News for WVU Potomac State College

Did you recently see what looked like a drone over the Quad? Were you asked to walk toward a film crew while talking and smiling? Were you caught shooting hoops in the gym? Riding horses? Or learning specialized medical training while a cameraman was following your every move right behind your back?

Graduates of two-year and four-year degree programs from WVU Potomac State College were celebrated during the 123rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.

Assistant English Professor Caitlin Hudgins was named the WVU Potomac State College Outstanding Professor of the Year during a luncheon held May 8 at the Candlewyck Inn in Keyser.

WVU Potomac State College named Levi Ferster as the 2026 Outstanding Student. He will represent the Class of 2026 with an address during Commencement activities on Saturday, May 9, at the Church McKee Art Center. He will also present the keynote speaker, Admiral Joe Lopez.

“Embrace those challenges, lead with kindness, and pursue your ideal career,” he said. “Like country roads, may your journey lead you home to success and a fulfillment of happiness.”

For the chief academic officer and provost at West Virginia University and the former interim president of WVU Potomac State College, the word “retirement” doesn’t exist.

The streak has ended.

“Be careful what you wish for” is a mantra April Shapiro carries with her. She not only believes in that phrase, but she has also lived it. And after almost a decade spent as the head of the WVU Potomac State College Nursing Department, she has absolutely no regrets about visualizing a career dream and then watching that wish come true.

More than 60 students and faculty were recognized by WVU Potomac State College for academic excellence and outstanding contributions to higher education during the 86th annual PSC Recognition Day and Induction into the National Sigma Phi Omega Honor Society on Sunday, April 26.

For everything Admiral Joe Lopez has accomplished in his impressive career with the U.S. Navy, he still believes his first lessons in how to overcome failures, how to become resilient, and how to lead were inspired by his two years spent at WVU Potomac State College.