Putting the Community Back in Community College: Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s S-Con Gaming and Pop Culture Convention

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, a staple in the coal fields of West Virginia, is a small college that makes a big impact on the communities it has served for nearly 50 years.

Southern, a proudly multi-generational institution, has helped different generations of the same families reach their educational goals over the years. On Saturday, July 28, the college focused on engaging with local youth in a fresh new way: the college’s inaugural S-Con gaming and pop culture convention. Early estimates show the college welcomed about 350 people to this new event.

Enhancing Collaborative Partnerships: Cooperation Leads to Improved Educational Opportunities in West Virginia Manufacturing 

Understanding the need to continue to grow the workforce in West Virginia, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), Marshall University and Pierpont Community & Technical College (CTC) have joined forces to offer a nationally recognized program in machinist technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machining that leads to careers that are in high demand both nationally and in West Virginia.

Wanderlust: Exploring West Virginia and Discovering Yourself

“What is Wanderlust?”

That is the most common question I get about the annual trek I make to the mountains of Pocahontas County. This simple question is harder to answer than you might think.

The Importance of Language: Marshall University’s Japanese Sister School Program

Learning a second language involves more than simply discovering how to ask for directions or reserve a hotel room in a foreign country.

“Learning a second language is learning about the culture and traditions of people living in another country,” says David Pittenger, interim associate vice president for outreach at Marshall University. “Speaking that language is a sign of respect to the person and his or her heritage.”

How West Virginia Employers Can Boost their Well-Being Programs: 5 Tips for Driving Employee Engagement and Satisfaction 

An increasing number of employers in West Virginia and across the country are implementing well-being programs to help their employees live healthier lives, reduce health care costs and improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

A recent employer survey by Willis Towers Watson found that 72 percent of U.S. companies “aim to improve their health and well-being strategies and programs over the next three years to differentiate themselves from organizations with which they compete for talent.”

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Noelle Kolb

West Virginia Executive (WVE) is dedicated to highlighting successful Mountain State entrepreneurs who are affecting change and living out their dreams in their home state. Entrepreneurs have tremendous potential for growing West Virginia’s economy and creating quality jobs, which is why the staff at WVE wants to continue the celebration of our state’s most valuable assets.