PSC Op-Ed with Dr. Jerry Wallace, Mar.- Apr. 2026

I’m happy to share the 2026 WVU Potomac State College Outstanding Student Award recipient is Levi Ferster. Levi is a stellar student earning his Associate of Applied Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Levi is known for his warmth, dedication, and infectious personality. I had the pleasure of interviewing Levi and getting to know him.

WVU Potomac State College campus is in full celebration mode as we close out the semester. This year, some of the Catamount athletics teams set records, won conference titles, and achieved the highest winning seasons in over a decade. Special recognitions include Carita Mills being named NJCAA National Trainer of the Year, Larry Kruk being named NJCAA Region 20 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, and Baseball Coach Doug Little reaching 900 wins! 

March 15 – Head Baseball Coach Doug Little recorded his 900th career win. This extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to Coach Little’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has inspired countless student-athletes, built a tradition of excellence, and made a lasting impact on this program, this school, and this community.

March 19 – Thanks to support from WVU Potomac Valley Hospital, Lough Gym started a floor resurfacing project, which will bring new life to the hardwood. 

March 23 - I was welcomed by a great “thank you” card from Burlington Primary School. Ace and I had an excellent visit with students, sharing his 3 rules! Later, Ace happened to get out of the gate. Special thanks to the officer who picked him up, and all the neighbors who helped locate him. 

March 25 – Walking Wednesday is a new initiative to get employees out of the office and give them some time to enjoy our amazing campus. Unlike a traditional club or group, Walking Wednesday is a time to explore, work out with a friend, or just take a lovely stroll and relax. Our campus is gorgeous, and we can all utilize the extra steps. Learn more about this campus wellness initiative here: https://lnkd.in/eGXFErud. 

March 25 – This year’s Day of Giving was hosted in the Student Union. We were very thankful for our excellent spread of WVU-specific food and the Catamount drink special from our café that serves Starbucks! 

March 26 - Thank you for another record-setting Day of Giving! WVU Potomac State College raised $296,261 this year, nearly 3x more than in 2024. Our development office and alumni association continue to exceed goals, surpassing last year’s record amount by nearly $130,000.

March 27 – I had the opportunity to attend my first J. Edward Kelley Ceremony, and I was amazed by the program. I’m happy to see his legacy embraced and celebrated in the youth who aspire to make a positive impact. I plan to integrate his legacy more at WVU Potomac State College, as he is a true American Hero. 

March 27 – My daughter Kennedy was my date to “A Night on the Bayou” the spring formal hosted by PSC students. She did not spend much time dancing, but she really enjoyed the bright lights. 

 Dr. Wallace and his daughter Kennedy. 

March 31 - Monthly selfie with WVU President Benson following the University Leadership Team meeting. Here is the latest update on his statewide tour.

 President Benson and President Wallace. 

Did You Know: President Benson gives WVU students car rides on campus to get to know them? Always a pleasure visiting WVU Morgantown!

April 2 - Help Yourself to a Snack! My executive assistant Krista set these goodies outside our office. The snack table is for all WVU Potomac State College students, employees, and visitors on campus. 

April 6 – Congratulations Coach Larry Kruk of Women’s Basketball at WVU Potomac State College. The women’s basketball team recorded a record of 22-6 this year, logging their most wins since the 2010-2011 season, and finishing as the NJCAA Region 20 Runner-Up for Division II Women’s Basketball.  

The Athletic Department announced the hiring of Mark Paradine as the Head Men’s Wrestling Coach for the latest athletic team to join the Catamounts. Men’s wrestling will start competing as an NJCAA Division I team in the 2026-2027 academic year.

April 9 – Skyla Compton was named Co-Athlete of the Month for NJCAA Region 20 after a dominant March for the Catamounts. Her .533 batting average, 1.117 slugging %, and 35 RBIs came from 14 multi-hit games! 

April 10 – We had a special visitor on campus, Governor Patrick Morrisey! Thank you, Gov. Morrisey, Lt. Governor Smith, and all elected officials for allowing WVU Potomac State College to host the conversation on campus. PSC student Meredith Burns from Maryland joined me in greeting the Governor as my special assistant. Meredith is an agriculture major and loves animals! 

April 10 – I attended the 5‑Year WVU School of Nursing at the Keyser Campus Reunion. This was a special evening to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the accomplishments of our students and our program over the past five years!   

April 13 – At our last All-College meeting of the year, we celebrated the retirements of Dr. April Shapiro and Professor Jay Badenhoop. The newly established PSC culture action team also led an engaging activity, allowing Catamounts the opportunity to share gratitude with colleagues. 

April 14 – We are extremely proud of Carita Mills being honored as NJCAA Athletic Trainer of the Year! This national recognition signifies her great work in the PSC Athletics Department. Carita is passionate about helping our student-athletes and has even garnered compliments and thanks from visiting teams. 

April 15 – We held our annual Student Scholarship and Donor Luncheon, which allowed us to give thanks to donors and celebrate student success! Many of our students rely on the generous gifts provided by our gracious donors. Special thanks to Dr. Megan Webb and our Alumni Association President Sabrina Cave for leading such a wonderful event.