Student Vincent O’Leary and Professor Zac Loughman Continue WLU’s Mentor Tradition, Earn National Science Search Honor

West Virginia high school senior Vincent O’Leary, 17, has reason to smile. He recently was announced as a member of an elite group of science scholars, the finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2013, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. He is the only finalist from the Mountain State. But his…

WVU and FBI Remain Valuable Partners for West Virginia after Two Decades

West Virginia University Chief of Staff Jay Cole never imagined the breadth of what the FBI does, until he completed the agency’s “Citizen’s Academy.” It was then he realized the full impact of the FBI in North Central West Virginia – and on WVU itself. After all, WVU and the FBI have collaborated since the…

Delta SKY to Profile West Virginia in July

This July, Delta Sky magazine will spotlight West Virginia in a special section. The state profile will be on board Delta Air Lines’ 13,000 daily flights, reaching more than five million readers worldwide. “The timing is ideal. July is the month the state will be hosting the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at the new Summit…

WVU Alumni Association Team to Showcase Appalachian Flavor in Cast Iron Cook-Off

The West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center’s Executive Chef Scott Spiker enjoys a challenge. Whether he’s creating a unique menu for guests or whipping up one of his famous, award-winning barbecue recipes, Spiker knows how to impress an audience. So when the opportunity to compete in the Cast Iron Cook-Off presented itself, Spiker started working…

Hospitality Industry Executive, Business School Alum Makes Major Gift to WVU

There are few people who were as excited about the addition of the Hospitality Management Program at West Virginia University (WVU) as Mike Bodnar. He has been a major supporter of the program that is well on its way to becoming a major in the College of Business and Economics (B&E), and now Bodnar is putting his money where his…

Concord University Tourism Students Develop Tourism in Kimball, WV

Students returning to Concord University in January engage in a unique learning experience made possible by a $5000 Campus Compact LINK grant.  The service learning grant connected the McDowell County Economic Development Authority with Dr. Susan Williams, Associate Professor in Recreation and Tourism Management, who specializes in heritage tourism development. “The grant will allow students…