip Douthitt and Jennifer Metz
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce that Jennifer Metz has been named the April 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. Metz, a nontraditional student majoring in Agribusiness Management, is a member of the PSC Homesteading Club and a member of the student Agricultural and Forestry Club.
She was nominated as a Climb Higher winner by instructor Farren Smith. Smith is also the faculty advisor to the Homesteading Club.
“Jennifer is a single mother of three and a full-time student and has struggled with personal and financial obstacles throughout her academic career,” Smith said. “Despite all of her obstacles, she remains dedicated and persistent in achieving her academic and career aspirations. She is always willing to lend a hand with any projects that I have on campus or with the Homesteading Club, including the wildflower planting on the hill of the Science Hall parking lot last summer.”
Receiving the Catamount Climb recognition for April is an honor, Metz said.
“Personally, it means a lot to me. My Potomac State family cares just as much as I do about my success,” she said. “This truly is a campus full of possibilities and a place where a little girl's dream can come true. I love being a Catamount!”
Metz is the mother of three sons: Ethan, 21, Cameron, 12, and Cullen, 7. She said her inspiration and desire to do better stems from being a mother and showing her sons a living example of what is possible when a person remains focused and optimistic.
“I have put great time and effort into my education and academic success. I'm showing my sons that if Mom can, they can too,” Metz said, “My children are the driving force behind my success here at Potomac State, both in and out of the classroom. I try to lead by example. I’m showing them a better way. Hard work always pays off.”
Metz said she tries every day to make someone happy, feel good, or smile.
“I try to spread positivity throughout campus by being in the Homesteading Club, and also I'm the Student Government rep for the Agriculture and Forestry Club,” she said.
“I choose to face each day with a smile and encourage others to do the same. I truly am blessed as a non-traditional student to have the opportunity to learn. I choose every day, no matter the adversity, to keep going. Life hasn't been easy, but I am choosing to make the best of it.”
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Metz 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.